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7 Best Credit Cards for Complimentary Breakfast at Hotels [2024]

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When you’re traveling around the world, one of the biggest costs is food. And if you’re a value-focused traveler, you would probably find tremendous value in complimentary breakfast at the hotels you’re staying at.

Sure, some limited-service hotel brands (particularly extended stay and lower-end properties) give free breakfast to all their guests, but if you’re looking to enjoy complimentary breakfast at a full-service hotel, you’ll probably need top-tier elite status or a hotel credit card.

If you have the right credit card, you can not only accelerate the rewards you earn, but also enjoy lovely elite status benefits that go far beyond complimentary breakfast.

In this guide, we’ll show you our favorite credit cards to get for complimentary breakfast at hotels.

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Best Credit Cards for Complimentary Breakfast at Hotels

What To Look for in a Credit Card for Complimentary Breakfast at Hotels

In general, the best credit cards for complimentary breakfast will confer this benefit with as little effort as possible.

Ideally, you get free breakfast just by holding the card and activating your elite status.

There are certainly a few credit cards that offer this, while other credit cards require a higher elite status to get free breakfast, which can be achieved through high credit card spending.

Regardless of the specifics, the best credit cards for complimentary breakfast at hotels are simply those that offer the perk just by holding the card.

Simple enough, right? Let’s get into our favorite personal credit cards for complimentary breakfast at hotels.

Best Personal Cards

Card Summary

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Card

Welcome Offer and Annual Fee

Benefits for Complimentary Breakfast

The Platinum Card® from American Express
  • 80,000 points

    The Platinum Card® from American Express

    Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Annual fee of $695 (rates & fees)
  • Hilton Gold status, which entitles you to a complimentary continental breakfast
  • Book an Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts stay which includes complimentary breakfast as one of the benefits
  • Book a stay at The Hotel Collection which offers a $100 property credit that can be applied toward breakfast
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
  • 175,000 points

    Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

    Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership
  • Annual fee of $550

Hilton Diamond status, which entitles you to a complimentary continental breakfast

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
  • LIMITED TIME OFFER165,000 points

    Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

    Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025.
  • Annual fee of $150 (rates & fees)

Hilton Gold status, which entitles you to a complimentary continental breakfast

The World of Hyatt Credit Card
  • 5 Free Nights

    The World of Hyatt Credit Card

    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.* These nights could be worth up to 90,000 points.
  • Annual fee of $95

Spend your way to World of Hyatt Globalist status, which offers Club Lounge access or complimentary full breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children without a Club Lounge

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
  • 60,000 points

    Chase Sapphire Reserve®

    Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Annual fee of $550

Book through Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection for daily breakfast for 2

Amex Platinum Card (Best for Hilton Gold Status & Amex Hotel Programs)

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS
The Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
80,000 points
$1,760
$695
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros
  • The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
  • 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
Cons
  • $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
  • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
  • $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
  • Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.¤
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

The Amex Platinum card is our #1 favorite card for complimentary breakfast, simply because it happens to offer the best luxury travel perks of any card out there. And if you’re looking for the best travel and lifestyle perks, this is the best card by far.

Earning with the Amex Platinum card is pretty straightforward:

  • 5x points per $1 spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or at AmexTravel.com (on up to $500,000 of these purchases per year) and prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
  • 1x points per $1 everywhere else

While there aren’t a lot of bonus-earning categories, bear with us because you’ll also get a ton of other travel perks!

With the Amex Platinum card, you are entitled to access the American Express Global Lounge Collection, offering the best lounge access in the world at Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta the same day), Escape Lounges — The Centurion® Studio Partner, International American Express Centurion Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, Select Virgin Clubhouses, Select Lufthansa Lounges, and Priority Pass lounges (upon enrollment).

You’ll also get access to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection, a $200 airline fee credit, a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee reimbursement, rental car elite status (Avis, Hertz, and National), access to the Amex International Airline Program, and complimentary Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.

It doesn’t end there — you’ll get up to $200 prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, up to $240 digital entertainment credit, up to $200 in Uber Cash, up to $300 in Equinox credits, $199 in CLEAR Plus credits, $12.95 monthly Walmart+ credits, and up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue credits! Enrollment may be required for select benefits, so make sure you’ve explored your American Express account to ensure you’re getting the most out of your card.

This card offers best-in-class travel coverage, thanks to the trip interruption and cancellation insurance, trip delay insurance, secondary car rental insurance, lost/stolen/damaged/delayed baggage, and emergency evacuation coverage.

