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4 Overlooked Hotel Credit Cards With Free Nights and Elite Status

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Jarrod West
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Edited by: Jessica Merritt
& Jestan Mendame
4 Overlooked Hotel Credit Cards With Free Nights and Elite Status
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Some hotel credit cards from major brands, such as Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott, receive the most attention. But did you know lesser-known hotel cards can offer significant value that might be a better fit for your travel habits and preferences?

See how underrated hotel credit cards can offer free nights, automatic elite status, and meaningful annual bonuses.

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1. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

The IHG One Rewards program is hardly a small brand compared to the largest hotel programs, and the IHG Premier card packs a serious punch when compared to competitor cards at a similar price point ($99 annual fee).

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IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
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The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.

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IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.
Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
140,000
$700
$99
19.49% - 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 card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

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.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Up to 26x points per $1 on IHG stays
  • 5x points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants
  • 3x points per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
  • $99 annual fee
  • Does not earn transferable points
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 140,000 Bonus Points
  • Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
  • Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
  • Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
  • Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
  • IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.49% - 27.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Not only does the card help you earn more IHG points and enhance the value from your stays with complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status, but it also offers multiple benefits that easily offset the card’s annual fee.

Its anniversary free night certificate can be redeemed at hotels costing up to 40,000 points per night. However, IHG makes these annual free night certificates quite flexible by allowing you to add points on top to book a more expensive property. In other words, you can use your free night certificate to book a hotel that costs 60,000 points per night by simply adding 20,000 points to the booking.

Balcony View at the Kimpton Seafire
Balcony view of the Kimpton Seafire Hotel and Resort. Image Credit: Andrew Kunesh

The free night certificate alone will easily offer you more value each year than the card’s annual fee, but another one of our favorite card perks is getting your fourth consecutive night free on award stays.

This is industry-leading compared to Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, which only offer the fifth night free, and World of Hyatt, which offers no such perk. This effectively allows you to get a 25% discount on 4-night award bookings at IHG properties.

2. Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard®

Choice Privileges is another program that, despite being one of the largest hotel chains in the world, is often overlooked among top hotel rewards programs.

While this is largely because its property portfolio is more budget-focused, the Choice Privileges Select card has a $95 annual fee. It could be extremely valuable if you primarily stay in economy brands throughout the U.S.

Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard®
Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard®
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 Choice Privileges Select card is perfect for Choice loyalists thanks to its 10x rewards on Choice stays and automatic Platinum Elite status.

Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard®
The Choice Privileges Select card is perfect for Choice loyalists thanks to its 10x rewards on Choice stays and automatic Platinum Elite status.
Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - enough to redeem for up to 7 reward nights at select Choice Hotels® properties. Additional fees may apply.
60,000 points
$360
$95
19.99%, 25.74%, or 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 10x points on Choice stays
  • 5x points at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and phone plan services
  • 1x point on all other purchases
Cons
  • Points are not transferrable
  • $95
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – enough to redeem for up to 7 reward nights at select Choice Hotels® properties. Additional fees may apply.
  • Earn 10X points on stays at participating Choice Hotels® properties.
  • Earn 5X points on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and phone plan services. Plus earn 1X points on other purchases.
  • $95 annual fee.
  • Up to $800 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
  • Receive 20 Elite night credits qualifying for at least Platinum level status each calendar year.
  • No foreign transaction fee.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.99%, 25.74%, or 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

If you stay at Choice properties throughout the year, adding the Choice Privileges Select card to your wallet makes plenty of sense based on the additional points earning and automatic Platinum Elite status alone.

When you factor in that the card offers 30,000 bonus Choice Privileges points each account anniversary, it makes for an excellent keeper card.

Choice Home Hotel Bastion Oslo Norway
Choice Hotels are especially great for international travel. Image Credit: Christine Krzyszton

Given that award nights at Choice hotels start at 6,000 points per night and go up to 30,000 points per night, these annual bonus points could get you 5 nights in lower-end Choice hotels, or even a free night at some of the best Choice properties worldwide. Either way, that is excellent value for the card’s $95 annual fee.

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3. Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Plus Card

Wyndham Rewards, like Choice, has a higher concentration of lower-end properties in its portfolio relative to its competitors, and Wyndham credit cards tend to be overlooked. However, the Wyndham Rewards Earner+ card has plenty to offer, even if you only stay at Wyndham hotels occasionally.

Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Plus Card
Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Plus Card
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 Wyndham Rewards Earner+ card is a great option for travelers looking to earn more Wyndham points and get automatic Platinum elite status.

Apply Now(at Barclays' secure site)
Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Plus Card
The Wyndham Rewards Earner+ card is a great option for travelers looking to earn more Wyndham points and get automatic Platinum elite status.
Earn 45,000 bonus points, enough for up to 6 free nights at participating properties after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days. Free nights can require up to 30,000 points per bedroom at participating properties and are subject to availability. Resort fees may apply and cannot be paid with points.
45,000 points
$75
19.99% to 29.99% variable
Why We Like This Card

The information regarding the Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Plus Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 

Adding co-branded hotel credit cards to your wallet can be a great idea for casual and frequent travelers alike. These cards can help you earn more points on each stay, give you elite status with the hotel chain, and give you a free night just for holding on to the card each year.

