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Traveling can be expensive, but with the right credit card, you can earn rewards and perks that make your trips more affordable. Hotel credit cards are an excellent option for frequent travelers, as they offer benefits such as free nights, room upgrades, and airline miles. In this guide, we'll explore the top hotel credit cards for travelers and how those can help you save money on your next trip.
Hotel credit cards offer a variety of benefits that can make your travels more enjoyable and affordable. Some of the top reasons to get a hotel credit card include:
One of the most appealing benefits of hotel credit cards is earning free nights and room upgrades. Many hotel credit cards offer a sign-up bonus that includes a certain number of free nights at participating hotels. Additionally, cardholders can earn points for each dollar spent via the card, which can be redeemed for free nights or room upgrades.
Hotel credit cards often include travel perks such as airport lounge access, free checked bags, and priority boarding. Perks like these can make your travel experience more comfortable and convenient and can save you money on additional fees.
Hotel credit cards typically offer rewards and points for every dollar spent on the card. These points can be used for free nights, room upgrades, and other travel-related expenses. Some hotel credit cards also offer bonus points for useful categories, such as dining or travel purchases, which can help you earn rewards faster.
Now that we've discussed the benefits of hotel credit cards let's examine some of the top options for travelers.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a great choice for travelers, as it offers a generous sign-up bonus and a variety of travel perks. Cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, which is equivalent to $750 in travel rewards, including up to $50 in Chase Travel Hotel Credit each year. The card also offers 5x points on travel, hotels and car rentals booked via Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, 2x points on all other travel expenses and 1x on all remaining purchases. Points can be transferred to participating hotel and airline loyalty programs, making this card a versatile option for travelers.
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass card is a top choice for Hilton loyalists. Cardholders can earn 130,000 Hilton Honors points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the card within the first six months of card membership, an additional 12x points for every dollar spent at participating Hilton hotels, and 6x points for eligible restaurants and supermarkets in the United States. The card also offers complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, which includes perks such as room upgrades and late check-out.
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card is an excellent choice for Marriott hotel frequenters. For a limited time, cardholders can earn 5 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. The card also offers no foreign transaction fees and a Free Night Award yearly on your account anniversary, making it a valuable option for loyal Marriott customers.
The World of Hyatt Credit Card is a wonderful option for those who frequently stay at Hyatt hotels. Cardholders can earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months. Plus, up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning 2 bonus points per $1 spent in the first six months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 bonus point, on up to $15,000 spent. The card also offers a Free Night Award every year on your account anniversary and automatic World of Hyatt Discoverist status, which includes perks such as room upgrades and late check-out. And for those who like to travel abroad, the card does not charge foreign transaction fees.
With so many hotel credit cards available, choosing the best one for your needs can be overwhelming. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a hotel credit card:
If you frequently stay at a specific hotel chain, choosing a credit card affiliated with that chain may be beneficial. You'll earn more points and rewards for your stays, and the card may offer additional perks such as free nights or room upgrades.
When comparing hotel credit cards, be sure to consider the sign-up bonus offered. A higher sign-up bonus can help you earn rewards faster and may include additional perks such as free nights or statement credits.
Many hotel credit cards have an annual fee, so it's important to consider whether the benefits and rewards outweigh the payment's cost. Some cards may waive the yearly fee for the first year, so be sure to factor this into your decision as well.
If you're looking for specific travel perks, such as airport lounge access, restaurants or free checked bags, choose a card that offers these benefits. Some hotel credit cards may also provide additional perks, like travel insurance or concierge services.
To make the most of your hotel credit card, here are some tips to keep in mind:
To earn the most rewards and points, use your hotel credit card for all travel-related expenses, such as flights, hotel stays, and dining. This practice will help you accumulate points faster and can also help you reach the minimum spending requirement for the sign-up bonus.
Sign-up bonuses are a great way to earn many points or rewards quickly. Take advantage of these bonuses by meeting the minimum spending requirement within the allowed time frame.
Be sure to redeem your rewards and points strategically. For example, if you have many points, saving them for a free night at a luxury hotel may be more beneficial than multiple nights at a budget hotel.
Hotel credit cards offer a variety of benefits and perks that can make your travels more affordable and enjoyable. By choosing the right card for your needs and using it strategically, you can earn rewards and points that can help you save money on your next trip. Consider factors such as hotel loyalty, sign-up bonuses, and annual fees when selecting a hotel credit card, and take advantage of all the benefits and perks offered. Happy travels!
Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
