How to Earn Points and Status by Holding Business Events

Did you know that you can earn valuable points and status by booking work events at select hotel chains?

It’s true — and you may be able to earn more points than you think. Nearly of the major hotel chains have started offering bonus points to event planners. In most cases, you’ll earn both elite credit and redeemable miles, putting you closer to top-tier hotel status and free nights at properties around the world.

So if you’re an event planner, you should become familiar with each of the hotel chains’ event and meeting points earning schemes. After all, depending on the types of events you run, you could earn thousands of dollars worth of hotel points that you can use for personal travel, employee travel, or corporate gifts.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to earn points and status with meetings at all of the major hotel chains worldwide, broken down by hotel chain. In each section, we’ll also discuss the best credit cards to use for each type of event.

Bookmark this guide and refer to it the next time you book a meeting — that way, you’ll never leave points on the table.

Let’s get started!

Earning Points With the Hilton Event Planner Program

Hilton has a special program for special events and meetings dubbed the Event Planner Program.

This program awards redeemable Hilton Honors points to event planners when planning meetings and events at thousands of Hilton properties worldwide. Currently, you can earn 1 Hilton point per dollar spent on events and meetings, with an annual limit of 100,000 points per year. You’ll earn points on event expenses like food, drink, event space rentals, rooms at the hotel, and more.

Maxing out this limit would give you enough points to book a free night or 2 at most Hilton properties worldwide, including select Conrad and Waldorf Astoria hotels.

How Book Events Through the Hilton Event Planner Program

The major downfall of the Hilton Event Planner program is that it’s, well, hard to use.

You can’t book your meetings or events online. First, you’ll have to look through Hilton’s extensive list of participating hotels and find the hotel where you’d like to book your event. Not all Hilton hotels are listed here, but there are thousands of options listed spanning most countries where Hilton has a presence.

Then, you have to do one of the following to actually book your meeting:

• Reach out to the sales department at the hotel where you’d like to book your event directly.
• Contact your Hilton Worldwide Sales account manager (if you have one).
• Request a proposal online — note that this isn’t a direct booking and you’ll interface with a Hilton employee to book.
• Call Hilton at 800-321-3232 for help finding and getting in contact with a participating Hilton hotel.

Once you have a proposal drafted, you must include that you’d like to receive Event Planner Points. Hilton notes that you should also include this in your event contract to ensure that you receive points once the event is completed.

Note that you must be a Hilton Honors member in order to earn points on your meetings and events. You can create an account for free on Hilton’s website. At this time there is no way to earn Hilton Honors status by booking meetings and events.

The Best Credit Cards to Use for Hilton Events

American Express offers a handful of Hilton co-branded credit cards with varying points-earning rates, welcome bonuses, and benefits. You should be able to earn bonus points on your Hilton meetings and events so long as the hotel bills your event as a Hilton purchase.

Here’s a look at a few of the Hilton cards that we recommend:

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Hilton Honors American Express Card

U.P. Rating 

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

Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status, plus great earnings at Hilton, U.S. gas stations, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. restaurants!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

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

Hilton Honors American Express Card

Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status, plus great earnings at Hilton, U.S. gas stations, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. restaurants!

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025.

100,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$500

Annual Fee

$0

APR

19.99%-28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 7x points per $1 on Hilton stays
• 5x points per $1 at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations
• 3x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• Not great for those who want multiple redemption options
• Offers the least benefits of all Hilton cards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025.
• Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
• Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
• Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
• Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
• No Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Hilton Honors Loyalty Program

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card

U.P. Rating 

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

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

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

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

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card

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

Welcome Offer

Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025.

165,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$825

Annual Fee

$150

APR

19.99%-28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

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

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 12x points per $1 at Hilton hotels
• 6x points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. restaurants
• 4x points per $1 at U.S. online retail purchases

Cons

• Annual fee of $150 (rates & fees)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025.
• Get up to $200 back each year on eligible Hilton purchases after you use your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card.
• Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• Earn 6X Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
• Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases.
• Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
• Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
• Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card.
• Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status through the end of the next calendar year.
• Enjoy complimentary National Car Rental^® Emerald Club Executive^® status. Enrollment in the complimentary Emerald Club^® program is required. Terms apply.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
• $150 annual fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Hilton Honors

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

U.P. Rating 

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

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

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

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

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

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

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

Welcome Offer

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

175,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$875

Annual Fee

$550

APR

20.99% - 29.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

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

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

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

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

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 14x points per $1 on Hilton purchases
• 7x points per $1 on select travel and at U.S. restaurants
• 3x points per $1 on all other eligible purchases

