Best Hotel Credit Cards Of 2024
In the dynamic world of travel, discerning globetrotters and business travelers constantly seek ways to enhance their experience while maximizing value. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of 2024, the quest for the ultimate travel companion leads us to the realm of hotel credit cards – the unsung heroes of the savvy traveler’s wallet. With a medley of options flooding the market, each promising a host of benefits tailored to the wanderlust-infused lifestyle, pursuing the best hotel credit cards of 2024 becomes not just an exploration but a necessity for the cost-conscious and perk-seeking traveler.
As we curate a list that stands out in this competitive space, we delve into the intricate tapestry of rewards, luxury, and flexibility. Each card is a key, unlocking a unique vault of value – from opulent escapes to cost-effective stays. This page is more than a mere rundown; it’s a gateway to discerning the finer points of travel economics, ensuring that your next hotel visit isn’t just memorable and exquisitely affordable. Whether it’s a room upgrade that beckons or the siren song of bonus points that resonate with your travel rhythm, our comprehensive guide to the hotel credit cards of 2024 is designed to elevate your travel experience to new heights of sophistication and savings.
Hotel Credit Cards: Best Choices
Whether you’re looking for rewards points, travel perks, or low interest rates, we’ve done the research to help you choose the right hotel credit card. These top products are available today, from the Hilton Honors American Express to the Marriott Bonvoy.
You’ll get the most out of your travel experiences with the right one – from free nights to exclusive discounts. So, don’t hesitate! Please look at our list of the best hotel credit cards of 2024 and start planning your next getaway today.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® credit card offers a range of benefits for frequent globetrotters. This credit card has everything from travel rewards to dining and shopping rewards.
Some of its best highlights include earning 5X points on worldwide miles, 3X for dining, streaming, and groceries, 2X for travel booked, and 1X points on all other purchases at 19.74%-26.74% APR. You can also transfer points 1:1 between loyalty programs. On top of that, the first three months of spending $4,000 on the account earn you 60,000 points.
Despite the lack of intro APR rates, this is one of the best bonus offers on the market. Plus, you get no foreign transaction fees, purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and trip cancellation/interruption insurance. With all these features and benefits, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® annual fee of $95 is a great choice for travelers. A credit check is required.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture card ranks high among the most well-known rewards cards. With this one, you can earn unrestricted rewards with a competitive rate on all your purchase programs and take advantage of some of the best, most exclusive benefits.
Here are a few of the card’s best highlights: First, you’ll earn 5 to 2 miles on $1 for every purchase, and you can transfer them to redeem the miles for travel rewards like flights, hotels, and rental cars. No blackout dates or restrictions exist, so you have maximum flexibility when redeeming your miles.
There are no transaction fees but no introductory APR rates. Consider the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card if you have excellent credit and are looking for a rewards product with great benefits and a less-than-average annual fee ($95). A credit check is required.
World of Hyatt Credit Card
The World of Hyatt credit card is a perfect match for anyone who wants the most exclusive benefit programs and to maximize their rewards with hotel stays when traveling and flying miles.
Some highlights include earning points for every purchase, double points on Hyatt stays and dining, and access to special offers such as early check-in, easy transfer process, and late checkout.
With the World of Hyatt credit card, you can earn free nights at any hotel or resort worldwide. The account also offers a free night award every anniversary year and a 19.74% to 26.74% APR rate. Plus, you can get complimentary Discoverist status and earn an additional 3 points per dollar when you spend directly through Hyatt.
If you stay at Hyatt frequently, don’t mind the $95 annual fee, and prefer hotel-heavy benefits, the World of Hyatt Credit is the best way to get the most out of your travels. A credit check is needed.
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
The IHG® Rewards Premier credit card is a solid choice for frequent travelers who want to earn lucrative rewards on their hotel stays. With this product, you’ll get 26 points for every dollar spent at IHG hotels and resorts and 5 points for every dollar spent at gas stations, travel miles, grocery stores, and restaurants.
You’ll also get a sign-up bonus — of 140,000 points within 90 days of account membership. Plus, you’ll enjoy special benefits like a free night every year and global entry or TSA PreCheck and transfer reimbursement. The $99 annual fee is worth it if you stay or plan on staying at IHG or its affiliates.
