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The comfort and convenience of having hotel elite status is truly a pleasure when traveling.
What’s not to love about getting upgraded to a suite, enjoying complimentary Sunday brunch in the hotel restaurant, or occasionally being provided with your own personal butler?
There are also the more subtle pleasantries of a fresh fruit plate waiting for you when you arrive or being able to check out late.
Elite benefits would be expensive if you had to put a price tag on each one. The cost of a room upgrade, paying for premium Wi-Fi, or breakfast in the hotel restaurant would add up quickly.
However, if you play your cards right, you can score hotel elite status, and a large number a points thanks to the credit card welcome bonus, without staying the 50 or so nights each year it normally takes to earn it.
Here’s a collection of credit cards that come with hotel elite status or offer an alternative faster path to achieving it, rather than earning it through the normal hotel loyalty program process. But that’s not all these credit cards offer — you’re going to find some rather unique benefits that every traveler can appreciate.
| Card | Welcome Bonus and Annual Fee | Hotel Elite Status Benefits and Earnings |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express |
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| The Business Platinum Card® from American Express |
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| HILTON HONORS | ||
| Hilton Honors American Express Card |
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| The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card |
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| The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card |
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| Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card |
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| MARRIOTT BONVOY | ||
| Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card |
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| Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card |
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| Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card |
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| Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card |
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| Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card |
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| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card |
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| WORLD OF HYATT | ||
| The World of Hyatt Credit Card |
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| World of Hyatt Business Credit Card |
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| IHG ONE REWARDS | ||
| IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card |
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| IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card |
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| IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card |
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| WYNDHAM REWARDS | ||
| Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Card |
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| Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Plus Card |
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| Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Business Card |
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| CHOICE PRIVILEGES | ||
| Choice Privileges® Mastercard® |
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| BEST WESTERN REWARDS | ||
| Best Western Rewards® Mastercard® |
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| Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard® |
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Terms Apply / Rates & FeesThe Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
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.
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.)
It may seem unusual to receive complimentary hotel elite status from a card that is not affiliated with a hotel chain.
However, the Amex Platinum card not only provides hotel elite status with 2 major hotel chains but is also loaded with a long list of luxury travel benefits.
The Amex Platinum card stands out as the only credit card that offers you elite status at 2 mid-level hotel brands. Just for enrolling your card via your Benefits page, you’ll receive Gold-level elite status with both Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy hotel rewards programs.
The benefits of these statuses include, but are not limited to:
The Amex Platinum card is a premium travel rewards credit card that includes many luxury perks and benefits. Note that some benefits require enrollment so be sure to check your American Express account to get the most out of your card.
This is just a sampling of the benefits that come with the card. Read more about the value of Amex Platinum card benefits here.
The Amex Business Platinum card also comes with the same Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status upon enrollment. It, too, is loaded with luxury travel benefits specifically designed for the frequent business traveler.
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesThis card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!
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.
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 120,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)
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 120,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)
All Hilton Honors credit cards issued by American Express include complimentary elite status in the Hilton Honors loyalty program, with 3 of 4 cards including a spending path to a higher status level.
The perks of having Hilton Honors hotel elite status are many. Here’s a snapshot of what each level of Hilton Honors elite status offers:
Here are the annual stay requirements in order to earn each status level:
| Elite Status Level | Annual Stay Requirements |
| Silver | 10 nights, 4 stays, or 25,000 base points |
| Gold | 40 nights, 20 stays, or 75,000 base points |
| Diamond | 60 nights, 30 stays, or 120,000 base points |
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesComplimentary Hilton Honors Silver status, plus great earnings at Hilton, U.S. gas stations, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. restaurants!
You can’t beat a comfy king-sized bed and room service. For many travelers, it’s the hotel that really makes or breaks an experience. If you’re one of those people, you’ve probably stayed at a Hilton hotel.
Whether your visits are for work or pleasure, the Hilton brand has you covered with more than 6,200 locations in 100 counties and territories.
To enjoy a host of great benefits, you may want to apply for the Hilton Honors American Express Card.
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesAn excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and up to $200 in Hilton credits every year.
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.
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesAutomatic 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.
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.
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesAn excellent option for business owners and business travelers who stay at Hilton properties often and want perks like Hilton Honors elite status.
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, complimentary Priority Pass visits, travel protections, and the opportunity to earn free night certificates.
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.
You have the option to meet spending level requirements on your card to reach an elevated level of elite status.