And when you’re making purchases, enjoy the purchase protection, extended warranty, zero fraud liability, and even cell phone protection!

How To Access Complimentary Breakfast

There are a few ways to access complimentary breakfast with the Amex Platinum card.

The first way is to activate your Hilton Gold status, which entitles you to complimentary continental breakfast. In practice, most Hilton hotels (especially outside the U.S.) offer a full breakfast.

The second way is to use your Amex Platinum card to book an Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts stay which includes complimentary breakfast as one of the benefits, as well as early check-in, late checkout, room upgrades, and more.

The third way is to use your Amex Platinum card to book a stay at The Hotel Collection which offers a $100 property credit that can be applied towards breakfast.

Hilton Aspire Card (Best for Hilton Diamond Status)

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.
Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership
175,000 points
$875
$550
20.99% - 29.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.


Paying hundreds of dollars for an annual fee on a co-branded hotel card might seem ridiculous, but you should know that the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is much more than your run-of-the-mill hotel credit card.

The Hilton Aspire card is not only a phenomenal card for Hilton Honors loyalists, but even those who visit Hilton hotels just a few times a year can still get excellent value out of all the benefits that are packed into this card.

So let’s have a look at what makes the card so valuable to travelers.

Pros
  • 14x points per $1 on Hilton purchases
  • 7x points per $1 on select travel and at U.S. restaurants
  • 3x points per $1 on all other eligible purchases
Cons
    • High annual fee of $550
  • Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership
  • Earn 14x Hilton Honors Bonus Points when you make eligible purchases on your card at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton portfolio
  • Earn 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for eligible travel purchases: on flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies
  • Earn 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on dining at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery
  • Earn 3x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for other eligible purchases on your card
  • Enjoy up to $400 in Hilton Resort Credits (up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually) on your card each anniversary year when you stay at participating resorts within the Hilton portfolio
  • Enjoy complimentary Diamond status
  • $550 annual fee
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.99% - 29.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The Hilton Aspire card is American Express’s ultra-premium Hilton credit card, and it’s been a hit since it was released!

If you find yourself being loyal to Hilton, this card is the best choice for you. It’s the only credit card that confers top-tier Hilton Honors Diamond Elite status, which excites in a few ways.

Before we talk about that, though, let’s talk about the other features of the card.

You’ll juice up your Hilton stays a Free Night Reward within your first year and every year after renewal. Then, earn up to 14x Hilton Honors points:

  • 14x Hilton Honors points on eligible purchases at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton portfolio
  • 7x Hilton Honors points on flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants
  • 3x Hilton Honors points on all other purchases

This credit card also offers an up to $200 airline credit and an up to $400 Hilton resort credit.

The strong travel benefits include secondary car rental loss and damage insurance, baggage insurance, premium roadside assistance, travel accident insurance, and more.

You can also make use of the purchase protection, return protection, cell phone protection, extended warranty, and no foreign transaction fees.

How To Access Complimentary Breakfast

The most intuitive way to access complimentary breakfast is to use your Hilton Honors Diamond status when you’re booking a stay at a Hilton property.

With Diamond status, you’re entitled to complimentary continental breakfast, as well as suite upgrades, executive lounge access, and additional points-earning bonuses.

But as we mentioned above, your complimentary continental breakfast is almost always a full breakfast at international properties outside the U.S.

Hilton Surpass Card (Best for Hilton Gold Status)

LIMITED TIME OFFER
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

An excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and up to $200 in Hilton credits every year.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

An excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and up to $200 in Hilton credits every year.
Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025.
165,000 points
$825
$150
20.49%-29.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

If you’re someone who loves traveling and loves staying in Hilton hotels, adding a co-branded Hilton hotel card to your wallet is almost a no-brainer. From automatic Hilton elite status to up to $200 in Hilton credits every year, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card can be a great fit for Hilton loyalists looking to up their travel game.

Pros
  • 12x points per $1 at Hilton hotels
  • 6x points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. restaurants
  • 4x points per $1 at U.S. online retail purchases
Cons
  • Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025.
  • Get up to $200 back each year on eligible Hilton purchases after you use your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.
  • Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
  • Earn 6X Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
  • Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases.
  • Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
  • Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
  • Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors ™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.
  • Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status through the end of the next calendar year.
  • Enjoy complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status. Enrollment in the complimentary Emerald Club® program is required. Terms apply.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
  • $150 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.49%-29.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Hilton Honors

The Hilton Surpass card is Hilton’s premium consumer credit card, and it offers plenty of benefits and value with a low price tag.

