hotel travel cards

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Tips

The Best Hotel Credit Cards for Travelers

Earn hotel stays, elite status perks, and more.

Hotel credit cards make it easy to rack up points that you can use for free stays. You can often recoup your annual fee with a free anniversary night, elite status benefits, and more. If you're shopping around for a hotel credit card, here are some of the best available options, along with the benefits you can enjoy with each.

World of Hyatt Credit Card

The World of Hyatt program is renowned among travel rewards enthusiasts for its valuable points, which can be worth as much as two cents apiece — that's up to five times as valuable as the points you can earn with some other hotel loyalty programs .

With the World of Hyatt credit card, you'll get the following benefits:

• Earn up to 60,000 bonus points — that's 30,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first three months and up to another 30,000 bonus points as you spend up to $15,000 over the first six months from account opening.
• Earn nine points per dollar on stays and experiences (like a spa) at Hyatt hotels; two points per dollar at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from airlines, local transit and commuting, and fitness clubs and gym memberships; and one point per dollar on all other purchases.
• Get a free night at any category one to four property each year when you renew your card, plus a second free night if you spend $15,000 or more in a calendar year.
• Get automatic Discoverist status, which comes with bonus points on cash stays, premium internet, bottled water, preferred room upgrades, late checkout, American Airlines miles on cash stays, and Pearl status match with MGM Rewards.
• Get five qualifying night credits toward your next status tier plus two additional night credits for every $5,000 you spend on the card.

The card has a $95 annual fee. If you're a small business owner, you may consider the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card .

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card is a premium travel credit card with an annual fee of $650. However, you can get all of that back with just two of the card's perks: the annual Marriott credit and the free anniversary night. What's more, Marriott has nearly 8,000 properties around the world, so it should be easy to find a place to stay in popular travel destinations.

Here's what the card offers:

• Earn 95,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in the first three months from account opening.
• Earn six points per dollar on eligible purchases at Marriott hotels; three points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery; three points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines; and two points per dollar on all other purchases.
• A $25 monthly dining credit.
• Receive a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis.
• A free anniversary night award worth up to 85,000 points (resort and parking fees aren't included).
• Automatic Platinum Elite status , which includes bonus points, priority late checkout, an enhanced room upgrade, and a welcome gift of points.
• Get 25 elite night credits toward your next level of Marriott Bonvoy status.
• Priority Pass Select membership , including access to more than 1,200 airport lounges worldwide.
• An application fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership.

If you want to earn points with Marriott, but can't stomach this card's annual fee, consider the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card from Chase.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

Hilton is another major hotel brand with thousands of properties around the world. If you're loyal to the brand, the Surpass card offers an easy way to earn points fast:

• Earn 150,000 bonus points when you spend $2,000 in the first three months.
• Get 12 points per dollar on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels; six points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and U.S. supermarkets; six points per dollar at U.S. gas stations; and three points per dollar on all other purchases.
• One free weekend night award when you spend $15,000 or more in a calendar year.
• Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status , which comes with bonus points on cash stays, food and beverage credits, space-available room upgrades, a fifth night free, bottled water, and more.
• The chance to get upgraded to Hilton Honors Diamond status when you spend at least $40,000 on the card in a calendar year.
• Get 10 complimentary visits to more than 1,200 Priority Pass Select airport lounges around the world.

Unfortunately, this card requires you to spend money to get the free anniversary night. If you want a Hilton credit card that doesn't require you to spend to earn the night, and you're willing to pay more than this card's $95 annual fee, consider the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card .

IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card

IHG Rewards Club points aren't the most valuable you can earn, but the IHG Rewards Premier credit card offers a lot for its $99 annual fee. Here's what you'll get:

• Earn 140,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the first three months from account opening.
• Earn 10 points per dollar at IHG hotels and resorts; five points per dollar on travel, dining, and at gas stations; and three points per dollar on all other purchases.
• Receive a $100 statement credit and 10,000 bonus points if you spend $20,000 and make an additional purchase each calendar year.
• Get an anniversary award night worth up to 40,000 points.
• Get a fourth night free on award stays of three or more nights.
• Get $50 United TravelBank Cash to put toward United flights.
• Receive an application fee credit of up to $100 toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership every four years.
• Get automatic Platinum Elite status , which includes bonus points on cash stays, extended checkout, priority check-in, a welcome amenity, room upgrades, and more.

If you prefer the idea of a hotel credit card without an annual fee, consider the IHG Rewards Traveler credit card.

Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card

Wyndham is one of the largest hotel chains in the world, with more than 9,000 properties worldwide. Plus, the Wyndham Rewards program offers simple and straightforward redemption with just three tiers — rooms cost 7,500, 15,000, or 30,000 points per night.

Here's what you'll get with the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus card:

• Earn 45,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days.
• Earn six points per dollar on eligible purchases at Wyndham hotels and gas stations, four points per dollar on eligible dining and grocery store purchases, and one point per dollar on all other purchases.
• Receive an annual bonus worth 7,500 points, which is enough for a one-night stay at a lower-category property.
• Get a 10% discount when you redeem points for hotel stays.
• Enjoy complimentary Platinum status, which includes bonus points on cash stays, a preferred room choice, early check-in, late checkout, status match with Caesars Rewards, and car rental upgrades with Avis and Budget.

The card's annual fee is modest, at $75, but there's also a no yearly charge option with the Wyndham Rewards Earner card.

How to Pick the Right Hotel Credit Card

Choosing a hotel credit card often comes down to where your brand loyalty already lies. If you prefer Marriott, for instance, it may not make sense to get a Hilton, Hyatt, or IHG cobranded credit card unless you want to make a switch.

This is because hotel credit cards don't offer the same flexibility as general travel credit cards — it typically only makes sense to redeem your rewards with the hotel brand .

So, take your time to shop around and consider which hotel chain you prefer, then compare that brand's cobranded cards to determine the right fit. While it may be tempting to get a hotel credit card with no annual fee because it feels like less of a risk, you generally don't get much value with these cards.

As you compare mid-tier and premium hotel credit cards, however, think about your travel habits and goals, and determine which one will give you the most value relative to the annual fee.

Also, don't be afraid to compare your hotel credit card choices with general travel cards like the Capital One Venture X and Chase Sapphire Preferred. While you won't get hotel-specific benefits with these cards, you'll have the flexibility to redeem your rewards with more hotel brands and other travel providers.

• Best Credit Cards
• Balance Transfer
• No Annual Fee

On this page

• Our top picks
• Hotel credit card details

What are hotel credit cards?

• Pros and cons

How to choose a hotel credit card

• Make the most of your hotel card
• Our methodology
• Frequently asked questions

The Best Hotel Credit Cards of April 2024

April 18, 2024

How we Choose

If you’re frequently on the go, having a good hotel credit card in your wallet can make your travels a lot more enjoyable and even save you some cash. With the right card, you can rack up points for future stays and receive benefits like hotel credits on dining and spa treatments, room upgrades and late checkout.

Hotel credit cards often have some of the largest welcome bonuses on the market, but that doesn’t necessarily justify getting one. There are plenty of factors to consider when determining if a hotel credit card makes sense for you.

CreditCards.com’s Best Hotel Credit Cards of 2024:

• Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card : Best for gas
• Hilton Honors American Express Card : Best for Hilton Honors Silver status
• Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card : Best for balance transfers
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for luxury travel perks
• Discover it® Miles : Best for travel miles
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card : Best for IHG hotel stays
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card : Best for luxury Marriott travelers
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card : Best for Hilton bonus points
• Citi Premier® Card : Best for everyday + travel bonus categories

Additional Options:

• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card : Best for free night awards
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card : Best no annual fee card for Marriott loyalists
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for sign-up bonus

Hilton Honors American Express Card

Rewards rate

At a glance, overall rating, why we like this card.

If you’re looking for a hotel network with a worldwide presence, Hilton is a great choice. And it pays to be loyal to Hilton. The Hilton Honors American Express Card grants you automatic silver status, which is pretty great for a no annual fee card. As a silver elite member, you’ll have access to a slew of benefits, including no resort fees, late checkout, and a free fifth night on any rewards booking. The free fifth night on consecutive rewards bookings is pretty valuable, potentially saving you hundreds.

• You can redeem points for hotel stays, airfare, car rentals, cruises, shopping, dining or charity.
• There are no blackout dates or capacity controls for rewards bookings.
• People who don’t often stay and shop at Hilton properties may not see enough benefits to justify using this card.
• The value you get when transferring your points to an airline partner is much lower than when you redeem for a hotel stay.

Bottom Line

Hilton fans will love being granted automatic silver elite status with this card, as well as the ability to earn points on both everyday and travel purchases.

• Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• 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.
• Terms Apply.

Rates & Fees

The platinum card® from american express.

See if you’re pre-approved for this card using our CardMatch tool .

The $695 annual fee may cause some sticker shock, but those who make use of the long list of luxury travel perks can recoup that value and more. One of the most useful perks is the $100 Global Entry or $85 TSA Precheck statement credit – just charge the application fee to your Platinum card every 4 years or 4.5 years, respectively, and American Express will credit your account for the cost. Other perks include Uber Cash for rides or UberEats orders in the U.S. annually and access to the American Express Global Lounge collection.

• Points don’t expire, and you can redeem them for all or a portion of qualifying travel purchases.
• You can transfer points to a host of airline partners, including Delta Airlines.
• You have to use American Express Travel – no third parties – to redeem your travel rewards.
• With a $695 annual fee, you should be sure you’ll make use of all the benefits in order to get your money’s worth.