Here’s a summary of the elite status that comes with each card and how to reach the next level:
| Hilton Honors Credit Card | Comes With | Spend Your Way To |
| Hilton Honors card | Silver | Gold after spending $20,000 on the card in a calendar year |
| Hilton Business Amex card Hilton Surpass card | Gold | Diamond after spending $40,000 on the card in a calendar year |
| Hilton Aspire card | Diamond | N/A |
Unlike credit cards that come with only mid-tier hotel program elite status, the Hilton Aspire card is the only credit card that comes with top-tier hotel elite status. You’ll receive Hilton Honors Diamond status just for having the card.
To qualify for Diamond status you would normally need to have 30 stays, 60 nights, or earn 120,000 Hilton Honors base points in a calendar year. No need to worry about meeting those qualifications as Diamond elite status comes complimentary with the card and is valid as long as you have the card.
The Hilton Aspire card also comes with these other great benefits:
Bottom Line: All Hilton Honors-branded credit cards come with elite status in the Hilton Honors program. You’ll also have the fast-path option to spend your way to higher status without staying the required number of hotel nights or stays annually.
Both American Express and Chase issue Marriott Bonvoy-branded cards that come with complimentary elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy hotel loyalty program.
The Marriott Bonvoy Rewards program has several elite tiers. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect at each elite level:
All elite members have the ability to combine cash and points to book rooms and have access to purchase PointSavers discounted award nights.
To qualify for any elite status level with Marriott Bonvoy, you would normally need to meet the following requirements each calendar year:
| Elite Status Level | Nights Required |
| Silver Elite | 10 |
| Gold Elite | 25 |
| Platinum Elite | 50 |
| Titanium Elite | 75 |
| Ambassador Elite | 100 +$14,000 spent with Marriott |
A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.
Casual travelers who like to frequent properties that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection of brands may want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card.
The Marriott Bold card rewards cardholders for Marriott stays and gives them a boost towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status.
Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual free night award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.
If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesThe Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesA premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.
So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?
Here’s a look at the level of elite status that comes complimentary with each Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit card:
| Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card | Comes With | Spend Your Way To |
| Marriott Bold card | Silver Elite | N/A |
| Marriott Boundless card | Silver Elite | Gold Elite after spending $35,000 in a calendar year |
| Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card | Gold Elite | N/A |
| Marriott Bonvoy Business card | Gold Elite | N/A |
| Marriott Bountiful card | Gold Elite | N/A |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card | Platinum Elite | N/A |
Marriott Bonvoy-branded cards that charge an annual fee can come with benefits like these:
Bottom Line: Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit cards listed above each come with complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Elite status — all come with at least 15 qualifying elite night credits each year. If you have both a personal consumer Marriott Bonvoy-branded card and a business card, you can receive qualifying elite night credits on 2 total cards for up to a maximum of 40 elite night credits towards status each year.
The World of Hyatt card and World of Hyatt Business card both come with entry-level Discoverist status. Let’s review what each elite level includes:
All elite-level members receive a dedicated reservation line, a special check-in area at the hotel, member-discounted hotel rates, a free bottle of water each day, and corresponding MGM Rewards elite status.
Here’s what it takes to achieve World of Hyatt elite status in a calendar year for each level of the program:
| Status Tier | Qualifying Nights | Qualifying Points |
| Discoverist | 10 | 25,000 |
| Explorist | 30 | 50,000 |
| Globalist | 60 | 100,000 |
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.
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.
The World of Hyatt Business card provides a solid option for business travelers that are looking to put their expenses on a small business card.
Hyatt loyalists who do their fair share of business travel have been clamoring for the addition of a co-branded Hyatt business credit card for quite some time — and now it’s finally here.
The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card is now available. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about it!
You would normally be required to stay 10 nights or earn 25,000 earned base points to earn the Discoverist elite status that comes complimentary with the World of Hyatt card and World of Hyatt Business card.
In addition, the World of Hyatt card also grants 5 qualifying night credits toward the next elite level, Explorist status, which typically requires 30 elite qualifying nights or 50,000 base points. You can also spend your way to elevated status as you receive 2 additional qualifying elite night credits for each $5,000 spent on the World of Hyatt card.
By comparison, the World of Hyatt Business card grants 5 elite qualifying night credits towards higher elite status for each $10,000 spent on the card.
Bottom Line: The World of Hyatt card and World of Hyatt Business card each come with entry-level Discoverist elite status. The World of Hyatt card also offers 5 qualifying night credits to accelerate your progress toward mid-level status. You can earn additional elite qualifying nights by spending on your World of Hyatt card at the rate of 2 elite night credits for every $5,000 spent on the card, or 5 elite night credits for every $10,000 spent on the World of Hyatt Business card.
