What is the best credit card for getting upgraded hotel rooms?

The best card for securing upgraded hotel rooms is the one that aligns with the brand you frequent and your spending mix. For example, if Hyatt is your brand of choice, you’ll want a card that offers upgraded rooms, elevated earnings, and good-value redemptions at Hyatt. To dig deeper into hotel-branded cards, check out our recommendations for Marriott Bonvoy loyalists, Hilton Honors loyalists, frequent guests at IHG, and those who prefer World of Hyatt. You’ll also find plenty of hotel elite and elite-style benefits on premium travel rewards cards.

What credit score do I need for a hotel credit card?

It depends on the specific hotel-branded card, but you will generally need a very good to excellent credit score to be approved for a Marriott, Hyatt, or Hilton hotel-branded credit card. According to Equifax, a very good score ranges from 740 to 799, and an excellent score is 800 and above. Other hotel-branded cards may grant approval with just a good credit score, which is considered 670 to 739. Of course, the higher your score, the more likely you will be approved.

Are hotel credit cards worth it?

If you frequent a particular hotel brand, its branded card can definitely be worth it. You could receive elevated earnings on your spending at that property, upgraded rooms, on-site amenities, special room rates, free hotel nights, and other hotel benefits that make having a hotel-branded card worthwhile.

How does the fifth night free work?

One benefit that comes with joining some hotel loyalty programs is the opportunity to receive your fifth hotel reward night free. Marriott Bonvoy offers the fifth consecutive reward night free for program members and Hilton Honors offers the fifth consecutive reward night free for its elite members. Marriott Bonvoy simply charges points for the first 4 nights and then no charge for the fifth night. Hilton Honors applies an average credit based on all 5 nights and charges the reduced amount after the credit is applied. The IHG Rewards program offers a fourth-night free benefit to those with an IHG-branded credit card.

Home › Credit Cards

The 10 Best Credit Cards for Hotel Upgrades & Perks [2021]

Christine Krzyszton

- UPDATED: December 16, 2021

Credit Cards

We may be compensated when you click on links from one or more of our advertising partners. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone. Terms apply to offers below. See our Advertiser Disclosure for more details.

There are fewer ways to start your hotel stay on a more positive note than hearing the phrase: “You’ve been upgraded.” Whether it’s a more spacious room, a spectacular view, or both, receiving an upgraded experience for no extra charge is definitely a welcome perk.

There are several ways to secure an upgraded hotel room and other on-site benefits. One way is to meet the hotel loyalty program’s annual stay (and occasionally additional spending) requirements to achieve elite status. Elite status can qualify you for upgraded rooms, free Wi-Fi, breakfast, late checkout, and many more on-site benefits.

There is, however, a shortcut to receiving hotel program elite status or elite-style benefits: by simply holding a hotel-branded credit card or premium travel rewards card.

That’s the focus of today’s article. We’re taking a look at the best cards for securing upgraded hotel rooms and other on-site perks. We’ll dive into the top travel rewards cards that offer complimentary hotel loyalty program elite status, perks at specific hotel collection properties, free night certificates, and hotel-branded cards that offer much more than just an upgraded room.

If you’re looking for those elusive upgraded accommodations with a view, you’ll want to stick with us as we discuss the best cards for securing these perks — complimentary, of course.

Table of contents

Best Personal Cards for Hotel Upgrades
Best Business Cards for Hotel Upgrades
Additional Credit Cards for Hotel Upgrades
The Best Credit Cards for Hotel Upgrades — Summary
Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

Best Personal Cards for Hotel Upgrades
Best Business Cards for Hotel Upgrades
Additional Credit Cards for Hotel Upgrades
The Best Credit Cards for Hotel Upgrades — Summary
Final Thoughts

Best Personal Cards for Hotel Upgrades

The complimentary elite status that comes with your credit card may qualify you for room upgrades. Reges, a Luxury Collection Resort Spa, Cesme. Image Credit: Marriott

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Credit Card	Benefits & Info
New 100k Welcome Offer The Platinum Card® from American Express Learn More (at Amex's secure site)	Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. 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 $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month when you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at your choice of one or more of the following providers: Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required. $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. There are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $25 back each month on eligible Equinox memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. $179 CLEAR® Credit: Use your Card and get up to $179 back per year on your CLEAR® membership. Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-850) Annual Fee: $695 Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here. $2,200 Must Reads: For more info on the Amex Platinum, see our thoughts on the cards incredible benefits and perks, which includes travel insurance coverage, car rental insurance and so much more. Check out our full review to see why it’s one of the best travel credit cards.