Despite having one of the priciest annual fees on the credit card market, this card comes with a bevy of perks that can be worth it for frequent travelers.

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
• $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.

Discover it® Miles

For a no-annual-fee card, the Discover it® Miles offers a pretty lucrative rewards system. While many travel credit cards only reward travel-related purchases, this card is much more versatile. You’ll earn a flat, 1.5 miles per dollar spent on every purchase. You can redeem your miles for a wide range of travel expenses, like airfare, hotels, car rentals, travel packages, taxis and public transportation. You can even redeem for cash back, too.

• Discover will match all of the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
• You’re not limited to using a Discover travel portal to redeem your rewards. Use your card to book travel however you’d like, and Discover will credit your account for the cost.
• You can’t transfer your miles to airline frequent flyer programs.
• Some travel rewards cards that charge annual fees offer more lucrative rewards programs.

The Discover it® Miles is a great card for dipping your toe into the world of travel rewards, especially because it has no annual fee.

• Unlimited Bonus: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers - only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 Miles, you get 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.
• Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase
• No annual fee
• Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% - 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
• Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
• Terms and conditions apply.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

The IHG network includes nearly 6,000 hotels globally, and with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, you’ll earn up to 26 points per dollar staying at one. You’ll also earn 5 points per dollar on gas station, grocery store and restaurant purchases too, which gives this card a boost of versatility. The sign-up bonus is substantial: 140,000 points after you spend $3,000 in the first three months of account opening. For such a reasonable minimum spend, that’s quite a hefty payout.

• Every four years, you’ll get a credit for up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA Precheck.
• After each anniversary year, you’ll earn a certificate for a rewards night stay.
• Any redemption option other than hotel stays will devalue your points.
• There is an $99 annual fee.

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers plenty of opportunities to super-charge your IHG points balance, most notably the large sign-up bonus.

• 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 $100 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

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

On top of a solid welcome offer, the card offers a great rate on participating Marriott Bonvoy purchases, making it easy to rack up Bonus Points. Additionally, the card offers a slew of credits and benefits for travelers, including lounge access through Priority Pass Select membership and automatic Platinum elite status. The annual bonuses are pretty stellar, too, including a free award night each year after your card renewal month for hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program (certain hotels have resort fees; redemption level up to 85,000 points).

• The long list of perks and credits may appeal to frequent travelers and those who enjoy luxury experiences.
• Hotels participating in the program will allow you to book with a combination of cash and points.
• Most redemption options outside of hotel stays devalue your points.
• Most travel credit cards charge annual fees, but this card’s $650 annual fee is very high.

If you’re a frequent Marriott Bonvoy guest who values the finer things, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express card is full of perks for you.

• Earn 185,000 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®. 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• 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 ($100) 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. Terms apply.
• 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.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

You don’t have to wait long to see your Bonus Points pile up with this card, thanks to the welcome offer. After making $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership, you’ll earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points. You’ll also receive a free night reward after spending $15,000 in a calendar year. With so many opportunities to earn points, it’s easy to see why this card is our pick for Hilton Bonus Points.

• You’ll earn Hilton Honors Bonus Points on both direct Hilton purchases and everyday purchases at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. restaurants and U.S. gas stations.
• You’ll receive automatic Gold Hilton status, which gives you access to space-available room upgrades and complimentary breakfast.
• The $150 annual fee cuts into the overall value.
• Hilton doesn’t use a fixed rewards chart, so busy dates and destinations may cost you more Bonus Points.

Hilton brand loyalists will find it easy to quickly earn free stays through the generous welcome bonus and the variety of ways to earn Bonus Points.

• Earn 130,000 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.
• 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 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.
• $150 annual fee.

Citi Premier® Card

This card is a great choice for someone who wants to earn rewards-funded travel without already being a frequent traveler. It’s also a great choice for globetrotters because it offers the same 3X points on purchases at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10X points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel portal through June 30, 2024. There are plenty of options when it comes to redemption options, such as gift cards and travel through the Citi ThankYou® Travel Center.

• Redeem points for gift cards, merchandise, travel, cash, Amazon.com and BestBuy.com purchases.
• Points never expire, and there are no blackout dates for travel redemptions.
• You have to book travel through Citi’s travel portal – no outside sites.
• Redemption options aside from travel and gift cards devalue your points.

The Citi Premier card is a good choice for frequent travelers who want to use a single rewards card for the bulk of their everyday spending.

• Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
• Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
• 60,000 ThankYou® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases

The information about the Citi Prestige® Card, the Hotels.com® Rewards Visa® Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, World of Hyatt Credit Card and Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card has been collected independently by CreditCards.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

Comparing the best hotel credit cards

Editor’s picks: hotel credit card details, best for gas: wyndham rewards earner® plus card.

• Best features : This card’s terrific rewards rate in everyday categories including gas, groceries and dining mean it should be easy to rack up Wyndham points, even if you don’t spend a ton on travel and hotels. The card’s anniversary bonus is also valuable enough to nearly offset the annual fee on its own.
• Biggest drawbacks : The card’s sign-up and anniversary bonuses are on the low side compared to some other mid-tier hotel cards. Plus, you can only redeem points with Wyndham and its partners, severely limiting the card’s flexibility.
• Alternatives : The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card should offer comparable rewards value with much more flexible rewards (you can use points for travel, transfer to partner airlines and hotels or opt for cash back, to name a few redemption options). You’ll also get up to $50 back each year in statement credits for hotel stays booked through Chase Travel℠.
• Bottom line : This card is likely the best option out there if you’re looking for an easy way to earn Wyndham-specific points and perks, especially if gas makes up a big portion of your budget. Read our full Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card review.

Read our Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card review  or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for Hilton Honors Silver Status: Hilton Honors American Express Card

• Best features : The welcome offer of this card is impressive, as are the ongoing rewards and there’s no annual fee. You’ll earn 80,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $2,000 in purchases in the first six months. For base rewards, you earn 7X points on eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5X points on U.S. restaurant, U.S. supermarket and U.S. gas station purchases and 3X points on general purchases.
• Biggest drawbacks : The transfer rate for points to airlines isn’t the greatest.
• Alternatives : For a $150 annual fee, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass card comes with more benefits than the Hilton Honors American Express card, including a free weekend night each year you spend $15,000, and automatic gold status.
• Bottom line : The Hilton Honors American Express Card offers complimentary Silver status, meaning you can automatically receive a 15% bonus on all the Hilton Honors Base Points you earn from Hilton hotel stays. Plus, you get express check-in and late check-out, which is a great perk for any traveler.

Read our Hilton Honors American Express Card review  or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for balance transfers: Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card

• Best features: This is one of the only no-annual-fee hotel cards that offers an intro APR on balance transfers. It’s also one of the few to come with an annual bonus (7,500 points each anniversary year after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases). These bonuses are typically only available on mid-tier hotel cards that charge an annual fee.
• Biggest drawbacks : This card leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to flexibility since points can only be redeemed with Wyndham and its partners (all of which have very poor transfer ratios). The card’s anniversary bonus spending requirement is also relatively high, so the card may not be a great fit if you don’t plan on using it as your primary rewards card.
• Alternatives : The Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card could end up being more valuable overall, despite its $75 annual fee. It not only offers a higher rewards rate in all of the Earner card’s bonus categories, but also a higher sign-up bonus and the same anniversary bonus with no spending requirement.
• Bottom line : Occasional travelers who want to earn Wyndham perks and points while avoiding an annual fee should enjoy solid value with the Earner card.

Read our Wyndham Rewards Earner Card review  or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for luxury travel perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

• Best features : You’ll automatically receive Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status, both of which can net you room upgrades upon check-in where available (enrollment required for both benefits). Cardholders earn 5X points on flights booked directly with an airline or through American Express Travel (capped at up to $500,000 in these purchases per calendar year), 5X points on eligible prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel , and 1X points on general purchases. As a welcome offer, you can earn 80,000 points if you spend $8,000 on purchases in your first six months of card membership.
• Biggest drawbacks : The annual fee on The Platinum Card from American Express is a whopping $695 , which is higher than some other luxury travel cards.
• Alternatives : The American Express® Gold Card charges a lower annual fee and its high rewards rate in everyday purchase categories means you may be able to earn rewards much faster than with the Platinum card. Cardholders can earn 4X points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year in U.S. supermarket purchases, then 1X point), 3X points spent on flights booked with amextravel.com or directly through the airline, as well as 1X point on general purchases.
• Bottom line : This card is packed with travel features that make it worth your while if you feel the need to travel in style, like airport lounge access and complimentary benefits with Fine Hotels & Resorts. There’s also up to a $200 airline fee statement credit per calendar year (in baggage fees and more at one qualifying airline) and up to a $100 statement credit on annual purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue (enrollment required for both benefits).

Read The Platinum Card from American Express review  or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for travel miles: Discover it® Miles

• Best features : Not only will Discover match all of the miles you earn at the end of the first year of account opening automatically, but you can also earn unlimited 1.5X miles for every dollar spent on all purchases, making this card our top pick for best travel miles.
• Biggest drawbacks : This card offers a ton of first-year value thanks to its generous first-year bonus, but after the first 12 months, the benefits decrease greatly. Also, you can’t transfer miles you’ve earned to airline loyalty programs, so you may need to sacrifice a lot of value you might find with other cards.
• Alternatives : Though it earns slightly less per dollar spent, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is similar to the Discover it® Miles except that it allows you to transfer your miles directly to its many international airline and hotel partners. Although the list might not include airlines you travel frequently with, it does provide added flexibility for you to plan a trip.
• Bottom line : With this general-purpose travel credit card, there are a plethora of ways to redeem the miles that you earn, including airline travel, hotels, car rentals and public transportation.