Earn up to 12x Hilton points per $1 spent:

  • 12x Hilton Honors points on eligible purchases at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton portfolio
  • 6x Hilton Honors points on dining at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations
  • 4X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on U.S. online retail purchases
  • 3x Hilton Honors points on all other purchases

With this card, you get complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, a free night reward after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, and the ability to get Hilton Honors Diamond status after spending $40,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

The Hilton Surpass card comes with secondary rental car insurance, extended warranty, and baggage insurance.

How To Access Complimentary Breakfast

If you know you’re staying at Hilton properties and are looking for a “good enough” elite status to get free breakfast, then this is an awesome card for you.

You’ll keep your annual fees low while having an elite status tier high enough to get a complimentary breakfast at Hilton.

Sure, you won’t get Diamond benefits like suite upgrades and executive lounge access, but you’ll also save a bundle of money in fees.

World of Hyatt Card (Best for Achieving Hyatt Globalist Status)

The World of Hyatt Credit Card
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The World of Hyatt card offers a fast track to Hyatt elite status, an annual free night, and up to 9x points per $1 on Hyatt stays.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)
The World of Hyatt card offers a fast track to Hyatt elite status, an annual free night, and up to 9x points per $1 on Hyatt stays.
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.* These nights could be worth up to 90,000 points.
5 Free Nights
$1,350
$95
20.99% - 27.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The World of Hyatt Credit Card makes your Hyatt stays more rewarding and helps you get coveted World of Hyatt elite status faster. This card is a must-have for any traveler who regularly stays at Hyatt hotels, or even for anyone who’s able to take advantage of the card’s annual free night certificate.

When you factor in all the benefits the World of Hyatt card offers, it’s easy to see why it is one of the best co-branded hotel credit cards on the market.

Pros
  • 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
  • 2x points per $1 at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit, rideshares, and fitness clubs/gym memberships
  • 1x point per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
    • $95 annual fee
  • 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.* These nights could be worth up to 90,000 points.
  • 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
  • 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
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

World of Hyatt

The World of Hyatt card is one of the best hotel credit cards available, mostly because it earns points from an award-winning loyalty program.

Issued by Chase, the World of Hyatt card allows you to earn up to 9x points for Hyatt stays:

  • Up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays — 4 bonus points per $1 spent on qualifying purchases at Hyatt hotels and up to 5 base points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
  • 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
  • 1 Bonus Point per $1 on all other purchases

This credit card also gets you 1 free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort, plus an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 within a calendar year.

In addition, get 5 tier qualifying night credits towards elite status after account opening and after every year. You’ll get World of Hyatt Discoverist status, plus the ability to earn 2 elite night credits for every $5,000 you spend on the credit card.

When you hold this credit card, you can make use of the trip interruption and cancellation insurance coverage, trip delay insurance, lost luggage and baggage delay coverage, secondary rental car insurance, and travel accident coverage.

The card also comes with standard benefits like purchase protection, extended warranty, zero liability, and no foreign transaction fees.

How To Access Complimentary Breakfast

The World of Hyatt card doesn’t confer complimentary breakfast by itself, but there are a few ways to access complimentary breakfast.

First of all, you can spend your way to World of Hyatt Globalist status. This is because you get 5 tier qualifying nights by having the card open, as well as the ability to get 2 more tier qualifying nights for every $5,000 spent.

Hot Tip: The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card offers 5 tier qualifying nights for every $10,000 spent, which can get you to Globalist status even faster. 

Normally, Globalist status requires 60 tier qualifying nights, but in 2021, Hyatt is reducing the requirements by 50% for all elite tiers, which means Globalist requires just 30 tier qualifying nights.

When you have Globalist status, you get Club Lounge access or complimentary full breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children without a Club Lounge. 

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card (Best for Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection Benefits)

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)
A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
60,000 points
$1,200
$550
21.99% - 28.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Excellent (740-850)

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

Pros
  • 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
  • 10x points on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
  • 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
Cons
  • $550 annual fee
  • Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 21.99% - 28.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The last personal credit card on our list is the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. As one of the best ultra-premium credit cards in the world, this card offers great benefits, awesome rewards, and plenty of travel perks.

