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Frequent travelers never miss an opportunity to elevate their travel experience and enjoy some luxurious upgrades. One thing that helps make this dream a reality is the hotel credit cards in the USA.
There is an array of options, like the Marriott credit card, catering to different requirements of a cardholder based on travel habits and other aspects. Whether you are a frequent traveler or like to go on a vacation once in a while, the right kind of hotel credit card can make your experience joyous.
The experience is somewhat similar to the travel credit cards, but a bit personalized to hotel stays. In this article, we will discuss details about this credit card category and list the 11 best options that you can consider applying for a comfortable and luxurious travel experience.
Key Takeaways
- A diversified range of hotel credit cards in the USA offer a range of benefits tailored to different travel preferences and spending habits.
- Hotel credit cards take the travel experience to the next level with luxury rewards.
- There are co-branded credit cards, like the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card that provide specific perks such as free nights and elite status for loyal customers.
- Choosing the right hotel credit card should be followed by a sign-up bonus evaluation, travel-related rewards, and more.
- Advice to conduct thorough research and compare multiple options to find the hotel credit card that best suits your travel goals and financial strategy.
Comparison of 11 Best Hotel Credit Cards
These hotel credit cards vary widely, in terms of benefits, annual fees, and rewards structures, catering to different travel preferences and spending habits. The comparison table below will help you choose the best one.
| Card Name | Sign-Up Bonus | Annual Fee | Bonus Points |
| Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card | Substantial amount of Marriott Bonvoy points after spending a specified amount within the first few months. | $95 | Receive an annual free night award (up to a certain points value) every year after your account anniversary. |
| Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card | Substantial number of Hilton Honors points after meeting the spending requirement in the first few months. | $95 | Receive free weekend night rewards based on annual spending thresholds. |
| World of Hyatt Credit Card | Significant number of World of Hyatt points after spending a specific amount within the first few months. | $95 | Receive an annual free night award at a category 1-4 Hyatt hotel every year after your account anniversary. |
| IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card | Earn a large number of IHG Rewards points after meeting the spending requirement in the first few months. | $89 | Receive an anniversary free night certificate valid at eligible IHG hotels worldwide. |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | Earn a substantial number of Chase Ultimate Rewards points after spending a specific amount within the first few months. | $550 | Access to luxury hotel collections and travel protections. |
| The Platinum Card from American Express | Earn a substantial number of Membership Rewards points after spending a specific amount within the first few months. | $695 | Provides luxury travel perks like airport lounge access, concierge services, and comprehensive travel protections. |
| Chase Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card | Earn Marriott Bonvoy points after spending a specific amount within the first few months. | No Annual Fee | Automatic Silver Elite status with benefits like late checkout and bonus points on stays. |
| American Express Hilton Honors Aspire Card | Substantial number of Hilton Honors points after meeting the spending requirement in the first few months. | $450 | Offers exceptional rewards earning on Hilton stays, dining, and travel, along with luxury travel perks. |
| Citi Prestige Card | Significant number of ThankYou Points after meeting the spending requirement in the first few months. | $495 | Receive a credit for the fourth night of a consecutive hotel stay booked through ThankYou.com. |
| Radisson Rewards Premier Visa Signature Card | Substantial number of Radisson Rewards points after meeting the spending requirement in the first few months. | $75 | Includes travel protections and points earning on everyday purchases to maximize rewards. |
| Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card | Wyndham Rewards points after meeting the spending requirement in the first few months. | $75 | Offers a range of redemption options within the Wyndham Rewards program, including free nights and other travel-related rewards. |
What are Hotel Credit Cards and How Does It Work?
These are specialized credit cards, offering unique rewards and benefits tailored for hotel stays and travel-related expenses. The popular hotel chains partner with the credit card issuing bodies to offer perks like free stays, room upgrades, and other travel-related benefits to the cardholder.
Some of the key features of these credit cards are listed below.
- Sign-up bonuses, typically include a large number of reward points that the cardholder can redeem during their hotel bookings.
- These cards let the cardholder earn points for every dollar they spend through the card. They can later spend these points on their travel-related expenses.
- Some hotel credit cards may offer automatic elite status in the hotel’s loyalty program, including benefits like late check-out.
- Another key offering of these cards is travel insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and purchase protection.
How Hotel Credit Cards Works?
This credit card category works similarly to others. You can start by applying for the hotel credit card that you feel is most apt and let the issuing body approve it for you to have a valid card.
Use the card for making travel-related purchases and earn rewards or points that can make your travel experience luxurious.
Moreover, you can take advantage of additional perks such as elite status benefits, free night certificates, and travel protections by using the card for relevant purchases and stays.
What Are the Pros and Cons of a Hotel Credit Card in the USA?
Though the best hotel rewards credit card seems like a promising option, there are some disadvantages involved as well. Let us discuss the pros and cons for better clarity.
Pros of a Hotel Credit Card in the USA
- It allows cardholders to earn rewards on every purchase that is redeemable during hotel stays.
- These cards come with attractive sign-up bonuses, including free nights or room upgrades.
- Cardholders can enjoy travel insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and purchase protection.
- Many hotel credit cards waive foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international travelers.
Cons of a Hotel Credit Card in the USA
- Many cards, like Amex fine hotels and resorts, have a significantly high annual fee.