Read our Discover it® Miles review  or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for IHG hotel stays: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

• Best features : You’ll automatically receive platinum elite status with IHG. That comes with late checkout, guaranteed room availability, a 50%-point bonus on hotel stays, room upgrades when available and more. You’ll also earn up to 26X total points per $1 spent on IHG Hotels and Resorts, 5X points per $1 spent on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants, and 3X points on other purchases. As part of a big sign-up bonus, you can earn 140,000 points if you spend $3,000 in your first three months. There’s also an annual bonus of 10,000 points available each anniversary year you spend $20,000 and make one additional purchase.
• Biggest drawbacks : There’s an $99 annual fee. As with most co-branded hotel credit cards, you won’t really reap the rewards if you don’t frequent IHG hotels.
• Alternatives : The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass card charges a slightly higher annual fee ($150), but offers a ton of extra perks, including up to $200 in statement credits each year on eligible direct Hilton Hotel purchases (up to $50 in statement credits each calendar quarter). That’s enough to offset the annual fee all on its own and could be more appealing to occasional travelers than a general travel bonus category.
• Bottom line : This card touts a large sign-up bonus, generous rewards rate and a free night each year at a participating IHG hotel on your membership anniversary, offering a lot of value to the chain’s loyal guests.

Read our IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card review  or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for luxury Marriott travelers: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

• Best features : You can rack up Marriott Bonvoy points quickly thanks to the card’s high rewards rate on both travel and the popular bonus category of restaurants. You can also earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you make $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership. You’ll also get a Free Night Award with a redemption level up to 85,000 points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program each year after your card renewal month (certain hotels have resort fees).
• Biggest drawbacks : You’ll have to use your free anniversary night certificate quickly as it expires after 12 months. There’s a hefty $650 annual fee for this premier Marriott Bonvoy credit card, which is hard to recoup if you’re not a Marriott diehard. Plus, Marriott points are worth around 0.8 cents each based on Bankrate’s valuations. While this is a decent value for hotel rewards, you’ll want to take that into consideration when you look at how many points you accrue compared to with a general rewards card†.
• Alternatives : For those who want to stick to a Marriott Bonvoy branded card but don’t want to shell out $650 for the annual fee, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card makes for an excellent alternative. Cardmembers receive automatic Silver Elite status along with a generous intro bonus.
• Bottom line : This top-tier Marriott Bonvoy credit card touts luxury benefits, including automatic Platinum elite status, a statement credit towards Global Entry or TSA Precheck and complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, which gives you access to more than 1,200 airport lounges, restaurants and Minute Suites worldwide.

Read our Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card review  or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for Hilton bonus points: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

• Best features : Your non-hotel spending is mightily rewarded, so purchases in categories other than travel can help you earn points. You’ll also receive automatic Gold status with Hilton Honors with the chance to receive an upgrade to Diamond elite status through the end of the next year after a $40,000 spend in a calendar year.
• Biggest drawbacks : Hilton Honors points valuation is only 0.6 cents per point† which is a lower value than Marriott Bonvoy points. As such, the inflated amount of points you earn from spending may make the card seem more lucrative than the estimated redemption value of its rewards implies.
• Alternatives : You’ll still get Silver status with the Hilton Honors American Express Card which doesn’t charge an annual fee and still offers a decent rewards rate.
• Bottom line : Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card is our top pick for Hilton bonus points. You’ll be awarded a Free Night Reward after spending $15,000 in a calendar year. You can also earn 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of membership.

Read our Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card review  or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for everyday + travel bonus categories: Citi Premier® Card

• Best features : The Citi Premier Card lets cardholders earn extra rewards on a combination of travel and everyday spending. Cardholders receive 60,000 bonus points if they spend $4,000 in their first three months, which is worth $600 in gift cards at thankyou.com. Cardholders also get access to VIP entertainment and concert ticket pre-sales along with concierge services to help book hotel and restaurant reservations.
• Biggest drawbacks : This isn’t a co-branded hotel credit card, so if you’re looking for elite status and the perks it entitles you to, you’ll need to look elsewhere. There’s a $95 annual fee, not waived the first year.
• Alternatives : Travelers may find the Chase Sapphire Preferred to be a better option with its long list of airline and hotel partners. Cardmembers also earn a 25% boosted point redemption rate for travel redemptions made using the Chase Travel℠ portal.
• Bottom line : If you’re torn between a card that offers rewards on travel expenses and a card that offers rewards on everyday spending, this card is a good compromise.

Read our Citi Premier Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for Hyatt enthusiasts: World of Hyatt Credit Card

• Best features : You’ll get automatic Discoverist Elite Status, which includes late checkout, premium Wi-Fi, a free bottle of water every day, room upgrades when available and more. The current welcome offer is uniquely generous, offering 30,000 bonus points if you spend $3,000 in your first three months. You’re also eligible for up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning 2X points on purchases that normally earn 1X point, for up to $15,000 in your first six months.
• Biggest drawbacks : There’s a $95 annual fee, though you can offset this by taking advantage of the card’s perks. The Hyatt hotel network is also smaller than those of the Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programs, limiting your travel options a bit.
• Alternatives : The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card also has an annual fee of $95 but isn’t affiliated with a hotel loyalty program, which means the points you earn can be used at a broader swath of properties around the world. Points could also be used for a variety of travel purchases, not just hotel stays.
• Bottom line : Despite its cost and smaller hotel network, this is one of the most lucrative hotel credit cards on the market, given the potential value of World of Hyatt points, the generous welcome offer and the bevy of perks you’ll enjoy as a cardholder.

Read our World of Hyatt Credit Card review .

Best for free night awards: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

• Best features : Earn 5 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $5,000 on purchases in your first three months. You earn 6X points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2X points on general purchases.
• Biggest drawbacks : The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless doesn’t waive the $95 annual fee the first year — a perk available on some other hotel rewards cards.
• Alternatives : The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card offers a similar annual bonus along with Priority Pass airport lounge access (enrollment required), and automatic platinum elite status.
• Bottom line : With 15 Elite Night credits per calendar year, a Free Night Award every year after your account anniversary and a generous rewards structure, this card is fantastic for earning free nights – especially if your account anniversary benefits roll over in time for your next trip.

Read our Marriott Bonvoy Boundless review.

Best no annual fee card for Marriott loyalists: Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

• Best features : Marriott loyalists can rack up Bonvoy points via a generous welcome offer and decent base rewards rate without having to pay the pricey annual fees associated with the hotel chain’s other co-branded credit cards.
• Biggest drawbacks : Marriott cards earn points at inflated rates but points are worth just 0.8 cents each† and redemption options outside of room awards generally have poor value. Depending on how often you travel, you might be better served by one of the premier Marriott Bonvoy credit cards. (Learn how to determine what Marriott card is right for you .)
• Alternatives : The Hilton Honors American Express Card offers a higher rewards rate with 7X points on Hilton hotel stays, 5X points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations and U.S. supermarkets and 3X points on other eligible purchases. Plus you still get automatic Silver status without paying an annual fee.
• Bottom line : You’ll earn a generous welcome offer with no annual fee. As base rewards, you earn 3X points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2X points on other travel and 1X points on other purchases.

Read our Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card review .

Best for sign-up bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• Best features : Its generous 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3X points on dining and 2X points on other travel, coupled with Chase Travel℠ 25% redemption boost, make this card a choice value for travelers. You’ll also receive 1X points on general purchases.
• Biggest drawbacks : Less frequent travelers might not want to pay this card’s $95 annual fee, not waived the first year.
• Alternatives : Very frequent travelers, conversely, might want to consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve , which comes with beefed-up benefits, including a $300 annual credit for eligible travel purchases, in exchange for a pricey $550 annual fee. (Learn how to decide between the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve .)
• Bottom line : The Chase Sapphire Preferred is at the top in flexibility, with a 25% bonus on travel bookings through the Chase Travel℠ portal, and 1:1 redemption on many travel partners. Ultimately, Sapphire Preferred is a great long-term rewards card, should you be saving rewards for a future getaway.

Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred review .

Hotel credit cards are often co-branded cards, but they could also be everyday rewards cards that happen to earn generous rates for hotel stays. The right branded hotel card for you will reward you for loyalty to the brand you prefer or stay most frequently with, as well as reward you for loyalty to airline and car rental partners. In some cases, you are rewarded for using the card on everyday purchases, such as grocery stores, gas stations and restaurants.

How do hotel credit cards work?

With a hotel credit card, you can get rewarded with points for your purchases and eventually turn those points into discounts, exclusive experiences or a free night here and there. On top of the purchase rewards, loyal travelers can take advantage of numerous hotel benefits with the right card.

Some hotel credit cards come with sign-up bonuses, ongoing rewards and special perks, depending on the category of membership that you qualify for. Others even give annual bonuses to reward their long-standing guests. When it comes time to exchange your points, rewards programs usually offer a different redemption amount depending on the category of hotel property you choose.

Credit cards that allow redemptions for hotel stays include co-branded cards and general-purpose cards. While co-branded cards reward loyalty for spending at the specified hotel chain, general-purpose travel cards reward you for a variety of spending on a number of airline and hotel brands.