You’ll also earn up to 10x points per $1 spent:

  • 10x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 spent on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
  • 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 (through March 31, 2025)
  • 3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 spent on travel and dining purchases
  • 1x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 spent on all other purchases

You’ll also find an easy-to-use $300 travel credit every cardmember anniversary year.

Other travel benefits include a Priority Pass Select membership, a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, a DoorDash DashPass subscription (activate by December 31, 2027), rental car elite status with Avis and National, and access to the Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is a well-rounded card, thanks to the best travel insurance offering of any credit card, including primary rental car coverage, trip cancellation and interruption, baggage delay, lost luggage, roadside assistance, and more.

Lastly, you’ll get extended warranty, purchase protection, and zero fraud liability.

How To Access Complimentary Breakfast

Even though the Chase Sapphire Reserve card doesn’t confer any hotel elite status, bookings made through the Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection offer elite-like benefits:

  • Daily breakfast for 2 people
  • Room upgrade, subject to availability
  • Early check-in, subject to availability
  • Late checkout, subject to availability
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • A unique property amenity (lunch or dinner for 2, airport transfers, etc.)

While this draws comparisons to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, the portfolio of eligible hotels is slightly different. Also, the benefits might vary on a case-by-case basis.

Best Business Cards

If you travel frequently for work or business, you probably wouldn’t complain if you got free breakfast during your hotel stays, right?

That’s why we’ve built this next section of the best business credit cards for complimentary breakfast!

Card Summary

SCROLL FOR MORE

Card

Welcome Offer and Annual Fee

Benefits for Complimentary Breakfast

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
  • ELEVATED OFFER150,000 points

    The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

    Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • Annual fee of $695 (rates & fees)
  • Hilton Gold status, which entitles you to a complimentary continental breakfast, enrollment required
  • Book an Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts stay which includes complimentary breakfast as one of the benefits
  • Book a stay at The Hotel Collection which offers a $100 property credit that can be applied toward breakfast (minimum two-night stay required)
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
  • LIMITED TIME OFFER175,000 points

    The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

    Limited Time Offer: Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025.

  • Annual fee of $195 (rates & fees)

Hilton Gold status, which entitles you to a complimentary continental breakfast

Amex Business Platinum Card (Best Business Card for Hilton Gold Status & Amex Hotel Programs)

ELEVATED OFFER
The Business Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)
This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!
Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
150,000 points
$3,300
$695
18.99% - 27.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros
  • 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
  • Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
  • Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (cap applies)
Cons
  • High annual fee of $695 (rates & fees)
  • Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags
  • Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
  • Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
  • Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card®, here.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
  • $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
  • $695 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 18.99% - 27.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome bonus offer of up to 170,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum. The current public offer is 150,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

American Express is basically in a league of its own by offering an ultra-premium business card: the Amex Business Platinum card.

This card earns 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked at AmexTravel.com

And you’ll enjoy a unique perk where you can earn 1.5x points on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, up to $2 million in purchases per calendar year.

You’ll enjoy the same lounge access perks with the American Express Global Lounge Collection as you would with the Amex Platinum card.

Also, the travel benefits include a $200 airline fee credit every calendar year, as well as access to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, complimentary Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status upon enrollment, up to $400 in statement credits for Dell purchases in the U.S. (via 2 $200 credits semi-annually), a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, and a 35% rebate when using Pay With Points on airfare.

The Amex Business Platinum card boasts purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, a suite of travel insurance coverage, and return protection.

How To Access Complimentary Breakfast

To enjoy complimentary breakfast with the Amex Business Platinum card, you can:

Hilton Gold status includes complimentary continental breakfast, though it’s usually a full breakfast at properties outside the U.S.

Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts includes complimentary breakfast on all bookings, as well as late checkout, early check-in, and property credits.

The Hotel Collection offers a $100 property credit and a room upgrade (subject to availability), and you can use the property credit towards breakfast!

Hilton Business Amex Card (Best Business Card for Hilton Gold Status)

LIMITED TIME OFFER
The Hilton Honors American Express Business CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

An excellent option for business owners and business travelers who stay at Hilton properties often and want perks like Hilton Honors elite status.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)
An excellent option for business owners and business travelers who stay at Hilton properties often and want perks like Hilton Honors elite status.

Limited Time Offer: Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025.

175,000 points
$875
$195
20.49% - 29.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

For frequent business travelers who regularly stay in Hilton hotels, The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a great option.