Credit Card

Benefits & Info

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Learn More

(at Amex's secure site)

Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
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 $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month when you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at your choice of one or more of the following providers: Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax.
American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. There are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
$200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
$300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $25 back each month on eligible Equinox memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
$179 CLEAR® Credit: Use your Card and get up to $179 back per year on your CLEAR® membership.
Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-850)
Annual Fee: $695
Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here.

$2,200

Must Reads: For more info on the Amex Platinum, see our thoughts on the cards incredible benefits and perks, which includes travel insurance coverage, car rental insurance and so much more. Check out our full review to see why it’s one of the best travel credit cards.

The Amex Platinum card is well known for its premium travel benefits, earning valuable Membership Rewards, and flexible redemption options. It’s also a great card for hotel elite benefits, including those that offer upgraded rooms.

How the Card Upgrades Your Hotel Experience

You’ll have plenty of opportunities for upgraded rooms and other on-site perks using the Amex Platinum card with complimentary hotel loyalty program elite status and elite-style benefits at specific hotel groups.

Here are the hotel-related benefits that come with the card. Note that some benefits require enrollment so be sure you explore your benefits to get the most out of your card:

Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status
- In addition to room upgrades, Gold Elite status members receive the fifth consecutive reward night free, late checkout, free Wi-Fi, welcome points, and 25% bonus points earned on paid stays.
- You’d normally have to stay 25 nights in a calendar year to earn Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status and be eligible for upgraded rooms.
Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status
- Hilton Honors Gold status comes with free breakfast, room upgrades, the fifth consecutive award night free, late checkout, free Wi-Fi, and bonus points.
- To earn Hilton Honors Gold status, you would normally have to stay 40 nights or have 20 stays in a calendar year at Hilton properties.
Elite-Style Benefits at American Express’ The Hotel Collection
- On stays of 2 nights or more, enjoy upgraded rooms whenever available. In addition, you’ll receive a $100 hotel credit to be used on qualifying dining, spa, and resort activities. Use your card to reserve the prepaid reservation and earn 5x Membership Rewards points.
Elite-Style Benefits at American Express’ Fine Hotels & Resorts
- Receive room upgrades when available, daily breakfast for 2, late checkout, early check-in, free Wi-Fi, and a welcome amenity worth at least $100. No minimum stay is required.
Up to $200 Statement Credit for Fine Hotels & Resorts and The Hotel Collection
- Book a prepaid stay via Amex Travel and receive the associated elite-style benefits plus a statement credit of up to $200 each calendar year.

Hot Tip: Learn more about the Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels & Resorts in our overview and comparison of the benefits and perks of each program.

Why We Like the Card Overall

We like the Amex Platinum card for its long list of premium travel benefits, which includes worldwide access to more than 1,300 airline lounge properties. The card also earns valuable Membership Rewards points and comes with statement credits for specific purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue and Uber, for example.

Bottom Line: In addition to offering hotel elite status, statement credits, and benefits at luxury hotel collections, the Amex Platinum card earns Membership Rewards points that can be transferred to airline and hotel loyalty programs where the points can be redeemed for free hotel nights and flights. The card also comes with travel/shopping protections and benefits and is one of the best cards around that helps you upgrade your flight experience, too.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Credit Card	Benefits & Info
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Learn More (at Chase's secure site)	Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards® $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year Earn 5x total points on air travel and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® 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 Ultimate Rewards^®. For example, 50,000 points are worth $750 toward travel With Pay Yourself Back^SM, your points are worth 50% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories 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 for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or Nexus Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more Excellent Credit Recommended (740-850) Annual Fee: $550 $1,000 Must Reads: For more on the Chase Sapphire Reserve, see our thoughts on its benefits, global airport lounge access, and travel insurance protection. Take a look here for our full review.

