Hotel credit cards offer free nights, elite status, and property-specific perks that can transform your travel experience. Understanding each program helps you choose cards matching your lodging preferences.
Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards
Marriott's massive portfolio (30+ brands) offers multiple card options through Chase and Amex:
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless (Chase)
- Annual fee: $95
- Earning: 6x at Marriott, 2x everywhere else
- Benefits: Free night annually (up to 35K points), automatic Silver Elite status, 15 elite night credits
Marriott Bonvoy Bold (Chase)
- Annual fee: $0
- Earning: 3x at Marriott, 2x on travel, 1x everywhere else
- Best for: Occasional Marriott guests wanting no-fee card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant (Amex)
- Annual fee: $650
- Benefits: $300 annual Marriott credit, free night (up to 85K points), Platinum Elite status, Priority Pass
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy (Amex)
- Annual fee: $250
- Benefits: Free night (up to 50K points), Gold Elite status, 15 elite night credits
Hilton Honors Credit Cards
All issued by American Express, Hilton cards offer generous earning rates:
Hilton Honors Card
- Annual fee: $0
- Earning: 7x at Hilton, 5x on restaurants, supermarkets, and gas; 3x on everything else
- Benefits: Automatic Silver status
Hilton Honors Surpass
- Annual fee: $150
- Earning: 12x at Hilton, 6x on restaurants, supermarkets, and gas; 3x on everything else
- Benefits: Automatic Gold status, free weekend night certificate after $15K spend
Hilton Honors Aspire
- Annual fee: $550
- Earning: 14x at Hilton, 7x on flights, restaurants, and car rentals; 3x everything else
- Benefits: Diamond status, free weekend night annually, $250 Hilton resort credit, $250 airline credit, Priority Pass
World of Hyatt Credit Cards
Issued by Chase, Hyatt offers a single consumer card with excellent value:
World of Hyatt Credit Card
- Annual fee: $95
- Earning: 4x at Hyatt, 2x on dining, fitness, and transit; 1x everywhere else
- Benefits: Free night annually (up to Category 4), automatic Discoverist status, 5 qualifying night credits, extra night after $15K spend
The Hyatt card is widely considered the best hotel card for its annual fee due to Hyatt's premium properties and point value.
IHG One Rewards Credit Cards
Issued by Chase:
IHG One Rewards Premier
- Annual fee: $99
- Earning: 10x at IHG, 2x on dining, gas, and grocery; 1x everywhere else
- Benefits: Free night annually, Platinum Elite status, 4th night free on reward stays, Global Entry credit
IHG One Rewards Traveler
- Annual fee: $0
- Earning: 3x at IHG, 2x on dining and gas; 1x everywhere else
Wyndham Rewards Credit Cards
Issued by Barclays:
Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus
- Annual fee: $75
- Benefits: Gold status, 15,000 anniversary points, 6x at Wyndham
Comparing Hotel Programs
Best for Luxury Travelers
Hyatt and Hilton Aspire offer access to premium properties and top-tier status.
Best for Budget Travelers
IHG and Wyndham have extensive budget-friendly property selections.
Best for Variety
Marriott's massive brand portfolio spans budget to ultra-luxury.
Best Value Free Night
Hyatt's free Category 4 night can be worth $300+ at premium locations.
Elite Status Considerations
- Status earned through cards typically provides upgrades, late checkout, and bonus points
- Higher status tiers require actual stays in addition to card benefits
- Status benefits vary significantly between programs
Hotel cards complement broader travel strategies and work well alongside airline cards for comprehensive travel rewards.