Cons

• High annual fee of $550

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership
• Earn 14x Hilton Honors Bonus Points when you make eligible purchases on your card at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton portfolio
• Earn 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for eligible travel purchases: on flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies
• Earn 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on dining at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery
• Earn 3x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for other eligible purchases on your card
• Enjoy up to $400 in Hilton Resort Credits (up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually) on your card each anniversary year when you stay at participating resorts within the Hilton portfolio
• Enjoy complimentary Diamond status
• $550 annual fee

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.99% - 29.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

U.P. Rating 

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

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

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

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

Welcome Offer

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

175,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$875

Annual Fee

$195

APR

19.99% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

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

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

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

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 12x points per $1 on eligible Hilton purchases
• Earn 5x points on other purchases made for the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year, 3x points thereafter.
• Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, and the ability to spend your way to Diamond status

Cons

• $195 annual fee (rates and fees)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Limited Time Offer: Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 1/8/2025.
• Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible Hilton purchases.
• Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on other purchases made using the Hilton Honors Business Card on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year, 3X points thereafter.
• Get up to $60 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with a property in the Hilton portfolio on your Hilton Honors American Express Business Card.
• Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors Business Card. With Hilton Honors Gold status, you can enjoy benefits at hotels and resorts within the Hilton Portfolio. As a Gold member, earn an 80% Bonus on all Base Points you earn on every stay getting you to free nights faster.
• You may receive an upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the calendar year if the total eligible purchases on your Card Account during a calendar year reach $40,000 or more.
• As a Hilton Honors American Express Business Card Member, you can enroll to receive complimentary National Car Rental^® Emerald Club Executive^® status through the link on your American Express online account. After you’re enrolled, you can reserve a rental car by calling National Car Rental directly, using your travel service, or by booking online or through the National Car Rental mobile app. Terms apply.
• Terms apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Hilton Honors loyalty program

Alternatively, you can charge the event purchase to a Chase Sapphire Reserve^® , Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card, or Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card and earn 2-3 points per dollar spent on travel at Hilton properties. Again, this bonus should trigger so long as the meeting or event charge codes as a standard Hilton purchase.

Earning Points and Status With Marriott Meetings

Marriott also offers ways to earn bonus points on meetings and events hosted at various Marriott properties around the world.

The hotel chain calls this program Marriott Meetings. Under this program, you’ll earn 2 Marriott points per dollar spent on meetings and events at Marriott properties. Standard Marriott Bonvoy members (those without elite status) can earn up to 60,000 points per event, but those with status can earn more.

Better yet, those with Marriott Bonvoy elite status will earn a points bonus on all meetings and events. Here’s a breakdown of the bonuses:

Cards like The Platinum Card^® from American Express include complimentary upgrades to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, so you may want to apply for this card if you frequently book meetings to earn extra points.

Earning Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status With Marriott Meetings

You’ll also earn elite qualifying nights for meetings. Your first meeting will earn 10 elite qualifying nights, and all further meetings will earn 1 elite qualifying night per 20 hotel room nights you book.

There is a maximum of 20 elite night credits awarded per booking, so you could earn top-tier Marriott Bonvoy elite status if you frequently book events wherein people need to stay overnight.

How to Book Marriott Meetings

You can start the Marriott Meetings booking process using this page on the Marriott website. Enter your information on the form, and you’ll get a quote for properties near the area you searched.

Click the Add To RFP button to request a Request for Proposal for up to 3 hotels of your choosing. The hotels you select will look over the specifics of your event and send a quote and other information regarding your event.

Once you’ve received your RFPs and found the hotel you’d like to book, Marriott notes that you should include your Marriott member number throughout your contact with the hotel as well as in the contract. This will ensure that you get points and elite night credits for your meeting.

The Best Credit Cards to Use for Marriott Meetings

Both Chase and American Express offer co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit cards. Like the Hilton cards mentioned earlier, these have varying benefits, points-earning, and welcome bonuses. You should be able to take advantage of the Marriott bonus spend category on meetings and events so long as the hotel invoices you like a standard hotel stay.

Here’s a look at some of favorite Marriott Bonvoy credit cards:

Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

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

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 Bonus Points plus 1 Free Night Award after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Free Night valued at 50,000 points. Certain hotels have resort fees.