This credit card is the best way to earn rewards for your hotel stays and save on travel miles. Its generous reward programs, average APR rates (19.74%-26.74%), bonus points, and other highlights make it a useful addition to your wallet. A credit check is needed.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® credit card is one of the best options for travelers who stay with Hilton Honors but don’t want to pay foreign transaction fees with other lenders. It offers a generous rewards program and a host of additional benefits, making it ideal for anyone who spends a lot of time in the air and at hotels.
With the Hilton Honors credit card, your points will be multiplied by 12x at Hilton locations, 6x points at U.S. grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, as well as 3x points wherever else you shop. And you’ll get an automatic Hilton Honors Diamond account status, which gives you access to some of the best special discount programs and amenities.
Some of the other highlights include a complimentary weekend stay at hotels when you spend $15,000 in a calendar year, 10 free airport lounge visits per year, and a $95 annual fee with 19.49% – 28.49% APR rate.
You’ll also get travel protections, such as trip delay coverage, rental car insurance, and access to a 24/7 concierge, making the transfer process that little bit easier. A credit check is required.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card works best for those looking to maximize their rewards and take advantage of Marriott Bonvoy’s many benefits. With rates from 19.74% to 26.74% and a $95 annual fee, travelers who stay at Marriott and its affiliates can enjoy a lot of benefits.
With this credit card, you can get up to $50,000 worth of rewards to spend on hotels after spending $3000 bonus points, 3X points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2x points on all other purchases, plus three free nights awarded when you spend $3,000 in the first three months of opening the account.
Cardholders also get access to exclusive discounts, access to some of the best member events, and complimentary internet access at Marriott Bonvoy hotels. Additionally, you can transfer points to airline miles with some of the most popular airline loyalty programs. A credit check is required.
How Hotel Credit Cards Work
Hotel credit cards can offer a great way to save money on travel miles. By signing up for an account and completing the credit checks, you can get access to exclusive reward programs and the best discounts and things you spend on, as well as the ability to transfer points that can be redeemed for free stays in hotels.
They can be incredibly useful for frequent travelers, offering a way to save money on future trips.
The most popular products offer rewards in the form of points or miles. Points are earned for every purchase made with the cards and can be redeemed for free stays at hotels. For example, if you accumulate 10,000 points, you can redeem them for a free night at participating hotels.
Main Benefits of a Hotel Credit Card
With hotel credit cards, you can earn points or miles on your purchases, which can be exchanged for free nights at some of the best hotels. You can also get discounts on hotel rooms and exclusive access to special offers.
And many come with travel insurance, so you can be sure your vacation is protected. For example, some offer car rental discounts and primary rental car insurance, which is a nice perk when you’re renting a car for your vacation.
Other credit cards might also offer purchase protection, extended warranties, transfer flexibility, and free checked bags on some airlines. Finally, many come with complimentary elite status, which gives you access to special perks like free room upgrades and the best priority check-in facilities.
Who Should You Get a Hotel Credit Card?
Hotel credit cards are a great option for frequent travelers or those who enjoy staying and traveling in style. With these products, those with good credit can earn great rewards like cash back, statement credits, and, of course, free stays at some of the best hotels around the world.
Plus, you can usually get special perks like room upgrades and discounts on dining and attractions. For those who travel often, hotel credit cards can be an invaluable tool.
Not only can you get discounts on room bookings at hotels, but you can also get discounts on flights, rental cars, and other travel-related expenses. This means you can save money on your next vacation and maximize your travel miles rewards.
Types of Hotel Credit Cards
Hotel credit cards can be one of the best ways to save money on future travels and accumulate rewards points. Depending on the issuer and credit score, you can get access to special discount programs and deals at hotels around the world.
So if you’re thinking of signing up for one, make sure to consider the following different types of offers available. With the right credit cards in hand, you can easily make the most of every stay.
Co-Branded
A co-branded hotel credit card is issued by a major bank in partnership with a specific chain of hotels. These often come with a variety of perks, such as reward points for free nights at hotels, discounts on hotel rates, and more.
The key benefit of these credit cards is that they are tailored specifically to some of the best hotel chains, allowing you to maximize rewards for staying at hotels. They also usually offer other incentives such as cash back or travel rewards.
For example, a credit card issued in conjunction with Marriott may offer bonus points for stays at Marriott properties or free nights after a certain amount of spending. They may also offer additional benefits affiliated with Marriott, such as discounts on airfare, car rentals, transfer convenience, and other travel services.
General Travel
A general travel hotel credit card is not tied to any specific company or brand, which makes it a great choice for those who travel miles frequently but want more flexibility in where they stay.