Credit Card

Benefits & Info

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Learn More

(at Chase's secure site)

Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
$300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year
Earn 5x total points on air travel and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® 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 Ultimate Rewards^®. For example, 50,000 points are worth $750 toward travel
With Pay Yourself Back^SM, your points are worth 50% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
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 for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or Nexus
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
Excellent Credit Recommended (740-850)
Annual Fee: $550

$1,000

Must Reads: For more on the Chase Sapphire Reserve, see our thoughts on its benefits, global airport lounge access, and travel insurance protection. Take a look here for our full review.

How the Card Upgrades Your Hotel Experience

While the Chase Sapphire Reserve card does not come with hotel program elite status, the card does offer the opportunity for an upgraded experience at these hotel collection properties.

Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection Benefits
- Receive an upgraded room, when available, a local amenity unique to the property, such as dinner, spa, or resort credit, early check-in/late checkout when available, daily breakfast for 2, and free Wi-Fi.
sbe Hotels Benefits
- Enjoy an upgraded room, when available, a $30 hotel credit, the fourth night free, complimentary Wi-Fi, breakfast for 2 or a complimentary beverage, and late checkout.
Relais & Châteaux Benefits
- Receive a VIP welcome amenity and complimentary breakfast.

Why We Like the Card Overall

We like that the card comes with a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership that provides worldwide lounge access to over 1,300 properties. The card also offers elevated earnings on travel and dining and comes with a $300 travel credit that is easy to use, even for upgraded hotel rooms.

The card earns valuable Ultimate Rewards points that can be redeemed for travel at 50% more value via the Chase travel portal or transferred to travel partners for even greater potential value. You’ll also find the card packed with premium travel insurance and shopping protections/benefits.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Credit Card	Benefits & Info
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card Learn More (at Amex's secure site)	Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases within your first 3 months of card membership Enjoy a free Weekend Night Reward within your first year and every year after renewal. Earn 14x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible purchases at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton Portfolio. Earn 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible purchases: on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies & at U.S. restaurants. Earn 3x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on all other eligible purchases Annual Fee: $450 Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-850) Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Hilton Aspire Card, please click here. Must Reads: For more info on the Hilton Aspire Card, see our insights on its benefits and our full review.

Credit Card

Benefits & Info

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Learn More

(at Amex's secure site)

Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases within your first 3 months of card membership
Enjoy a free Weekend Night Reward within your first year and every year after renewal.
Earn 14x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible purchases at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton Portfolio.
Earn 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible purchases: on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies & at U.S. restaurants.
Earn 3x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on all other eligible purchases
Annual Fee: $450
Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-850)
Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Hilton Aspire Card, please click here.

Must Reads: For more info on the Hilton Aspire Card, see our insights on its benefits and our full review.

The Hilton Aspire card is one of the best hotel-branded cards available and is known for offering a unique package of hotel-related perks just for having the card.

How the Card Upgrades Your Hotel Experience

The Hilton Aspire card is the only hotel-branded card that comes with valuable top-level hotel elite status. With Hilton Honors Diamond status, you’ll enjoy the best that the Hilton Honors loyalty program has to offer.

Here are some of the hotel perks you’ll enjoy with the Hilton Aspire card:

Free weekend hotel night certificate after card approval and each card anniversary
The benefits of Diamond status include upgraded rooms (even suites when available), free breakfast or breakfast credit, lounge access, free Wi-Fi, bonus points, and a welcome amenity
14x earnings at Hilton properties when paying with your card
Up to $250 Hilton Resort credit
Up to $100 credit for a 2-night or more stay at Waldorf Astoria or Conrad properties

Without the Hilton Aspire card, you would need to stay 60 nights, 30 stays, or earn 120,000 points from stays in a calendar year to achieve top-level Hilton Honors Diamond status.