60,000 points + 1 Free Night Award

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$770

Annual Fee

$0

APR

20.74% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 14x points per $1 on Marriott purchases
• 2x points at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services
• 5 Elite Night Credits each year

Cons

• Lower point earn rate than other Marriott Bonvoy cards
• Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status is the lowest status tier

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card from Chase^®!
• Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Card.
• New! Earn 2X points for every $1 spent at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services.
• 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• New! Travel now, pay later - Break up purchases into equal monthly payments with no interest plus no plan fees on qualifying travel purchases. Terms apply.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

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

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.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card

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.

Welcome Offer

Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.

125,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$875

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.74% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn big when you use your card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
• Automatic Silver Elite Status

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• Marriott Silver Elite Status is the lowest status tier

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
• Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
• Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
• 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
• Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Card.
• Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating 

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

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

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

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Welcome Offer

Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you spend $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

85,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$595

Annual Fee

$250

APR

19.99%-28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2x points)
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $250 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
• Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card.
• Marriott Bonvoy 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elites status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy^® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit, available for Qualifying Rates.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card^® you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy^® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
• Plan It^® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you'll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
• $250 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating 

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

A 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.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

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

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

A 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.

Welcome Offer

Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

95,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$665

Annual Fee

$650

APR

19.99%-28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

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?

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program
• 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• Steep annual fee of $650 (rates & fees)
• 6x points per $1 is the same earn rate offered with lower annual fee alternatives like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

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Card Highlights

• Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card at restaurants worldwide.
• With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy^® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy^® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card.
• Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
• $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton^® or St. Regis^® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck^® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy^® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
• Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
• With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Like Hilton, you can use a select Chase credit card that earns bonus points on travel expenses to earn bonus rewards on your meeting or event purchase. Other credit cards that offer bonus points or miles on travel purchases may be eligible for bonus earnings, too.

Earning Points and Status With IHG Business Rewards

IHG Hotels & Resorts has a program called IHG Business Rewards.

This platform lets businesses keep track of employee and company points, but also lets businesses earn IHG One Rewards points on meetings. When booking a meeting through IHG, you’ll earn 3 IHG points per dollar spent on meetings. You’ll also earn at this rate when booking qualified group stays – something often done in conjunction with a large meeting or event.

Do note that there’s a 60,000 point limit on points earning for meetings and events. As of the time of writing this article, there’s no way to raise this limit with IHG status.

How to Book IHG Business Rewards Meetings

In order to book an IHG Business Rewards meeting, you must sign up for a free IHG Business Rewards account on IHG’s website.

Once this account is created, you can search for meeting space on IHG’s meetings website. Simply input your destination and group size and you’ll be presented with all available options.

Look through all of the available options, find the hotels that interest you the most, and click the Add to RFP Cart button beneath the hotel’s title. You can request proposals for up to 10 IHG hotels at once.

When you’re ready to request RFPs from each of these hotels, click the cart button at the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Then, click the Request a Proposal button. You’ll receive a proposal with pricing and further information in a couple of days.

The Best Credit Cards to Use for IHG Events

Chase offers 3 co-branded IHG credit cards that earn bonus points on various purchase categories, including IHG stays. Like other hotels on this list, you may earn bonus points by paying for your meeting with this co-branded credit card.

Some of the IHG credit cards include:

• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
• IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
• IHG^® Rewards Club Select Credit Card (no longer open to new applicants)

Likewise, you can use a card that earns bonus points on travel to earn extra points on IHG meetings. Remember though, this is dependent on if the property you book with codes your bill as a standard hotel stay or another various travel purchase category.

Earning Points With Wyndham Go Meet™

Wyndham is another major hotel company, with thousands of locations spanning the U.S., Europe, and beyond.

Meeting planners can use the company’s Go Meet program to earn bonus points on all meetings planned at the company’s worldwide properties. You’ll earn 1 point per $1 spent (with a 1,000 point minimum) on all expenses when planning Wyndham meetings, including rooms (10 room minimum), event space costs, and food and beverage catered by the property.

Unfortunately, there is no way to earn Wyndham status with meetings at this time.

How to Book Wyndham Go Meet Meetings

There is no way to book Wyndham Go Meet meetings online at this time. Instead, fill out this form on the Wyndham website and a Wyndham Go Meet representative will contact you to help you start the booking process.

The Best Credit Cards to Use for Wyndham Meetings

Wyndham currently offers 2 co-branded credit cards from Barclays. Each of these cards has varying welcome bonuses, points-earning, complimentary status tiers, and annual fees. Charging your Wyndham “Go Meet” meetings should trigger the spend bonus for the Wyndham hotel stays so long as they’re billed by the hotel.