Pros and cons of hotel credit cards

Hotel credit cards can bring a ton of value to the right traveler, but there are reasons some guests should think twice before checking in with a new card. See below for the advantages and disadvantages of hotel cards:

• Free night rewards : An undoubtedly valuable feature for frequent travelers, many hotel credit cards will give out free nights stays as a sign-up or anniversary bonus, or you can accumulate points to then redeem for a hotel stay.
• Loyalty status : Hotel cards offer ways for guests to climb certain chains’ loyalty programs faster, giving an expedited route to elite status and the exclusive benefits that come with it. Sometimes there are stipulations, but select cards may boost your status just for signing up.
• Substantial sign-up bonuses : With many hotel credit cards, you can get a massive amount of points soon after opening your account and spending the required amount in a certain timeframe. This creates a great opportunity to immediately feel the impact of your new card.
• Sweeten your stays : Some hotel cards come with perks that’ll improve both your hotel stays and vacations, such as free wi-fi, concierge service, complimentary items, VIP entertainment, pre-sale access to exclusive events and more.
• Annual fees : Hotel cards offer plenty of high-end benefits, so it’s no surprise that they typically come with a cost. You can find affordable options, but some hotel cards have yearly fees as high as $500 to $700.
• Travel restrictions : There are plenty of exceptions that give you some leash on who you book with and when you want to travel, but some hotel cards can be restraining when it comes to blackout dates, using your rewards, busy seasons and size of rooms available.
• Lack of flexibility : There can be more options for redemptions with general rewards cards. Hotel credit cards are often co-branded with hotels that limit your rewards to that particular chain, which keep you stuck to a certain travel network.

Hotel cards often come loaded with attractive benefits and seemingly lucrative welcome offers. It can be tempting to leap headfirst at the card with the biggest bonus, but make sure it’s a good match for your financial profile and travel style. Make realistic assessments of how often you travel, reasons for traveling, your budget, and consider hotel chains that align with your needs. If you’re not sure if a hotel credit card is even right for you, consider these traits:

Who should get a hotel credit card

• The business traveler . If you often travel to a specific area, you may have the opportunity to frequent the same hotels. You can maximize your savings by pulling your hotel card out whenever you travel on business.
• The loyal traveler . If you are loyal to, for example, Hilton, then look at the Hilton cards to see which one suits your travel habits best, such as the Hilton Honors suite through American Express.
• The luxury traveler . You can enjoy a bevy of fine benefits like complimentary breakfast and refreshments, room upgrades, elite status benefits and free night rewards with some luxury hotel or general travel rewards cards.

Who should skip a hotel credit card

• The homebody . If you don’t do much traveling or rarely stay in hotels, you won’t get much use out of a hotel credit card and its full range of benefits. And don’t think that suddenly having a hotel card in your wallet will motivate you to travel more. If you don’t travel now, a credit card won’t change matters. For those who love to travel but do so infrequently, you may find more value with a general travel card that lets you earn rewards on routine expenses.
• Airbnb enthusiasts . If you prefer to stay at Airbnbs when you travel, then a hotel rewards card can’t do much for you. Few hotel cards earn boosted rewards for purchases made with Airbnb, so frequent Airbnb guests won’t get to enjoy many of the key perks and benefits typically associated with branded hotel credit cards.

How to make the most of your hotel credit card

• Join hotel loyalty programs . Hotel loyalty programs work similarly to hotel credit cards: Enroll and you can earn points or credits on your stays that you can use to book future stays. Some brands also offer elite status to members after they spend a certain amount at its hotels. An added bonus for signing up? Elite status generally entitles you to free perks and extra benefits, including room upgrades, early check-in, late checkout, free Wi-Fi and complimentary water or snacks.
• Rack up credit card rewards . As we mentioned earlier, hotel credit cards let you earn points that you can redeem for free stays. Some of the best hotel credit cards offer a free stay on your account anniversary and many of them come with welcome offers that let you earn the equivalent of one free night or more if you spend a certain amount of money on your card within your first few months.
• Pool your points . If you want to earn free hotel stays faster, look into whether you can pool points earned across credit cards. For instance, Chase will let you combine the points you earn across cards in its network through its Ultimate Rewards program. So, if you have points with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, for instance, you can combine them with any points earned with the Chase Freedom Unlimited before you redeem. More often than not, you can also combine points earned with a travel credit card with points earned through a hotel’s loyalty program to hit redemption thresholds and book award nights more quickly.
• Stay at least four nights . Many hotel loyalty programs or hotel credit cards also offer a free night to members who book a certain number of consecutive nights with their points. The Citi Prestige® Card , for instance, lets cardholders get their fourth night free on any hotel stay (offer capped at two uses per year). Meanwhile, both Marriott Bonvoy and elite Hilton Honors members are eligible for a fifth night free (terms apply). Sometimes, you don’t need to have a hotel credit card or even belong to a hotel loyalty program to get a fifth or fourth night free. Hotels frequently offer discounts on longer stays. You can look for these deals on their websites or call the hotel directly to inquire about current fourth- or fifth-day-free promotions. Learn more strategies for scoring free hotel stays .

How we picked the best hotel credit cards

With so many branded options, selecting which hotel card best accommodates your spending habits can be difficult. That’s why we analyzed over 340 travel credit cards to identify the top hotel credit card offers currently on the market. The main factors we considered include:

• Base rewards rate and points value : Co-branded hotel credit cards can offer anywhere between 3X and 10X points on brand purchases. General purpose travel cards offer between 1.25X and 2X rewards on general purchases. We looked at where a card’s return rate fell in those applicable categories. We also considered how much points were worth within a hotel’s loyalty program or the issuer’s rewards program.
• Welcome bonus and/or anniversary bonus : The best hotel credit cards often offer extra points worth a free night’s stay or simply a free night’s stay in exchange for spending a certain amount of money on the card within a set timeframe, usually your first three months. Some also offer a free night or big bonus points on your account anniversary. We more heavily weighted cards that touted these benefits.
• Ancillary perks and amenities : Common “extras” associated with top hotel credit cards include elite status within the brand’s loyalty program, which entitles you to room upgrades, free Wi-Fi, late checkout, early check-in, complimentary bottles of water and more.
• Rates and fees : Hotel credit cards are rewards credit cards, which tend to carry higher APRs than low interest credit cards . They also sometimes charge an annual fee for membership. We still considered whether the APR was reasonable for this card category and if an annual fee was justified or easily recouped via the card benefits.

Full criteria used : Rewards rates, rewards categories, welcome bonuses, size of hotel network, transfer partners, point values, other travel benefits, annual fee, other rates and fees, redemption options and flexibility, customer service, credit needed, elite status, ability to upgrade and downgrade.

† All information regarding credit card point valuations is provided by The Points Guy

Additional information on hotel credit cards

• Tips for choosing a hotel credit card
• All hotel credit card reviews
• Best no annual fee hotel credit cards
• Ways to get free hotel stays

Frequently Asked Questions

Do hotel points expire + –.

Typically, points for hotel-brand loyalty programs can expire if you don’t keep the account active , but there are a number of ways to make sure that doesn’t happen. By keeping your accounts active, the points won’t just go away. Fortunately, many hotel loyalty programs have extended their perks for cardholders waiting to use their rewards. Here are top brands and their expiration policies:

Hotel loyalty programs’ points expiration policies

Source: CreditCards.com research

Can hotel credit card points be used for flying? + –

You can, in certain cases, transfer your hotel points to an airline partner and fly with those points. There are advantages to marrying airlines with hotel cards, such as bonuses for transferring points and purchasing airline tickets. However, using points for flying can sometimes come with disadvantages as the transfer may not be the best redemption option for your hard-earned hotel card points. It’s important to research and be fully aware of the hit that your points could take when transferring them for a flight.

Which credit cards offer free hotel stays? + –

There are a number of ways to earn free hotel stays, including through earning points via welcome offers and ongoing rewards. In addition, some hotel credit cards reward you with free stays by meeting a minimum spend each year or continuing to hold your card. Here are leading hotel cards that reward you beyond the points you earn.

• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Earn a Free Night Reward after you spend $15,000 in a calendar year.
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card: Earn a free night award (up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
• Hilton Honors American Express Card: With Hilton Honors Silver Status, you’ll get your 5th standard reward night free.
• World Of Hyatt Credit Card: Receive 1 free night at any category 1-4 hotel each year after your cardmember anniversary. Receive an additional free night at a category 1-4 hotel after spending $15,000 in a year.

About the Author

Jeanine Skowronski

Jeanine Skowronski is a credit card expert, analyst, and multimedia journalist with over 10 years of experience covering business and personal finance. She has previously served as the Head of Content at Policygenius, Executive Editor of Credit.com, Deputy Editor at American Banker, Staff Reporter at TheStreet and a columnist for Inc. Magazine.

About the Editor

Tracy Stewart

Tracy Stewart is a personal finance writer specializing in credit card loyalty programs, travel benefits, and consumer protections. He previously covered travel rewards credit cards, budget travel, and aviation news at SmarterTravel Media. His money-saving tips have appeared in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Consumer Reports, MarketWatch, Vice, People, the Zoe Report and elsewhere.

About the Reviewer

Stephanie Zito

Stephanie Zito is a professional traveler, humanitarian and credit card points collector sharing savvy travel tips she has learned firsthand from more than 20 years of circling the globe as a backpacker, expat and premium traveler in more than 125 countries and all seven continents.

Remove a card to add another to compare

Add at least 2 cards to compare

CreditCards.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The offers that appear on this site are from companies from which CreditCards.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and the likelihood of applicants' credit approval also impact how and where products appear on this site. CreditCards.com does not include the entire universe of available financial or credit offers. CCDC has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.

Since 2004, CreditCards.com has worked to break down the barriers that stand between you and your perfect credit card. Our team is made up of diverse individuals with a wide range of expertise and complementary backgrounds. From industry experts to data analysts and, of course, credit card users, we’re well-positioned to give you the best advice and up-to-date information about the credit card universe.