If you’re someone that likes to visit Wyndham hotels, then the Wyndham Rewards Earner+ card is one that you should consider adding to your wallet. Let’s take a look at all of the ways that this card can upgrade your Wyndham stays.

Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
    • $75 annual fee
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 45,000 bonus points, enough for up to 6 free nights at participating properties after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days. Free nights can require up to 30,000 points per bedroom at participating properties and are subject to availability. Resort fees may apply and cannot be paid with points.
  • Earn 6 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases made at Hotels By Wyndham as well as on qualifying gas purchases.
  • Earn 4 points per $1 spent on eligible dining and grocery purchases (excluding Target® and Walmart®).
  • Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases (excluding Wyndham Timeshare resorts down payments). That means paying bills, buying home office supplies, car repairs, and more are earning you your next great vacation!
  • Annual Bonus. Receive 7,500 bonus points each anniversary year—that’s enough for up to one free night at participating properties.
  • Automatic PLATINUM Level Benefits! Automatically receive a Wyndham Rewards PLATINUM member level and enjoy perks like early check-in, car rental upgrades, and more.
  • Enjoy a Cardmember Booking Discount. Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Cardmembers can save even more on our Best Available Rate at participating Hotels By Wyndham.
  • Unlimited Earning. There is no limit to the number of points you can earn.
  • go free® Faster. Redeem 10% fewer Wyndham Rewards points for go free® awards.
  • Redeem your points for free nights at participating Wyndham Rewards properties, online shopping, gift cards and so much more.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.99% to 29.99% variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 0% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Similar to other underrated cards, the Wyndham Rewards Earner+ card offers perks you might be expecting at this point, like automatic Wyndham Rewards Platinum elite status, along with 7,500 annual bonus points to help offset the card’s $75 annual fee.

Worldmark Kihei by Club Wyndham street sign
Wyndham Hotels has a few all-inclusive resorts. Image Credit: Ryan Smith

It also offers unique benefits that provide value to frequent Wyndham guests, including a 10% discount on award night redemptions and a discount on paid nights when booking the Wyndham Best Available Rate. Just by being a Wyndham Rewards Earner+ cardholder, you can get a discount on nearly every night you stay, regardless of whether it’s a points or cash booking.

4. One Key+™ Card

What if you’re not loyal to a particular hotel chain? The One Key program may appeal to you, as it comprises more than 3.5 million properties worldwide across the Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo booking networks.

One Key+™
One Key+™
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

Extra perks and OneKeyCash on Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo.

One Key+™
Extra perks and OneKeyCash on Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo.
Earn $400 in OneKeyCash after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
$400
$99
18.74%, 23.74%, or 28.74% variable
Why We Like This Card

The One Key+™ Card has a $99 annual fee but tangible benefits make up for the cost. Cardholders will receive $100 in OneKeyCash every anniversary and access to a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every 4 years.

With automatic Gold elite status (and a pathway to Platinum), cardholders can get some unique travel perks when booking through Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. The card offers bonus OneKeyCash for spending at any of those travel brands, as well as gas, groceries, and dining.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Up to 9% in OneKeyCash on Expedia and
    Hotels.com
  • 5% in OneKeyCash on U.S. Vrbo bookings
  • 3% in OneKeyCash on groceries, gas, and dining
Cons
  • OneKeyCash can only be used on Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo and can’t transferred to airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • $99 annual fee
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn $400 in OneKeyCash after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia®, Hotels.com® and Vrbo®. To learn more, please refer to the One Key Terms and Conditions at www.expedia.com/one-key-terms.
  • Earn 3% in OneKeyCash on Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, 3% in OneKeyCash at gas stations, grocery stores, and on dining and 2% in OneKeyCash on other purchases.
  • $99 annual fee.
  • Get Automatic Gold tier in the One Key rewards program with savings of 20% or more with Gold Member Prices on over 10,000 hotels worldwide. Unlock Platinum when you spend $30,000 per calendar year.
  • Get $100 in OneKeyCash each year upon your cardholder anniversary.
  • Receive one statement credit up to $120 for Global Entry® or TSA PreCheck®.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 18.74%, 23.74%, or 28.74% variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 

Not only does booking at One Key properties allow you to cast an extremely wide net in terms of the total number of properties you can stay with, but using the One Key+ card allows you to retain some of the added value and perks you’d get from booking through smaller hotel chains.

Kura Boutique Costa Rica infinity pool and hotel
If you’re not loyal to 1 brand, the One Key program is worth your time. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

Assuming you would typically spend at least $100 each year with Expedia, Hotels.com, or Vrbo, your $100 annual OneKeyCash credit immediately offsets the annual fee you’ll pay for the card. Then, when you factor in your automatic Gold Elite status, which grants you perks like a discount, exclusive perks, and room upgrades at select hotels, the One Key+ card can deliver significant value.

If you value simplicity, flexibility, and choice, the One Key+ card might be ideal.

Hot Tip:

If you’re still not sure which hotel credit card or hotel rewards program is best for you, read our comprehensive guide on the best hotel rewards program for every type of traveler.

Final Thoughts

Hotel credit cards can be valuable additions to your wallet. Not only do they help you earn more points during your stay, but they also typically provide complimentary hotel elite status, which can give you perks like room upgrades and late checkout. From free night certificates to annual bonus points, these benefits can easily offset annual fees.

Featured Image Credit: Ryan Smith
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About Jarrod West

Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 8 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year, and his work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times.

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