Check out our post on the best ways to earn Wyndham points which includes a section on Wyndham’s credit cards.

As you’d expect, you can also charge your meetings to credit cards that earn extra points on travel. You can earn points in the travel category so long as Wyndham bills your meeting directly from the hotel in question.

Earning Points and Status by Becoming an ALL Meeting Planner

Accor is a hotel company that includes properties like Ibis, Novotel, Sofitel, and others. While these are mostly found in Europe and the Middle East, you can find some Accor properties in major U.S. cities like New York City and Chicago.

The hotel company has a solid meetings program — dubbed Accor ALL Meetings —that lets you earn points on meetings booked at its properties. You’ll earn 1 Accor Live Limitless point for every €2 spent on Accor meeting expenses. Like all Accor Live Limitless points, these can be redeemed for hotel stays and other Accor redemptions.

You can also share points earned on Accor meetings with others on your team. The company notes that you can name up to 15 people to share points with and you can make up to 30 transfers per year. Contact Accor to initiate a transfer.

How to Book Accor Meetings

First, you have to sign up for an Accor ALL Meetings account on the company’s website. Then head over to the Accor venue finder tool and enter your meeting criteria like location, the number of attendees, how many meeting rooms you’ll need, and more.

Accor will present all available venues to you in the map underneath the search box. If you find a hotel you’re interested in, click on it and then click the green Request a Quote button in the pop-up window.

You’ll now be taken to a screen where you can input more information about your meeting. Fill out this info and follow the on-screen prompts. Once you’ve submitted your meeting request, you’ll hear back from Accor with a quote in a few days’ time.

The Best Credit Cards to Use for Accor Meetings

Accor doesn’t offer a U.S. co-branded credit card. With this in mind, use a credit card that earns extra points on travel to book your event. You’ll earn bonus points for this purchase so long as you’re charged by the hotel (hence making it a travel purchase).

Earning Points With Choice Privileges Planner Rewards

Choice Hotels is best known for budget hotel brands like Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, EconoLodge, and others. There are thousands of these brands spanning even the smallest cities in the U.S. and Canada, making it a great option for meetings in off-the-beaten-path locations.

You can earn 4 points per dollar spent on meetings at Choice Hotel locations so long as you book a meeting space and a minimum of 10 guest rooms. You’ll earn points on hotel-provided food and drink, guest rooms, and all other meeting expenses.

How to Book Choice Hotels Meetings

You don’t need any special type of Choice Hotels account to book meetings — just make sure that you have a standard Choice Privileges account before you book your meeting. You can create this account free on the Choice Hotels website.

Then, head over to the Choice Hotel Planner Rewards website and scroll to the bottom of the page. You’ll see a list of states and Canadian provinces with hotels that have event spaces. Click on the state or province where you’d like to book your event.

You’ll see a list of cities and their respective Choice Hotel properties. Click on the ones that interest you, and you can find out more about the hotel. Note the properties that you’d like to request a quote from.

Now, fill out the booking request form. Here, you’ll have to enter the specifics of your event like the number of people attending, number of guest rooms, and more. You should hear back from the property just a few days after submitting this form.

Unfortunately, there is no way to submit requests for multiple properties at once. This means that you’ll have to fill out this form multiple times in order to get quotes from multiple properties.

After your meeting has concluded, claim your points by filling out the Planner Rewards Form. You must do this after all meetings at a Choice Hotel as the company does not credit points automatically.

The Best Credit Cards to Use for Choice Hotel Meetings

Choice Hotels has a co-branded credit card with Barclays. The Barclay Choice Privileges Visa Signature card earns a massive 5 points per $1 spent at Choice Hotel properties, and you should earn this bonus on meetings if the hotel bills your card directly.

The card also has a fluctuating welcome bonus and other benefits.

Of course, you can earn bonus points on credit cards with a travel spend bonus so long as the hotel bills your card directly and it codes as a travel purchase.

Earning Points and Status With Hyatt Meetings on Demand

Finally, you can earn points on Hyatt meetings using its Meetings on Demand service.

Event planners can earn 1 World of Hyatt point per dollar spent on all meetings, up to 50,000 points per stay. Note that these are strictly redeemable points and do not count towards World of Hyatt status.

Better yet, you can split your earned points up to 3-ways with other event planners on your team. This rewards everyone on your team for their hard work in planning company events and keeps points earning fair.