Not only will the card help you earn more points on all of your Hilton stays, but you’ll also receive automatic elite status and travel protections.

Here’s a detailed look at all the benefits this card offers so that you can determine if it’s a good fit for you.

Pros
  • Earn 12x points per $1 on eligible Hilton purchases
  • Earn 5x points on other purchases made for the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year, 3x points thereafter.
  • Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, and the ability to spend your way to Diamond status
Cons
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 1/8/2025.
  • Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible Hilton purchases.
  • Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on other purchases made using the Hilton Honors Business Card on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year, 3X points thereafter.
  • Get up to $60 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with a property in the Hilton portfolio on your Hilton Honors American Express Business Card.
  • Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors Business Card. With Hilton Honors Gold status, you can enjoy benefits at hotels and resorts within the Hilton Portfolio. As a Gold member, earn an 80% Bonus on all Base Points you earn on every stay getting you to free nights faster.
  • You may receive an upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the calendar year if the total eligible purchases on your Card Account during a calendar year reach $40,000 or more.
  • As a Hilton Honors American Express Business Card Member, you can enroll to receive complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status through the link on your American Express online account. After you’re enrolled, you can reserve a rental car by calling National Car Rental directly, using your travel service, or by booking online or through the National Car Rental mobile app. Terms apply.
  • Terms apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.49% - 29.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Hilton Honors loyalty program

The Hilton Business Amex card is a terrific choice for a hotel business credit card. That’s because the welcome bonus is enormous, and the perks are generous.

You’ll earn up to 12x Hilton points per $1 spent:

  • Earn 12x at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio
  • Earn 6x on select business and travel purchases. These include:
    • U.S. restaurants
    • Airfare booked directly with airlines or with AmexTravel.com
    • Car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies
    • Gasoline purchased at U.S. gas stations
    • U.S. shipping purchases
    • Monthly wireless telephone services from U.S. service providers
  • Earn 3x Hilton Honors points on all other purchases

Isn’t this list of bonus categories impressive?

It gets better because this card offers complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status and you can earn Diamond status after spending $40,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

You’ll even get free employee cards, a baggage insurance plan, secondary rental car insurance, and no foreign transaction fees (see rates & fees).

How To Access Complimentary Breakfast

Since this card gets you Hilton Honors Gold status, you can enjoy complimentary continental breakfast on most Hilton stays.

The terms outline that the breakfast is continental, but if you’re staying outside the U.S., you’ll usually get a full breakfast.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the club of credit cards that offer complimentary breakfast is quite exclusive.

There’s only a handful of credit cards offering elite status high enough to access free breakfast without any extra hurdles.

Remember, if you get a hotel-specific credit card, you can only enjoy complimentary breakfast at that hotel chain.

On the flip side, you can use a card like the Amex Platinum card to get complimentary breakfast on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings, regardless of which hotel brand you’re staying at.

Lastly, if you are capable of making large purchases on your credit card, you might be able to spend your way to a hotel elite status tier that confers free breakfast.


For the car rental loss and damage insurance benefit of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the extended warranty benefit of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees for The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get free breakfast at a hotel?

You can get free breakfast at a hotel in a few ways:

  1. Purchasing a hotel rate that includes breakfast
  2. Staying at a hotel that offers free breakfast to all guests
  3. Using hotel elite status to get free breakfast
  4. Booking your hotel stay through a website like Fine Hotels & Resorts

Does Marriott give free breakfast?

Marriott only offers free breakfast at limited-service properties like Fairfield Inn & Suites, Residence Inn, and SpringHill Suites.

You can get free breakfast at most of its full-service brands by having at least Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status.

What is a complimentary breakfast?

A complimentary breakfast is a breakfast that is provided for free to guests. This is ordinarily done at hotels and resorts, but it’s rare at high-end luxury hotels.

Does the Hyatt have complimentary breakfast?

Hyatt offers complimentary breakfast without elite status requirements to Hyatt Place and Hyatt House guests, as long as you book using your World of Hyatt account.

What is the best credit card for complimentary breakfast at a hotel?

The best cards for complimentary breakfast at hotels are the Amex Platinum card, Hilton Aspire card, Hilton Surpass card, World of Hyatt card, and Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

If you frequently stay in hotels for business, the best business cards for complimentary breakfast are the Amex Business Platinum card and Hilton Business Amex card. 

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About Stephen Au

Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.

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