Why We Like the Card Overall

The Hilton Aspire card is packed with travel benefits, such as worldwide lounge access via Priority Pass Select membership.

The card also comes with hundreds of dollars in statement credits for specific purchases including a $250 airline incidentals credit. In addition to elevated earnings at Hilton, you’ll receive 7x earnings on qualifying flights, car rentals, and at U.S. restaurants.

For those looking for a Hilton-branded card with a lower annual fee with complimentary Gold status and corresponding upgrade benefits, have a look at the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.

To learn more about all the best Hilton-branded cards and the associated benefits, check out our complete overview.

Bottom Line: All Hilton-branded credit cards come with a generous welcome bonus that can be redeemed for free hotel nights, elevated earnings at Hilton, on-site benefits, and complimentary elite status. If you stay at a particular hotel brand even once or twice a year, you’ll benefit from having a hotel-branded credit card.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

CREDIT CARD	CARD INFO
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card Learn More (at Amex's secure site)	Earn 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. Plus, earn up to $200 in Statement Credits for eligible purchases at U.S. Restaurants within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Enjoy up to $300 in statement credits each year of Card Membership for eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. 3 points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2 points on all other eligible purchases. Receive 1 free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points) at a participating hotel. Certain hotels have resort fees. Enjoy unlimited airport lounge visits when you enroll in Priority Pass™ Select membership. No Foreign Transaction Fees. Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-840) Annual Fee: $450 Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, click here. $525

CREDIT CARD

CARD INFO

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

Learn More

(at Amex's secure site)

Earn 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. Plus, earn up to $200 in Statement Credits for eligible purchases at U.S. Restaurants within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Enjoy up to $300 in statement credits each year of Card Membership for eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program.
Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. 3 points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2 points on all other eligible purchases.
Receive 1 free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points) at a participating hotel. Certain hotels have resort fees.
Enjoy unlimited airport lounge visits when you enroll in Priority Pass™ Select membership.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-840)
Annual Fee: $450
Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, click here.

$525

With thousands of properties worldwide, Marriott Bonvoy offers one of the largest global hotel footprints. It’s a big plus for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card that you have so many properties to enjoy your hotel benefits.

How the Card Upgrades Your Hotel Experience

Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status with Platinum status after spending $75,000 on the card in a calendar year
Up to $300 statement credit for eligible hotel purchases at Marriott
Earns 6x points per dollar spent at Marriott properties
Annual free hotel night award worth 50,000 points
15 elite qualifying night credits each year towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status
$100 property credit at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties
Free premium Wi-Fi

Why We Like the Card Overall

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card offers 3x earnings on flights purchased directly from the airline and 2x earnings on all other purchases.

Every Marriott Bonvoy -branded card comes with hotel elite status or elite qualifying nights that help you reach higher elite status faster. Learn more about all of these cards in our article on the best cards for Marriott Bonvoy loyalists.

Bottom Line: Having a Marriott Bonvoy-branded card creates a faster path to elite status. Receive 15 elite qualifying night credits each year with a personal Marriott Bonvoy card and 15 additional elite qualifying night credits for having a Marriott Bonvoy business card, for a total of 30 elite qualifying nights. It takes just a total of 25 nights to qualify for Gold Elite status, 50 for Platinum, and 75 for Titanium.