Earning World of Hyatt Elite Status With Meetings

You can also earn World of Hyatt points with meetings. Each World of Hyatt status tier — including top-tier Globalist status — can be earned by reaching a certain number of meetings or events hosted each year. Note that this is independent of qualifying through nights or base points, so you’ll have to plan a lot of meetings to qualify for elite status this way.

Hot Tip:World of Hyatt Globalist status is one of the most valuable hotel statuses on the market, offering great hotel benefits and a fast-track to American Airlines status.

Here’s how many qualifying meetings or events you’ll need to reach World of Hyatt status:

There are a few things to note about earning World of Hyatt status through meetings. According to Hyatt’s terms and conditions, a “Qualifying Meeting” is considered a meeting or event with “no fewer than ten (10) paid guest rooms for the same night.”

This means that you must book at least 10 guest rooms for the event in order for it to be counted towards elite status. Thankfully, though, you can choose to have all rooms billed to a central account or you can have each attendee pay their own room.

Note that multi-day events and meetings do not count at multiple qualifying meetings. This means that you must host individual events in order for them to count as more than 1 qualifying meeting.

How to Book Hyatt Meetings on Demand

Head over to the Meetings on Demand website and enter your location, group size, and select whether or not you need to book guest rooms in addition to an event space. Then, click the Check Availability button on the right-hand side of the screen. After moving through the steps, you’ll be given a quote for your meeting.

If you’re happy with the quote, call the hotel directly to book your meeting and specifically state your World of Hyatt number over the phone. This will ensure that you’re awarded points for your booking. While it may be possible to do this online, we highly recommend calling so that there’s less room for error.

The Best Credit Cards to Use for Hyatt Meetings

Like other hotel chains on this list, Chase offers a co-branded: The World of Hyatt credit card. You may be eligible for bonus points earning by charging your event to this card — here’s a look at the benefits, welcome bonus, and points-earning rates:

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

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

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

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

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.

Welcome Offer

Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months. Plus, up to 30,000 more points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, up to $15,000 spent.

Up to 60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$900

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.74% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

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

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

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
• 2x points per $1 at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit, rideshares, and fitness clubs/gym memberships
• 1x point per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $95 annual fee

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Card Highlights

• Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. 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 on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
• Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

World of Hyatt

Likewise, credit cards that earn bonus points and miles on travel may earn bonus points on Hyatt events and meetings. As discussed in previous sections, this is dependent on how the hotel bills the event to your credit card.

Earn Best Western Points with Best Western Business Advantage

Best Western Rewards members who own a small business and book through the Business Advantage program enjoy the following benefits.

• Preferred Rate Plan – 5-10% based on the country of the hotel and room availability
• 10% More Bonus Points – Business or account owners earn 10% more bonus points from their travelers’ stays, which can be used for future business stays, company incentives, and more
• Automatic Elite Level Status Upgrades – Account owners are instantly elevated to Diamond Status and employees are elevated to Gold Status
• Exclusive member-only promotions and special offers

How to Book Best Western Hotels Meetings

First, you’ll want to sign-up for the Business Advantage program through the Best Western Website. For any questions you may have with this process you can call 1-855-504-1079 or email at businessadvantage@bestwestern.com.

Head over to the Best Western Meetings website and enter your location, group size, and select whether or not you need to book guest rooms in addition to an event space. Then, click Search Spaces. After moving through the steps, you’ll be given a quote for your meeting.

Once you’ve found an option that you like, simply call the selected hotel to complete the booking.

The Best Credit Cards to Use for Best Western Meetings

Best Western offers two credit card options to help boost your point earnings when booking meetings.

The first is the Best Western Rewards^® Mastercard^®, which charges no annual fee, earns 3x points per $1 on Best Western stays, comes with Gold Elite status, and offers a 10% discount when cardholders select the Best Western Rewards Rate at bwrcarddiscount.com.

The Best Western Rewards^® Premium Mastercard^®, on the other hand, comes with Best Western Platinum status, and earns 10x points per $1 on Best Western stays, and a 10% discount when cardholders select the Best Western Rewards Rate at bwrcarddiscount.com.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re planning a wedding or a board meeting, you should take advantage of these points and status earning opportunities when you can. Coupled with using the right credit card, you can rack up tons of points depending on how many events you plan annually.

If you plan lots of events every year, don’t be afraid to switch between these programs from time to time. This gives you a more diverse points portfolio, opening up more redemption options and keeping you safe from points devaluations.

Once you’ve earned points, make sure to check out our various hotel point redemption guides. These will help you get the most value from your points by showing you how to book everything from 5-star hotel nights to first class airfare with your hard-earned hotel points.

Happy planning!