Let’s face it — there’s a lot of jargon and high-level talk in the credit card industry. Our experts have learned the ins and outs of credit card applications and policies so you don’t have to. With tools like CardMatch™ and in-depth advice from our editors, we present you with digestible information so you can make informed financial decisions.

Our top goal is simple: We want to help you narrow down your search so you don’t have to stress about finding your next credit card. Every day, we strive to bring you peace-of-mind as you work toward your financial goals.

A dedicated team of CreditCards.com editors oversees the automated content production process — from ideation to publication. These editors thoroughly edit and fact-check the content, ensuring that the information is accurate, authoritative and helpful to our audience.

Editorial integrity is central to every article we publish. Accuracy, independence and authority remain as key principles of our editorial guidelines. For further information about automated content on CreditCards.com , email Lance Davis, VP of Content, at [email protected] .

Know your odds before you apply

• Enter your information
• We’ll run a soft credit pull, which won’t impact your credit score
• You’ll see your estimated approval odds near cards to help you narrow down your options

Your personal information and data are protected with 256-bit encryption.

Tell us your name to get started

We’ll use this information to to verify your credit profile.

What’s your mailing address?

What's your employment status?

Your answer should account for all personal income, including salary, part-time pay, retirement, investments and rental properties. You do not need to include alimony, child support, or separate maintenance income unless you want to have it considered as a basis for repaying a loan. Increase non-taxable income or benefits included by 25%.

Put $0 if you currently don't have a rent or mortgage payment.

Last four digits of your Social Security number

We’ll use the last four digits of your Social Security number to get your approval odds. This won’t impact your credit score.

What’s your email address?

Your email address unlocks your approval odds. Don’t worry, we won’t spam your inbox.

By clicking "See my odds" you agree to our Terms of Use (including our Prequalification Terms ) and Privacy Policy . These terms allow CreditCards.com to use your consumer report information, including credit score, for internal business purposes, such as improving the website experience and to market other products and services to you. I understand that this is not an application for credit and that, if I wish to apply for a credit card with any participating credit card issuer, I will need to click through to complete and submit an application directly with that issuer.

Calculating your approval odds

Oops something went wrong..

We’re sorry, but something went wrong and we couldn’t find your approval odds. Instead, you'll see recommended credit ranges from the issuers listed next to cards on our site.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
• IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
• The World Of Hyatt Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
• Wyndham Rewards® Earner Plus Card
• Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard®
• Why You Should Trust Us

Best Hotel Credit Cards of 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews .

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, Wyndham Rewards® Earner Plus Card, Citi Premier® Card, Capital One Spark Miles for Business†, Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

Introduction to Hotel Credit Cards

If you're considering a hotel credit card, it's important to understand your personal preferences. From there, you can identify your favorite hotel chains and evaluate their credit cards for welcome bonus offers, recurring benefits, ease of earning free nights via credit card spending, category bonuses, and elite status perks.

Not every rewards credit card is equally suited for booking hotel stays, so keeping these values in mind can help everyone find the best hotel card for their particular style of travel.

Compare the Top Hotel Credit Cards

Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. Earn 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries. Earn 2x on all other travel purchases. Earn 1x on all other purchases.

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Earn 60,000 bonus points

Good to Excellent

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High intro bonus offer starts you off with lots of points
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong travel coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit

If you're new to travel rewards credit cards or just don't want to pay hundreds in annual fees, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a smart choice. It earns bonus points on a wide variety of travel and dining purchases and offers strong travel and purchase coverage, including primary car rental insurance.

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Earn 5x points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

22.49% - 29.49% Variable

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel credit can effectively shave $300 off the annual fee if you use it
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong travel insurance
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong bonus rewards on travel and dining
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Very high annual fee

If you're new to rewards credit cards you may want to start elsewhere, but if you know you want to earn Chase points and you spend a lot on travel and dining, the Sapphire Reserve is one of the most rewarding options.

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more

Limited time offer: Earn 10X Membership Rewards® Points at restaurants worldwide for three months, on up to $25,000 in purchases when eligible card member refers a friend and the friend applies by May 22, 2024 and gets the card (terms apply). Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year) and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Earn 1X Points on other purchases.

See Pay Over Time APR

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Long list of travel benefits, including airport lounge access and complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual statement credits with Saks and Uber
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Bonus categories leave something to be desired
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. One of the highest annual fees among premium travel cards

If you want as many premium travel perks as possible, The Platinum Card® from American Express could be the right card for you. The annual fee is high, but you get a long list of benefits such as airport lounge access, travel statement credits, complimentary hotel elite status, and more.

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
• $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Earn unlimited 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2 miles on all other purchases.

19.99% - 29.99% variable

Earn 75,000 bonus miles

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Excellent welcome bonus and miles earning
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Premium perks including airport lounge access and credits for certain purchases
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Visa Infinite benefits including travel and shopping protections
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. High annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Annual travel credits only apply to Capital One Travel purchases

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is one of the best credit cards for frequent travelers, with top-notch benefits and a wide range of built-in protections. It comes with a generous welcome bonus and credits that can help offset the annual fee — which is much lower than similar premium cards.

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

Earn 14x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 7x Points on select travel including flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies. Earn 7x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.

20.99% to 29.99% variable APR on purchases

Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors bonus points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Complimentary top-tier Hilton elite status
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Get a weekend night reward each year after you renew your card
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High welcome bonus
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Valuable annual statement credit for eligible Hilton purchases

Many of the best credit cards come with high annual fees that certainly aren't for everyone, and that's definitely the case with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card . This is Hilton's most expensive (and rewarding) card, and it's geared toward loyal Hilton travelers who can make the most of its many generous benefits.

Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG Hotel & Resorts. Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Earn 140,000 bonus points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Anniversary reward night can be worth more than the annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Could offer better rewards on non-IHG purchases

If you stay at IHG properties even just a few times a year, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is a great way to save money on your hotel stays and enjoy extra benefits. The annual free night alone can easily be worth much more than the annual fee, and perks like up to $50 in United TravelBank Cash and valuable annual spending incentives make the card even more compelling.

• 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 $100 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®

Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays (4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels and 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member). Earn 2 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. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases.

Earn up to 60,000 bonus points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Valuable annual reward night
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Hyatt points are valuable, and this card earns 2x points on several bonus categories
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. If you spend a lot on this card, you can earn a second free night
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not too many extra benefits

If you like staying at Hyatt hotels, The World Of Hyatt Credit Card is an excellent complement to Hyatt's generous and competitive loyalty program that offers free nights and a path toward higher-tier elite status. Even if you're not a hardcore Hyatt fan, the card's useful benefits can appeal to most travelers — and make the card worth keeping year after year.

• Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
• Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
• Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
• Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
• Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
• Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
• Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels & 5 Base Points per $1 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

Earn up to 17X points on purchases at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 3X points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining. Earn 2X points on all other purchases.

Earn 5 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points)

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual free night reward for hotels that cost up to 35,000 points can be worth more than annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. The only lucrative bonus category is participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Upgrading to Gold status requires spending $35,000 on the card in an account year

If you want to earn Marriott points on your everyday spending, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is a great option with a reasonable annual fee and a generous welcome bonus offer. It comes with good benefits, including a free night award each card anniversary and elite status credits for meeting spending thresholds.

Earn unlimited 1-6 points per dollar on purchases.

0% promo APR for 6 billing cycles on all Wyndham Timeshare purchases and 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening

20.49%, 24.74% or 29.74% Variable

75,000 points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Complimentary Platinum elite status
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong points earning on Wyndham stays and gas stations
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual bonus of 7,500 points for your cardmember anniversary
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 10% points discount for booking gofree Wyndham award stays
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. $75 annual fee

The Wyndham Rewards® Earner Plus Card is an excellent choice if you stay at Wyndham hotels. It comes with perks like automatic Platinum elite status and booking discounts, for a modest annual fee.

• The information related to the Wyndham Rewards® Earner Plus Card has been collected by Business Insider and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.
• 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases made at Hotels by Wyndham.
• 6 points per dollar on gas purchases.
• 4 points per dollar on eligible dining and grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart).
• 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
• Receive Wyndham Rewards Platinum membership.
• 7,500 bonus points each anniversary year.

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.

20.99%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable

Earn 60,000 points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous welcome bonus offer worth up to seven reward nights at Choice Hotels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Automatic Platinum elite status
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong benefits including 30,000 points on each card anniversary, cell phone protection, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit, and no foreign transaction fees
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Annual fee of $95
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No travel insurance or purchase protections

Wells Fargo has two Choice Hotels credit cards, and the Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® is the most rewarding of the pair with a welcome bonus worth up to 11 reward nights, automatic elite status, and points on your card anniversary.

• Select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - enough to redeem for up to 7 rewards nights at select Choice Hotels® properties.
• 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 Currency Conversion Fee.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best travel card overall
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best travel protection
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for luxury hotel perks
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best brand-agnostic travelers
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card : Best for Hilton stays
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card : Best for IHG stays
• The World Of Hyatt Credit Card : Best for Hyatt stays
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card : Best for Marriott stays
• Wyndham Rewards® Earner Plus Card : Best for Wyndham stays
• Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® : Best for Choice Hotels stays

Hotel Credit Card Reviews

Best travel card overall: chase sapphire preferred® card.

If you aren't tied to a particular hotel chain and prefer earning as many flexible points as possible, consider a general travel credit card like the Sapphire Preferred Card, our top-pick credit card for travelers. 

