The Best Hotel Credit Cards to Get Right Now

When I started traveling the world, I stayed in hostels. Money was tight and hostels were cheap so it was a no-brainer. Plus, I was a bit introverted and hostels were a great way to connect with other backpackers and make friends.

I still love hostels but since I now run a business while I travel I often need more space — and privacy — when I’m on the road. However, I’m still a budget traveler at heart so I hate paying hundreds of dollars for a room I’m just going to be in for a few hours.

Enter the art of collecting points and miles by getting credit cards and joining loyalty programs. These points and miles can then be used to get free perks and upgrades, including free hotel stays.

Over the years, I’ve used points to earn countless free stays at hotels, which has saved me thousands and thousands of dollars in accommodation (tools like Awayz are great for helping you maximize hotel points).

Whether you’re a casual tourist or a die-hard backpacker, every traveler needs at least one hotel credit card in their wallet. These cards come with big welcome bonuses, cool perks, and free nights that can help you save money on accommodation.

All the major brands have multiple credit card options but below are my favorite from each brand:

Below, you’ll find a detailed review of each card, including the perks and cost, so you can pick the best hotel credit card for your travel style and budget.
 

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

Hyatt is my favorite chain to redeem points at. They offer great value, often going much further than other hotel chains’ points. The World of Hyatt Credit Card offers an easy way to rack up Hyatt points as well as get perks like complimentary Discoverist status and a free anniversary night.

This card offers:

• Earn 5 free nights at any Category 1 – 4 Hyatt hotel or resort after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
• Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
• Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open
• Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
• Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
• Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
• Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card

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Hilton Honors American Express Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Card comes with a generous welcome offer, which is a great way to get started with earning points for hotel stays if you don’t want to pay an annual fee right away. You’ll also earn 5x points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, as well as 3x points on all other purchases. It also has $0 annual fee (See Rates and Fees.)

This card offers:

• Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025.
• 7x points on Hilton hotels and resorts
• 5x points on U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations
• 3x points on all other purchases
• Complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status
• No foreign transaction fees

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Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card

With this card, you unlock free stays at the largest hotel chain in the world. While it has a $250 annual fee (see rates and fees), this is a great card for fans of Marriott hotels and resorts, as you’ll more than recoup that cost with just a few stays per year.

This card offers:

• Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months
• Earn 6x Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• Earn 4x points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. Supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and supermarkets, then 2X points)
• Earn 2x points on all other eligible purchases
• Earn 1 Free Night after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card in a calendar year
• Automatic Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite status
• No foreign transaction fees

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IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has a great welcome offer and is easy to earn points on, with 5X points on travel, dining, and gas stations, as well as up to 26X points on IHG purchases. The card’s perks more than outweigh the $99 annual fee, with one free stay per year, and up to a $100 statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS (up to $120 starting Oct. 1, 2024).

This card offers:

• Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• 5x points on travel, dining, and at gas stations
• 3x points on all other purchases
• Up to 26x points on IHG purchases
• Automatic Platinum Elite status
• Reward night when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay
• Free anniversary night (up to 40,000 points) at eligible IHG hotels
• Up to $100 statement credit (up to $120 starting Oct. 1, 2024) for a NEXUS, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee every four years
• Up to $50 United® Airlines TravelBank Cash each calendar year

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No matter your travel budget or style, every traveler should have a hotel credit card in their wallet. From the free loyalty status to free annual nights, the best hotel credit cards offer tons of amazing perks that can significantly lower the cost of your trip.

Don’t spend hundreds of dollars for accommodation that could be free. Grab one of these cards, start earning points, and you’ll be on your way to free accommodation in no time!