- Rewards are often specific to the hotel chain, limiting the flexibility compared to general travel rewards cards.
- Hotel credit cards often come with higher interest rates, making it crucial to pay off balances in full each month.
If you compare the pros and cons, you will experience that the benefits will outweigh the cons. Hence, it is certainly a promising option, especially if you travel often for different purposes.
Types of Hotel Credit Cards
Hotel credit cards are available in three popular types, each offering unique benefits and rewards tailored to different traveler needs.
1. Co-Branded Hotel Credit Cards
These cards are often issued in partnership with specific hotel chains, like Hilton or Marriot. The cardholder can earn points within the hotel’s loyalty program, that they can redeem in terms of room upgrades and other perks.
2. General Travel Credit Cards
These cards are not partnered with any hotel chain and the rewards they offer are flexible. The points that the cardholder earns are redeemable for different travel-related expenses, be it stays or airfares.
3. Luxury Hotel Credit Cards
These cards particularly target high-end travelers, allowing them to access complimentary elite status and extensive travel protection. The most popular type in this category is the Platinum Card from American Express.
One can pick the card category that complies with their spending habits and purchase patterns. Still, wondering how you can pick the best hotel credit cards in the USA? Let us help you.
How to Pick the Best Hotel Credit Card in the USA?
Picking the best and the most suitable hotel credit card in the USA requires plenty of considerations. Some of the aspects you should look into are listed below.
- Identify Your Preferred Hotel Chain and choose a card that has the same affiliation.
- Evaluate Sign-up bonuses and look for cards that boost your rewards balance.
- Compare the earning rates for hotel stays, travel expenses, and everyday purchases to find the most rewarding card.
- Evaluate extra benefits like free night certificates, room upgrades, and no foreign transaction fees.
- Ensure the card allows easy and valuable points redemption without restrictive blackout dates or limitations.
The pro tip is to research and explore as many options as possible and narrow your preferred options based on these factors. This would make decision-making extremely convenient for you.
11 Best Hotel Credit Cards in the USA
Here is a list of the 11 best hotel rewards credit card options that you can opt for to take your travel experience to the next level.
1. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
This hotel credit card is ideal for frequent Marriott guests. The cardholders get generous rewards on Marriott stays and an annual free night award. Additionally, it provides access to Marriott Bonvoy’s extensive hotel network and benefits like elite status and room upgrades.
2. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
The card is in partnership with the Hilton chain of hotels. It offers robust benefits for Hilton loyalists, including elevated points earned on Hilton stays and generous perks like free weekend night rewards. Additionally, the cardholders get automatic elite status, which includes benefits like room upgrades, breakfast, and late check-out.
3. World of Hyatt Credit Card
It is a great option for Hyatt loyalists, offering valuable points earned on Hyatt stays and a free night award each year. The card also includes perks, like elite status benefits, accelerated points on dining and travel, and travel protections.
4. IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card
This IHG credit card offers substantial points earning potential across various categories and a valuable anniversary-free night certificate. It is ideal for frequent IHG guests looking to maximize rewards and enjoy perks like elite status benefits and travel protections.
5. Chase Sapphire Reserve
It is not solely a hotel card but also offers significant benefits for travelers, including access to luxury hotel collections and high redemption value for travel. The card also provides comprehensive travel protections, airport lounge access, and flexibility in point redemption.
6. The Platinum Card from American Express
It is the best hotel credit card that offers extensive travel benefits, including access to premium hotel collections and elite status with select hotel programs. The card also offers luxury travel perks like airport lounge access, concierge services, and comprehensive travel protections.
7. Chase Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card
The Chase Marriott Bonvoy gives Marriott Bonvoy points earning without an annual fee, making it accessible for occasional Marriott guests. This card includes basic Marriott Bonvoy benefits like elite status and points earned on purchases.
8. American Express Hilton Honors Aspire Card
This card by American Express is designed for frequent Hilton guests seeking premium benefits like Diamond status and extensive travel credits. It offers exceptional rewards on Hilton stays, dining, and travel, along with luxury travel perks.
9. Citi Prestige Card
It is ideal for anyone who seeks unique benefits like the fourth-night free benefit and competitive points earned on travel and dining purchases. The card provides comprehensive travel protections, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance and emergency assistance.
10. Radisson Rewards Premier Visa Signature Card
It is one of the best hotel rewards credit cards which is excellent for frequent Radisson guests looking to earn points and enjoy benefits like free night certificates and automatic elite status. The perks also Include travel protections and points earned on everyday purchases to maximize rewards.
11. Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card
It is suitable for Wyndham loyalists with benefits like annual bonus points, elite status, and points earned on everyday purchases. The card offers a range of redemption options within the Wyndham Rewards program, including free nights and other travel-related rewards.
You checked 11 credit cards, some of them have annual fees while some do not, so if you are looking for hotel credit cards with no annual fee then we have a dedicated article to guide you, you can check out that article.
In conclusion
Choosing the best hotel credit card in the USA that aligns with your travel preferences can be challenging. Whether you prioritize earning points for free nights, enjoying elite status perks, or accessing premium travel benefits, there are multiple options available.
You can opt for co-branded hotel cards, like Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card that comes with generous rewards and annual free night awards.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific travel habits and preferences, ensuring that the selected card enhances your travel experience while maximizing rewards and benefits.