This card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards® points (with 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 2x points on all other travel purchases, including hotels), which you can redeem for travel bookings through the Chase Travel Portal℠ or transfer to partners including Hyatt, Marriott, and IHG to book.

The Sapphire Preferred Card also offers excellent travel insurance, so it's a good card to use for hotel bookings and airfare.

Recent updates to the Sapphire Preferred Card include up to $50 per year in statement credits for hotels booked through Chase Travel. If you maximize this credit, you can shave off more than half of the card's $95 annual fee.

Read more in our Chase Sapphire Preferred card review .

Best Travel Protection: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is the "big sibling" of the Sapphire Preferred Card, with even better benefits including top-notch travel insurance and higher earning rates. You'll earn 5x total points on air travel and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards after earning the $300 travel credit, and 3x points on other travel and dining.

It includes everything from trip cancellation and trip delay insurance to primary rental car insurance. Unlike the Sapphire Preferred Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve includes emergency evacuation insurance. In exchange for the $550 annual fee, you get up to a $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass airport lounge membership, a complimentary two-year Lyft Pink All Access membership , and more.

Read more in our Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card review .

Best for Luxury Hotel Perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express is a great card for booking hotel stays for several reasons. First, it offers complimentary Gold elite status with both Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy**. This can get you room upgrades and bonus points on your paid stays — and Gold status with Hilton even gets you free breakfast (currently offered as a food and beverage credit at U.S. hotels.).

The Amex Platinum Card allows you to access Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts — a collection of luxury properties booked through Amex that offer benefits like complimentary upgrades, free breakfast, and property credits. The Amex Platinum has a $695 annual fee, which is well worth the cost for travelers who value premium benefits at hotels without having to earn elite status with each chain. 

Read more in our American Express Platinum credit card review .

Best for Brand-Agnostic Travelers: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Travelers who aren't fussy about staying at the same hotel chain every time, or who don't care about earning hotel points for stays should have a close look at the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. It's a premium card with a $395 annual fee ( rates and fees ), but it comes with benefits that more than justify its cost.

Most notably, the card offers $300 in credits each year toward hotels, airfare, and car rentals booked through the Capital One Travel Portal . That alone negates most of the annual fee, but there's also a 10,000-mile bonus each card anniversary (worth at least $100 in travel) that essentially offsets the rest.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card starts off strong with a welcome bonus of 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. You can redeem Capital One miles toward travel purchases made on your card (including hotels) at a rate of 1 cent apiece, making this bonus worth $1,275 in stays.

Alternately, you can book hotels with miles through the Capital One Travel portal at the same rate, or pay with your card and earn 10x miles on hotel purchases. Capital One also has three hotel transfer partners — Wyndham, Choice Hotels, and Accor Live Limitless — and by transferring miles to one of these chains, you can potentially get even more value for your rewards.

This card also offers excellent travel and purchase protections, Priority Pass and Capital One airport lounge access, and a credit toward the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.

Learn more in our Capital One Venture X Rewards credit card review .

Best for Hilton Stays: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire is the best co-branded hotel credit card you can get. For starters, with the welcome bonus offer (150,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the card within your first six months of card membership), you can book upwards of 30 free nights, depending on the hotel category. The card also comes with top-tier Hilton Diamond status, which gets you free breakfast (currently awarded as a food and beverage credit), lounge access, and a 100% bonus on points earned via paid stays.

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire also offers a free night reward when you renew your card at your account anniversary, plus an extra free night when you spend $60,000 in a calendar year. Travelers will appreciate up to $250 in annual Hilton resort statement credits, up to $250 in annual airline incidental credits**, and Priority Pass Select membership**. 

If you don't stay at Hilton properties frequently enough to justify this card's hefty $550 annual fee, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, with a $150 annual fee, is a better option. It earns 12x points on eligible Hilton purchases (compared to 14x on the Aspire), and like the Aspire it offers a high welcome bonus.

You can stack the Aspire's $250 resort credit with the annual night reward at Hilton Resorts to save even more on a luxury stay.

Read more in our Hilton Honors Aspire card review .

Best for IHG Stays: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is one of the best hotel cards in terms of value. It has a welcome bonus offer of 140,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, and an annual fee of $99.

Cardholders get top-tier IHG Platinum elite status, a fourth night free on award bookings of three or more nights, and a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee credit of up to $100 every four years. Additionally, cardholders earn a reward night every year , which you can use at any IHG hotel worldwide that costs up to 40,000 points per night.

If you're a small business owner, be sure to also check out the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card . It's got even more benefits than the personal version of the card, and is currently offering a welcome bonus of 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus 35,000 bonus points after spending a total of $7,000 in the first six months from account opening (worth around $1,138 in IHG stays).

Read more in our IHG Rewards Club Premier credit card review .

Best for Hyatt Stays: The World Of Hyatt Credit Card

The World Of Hyatt Credit Card comes with free entry-level Discoverist status, which offers benefits like premium internet and 10% bonus points on paid stays. Cardholders aiming for higher status will appreciate the five qualifying night credits issued every year and the ability to earn two additional credits per $5,000 spent on the card.

Cardholders also receive a free night certificate on their account anniversary every year, valid at Hyatt Category 1 to 4 hotels. You can also earn a second free night after you spend $15,000 or more on purchases in a calendar year.

Chase also offers a Hyatt card for small-business owners, too. The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card comes with more perks but charges a higher annual fee — you can find out more in our World of Hyatt Business credit card review .

Read more in our World of Hyatt credit card review .

Best for Marriott Stays: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is a welcome bonus of 5 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first three months from your account opening. Business Insider estimates Marriott points to be worth 0.7 cents apiece — making this bonus worth up to $1,750 in travel.

This card includes solid perks for a mid-tier hotel credit card, including a free night each year after your cardmember anniversary at Marriott Bonvoy hotels that cost up to 35,000 points per night. Marriott has added the ability to "top-off" these certificates with up to 15,000 Marriott points — giving you the freedom to use your anniversary Free Night Awards for hotel nights that cost up to 50,000 points.

Read more in our Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card review .

Best for Wyndham Stays: Wyndham Rewards® Earner Plus Card

The Wyndham Rewards® Earner Plus Card offers good benefits including second-to-highest-tier Platinum elite status, which includes upgrades on Avis car rentals, early check-in, and a status match to the Caesars Rewards program. Each year when you renew your credit card, you'll also receive 7,500 bonus points (with no spending requirement). The annual fee is a moderate $75.

It earns a solid 6 Wyndham points per dollar on eligible Wyndham purchases and at gas stations, 4 points per dollar at Wyndham Timeshare properties and at restaurants and grocery stores (excluding Target and Walmart), and 1 point per dollar on everything else (excluding Wyndham Timeshare resorts down payments). You'll also get discounts on both paid and points bookings with Wyndham hotels.

Read more in our Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus credit card review .

Best for Choice Hotels Stays: Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard®

The Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® is one of two Choice Hotels credit cards from Wells Fargo, and it's a great deal if you like to stay at brands like Comfort Inn, Cambria, and Ascend Collection Hotels.

It's currently offering a welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $3,000 in qualifying purchases in the first three months from account opening. That's enough for up to 7 reward nights at Choice properties, and worth around $420 in stays, based on Business Insider's valuations.

Cardholders receive 20 elite night credits each year (enough for Choice Platinum elite status), 30,000 points each card anniversary (worth around $210 in stays according to our valuations), a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit, cell phone protection , and World Elite Mastercard benefits. There's an annual fee of $95, but it can be well worth paying it especially since you can get much more value than that from the anniversary points alone.

Read more in our Choice Privileges Select Mastercard review .

Hotel Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions

Hotel credit cards are worth it if you frequent a particular chain and like earning points with its loyalty program. It's even more worthwhile if you can use the benefits a hotel card offers, such as automatic elite status, anniversary free nights (or points), and other travel perks.

The right hotel credit card for you is easier to choose if you stay with a particular hotel chain frequently because you'll earn bonus points and get hotel-specific perks during your travels. That said, if you want to earn travel points and enjoy some benefits on your hotel stay but you don't stay with a single chain often, you're probably better off with a general travel rewards card, like the Sapphire Preferred Card or The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Yes, most of the major hotel chains offer no-annual-fee credit cards, but they typically come with smaller welcome bonus offers, lower earning rates, and fewer perks. That said, if you're totally against paying an annual fee but are loyal to a certain chain, you may want to consider a no-annual-fee hotel card. 

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Hotel Credit Cards

Business Insider analyzed dozens of hotel cards, looking at benefits, annual fees, rewards, and ancillary benefits to arrive at our final list of the very best options.

Many hotel brands offer various "tiers" of credit cards. For example, in addition to the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card with a $95 annual fee, there's the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card , which has a $650 annual fee and includes Platinum elite status and up to $25 per month (up to $300 per calendar year) in statement credits for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide. There's also the new Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card and Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card with a $250 annual fee.

When more than one personal credit card was available from a top hotel chain, we chose the card that offers the most value to an average guest, not someone who travels every weekend.

Additionally, some hotel credit cards offer a free night after each account anniversary or for meeting spending thresholds. These nights can be worth much more than the cards' annual fees, and make them worth keeping year after year.

For instance, we chose the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card as the best credit card for Marriott stays, because it balances a moderate annual fee with a few valuable perks and an incredible welcome bonus offer. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card has more perks to justify its annual fee, but it's harder to recommend to everybody — with benefits such as Priority Pass Select airport lounge access, it's more geared toward frequent travelers.