Here’s a summary of what each level of IHG One Rewards elite status offers:
| Status Tier | Qualifying Nights | Qualifying Points |
| Silver Elite | 10 | 0 |
| Gold Elite | 20 | 40,000 |
| Platinum Elite | 40 | 60,000 |
| Diamond Elite | 70 | 120,000 |
IHG also has an Ambassador status that can be purchased for $200 per year ($150 renewal) and includes a buy 1, get 1 reward weekend night, InterContinental benefits, and a 10% rebate on award night purchases.
For more information, refer to our guide to the IHG One Rewards loyalty program.
Earn up to 17x when you stay at IHG hotels, 3x on monthly bills, at gas stations, and restaurants, and 2x on all other purchases.
If you’re someone who is looking to enhance your IHG stays by earning more points and benefits, without paying an annual fee, then the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card might be the perfect fit for you.
In this guide, we will provide a detailed view of what the card can offer so you can decide if it makes sense to add to your wallet.
The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.
If you regularly visit IHG hotels throughout the year, then the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is probably a perfect card to have in your wallet.
The IHG Premier card offers a great bundle of perks and benefits, including automatic Platinum elite status, an annual free night certificate, and travel protections.
The IHG Premier Business card is the perfect option for business travelers who regularly stay at IHG hotels.
IHG Rewards and Chase have teamed up to offer the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Card, a compelling option for those who travel often for their business and stay at IHG hotels.
In this review, we will cover all of the benefits of the card, including earning rates, perks, fees, and more to help you determine whether the card is a good fit for your travel goals.
The IHG Traveler card has no annual fee and comes with Silver Elite status. Plus, you can qualify for Gold Elite status after spending $10,000 in a calendar year.
The IHG Premier card and IHG Premier Business card both come with complimentary Platinum Elite status that would normally require staying 40 nights each year or earning 60,000 qualifying points.
Bottom Line: With complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status for as long as you have the card, a low annual fee of $99, and an annual reward night certificate, the IHG Premier card offers great value.
Wyndham Rewards offers 3 branded credit cards and all come with complimentary elite status in the Wyndham Rewards program.
Let’s look at how the cards compare in the status provided and earnings at Wyndham properties.
Here’s what you can expect from each Wyndham Rewards elite status level:
| Elite Status Level | Annual Stay Requirements |
| Gold | 5 nights |
| Platinum | 15 nights |
| Diamond | 40 nights |
| Wyndham Rewards Card | Annual Fee | Elite Status | Earning Power at Wyndham |
| Wyndham Rewards Earner card | $0 | Gold | 3x points |
| Wyndham Rewards Earner+ card | $75 | Platinum | 5x points |
| Wyndham Rewards Earner Business card | $95 | Diamond | 8x points |
Learn about all the ways you can earn lots of Wyndham Rewards and the best way to maximize redeeming those rewards in these helpful guides.
Hot Tip: Wyndham hotel properties include budget hotel chains such as Super 8 and Days Inn, but you’ll also find plenty of luxury properties. Reward nights range from 7,500 to 30,000 points per night.
Choice Hotels offers a simple loyalty rewards program in the Choice Privileges loyalty program that is enhanced by having a Choice Privileges-branded card.
Let’s look at what you can expect from elite status membership with Choice.
Now let’s look at what it takes to achieve elite status membership.
| Elite Status Level | Annual Stay Requirements |
| Gold | 10 nights |
| Platinum | 20 nights |
| Diamond | 40 nights |
The Choice Privileges card comes with a generous welcome bonus worth up to several free hotel nights, complimentary Gold elite status, and the benefit of earning 5x points when using the card to pay at Choice properties. These earnings are in addition to the bonus points that are earned on your stay with Gold status.
To learn more about how to earn Choice Rewards points and redeem Choice Privileges Rewards points for excellent value, you’ll want to access our informative articles.
Hot Tip: Choice Hotels is acquiring Radisson Hotels Americas. Watch for possible changes in loyalty programs, benefits, and perhaps credit card options.
While the Best Western Rewards loyalty program wouldn’t be described as the most dynamic rewards program, having a Best Western-branded card enhances elite status and makes earning rewards easier. Earning rewards at a faster rate also means you’ll earn free nights faster.
We’ll look first at the benefits of elite status, then see how a Best Western-branded card works to accelerate your earnings.
You’ll need to reach 1 of the options listed in each section to earn elite status:
| Elite Status Level | Annual Stay Requirements |
| Gold | 10 nights, 7 stays, or 10,000 points |
| Platinum | 15 nights, 10 stays, or 15,000 points |
| Diamond | 30 nights, 20 stays, or 30,000 points |
| Diamond Select | 50 nights, 40 stays, or 50,000 points |
With generous welcome offers worth several free hotel nights, elevated earnings at Best Western properties, and complimentary elite status, a Best Western-branded card could deliver value if you’re a Best Western loyalist.