Co-branded credit cards from large chain hotels, such as those from Marriott and Hilton, may offer better reward programs when staying at their specific locations, but general travel credit cards will allow you to earn rewards anywhere. Many of these also have no annual fee, so you can enjoy the best benefits without having to worry about extra costs.
How to Pick the Right Hotel Credit Card
With so many hotel credit cards out there, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. That’s why it’s important to understand the different features and benefits each lender offers. Especially if your credit report is going to take a hit.
For instance, some offer points that can be used to book free nights at hotels, while others offer rewards such as airline miles or cash back. So before signing up for anything, we have put together some useful tips on how you can pick the right hotel credit card.
Choose a Hotel
Make a decision about which brand of hotels you prefer. It is important that whatever one you choose offers discounts or rewards at your preferred hotel. In addition, make sure the credit card is accepted by a wide variety of hotels. This way, you can always find a room in your price range, regardless of where you’re traveling.
You should also consider which brand of hotels will work best with the destination you intend to visit. Traveling to Paris, for instance, won’t be fun if your hotel credit card isn’t accepted there.
Consider a Sign-Up Bonus
A sign-up bonus is a reward offered to new customers for signing up for a credit card. It could be in the form of cashback, points, miles, or a combination of all three. For hotel credit cards, the best sign-up bonus is usually in the form of hotel points or airline miles, which can help you book free stays or get discounts when staying overnight at hotels.
Sign-up bonuses can range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of points or miles. So if you’re looking to get the most out of your hotel credit card, make sure to check out the sign-up bonus before signing up. It could end up being the difference between a great deal and a wasted opportunity!
Consider Earning Rate
When it comes to earning rewards with a hotel credit card, you should consider the rate of return. Cards earning rate will determine how quickly you’ll be able to rack up points. It’s important to compare the points earned for each dollar spent to get the best deal. Some offer flat rates, while others reward you when you spend in certain categories.
You should also look out for any point caps or expiration dates. And if you’re someone who travels and stays at hotels often, it’s a good idea to look for products that offer complimentary upgrades, free nights, and other perks. With the right one, you can easily rack up enough points to get free nights and other rewards.
Alternatives to Hotel Credit Cards
If you’re looking for an alternative to hotel credit cards (perhaps you have an average credit score), there are plenty of options out there. Some come with benefits that are directly related to hotels, travel, and air miles.
While others will require a little bit of research on your part in order to find lenders that provide rewards and rates relevant to what you prefer to spend your money on.
Travel Reward Credit Cards | General Reward Credit Cards | Airline-Specific Credit Cards | Cash-Back Credit Cards |
Offer points or miles for everyday purchases that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and more | Offer bonus points for travel-related purchases, such as gas, groceries, travel, air miles, and hotels | Offer bonus miles, special discounts on hotels, and other perks if you’re a frequent traveler | Offer a percentage of your purchases back in cash. This can be especially helpful if you’re a frequent traveler who stays at hotels since you can use the cash to help pay for your trips. |
Conclusion
With so many hotel credit cards on the market, it can be hard to narrow down your choices. The key is to find the product that best fits your spending style. First, determine what type of rewards you’re looking for. Are you looking for points for free stays, cash back, or a combination of the two?
Next, consider the restrictions that come with a credit card. Can you earn a certain number of points? Are there blackout dates or restrictions on where you can stay? Finally, look at the APR rates and annual fee. Some come with an annual fee, while others do not.
Be sure to weigh all these factors before making your decision. With a bit of research and knowledge of what you’re looking for, you can find the best hotel rewards credit card for you.
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Can hotel credit card points be used for flying?
Many hotel credit cards offer points that can be used for travel, including miles and flights. Depending on the issuer and the loyalty program, there are usually a few different ways to use points for flights.
Which hotel credit card has the lowest perks?
Generally speaking, hotel credit cards with the lowest perks will offer basic rewards such as points or cash-back. These tend to have lower annual fees, making them a good option for those who don’t travel frequently.
What documents do I need to get a hotel credit card?
You will need to provide proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or passport and proof of address. In addition to these documents, you will also need to provide financial information, such as your current income and employment information.
Do hotel credit cards have welcome bonuses?
Yes, many hotel credit cards offer welcome bonuses. These bonuses can vary depending on the credit card and the issuer, but they generally include bonus points, statement credits, and discounts on hotel stays.