On the other hand, we named the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire, with a $550 annual fee, the best card for Hilton stays, because it comes with several statement credits that can effectively reduce the fee — and it offers the highest level of Hilton elite status as a complimentary benefit to cardholders. 

You can learn more about how we rate credit cards at Business Insider.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

***Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details. Travel Accident Insurance is not guaranteed, it depends on the level of benefits you get at application.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply

• Main content

Best travel credit cards for hotels 2024

Apr 5, 2024 • 19 min read

The stunning views from Park Hyatt Sydney. Read on to find out which card will help you get there with the best perks © Park Hyatt Sydney

This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with The Points Guy.

Advertiser Disclosure:  This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. This relationship may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers.  All information about the  Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card*, World of Hyatt Credit Card, and the Wyndham Rewards Earner Card  has been collected independently by Lonely Planet. These cards are not available through Lonely Planet.

Choosing the right hotel means you can immerse yourself in a destination. Beautiful design, events and tours that bring in local culture and amazing food can make you feel less like a tourist and more like a traveler. The best travel credits for hotels can help get you there faster, with plenty of perks to boot. 

The best travel credit cards provide exclusive benefits and rewards to cardholders, often elevating you to VIP status when traveling. The perk lists range from early check-in and extended to check-out times, complimentary breakfast and free upgrades, and coveted free nights. Your ascent to VIP has never been easier to obtain with the best hotel credit cards, making getaways that much more enjoyable.

How to use points and miles to save money on travel

You don’t have to pay a high annual fee to get valuable benefits from a hotel credit card. Annual fees range from $0 to $695, with the best cards often falling in the middle of that range and offering plenty of perks to offset their annual fee. The market is saturated with hotel credit cards, so how do you narrow down the best options? If you’re in the market for a hotel credit card and don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered with our hand-picked list. 

While “the best” card is subjective, we’ve narrowed it down based on criteria that include the card’s welcome bonus, recurring benefits, travel protections and elite status perks. All the cards we chose carry no foreign transaction fees, so you can use them abroad without incurring a 3% fee. Beyond that, each card we chose fits a different traveler and brand loyalist type. 

Here’s a look at the best travel credit cards for hotels:

Best travel credit cards for hotels for 2024

• Best Hilton card: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card*

Best Hyatt Card: World of Hyatt Credit Card

• Best Marriott Card: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card *

Best IHG Card: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

• Best for families: Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card
• Best for hotel perks at multiple brands: The Platinum Card® from American Express *
• Best for flexibility: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The best credit cards for airline miles

Best Hilton card: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is hands down the best Hilton credit card – and is arguably the best hotel credit card. The Hilton Aspire is the only hotel credit card offering automatic top-tier elite status, which comes with valuable perks like complimentary food and beverage credit, club lounge access and 100% bonus points on paid stays, to name a few. The card also has a high welcome bonus, which you can swap for up to 30 free nights at Hilton hotels. 

Most importantly, the Aspire Card comes packed with several recurring perks that offset the $450 annual fee: A $250 annual Hilton resort credit, up to a $250 airline fee credit, an annual free night award and Priority Pass Select membership for airport lounge access. The card also earns up to 14 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, making it an excellent way to earn Hilton points.

Welcome bonus: 180,000 points after you spend $6,000 in the first six months of card membership. 

Rewards: Earn 14X points at Hilton hotels and resorts; 7X points on flights booked with airlines or American Express Travel, 7X points on rental cars booked with rental companies;  7X points on dining at US restaurants; 3X points on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Automatic Hilton Diamond status, Priority Pass Select membership, annual $250 Hilton resort statement credit and up to $250 in airline fee credit, annual free night award, secondary rental car coverage (excludes certain international destinations), baggage insurance plan.* 

Credit score: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $450. See rates and fees .

• A substantial welcome bonus gets you up to 30 free nights at a Hilton hotel.
• This is the only hotel credit card that awards top-tier elite status. 
• Hotel and airline fee credits can justify the $450 annual fee.
• High annual fee.
• Limited redemption options outside of the Hilton portfolio.

10 amazing hotels around the world you can book with points

World of Hyatt is arguably the most popular hotel rewards program, thanks to a portfolio of unique hotel brands, excellent elite status benefits and reasonable award redemption rates. The World of Hyatt Credit Card is an excellent hotel card for earning more Hyatt points and elite status perks. The card’s welcome bonus isn’t the highest, but it can still go a long way since free nights at Hyatt hotels start at 3,500 points.

The card includes an annual free night award valid at Category 1-4 hotels and is easily worth the $95 annual fee. Cardholders receive automatic Hyatt Discoverist status, with the option to earn additional elite night credits through card spending (all the way up to Globalist). Overall, the World of Hyatt Card is excellent for loyalists who want to earn free nights and fast-track to elite status.

Welcome bonus: 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.

Rewards: Earn 4 points per dollar spent on purchases at all Hyatt hotels; 2 points per dollar spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit and commuting, as well as fitness club and gym membership; 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Annual free night award valid at a Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel; automatic Hyatt Discoverist status, plus 5 annual elite night credits towards the next status tier; two elite night credits for every $5,000 spent; trip cancellation and interruption insurance; baggage delay insurance; lost luggage reimbursement; secondary rental car insurance; no foreign transaction fees.

Credit score required: Good to excellent.

Annual fee: $95. See rates and fees .

• Welcome bonus of up to 60,000 bonus points.
• The annual free night award can offset the $95 annual fee.
• Big spenders can earn top-tier Diamond status entirely from credit card spending.
• Earning the full welcome bonus requires $15,000 in credit card spending.
• The annual free night is restricted to just four of eight Hyatt categories.
• Subject to Chase’s 5/24 policy. You likely won’t be approved if you’ve opened five cards at any banks in the last 24 months.

Traveling to Japan using points and miles

Best Marriott Card: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card

As the world’s largest hotel chain, Marriott offers more hotel credit cards than anyone else. There are currently four personal co-branded credit cards, but the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card is the best option for most consumers. The card strikes the perfect balance in offering meaningful benefits at a reasonable annual fee.

Cardholders earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after using their new card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership. Cardholders also receive an annual free night award after spending $15,000 on the card. The free night is valid for hotels requiring 50,000 points or less, which is generous. 

The Bonvoy Bevy provides automatic Marriott Gold Elite Status, which normally requires 25 nights. Bonvoy Gold Elite members receive 25% bonus points on paid stays, space-available room upgrades, late checkout, 250-500 points per stay and other perks. The card also comes with 15 elite night credits annually to help you fast-track your way to higher status. 

Welcome bonus:  Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Rewards: Earn 6X points at Marriott hotels; 4X points at US supermarkets and restaurants worldwide (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases, then 2X points); 2X points on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Automatic Bonvoy Gold Elite Status; 15 annual elite night credits towards the next status tier; annual free night award after spending $15,000 per calendar year (valid on award nights at or under 50,000 points; earn 1,000 bonus points per stay; trip delay insurance; baggage insurance plan; secondary rental car insurance*; No foreign transaction fees.

Annual fee: $250. See rates and fees .

• Automatic Gold Elite Status, with the option to spend your way to a higher tier.
• Elevated welcome bonus and earnings on common spending categories.
• 1,000 bonus points per eligible Marriott stay.
• High spending requirement to earn the full welcome bonus. 
• Bonus category earnings are limited geographically and in terms of how many points you can earn.

The best credit cards with no international fees

IHG One has three credit cards issued by Chase, but the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card strikes the best balance. The card offers a large welcome bonus and high earnings on travel and everyday spending categories. The annual free night is capped at 40,000 points but can still provide value exceeding the card’s $99 annual fee. 

Cardholders can stretch their points further with the fourth night free on award bookings and a 20% discount on IHG point purchases. IHG regularly sells points at 0.5 cents each, so it can make sense to buy points for a specific award redemption.

The IHG One Rewards Premier card rewards credit card spending generously, with up to 10 points per dollar spent and 10,000 bonus points when you spend $20,000 in a calendar year. An automatic upgrade to Platinum elite status will get you valuable perks like 60% bonus points, guaranteed room availability, late check-out and more.

Welcome bonus: Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Rewards: 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.

Travel benefits: Annual free night award (valid on award nights of 40,000 points or less); IHG Platinum status; fourth night free on award night bookings; $100 statement credit and 10,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 each calendar year; 20% discount on IHG point purchases; no foreign transaction fees; trip cancellation and interruption insurance; lost luggage reimbursement; baggage delay insurance.

Annual fee: $99. See  rates and fees.

• Annual free night is valid at hotels requiring 40,000 points per night or less.
• Fourth night free on consecutive award nights can save you 25% on point bookings.
• IHG Platinum elite status comes with valuable benefits.
• IHG doesn’t release an award chart, so finding out which hotels fall at or under 40,000 points per night is challenging. 
• IHG points can often be purchased for around 0.5 cents each, so earning them via credit card spending isn’t the best way to maximize your expenses.

The best credit cards for airport lounge access

Best for families: Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card Card

The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card is a great hotel credit card for families. Wyndham makes free night awards attainable, starting at just 7500 points per bedroom. Families can use their points at hotels, vacation home rentals, condos and other family-friendly properties. This versatility is great for families that need multiple rooms since Wyndham provides more space and affordable redemption rates.

The Wyndham Rewards Earner Card also provides automatic Platinum elite status, so families can enjoy extra perks during their hotel stays. The card offers up to 4X points on common spending categories, making free nights even more attainable. When you redeem your Wyndham points, you’ll receive a 10% discount to help you stretch your points even further. With a $75 annual fee, this card is a budget-friendly option for families.

Welcome bonus: 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days. 