Best Business Cards for Hotel Upgrades

Having an upgraded room when traveling for business can make your stay much more comfortable. AlRayyan Hotel Doha Curio Collection by Hilton. Image Credit: Hilton

Just like personal hotel credit cards, these business cards offer travelers the opportunity for upgraded hotel experiences.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Credit Card	Benefits & Info
New Welcome Offer The Business Platinum Card® from American Express Learn More (at Amex's secure site)	Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, 0% Intro APR for 12 months from the date of the account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time. After that, your APR will be 14.24% to 22.24% based on your credit worthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. Get 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 on eligible purchases at U.S. 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 everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Unlock over $1,000 in value per year for statement credits on select purchases with your Card, including up to $400 with Dell Technologies, up to $360 with Indeed, up to $150 with Adobe and up to $120 on wireless telephone purchases. Enrollment required. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year toward baggage fees and more at one qualifying airline. $179 CLEAR® Credit: Use your Card and get up to $179 back per year on your CLEAR® membership. The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more lounge location options than any other credit card on the market as of 9/2021. Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-850) Annual Fee: $695 Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum card, click here. $2,640 Must Reads: For more info on the Amex Business Platinum, see our insights on its benefits, top card FAQ’s and the best airport lounges you can access. Go here for our full review. This is one of several business credit cards from Amex.

Credit Card

Benefits & Info

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Learn More

(at Amex's secure site)

Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
Plus, 0% Intro APR for 12 months from the date of the account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time. After that, your APR will be 14.24% to 22.24% based on your credit worthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
Get 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 on eligible purchases at U.S. 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 everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
Unlock over $1,000 in value per year for statement credits on select purchases with your Card, including up to $400 with Dell Technologies, up to $360 with Indeed, up to $150 with Adobe and up to $120 on wireless telephone purchases. Enrollment required.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year toward baggage fees and more at one qualifying airline.
$179 CLEAR® Credit: Use your Card and get up to $179 back per year on your CLEAR® membership.
The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more lounge location options than any other credit card on the market as of 9/2021.
Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-850)
Annual Fee: $695
Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum card, click here.

$2,640

Must Reads: For more info on the Amex Business Platinum, see our insights on its benefits, top card FAQ’s and the best airport lounges you can access. Go here for our full review. This is one of several business credit cards from Amex.

You’ll enjoy all the same hotel upgrade benefits with the Amex Business Platinum card as the personal consumer version — Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Gold status with Hilton Honors, upon enrollment, plus elite-style benefits at American Express’ The Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels & Resorts.

Why We Like the Card Overall

We like that the Amex Business Platinum card earns valuable Membership Rewards points that can be redeemed for travel via Amex Travel or transferred to travel partners for the potential of even greater value.

In addition, you’ll find value in statement credits of up to $400 for Dell Technology purchases, and up to $200 credit for airline incidental fees.

With car rental benefits, shopping protections, and a long list of valuable travel insurance benefits, there’s plenty of value to derive from the card.

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

CREDIT CARD	CARD INFO
New Offer The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card Learn More (at Amex's secure site)	Welcome Offer: Earn up to 180,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points. Earn 130,000 Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, you can earn an additional 50,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend a total of $10,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months. Earn Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card: 12x at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, 6x on Select Business & Travel Purchases, 3x on all other eligible purchases. Terms & Limitations Apply. Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status with your Hilton Honors Business Card. Earn a Weekend Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Earn another Weekend Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend an additional $45,000 in purchases on your Card in the same calendar year. Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-850) Annual Fee: $95 Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Business Card, click here. $900

CREDIT CARD

CARD INFO

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

Learn More

(at Amex's secure site)

Welcome Offer: Earn up to 180,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points. Earn 130,000 Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, you can earn an additional 50,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend a total of $10,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months.
Earn Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card: 12x at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, 6x on Select Business & Travel Purchases, 3x on all other eligible purchases. Terms & Limitations Apply.
Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status with your Hilton Honors Business Card.
Earn a Weekend Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
Earn another Weekend Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend an additional $45,000 in purchases on your Card in the same calendar year.
Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-850)
Annual Fee: $95
Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Business Card, click here.

$900

Enjoy complimentary Gold status, with the opportunity to earn Diamond status after spending $40,000 on the Hilton Business Amex card in a calendar year.

