The best hotel credit cards of 2024

Written by: Tim Devaney
• Updated •5 min read
This date may not reflect recent changes in individual terms.
Editorial Note: Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Hear from our editors: Best hotel credit cards of December 2024

Updated November 27, 2024

This date may not reflect recent changes in individual terms.

Editorial Note: Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Written by: Tim Devaney

The best hotel credit cards help you save money with free nights and bonus points that help to outweigh the cost of the annual fee.

Their loyalty programs could also make your stay more comfortable with complimentary room upgrades, late checkouts, lounge access, breakfast and other status benefits.

Let’s take a look at the best hotel credit cards of 2024.

Best for rewards points: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Here’s why: Apparently, someone forgot to tell Hilton that points don’t grow on trees. The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card offers so many points you’ll be on your way to earning a free night in no time, which could easily offset the annual fee.

See how the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card compares to other Hilton cards.

Best for no annual fee: Hilton Honors American Express Card

Here’s why: The Hilton Honors American Express Card is a great choice for budget travelers who can’t afford to pay for an annual fee, but still want to earn rewards when they stay at Hilton every now and then.

Learn more in reviews of the Hilton Honors American Express Card.

Best for elite status: Platinum Card® from American Express

Here’s why: The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with complimentary status at both Hilton and Marriott hotels. Just make sure you’re using enough of the other perks and benefits to make up for the expensive annual fee.

Check out reviews of the Platinum Card® from American Express for more details.

Best for hotel variety: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Here’s why: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® features an annual travel credit that’s flexible enough to be used at any hotel. Of course, it also comes with an expensive annual fee, so make sure you’ll get enough value from the other benefits and perks to make the card worth it.

Learn more from reviews of the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Best for free nights: World Of Hyatt Credit Card

Here’s why: The World Of Hyatt Credit Card gives you a free night at a mid-tier property each year after your cardmember anniversary, which should offset the relatively affordable annual fee. Plus, you could earn a second free night with additional spend.

Read reviews of the World Of Hyatt Credit Card.

Best for a more comfortable stay: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Here’s why: The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card gives the most loyal Hilton guests a way to treat themselves to a more luxurious experience. Between the free night you can redeem at luxurious hotels, travel credits and automatic Diamond status, which entitles you to complimentary room upgrades, you should have no problem offsetting the annual fee.

Read our review of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card to learn more.

Best for road trips: Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Card

Here’s why: If you’ve been driving all day and are looking for a place to get some shuteye, the Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Card offers a great rewards rate at a variety of budget-friendly hotels. Plus, you’ll earn the same great rate when you fill up your tank at the gas station. With no annual fee, this card could make sense on your next road trip.

See how the Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Card compares to other Wyndham cards.

Best for business trips: Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

Here’s why: The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card could be a great choice on your next business trip. Not only will you receive a free night award each year after your account anniversary, but you’ll also score a discount on paid stays — both of which should outweigh the annual fee.

Read reviews of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card.

How we picked these cards

To find the best hotel credit cards, we looked at both hotel-branded credit cards and generic travel cards that feature hotel perks.

It’s important to recognize that no hotel card is best for everyone. To fit a variety of needs, we tried to provide a range of hotel cards that appeal to all sorts of travelers, from those who are on a budget to those who want a more-luxurious experience or who are traveling on business.

How to make the most of your hotel credit card

Hotel credit cards can help you save money and make your stay more comfortable. But before you apply for a hotel card, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions.

Do hotel cards offer a free anniversary night?

Some hotel credit cards do offer a free anniversary night. You can get a hotel card to pay for itself if it offers a free anniversary night that’s worth more than the cost of the annual fee.

Do hotel cards offer a fifth night free?

With some cards, when you use your points to book a fifth-night-free stay, you’ll only be charged enough points to cover the first four nights. It’s a great way to make your points go further. If your card has this perk, it can help to book rewards stays strategically in five-night increments to take full advantage so that you’re not leaving an extra night on the table.

Do you prefer the luxury of hotel status or the flexibility of being able to stay at any hotel you like?

When you’re dealing with the gigantic sign-up bonuses and free anniversary nights that often come with hotel credit cards, it’s easy to overlook the benefit of complimentary hotel status. If the card offers complimentary status, check to see whether you can request a room upgrade or late checkout on your next trip.

On the other hand, if you’re not ready to commit to one particular hotel brand (or you prefer other travel booking options), you might want to look for a generic travel credit card that will reward you for any hotel or stay you book.

FAQs about hotel credit cards

What is a hotel credit card?

A hotel credit card is a special type of travel rewards card. The credit card issuer (like American Express, Chase or Barclays) partners with a hotel company to create what’s known as a “co-branded” credit card.

What credit score is needed for a hotel credit card?

In most cases, credit card issuers don’t specify their credit score requirements. What we can tell you is that the better your credit, the more likely you are to be approved for a hotel credit card.

How does a hotel credit card authorization work?

When you make a hotel reservation, the hotel might place a hold on your credit card. Typically, hotels don’t actually charge your credit card until you check in or check out. But it might run a credit card authorization for a small amount of money to make sure your card is active and that you can pay.

About the author: Tim Devaney is a personal finance writer and credit card expert at Credit Karma. He’s a longtime journalist who prides himself on being a good storyteller who can explain complex information in an easily digestible wa… Read more.