Here’s how the 2 Best Western cards compare:
| Best Western Card | Annual Fee | Elite Status | Earnings |
| Best Western Rewards card | $0 | Gold |
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| Best Western Rewards Premium card | $89 | Platinum |
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Bottom Line: Although the complimentary elite status that comes with having a Best Western-branded credit card doesn’t deliver a lot of benefits, a branded card does make earning rewards a faster process which in turn makes it easier to earn free hotel nights. For great ideas on the best Best Western Plus properties to book with your rewards, check out our recommendations.
There is another option for achieving elite status with a hotel loyalty program, and that is to leverage your current elite status to gain corresponding elite status with another program.
Hotel status matches (a literal match of your current status with another hotel loyalty program) and status challenges (involving a required number of stays) are fleeting and may only be available during a short window of time. If you want to learn more, check out our comprehensive guide on how to status match with hotel loyalty programs.
Hot Tip: Some hotel loyalty programs have been known to grant a status match, or challenge, to members who have received granted status via their hotel-branded credit card. If you have your eye on a specific elite program it doesn’t hurt to request a status match using your credit card-granted elite status.
Hotel elite status can add tremendous value during your travels. If you can secure elite status just by having the hotel-branded credit card or another travel rewards credit card, it’s a logical choice.
Hotel elite status is not the only benefit you’ll receive, no matter which card you select. Just be sure, especially if you’re paying a significant annual fee, that you’re getting benefits you can actually use and that deliver significant value. For example, if a card has a $75 annual fee but offers a free hotel night at renewal, you’ll only maximize the value if you use that hotel night or earn a sufficient amount of points to offset that expense.
All of the cards featured today have generous welcome offers that can be redeemed for several free hotel nights. You’ll need to pay close attention to the spending requirements to make sure you qualify for the bonus. Some cards require just 1 transaction to receive the bonus while others have spending requirements that need to be completed in the first 90 days after card approval.
A hotel-branded or a travel rewards credit card that offers complimentary hotel elite status is definitely worth it if you frequent the associated brand and can use the additional benefits offered by the card.
The information regarding The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding The World of Hyatt Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Plus Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Business Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Best Western Rewards® Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Choice Privileges® Mastercard® 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 Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card, click here.
The best hotel credit card for you will depend on your level of spending, the brands you prefer, and whether the elite status/benefits that come with the card are valuable to you.
The best hotel card will also depend on your tolerance for paying an annual fee. While premium rewards credit cards have higher annual fees, the benefits (if you use them) can offset those fees.
Cards with lower annual fees tend to have fewer benefits.
Another factor in selecting a hotel credit card would be earnings. If you stay predominately at 1 brand, you will generally fare better with that hotel’s branded credit card.
If you stay at a variety of brands and travel frequently, a premium travel rewards credit card could be a better fit.
If you frequently stay at a specific hotel chain, elite status can make your stay more comfortable and allow you to earn free nights faster by earning bonus points for each stay.
Even entry-level elite status can bring benefits such as late checkout, free internet access, and discounted rates.
Receiving hotel elite status just for having the hotel-branded credit card is a plus. You’ll have no requirement to stay a specific number of nights each year but will still be able to enjoy the benefits of hotel elite status.
Each credit card will vary as to how you earn or redeem your free night certificate.
Most credit cards award the free night certificate after your first card anniversary renewal. Once you’ve paid your annual fee, you’ll usually receive an email informing you that your free night is available for use.
Free night certificates are generally valid for just 1 year. Some credit cards require that you actually book and stay the free night prior to expiration. Others require that you just book the free night.
Additionally, your card may come with an extra free hotel night when you book nights with points. These are usually described as “fifth consecutive award night free” or similar language.
This is a great offer because if you book 5 nights, you will only pay for 4. For example, if an award night is 25,000 points, you would pay only 100,000 points for 5 nights versus 125,000 points.
The best hotel rewards program for you will be the one that rewards you for your hotel purchases, aligns with your hotel brand of choice, and offers benefits you can actually use.
The great news is that joining hotel loyalty programs is free. This means that you can always join a hotel’s loyalty reward program prior to staying at that hotel brand.
Just being a member can yield benefits such as late checkout or free Wi-Fi.
Hotel rewards programs also allow you to earn points to use towards free nights, and if you stay frequently enough, you can earn elite status which offers even more benefits.
When you find a hotel reward program you like, having the hotel-branded credit card can serve to enhance that relationship with more benefits, elevated rewards earning, and even complimentary elite status.
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Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.
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