You can expect these hotel benefits with Gold status:

Free breakfast or breakfast credit, room upgrades to executive room level, and free Wi-Fi
No resort fees on award stays
80% bonus points earnings on spending at Hilton properties

Why We Like the Card Overall

Earn big when you stay at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio
Earn a Weekend Night Reward after spending $15,000 on the card in a calendar year, spend an additional $45,000 and receive another Weekend Night Reward
Worldwide airport lounge access to more than 1,300 properties with complimentary Priority Pass Select membership

If your business involves travel and staying at Hilton properties, investigate the Hilton Business Amex card to see if it could be a fit for your operation.

Your points will go further when you utilize Hilton’s fifth-night free benefit. Reward stays of 5 consecutive nights or longer receive a credit for the average of the rewards points spent.

Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card

CREDIT CARD	CARD INFO
Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card Learn More (at Amex's secure site)	Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn up to $150 back in statement credits on eligible purchases made on your new Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. 6x points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. 4x points at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. 2x points on all other eligible purchases. Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. Certain hotels have resort fees. Enjoy complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status with your Card. Plus, earn Gold Elite status after making $35,000 in eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-840) Annual fee: $125 Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business Card, click here. $525

CREDIT CARD

CARD INFO

Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card

Learn More

(at Amex's secure site)

Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn up to $150 back in statement credits on eligible purchases made on your new Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
6x points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program.
4x points at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. Certain hotels have resort fees.
Enjoy complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status with your Card. Plus, earn Gold Elite status after making $35,000 in eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-840)
Annual fee: $125
Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business Card, click here.

$525

Unlike the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card that comes with Gold Elite status, the Marriott Bonvoy Business card comes with just Silver Elite status and an option to spend a significant $60,000 in a calendar year to achieve Gold Elite status.

Silver status does not include upgraded rooms at Marriott properties. However, we like that the card provides a faster path to elite status, a free hotel night certificate each year, and elevated earnings at Marriott. The card also comes with a lower annual fee.

Why We Like the Card Overall

15 elite qualifying night credits towards higher elite status — just 25 total nights are required for Gold Elite status
Free hotel night certificate at card anniversary
6x earnings at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
4x earnings at U.S. restaurants, U.S. shipping, U.S. wireless telephone services, and U.S. gas stations
2x earnings on all other purchases

If your travel includes just 10 annual nights staying at Marriott properties, you’ll automatically qualify for Gold Elite status if you have the Marriott Bonvoy Business card. If you have both the personal and business versions of the card, you’ll receive a total of 30 elite qualifying nights, which would automatically qualify you for Gold Elite status that comes with upgraded rooms and more.

For the Marriott Bonvoy business traveler loyalist, this card should be a consideration.

Hot Tip: American Express-issued cards all have access to Amex Offers that frequently contain hotel savings or bonus earnings. Recent examples include a $50 statement credit after making a $200 Marriott purchase, $50 back on a $250 Hyatt purchase, and $50 back on a $175 purchase at Hampton Inn or Hilton Garden Inn hotels. Both business and consumer personal cards are eligible for Amex Offers.

Additional Credit Cards for Hotel Upgrades

Hotel-branded credit cards make it easier to secure that upgraded room with a view. Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence, Maputo. Image Credit: Radisson Hotels

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

Having the World of Hyatt card enhances the benefits you’ll find with the popular and robust World of Hyatt loyalty program. You’ll receive complimentary entry-level Discoverist status that offers upgraded rooms at most Hyatt properties. The card also comes with an annual free hotel night, late checkout, waived resort fees, and bonus points on Hyatt stays.

CREDIT CARD	CARD INFO
The World of Hyatt Credit Card Learn More (at Chase's secure site)	Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent 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 at Hyatt hotels & 5 Base Points per $1 you can earn as a World of Hyatt member. Plus, 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. Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-850) Annual Fee: $95 $450

CREDIT CARD

CARD INFO

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

Learn More

(at Chase's secure site)

Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent
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 at Hyatt hotels & 5 Base Points per $1 you can earn as a World of Hyatt member. Plus, 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.
Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-850)
Annual Fee: $95

$450

With a stellar welcome bonus, and up to 9x earnings at Hyatt, it’s easy to earn free nights, plus, earn 2x spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships.

