Top 10 Hotel Reward Credit Cards You Should Know

Choosing the right hotel reward credit card can significantly enhance your travel experience by providing valuable perks and rewards. These cards often offer better benefits than standard hotel credit cards, especially if you frequently stay with specific brands or travel often. They can also help reduce the costs of family vacations or frequent trips. By selecting a suitable card, you can maximize rewards on travel and everyday expenses, enjoy exclusive perks like room upgrades, and save money on stays.

Here are key tips to select the best hotel reward credit card for you:

Earn Rewards on Every Purchase
Accumulate points faster by earning rewards on categories like dining and gas, rather than just hotel stays. Even if you don't have a hotel-specific card, other rewards cards can help you earn toward upgrades or free nights.

Opt for Co-branded Hotel Cards
If you prefer a certain hotel chain, choose their co-branded credit card to maximize your rewards. For travelers with diverse preferences, general travel credit cards offer points on various purchases that can be redeemed for hotel stays.

Compare Signup Bonuses
Many hotel cards offer attractive sign-up bonuses for spending a certain amount within the first few months. Bonuses can cover a night’s stay or more, and help you narrow down your options based on your travel needs.

Assess Point Value
Since hotel points vary in worth depending on the hotel, city, and stay duration, it’s important to evaluate how many points you need for a free night and how quickly you can earn them.

Take Advantage of Hotel Perks
Rewards aren’t just about free nights; benefits like room upgrades, free breakfast, late checkout, and elite status can make your stays more comfortable and encourage you to remain loyal to the brand.

Based on these factors, here are the top 10 hotel reward credit cards to consider:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Offers generous sign-up bonuses, a first-year no fee policy, and a $95 annual fee afterward. Suitable for earning travel rewards with flexible redemption options.

Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Card
$95 annual fee, earns six points per dollar at Marriott and SPG hotels, and two points on other purchases, ideal for frequent Marriott guests.

Hyatt Credit Card
$75 annual fee, with 40,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in three months, perfect for Hyatt loyalists.

Starwood Preferred Guest® Card from American Express
No fee first year, then $95, with APR around 16.74%–20.74%, ideal for flexible hotel stays.

IGH® Rewards Club Premier Card
$84 annual fee, earns 80,000 bonus points after $2,000 spending in three months, great for premium rewards.

Barclays Choice Privileges Visa Signature
No annual fee, with 16.74%–26.49% APR, suitable for flexible, no-cost travel rewards.

The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Card
$45 annual fee, offers $300 travel credit annually, ideal for luxury stays.

Hiltons Honors American Express® Ascend
$95 yearly fee, earns a weekend night after spending $15,000 annually, perfect for frequent travelers.

Capital One® Venture® Rewards Card
50,000 miles after $3,000 spent in three months, $0 first-year fee, then $95, offering versatile travel points.

Wyndham Rewards® Visa Signature®
No annual fee, includes free Wi-Fi, late check-out, and dedicated service at Wyndham hotels with Gold status.