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What if we say you have not to pay annual fees for your credit and still you can save money on hotel stays, earn points for free nights, and enjoy other exclusive benefits?
What do you say?
Sounds interesting, right?
Well, in this guide we have listed out the 5 best hotel credit cards with no annual fees, their benefits, and how to pick one. So, let’s get started and find the perfect card to suit your needs!
Key Takeaways
- Hotel credit cards enable you to earn points that you can redeem for rewards and free stays.
- Co-branded hotel credit cards enable you to earn the most points for spending with the affiliated brand.
- A free night stay may make a hotel credit card look more appealing.
- Other perks include late check-out, hotel loyalty status, stay bonus points, and room selection criteria.
List of 5 Best Hotel Credit Cards with No Annual Fee
We have checked many available credit cards and picked below 5 best credit cards with no annual fees for you.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card
- Best Western Rewards Mastercard
- Choice Privileges Mastercard
- IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
- Hilton Honors American Express Card
1. Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card
Earn 60,000 Bonus Points + 1 Free Night Award
after you spend $2,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Ideal for The Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card, it makes perfect sense for Marriott guests who want to be rewarded for their ultimate loyalty towards Bold by paying zero annual fees. It offers several benefits, including:
Annual Fee: $0
Balance Transfer Fee: The balance transfer fee is either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
Credit score Needed: Excellent, Good (690-850)
Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Intro APR: 0% intro APR for balance transfers or purchases.
Regular APR: A variable APR of 21.49% – 28.49% on balance transfers and purchases.
Rewards:
- Earn 3X points for every dollar spent at 7,000 plus hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, and get 2X points on travel.
- Get up to 10X points from Marriott for being a Marriott Bonvoy member.*
- Earn up to 1X point from Marriott with Silver Elite Status. You’ll benefit by qualifying to be a Marriott Bonvoy Bold card member.*
- Redeem Points: You can use your card at participating hotels and on everyday purchases.
- Car Rentals: Earn up to 20,000 points while renting a car via Marriott’s travel partner, Hertz.
- Dining: You can earn points at over 11,000 U.S. restaurants when paying with your card.
*New Arrivals:
- Earn 2X points per $1 through 7/10/2024.
- Earn 2X points for every dollar you have spent on travel purchases, from airfare to trains and taxis.
- Get 1X points for every dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Get 15 elite night credits through 7/10/2024
- Get 15 Elite Night Credits annually.
- COMING SOON Offers: On 7/11/2024, the cardmembers of Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit will no longer receive the following benefits with their card:
- Get 2X points per dollar spent on other travel purchases.
- Earn 15 Elite Night Credits annually, and qualify you for Silver Elite status.
Welcome Bonus Offer: Enjoy earning 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in your first three months from your account opening. These bonus points can be used for future bookings.
*Opens offer details overlay
Benefits: You get travel insurance and purchase protection.
Pros and Cons of Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card
| Pros | Cons |
| No annual fee | Poor earning rates compared to other Bonvoy cards |
| Grants purchase protection and specific travel | It is not the best option for frequent travelers who are subject to the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card’s extra eligibility requirements. |
| Offers Silver Elite status |
2. Best Western Rewards Mastercard
Earn 40,000 points when you spend $1,000 in the first 3 billing cycles after the account is opened.
Ideal for: The Best Western Rewards Mastercard is idle for Western stays but does not want to pay an annual fee. It provides early check-in and late check-out, automatic Gold elite status, and an annual bonus depending on your spending habits and perks, including:
Annual Fee: $0
Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Credit Score Needed: Good/Excellent (700 – 749)
Regular APR: 28.24% or 29.74% variable
Rewards:
- Earn 20,000 points after spending $5,000 every 12 billing cycles.
- Earn 40,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first three billing cycles after opening the account.
- Earn 13 points per dollar on Best Western purchases when you use your card and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.
Welcome Bonus Offer: 40,000 points
Benefits: Provide cardholders with free FICO score access.
Pros and Cons of Best Western Rewards Mastercard
| Pros | Cons |
| No annual fee | Redemptions are limited to Best Western |
| Automatic Gold elite status | Limited benefits outside of hotel purchases |
| Generous welcome bonus | No category bonuses |
| Anniversary bonus |
If you are looking for credit cards for rewards then you should check these 11 best rewards credit cards for 2024 in the USA.
3. Choice Privileges Mastercard
Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.
Ideal for: The Choice Privileges Mastercard is best for Automatic Gold status, which comes with a 10 percent increase in earned points on all stays. It is considered the best hotel credit card with no annual fee.
Annual Fee: $0
Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Credit Score Needed: Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Regular APR: 20.99% – 29.99% variable
Rewards:
- Earn 5 points per $1 spent at participating Choice Hotels properties, 3 points per $1 spent on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and phone plans, and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first three months.
Welcome Bonus Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points
Benefits: Includes mobile phone protection and all the standard World Elite Mastercard benefits.
Pros and Cons of Choice Privileges Mastercard
| Pros | Cons |
| No annual fee | The Choice portfolio leans more toward mid-range properties and budgets than luxury hotels in the U.S. |
| Choice Privileges Gold Elite status | Subpar earnings outside of bonus categories |
| No foreign transaction fees |
4. IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG® Hotels and Resorts.
Ideal for: The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is idle for Travelers favoring the InterContinental Hotels Group brand portfolio, such as Holiday Inn, Kimpton Hotels, and InterContinental may need to consider the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card. Moreover, the card provides the fourth-award-night free perk provided by the IHG co-branded cards with an annual fee. Cardholders are provided with the IHG silver status.