If you’re a small-business owner, you may also want to check out the newly launched World of Hyatt Business Credit Card that offers big earning potential and an easier path to Globalist status.

Hot Tip: Qualification requirements for earning World of Hyatt elite status have been reduced for 2021. Learn more about the value of elite status, more details on the benefits at each level, and how to qualify.

IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card

CREDIT CARD	CARD INFO
IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card Learn More (at Chase's secure site)	Earn 125,000 bonus points + a Free Night after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening Enjoy a Reward Night after each account anniversary year at eligible IHG hotels worldwide. Plus, enjoy a reward night when you redeem points for any stay of 4 or more nights Earn up to 25 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel Earn 2 points per $1 spent on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier card member Global Entry or TSA Pre✓^® Fee Credit of up to $100 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card IHG Rewards Club Bonus points are redeemable at hotels such as InterContinental^®, Crowne Plaza^®, Kimpton^®, EVEN^® Hotels, Indigo^® Hotels & Holiday Inn^® Good to Excellent Credit Recommend (670-850) Annual Fee: $89 $625

CREDIT CARD

CARD INFO

IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card

Learn More

(at Chase's secure site)

Earn 125,000 bonus points + a Free Night after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Enjoy a Reward Night after each account anniversary year at eligible IHG hotels worldwide. Plus, enjoy a reward night when you redeem points for any stay of 4 or more nights
Earn up to 25 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
Earn 2 points per $1 spent on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier card member
Global Entry or TSA Pre✓^® Fee Credit of up to $100 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
IHG Rewards Club Bonus points are redeemable at hotels such as InterContinental^®, Crowne Plaza^®, Kimpton^®, EVEN^® Hotels, Indigo^® Hotels & Holiday Inn^®
Good to Excellent Credit Recommend (670-850)
Annual Fee: $89

$625

We like the IHG brand because you can find an IHG property just about anywhere. And if you stay at IHG properties, even occasionally, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how the IHG Premier card can earn you free nights and improve your IHG experience.

Here are the features and benefits you can expect from having the card:

An annual free hotel night certificate at card anniversary
Complimentary Platinum Elite status
Up to 25x points per dollar spent at IHG
2x points at gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores

Platinum Elite status comes with room upgrades, late checkout, 50% bonus points at most properties, free Wi-Fi, and guaranteed room availability. To earn Platinum Elite status, members would normally need to stay 30 nights or earn 30,000 points in a calendar year.

To learn more about elite benefits in the IHG Rewards program, check out our article where we go into more detail.

Radisson Rewards™ Premier Visa Signature® Card

Radisson loyalists will find the Radisson Rewards Premier card kicks up the comfort level at Radisson properties and offers additional Radisson Rewards Americas points-earning opportunities.

Cardholders also receive the following benefits:

Generous welcome bonus
Complimentary Gold status that includes upgraded rooms, 25x bonus points per $1 spent, late checkout/early check-in, and more
15 elite qualifying nights towards Platinum status
10x earnings at Radisson for each dollar spent on the card
40,000 bonus points at each card renewal
Earn up to 3 free hotel night certificates — 1 for each $10,000 in purchases made on the card each year

Radisson Rewards Americas Gold status normally requires staying 30 nights or 20 stays each year.

Hot Tip: Radisson Rewards Americas status applies to hotel properties in the Americas and the Caribbean and Radisson Rewards offers status access for the rest of the world. Radisson Rewards will match your Radisson Rewards Americas status, giving you access to additional earnings, points transfers, and the associated hotel benefits worldwide. Contact Radisson Hotels at [email protected] to request the match.

The Best Credit Cards for Hotel Upgrades — Summary

Enjoy the on-site perks offered at unique hotels throughout the world with our featured hotel-branded or premium travel rewards cards. Urban Garden Hotel Rome. Image Credit: The Hotel Collection

Let’s review the upgraded hotel room benefits you’ll receive from each of our featured cards.