Annual Fee: $0
Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Credit Score Needed: Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Regular APR: 21.49% – 28.49% Variable
Rewards:
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent on purchases on monthly bills at gas stations and restaurants. Earn 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
- IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as Crowne Plaza®, InterContinental®, Kimpton®, Indigo® Hotels, EVEN® Hotels, and Holiday Inn®
- Earn 100,000 bonus points.
- Redeem 3 Nights, and get the 4th Night Free.
Welcome Bonus Offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points
Benefits: lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, interruption coverage/trip cancellation, and purchase protection.
Pros and Cons of IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
| Pros | Cons |
| No annual fee | Poor redemption options |
| FDIC member | No luxury benefits |
| Option to pay with points plus cash | Gold Elite status requires high annual spending |
| No foreign transaction fees | |
| Diverse hotel redemption options |
If you want to get more benefits and can pay the annual fees of a credit card then you should go for the best travel credit cards.
5. Hilton Honors American Express Card
Earn 7X points on Hotels and Resorts and 5x points on Dining and Groceries.
Ideal for: The Hilton Honors American Express Card might be the best option for those who stay at Hilton hotels, which makes it the best hotel credit card with no annual fee.
Annual Fee: $0
Credit Score Needed: Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Regular APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable
Rewards:
- Earn 7X points on hotels & resorts for eligible purchases made directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio.
- Earn 5X points on gas & groceries at gas stations and U.S supermarkets, respectively.
- Earn 5X points on dining at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery.
- Earn 3X points for each dollar spent on other eligible purchases.
- Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Card in the first six months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 7/31/2024.
- Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year, and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
Welcome Bonus Offer: Earn 70,000 points
Benefits: Cardholders can enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver Status and international travel without additional fees on purchases abroad.
Pros and Cons of Hilton Honors American Express Card
| Pros | Cons |
| No annual fee | Poor transfer rate to airline partners |
| No blackout dates | Silver status comes with limited benefits |
| Generous welcome bonus | Low point redemption value |
| No foreign transaction fees | |
| High point earning rates | |
| Automatic Silver status |
If your preference is to get more rewards on your air travel then you can check out for Airline Credit Cards With No Annual Fee.
What are the Perks of Having the Best Hotel Credit Card With No Annual Fee?
The best hotel credit card with no annual fees provides various benefits that help you boost yourself and enhance your travel experience. Here are some perks of using these cards:
1. No Annual Fee
One of the major perks of having the best hotel credit card is that it does not charge an annual fee. It’s a great advantage to choose the best hotel credit card with no annual fee as it offers fewer benefits and lower interest rates than its annual fee-charging counterparts.
2. Welcome Bonuses
Most hotel credit cards with no annual fee also provide introductory bonuses. These bonuses require you to spend a specific amount within a particular time. You can earn a substantial amount of bonuses if you meet certain requirements.
3. Earning Hotel Points
Earning hotel points on credit cards in everyday spending can be a huge benefit. You can redeem these earning points for free hotel stays, upgrades, and travel perks.
4. Additional Benefits
Depending on the particular card, you may also enjoy some add-on perks, including purchase protections, elite status, built-in travel, and no foreign transaction fees.
How to Pick the Best Hotel Credit Card With No Annual Fee?
With various options available, choosing the right and best hotel credit card with no annual fee can be challenging, but considering some key factors can help you decide. Some of the significant factors are:
1. Redemption Options
Before making a final call, consider several redemption options. Make sure that the hotel chain has properties at the destination you’re planning to visit and that the redemption rate is reasonable.
2. Partnership Concern
Some hotel credit cards are partnered with airline loyalty programs, which allow you to transfer points to airline miles. This flexibility can be valuable if you enjoy air travel. But just because you can transfer your traveling points does not mean it is a win-win situation. Marriott Bonvoy is the most considered hotel program that provides transfers to airline partners at impressive rates.
3. Hotel Loyalty
If you’re frequently staying at a particular hotel chain, picking a card affiliated with that brand is preferable. By this, you can increase your earnings and enjoy the benefits of elite status.
4. Spending Patterns
Take some time to examine your spending patterns. Some cards offer bonus points on certain categories, like groceries or dining, while others offer a flat earning rate on all eligible purchases. Pick a card that perfectly aligns with your spending habits.
5. Additional Benefits and Fees
While your primary focus may be no annual credit card, it is important to monitor other associated fees, like foreign transaction fees. In addition, look for extra perks like purchase protection or travel insurance.
What are the Pros & Cons of Choosing Hotel Credit Cards
| Pros | Cons |
| Enjoy added benefits | Miss out earning opportunities |
| Earn reward points | Favorable to good credit needed |
Pros:
Enjoy added benefits: Many hotel credit cards offer sweet perks, like travel credits, free night stay, late check-out, or room upgrades, once you define the number of hotel spending days in a designated time.
Earn reward points: You can earn rewards for hotel stays or spending. Travelers can enjoy the benefits offered by the hotel credit cards through rewards and bonuses.
Cons:
Miss out earning opportunities: Based on your travel habits, you might get higher rewards with a credit card that enables you to earn cash back or reward points for every spending, such as dining out and groceries.
Favorable to good credit needed: You need a credit score of at least 670 to qualify for most of the hotel credit cards.
The Bottom Line
The best hotel credit cards with no annual fee offer great opportunities to enjoy several travel benefits and earn hotel points without any hassles. With a clear vision of how to pick the right hotel credit card, understanding the advantages, and considering the steps to get it, you can make the most of it.
Whether you are an occasional vacationer or a travel freak, these hotel credit cards hold no annual fee and are worth exploring if you regularly stay at hotels.
For more information on the best hotel credit cards, stay tuned with us!