Card	Hotel Upgrade Benefits
Amex Business Platinum card	Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Gold status with Hilton Honors that qualifies members for complimentary room upgrades Elite-style benefits at The Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels & Resorts
Amex Platinum card	Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Gold status with Hilton Honors that qualifies members for complimentary room upgrades Elite-style benefits at The Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels & Resorts Up to $200 statement credit for prepaid stays at Fine Hotels & Resorts or The Hotel Collection properties
Chase Sapphire Reserve card	Elite-style benefits, including room upgrades at Luxury Hotels & Resorts and sbe Hotel brands $300 travel credit that can be used for upgraded hotel rooms
Hilton Aspire card	Top Hilton Honors Diamond status that comes with upgraded rooms, including suites, when available $250 resort credit that can be used for upgraded rooms
Hilton Business Amex card	Hilton Honors Gold status that includes upgraded rooms Spend $40,000 in a calendar year to achieve Diamond status
IHG Premier card	IHG Rewards Platinum Elite status that includes the benefit of upgraded rooms
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card	Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status and Platinum Elite status after you spend $75,000 on the card — both statuses qualify for complimentary upgraded rooms $300 credit each year for Marriott purchases that can be used for upgraded rooms 15 qualifying elite night credits toward higher status
Marriott Bonvoy Business card	Mariott Bonvoy Silver status plus 15 elite qualifying nights towards higher status (25 nights total needed for Gold status) Spend $60,000 per year on the card for Gold status
Radisson Rewards Premier card	Radisson Rewards Americas Gold status that qualifies for upgraded rooms
World of Hyatt card	World of Hyatt Discoverist status that includes upgrades to premium rooms at most Hyatt properties 5 elite qualifying nights towards any level of elite status

Final Thoughts

If you spend even a few nights a year at a specific hotel brand, you’ll benefit from having a hotel-branded credit card. At the very least, you’ll earn reward points faster, which allows you to redeem for more free hotel nights and receive on-site benefits that make your stay more comfortable. Many cards offer complimentary hotel loyalty program elite status and even free night certificates plus you’ll even find a few without annual fees.

Most points don’t expire as long as you have the associated card, so even if you don’t stay at a hotel brand frequently, you can take your time earning your next free hotel night while enjoying the perks of a hotel-branded card.

If you stay frequently at a specific brand, a hotel-branded card or premium travel rewards card could deliver even greater value.

We’ve given you an overview of some of the hotel-related benefits that come with our featured cards, but there may be even more features and benefits offered on each card — the most significant being travel insurance benefits and protections and also shopping benefits and protections. Prior to applying for any card, you’ll want to review the card’s entire earning, redemption, and benefits package plus the applicable rates and fees.

The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and Radisson Rewards™ Premier Visa Signature® 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 of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® 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.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, click here.

Featured Cards

Best Personal Cards for Hotel Upgrades

The Platinum Card® from American Express

How the Card Upgrades Your Hotel Experience

Why We Like the Card Overall

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

How the Card Upgrades Your Hotel Experience

Why We Like the Card Overall

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

How the Card Upgrades Your Hotel Experience

Why We Like the Card Overall

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

How the Card Upgrades Your Hotel Experience

Why We Like the Card Overall

Best Business Cards for Hotel Upgrades

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Why We Like the Card Overall

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

Why We Like the Card Overall

Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card

Why We Like the Card Overall

Additional Credit Cards for Hotel Upgrades

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card

Radisson Rewards™ Premier Visa Signature® Card

The Best Credit Cards for Hotel Upgrades — Summary

Final Thoughts

Frequently asked questions

What is the best credit card for getting upgraded hotel rooms?

What credit score do I need for a hotel credit card?

Are hotel credit cards worth it?

How does the fifth night free work?

About Christine Krzyszton

Urgent Report:

How to Beat the Crowds & Lock In Affordable Travel While You Still Can...

Any thoughts or questions? Comment below! Cancel reply

Related Posts

Urgent Travel Report:

Urgent Report:

How to Beat the Crowds & Lock In Affordable Travel While You Still Can...

Advertiser Disclosure