Rewards: Earn 6X points on eligible purchases at Hotels by Wyndham, qualifying gas purchases; 4X points on eligible dining and grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®); 1X point on all other purchases (excludes Wyndham Timeshare resort down payments).

Travel benefits: Upgrade to Wyndham Rewards Platinum elite status, cardmember booking discount, annual 7,500-point bonus, no foreign transaction fees.

Annual fee: $75.

• Large welcome bonus that can be redeemed for up to ten nights at Wyndham hotels.
• Points can be stretched further with a 10% rebate on award bookings.
• The card offers high bonuses in common spending categories.
• With the Platinum status upgrade, families can enjoy useful perks like early check-in and late checkout.
• $75 annual fee.

The best travel credit cards

Best for hotel perks at multiple brands: The Platinum Card® from American Express

If you want hotel perks without being tied to a single hotel loyalty program, then The Platinum Card® from American Express is a great choice. The card offers Gold Elite Status with both Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy. In addition, cardholders can get elite-type perks at select hotels through a program called American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts. Benefits vary by property but generally include free nights, complimentary breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, room upgrades, hotel credits and more. 

The Amex Platinum card has a high annual fee but includes multiple statement credits, including $200 annually towards American Express Travel hotel bookings (Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay). If you’re not loyal to a single hotel chain and want to earn flexible points, you can transfer your points to Hilton, Marriott or Choice Hotels, then the Amex Platinum is a great choice. The Gold status upgrades are even extended to authorized user on the card.

Welcome bonus: 80,000 points after $8,000 spent within six months of account opening. 

Rewards: Earn 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel on amextravel.com (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, then 1X); 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel; 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Travel benefits: Hilton and Marriott Gold Elite Status; up to $200 annual hotel credit valid on American Express Travel bookings (Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay); up to $240 annual digital entertainment credit; up to $200 annual airline fee credit, up to $200 annual Uber cash distributed in monthly increments; up to $300 annual Equinox credit; $155 Walmart+ Credit; up to $100 annual credit at Saks Fifth Avenue; $189 annual CLEAR® Plus credit; Amex Global Lounge Collection access; elite status with Avis, Hertz and National rental car; trip delay insurance; trip cancellation and interruption insurance*.

Credit score required: Excellent.

Annual fee: $695. See rates and fees .

• Hotel status benefits apply to both the primary cardholder and authorized users.
• Annual $200 hotel credit when booking through American Express Travel (Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay).
• Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts benefits provide added perks at thousands of hotels across various chains.
• High annual fee, plus $175 for up to three authorized users.
• The current welcome bonus isn’t the highest we’ve seen for this card.
• Approval is subject to Amex’s once-per-lifetime rule. If you’ve already earned a welcome bonus for this card, you won’t be eligible for another one.

10 amazing US hotels you can book with points

Best for flexibility: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card 

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a great option for those wanting a hotel credit card without being tied to a single currency. The Venture X card earns Capital One miles which can be used towards travel purchases (including hotel stays) at one cent each. Alternatively, miles can be transferred to over a dozen airline and hotel programs, providing ultimate flexibility. Capital One’s 1:1 hotel transfer partners include Accord, Choice Hotels and Wyndham.

While transferring miles usually results in the best value, redeeming them for hotel bookings is straightforward and simple. If you prefer the latter, you’ll appreciate the Venture X over a co-branded hotel credit card. The card also comes with an annual $300 travel credit that can be applied towards hotel stays booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll earn 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars. 

Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.

Rewards: Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel; 2X miles on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: $300 annual credit for travel booked through Capital One Travel; 10,000 bonus miles every card anniversary; access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass Select membership; $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years; complimentary PRIOR subscription, 6-month Cultivist membership; $300 towards Gravity Haus social club membership; cell phone protection (up to $800); Hertz President’s Circle status; access to Premier Collection hotels for discounts and perks; primary rental coverage; trip cancellation and interruption; trip delay reimbursement; travel accident insurance; lost luggage reimbursement; travel and emergency assistance services.

Credit score: Excellent.

Annual fee: $395. See  rates and fees.

• Generous welcome bonus and high earnings on everyday spending.
• Points are worth 1 cent each towards travel purchases or transferable to airline and hotel partners.
• Annual $300 travel credit can be applied toward hotel bookings. 
• Capital One hotel transfer partners are limited to Accor Live Limitless, Choice Privileges and Wyndham Rewards.
• The $300 annual travel credit is limited to bookings made with Capital One Travel.

Should you book travel with cash or points?

Who should get a hotel credit card?

Anyone who frequently stays in hotels should consider getting a hotel credit card. These cards typically offer rewards such as free nights, bonus points on stays, elite status and hotel credits. They can also provide additional perks like airport lounge access and travel protections. Hotel credit card annual fees range from $0 to $695, so there are options for every budget.

Even if you only book one hotel stay a year, you might benefit from having a hotel credit card. 

How to make a travel budget using points and miles

How to choose the best hotel credit card

When choosing the best hotel credit card, it’s important to consider your travel needs and spending habits. If you’re loyal to one hotel chain, it makes sense to get a co-branded hotel credit card and earn points faster. But if you like to stay at a variety of hotel brands, then you might be better off with a non-branded card like the Amex Platinum , which still offers perks at a wide range of hotel brands. 

Once you’ve determined that a hotel credit card is a good fit, you should hone in on the hotel chain you most often stay with (IHG, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, Wyndham, etc.). Getting a co-branded credit card can enhance your stay and help you achieve elite status faster.  When a hotel chain offers multiple credit cards, it’s important to consider the annual fees and benefits to determine which might be the best fit.

Some hotel cards carry high annual fees but offer resort credits and free night awards that can make the fee worthwhile. For example, the Hilton Aspire Card offers top-tier Diamond Elite Status, which usually requires spending 60 nights and spending thousands of dollars. So even though the $450 annual fee seems steep compared to the $95 annual fee of the Hilton Surpass card, it can be worth it. 

Best travel credit cards for foodies

Are hotel credit cards worth it?

Hotel credit cards can be worth it depending on how often you stay in hotels and the benefits the card offers. A great hotel credit card will reward you for the categories in which you spend the most money and provide recurring perks like elite status and free nights. 

How to travel to Italy with points and miles

Why is it better to book hotels with a credit card?

Booking hotels with a credit card is beneficial because it offers more protection and security than other payment methods. Credit cards allow you to dispute charges if something goes wrong, such as a hotel overcharging you or not dropping incidental holds. Additionally, many credit cards offer extra benefits such as travel insurance, rewards and travel credits.

Hotels also put incidental holds on your credit card when you check-in. Depending on the hotel, these can range from $50-$100 or more. If you pay with a debit card, that money is subtracted from your account, meaning you can’t access those funds for other purchases. On the other hand, credit card holds are temporary, making it better to book hotels with a credit card.

Traveling to Hawaii with points and miles

How much do hotels usually hold on your credit card?

The amount of a hotel credit card hold will vary by property. Generally, hotels will place a hold of up to the total amount of your stay plus an additional amount to cover incidentals.

How to travel to Bali with points and miles

Do you need a credit card to book a hotel?

It depends on the hotel. Some hotels may require a credit card to book a room, while others may accept cash or other forms of payment. It is best to check with the individual hotel before booking.

Best credit cards for adventure travel

*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

This article was first published August 2023 and updated April 2024

Explore related stories

Jan 9, 2024 • 4 min read

Get help from a local expert to plan an unforgettable trip to Armenia.

Nov 28, 2023 • 4 min read

Oct 17, 2023 • 5 min read

Apr 23, 2024 • 8 min read

Apr 23, 2024 • 5 min read

Apr 22, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 23, 2024 • 9 min read

Apr 23, 2024 • 6 min read

Best Travel Credit Cards of April 2024

14 best travel credit cards of 2024, best overall: chase sapphire preferred® card.

Why we chose it: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is an affordable option fit for beginners and experienced travelers. For a reasonable $95 annual fee, you get generous perks, including high bonus rewards, intro bonus, annual hotel credit and bonus anniversary points. Plus points can be redeemed for 25% more value toward travel through Chase Travel. Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred review .

• Earns flexible rewards that transfer to airline and hotel partners
• Get 25% more value when redeeming for travel booked through Chase Travel
• Generous welcome offer and bonus categories
• No intro APR
• No luxury travel perks like airport lounge access

Best for Travel Rewards: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Why we chose it: The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the best premium travel cards thanks in large part to the generous rewards and outsized redemption value. On top of travel credits, lounge access and other airport perks, the card rakes in flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points in a range of bonus categories. Plus cardholders get 50% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase. Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve review .

• Comes with luxury travel benefits
• Generous welcome bonus and earning rates
• Get 50% more value for travel when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel
• No intro APR offer
• $550 annual fee and $75 annual fee per authorized user
• Earns just 1X points on regular purchases

Best Premium Value: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital one venture x rewards credit card.

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers enhanced travel perks for a lower annual fee than other premium cards. For $395 per year, users get a $300 annual travel credit, a credit of up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, Priority Pass Select membership, access to Capital One airport lounges and more. Read our Capital One Venture X review .

• Comes with robust travel benefits
• Generous minimum earning rate of 2X miles on all other purchases
• Earns flexible miles that transfer to partners
• Transfer partners aren’t as good as some competing programs
• $300 annual travel credit must be used through Capital One Travel
• Fewer rewards bonus categories than some other premium cards

Best for Luxury Perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Why we chose it: The Platinum Card from American Express is best for luxury perks since, in our view, it comes with the most extensive list of credits and features. This includes the broadest airport lounge membership possible, airline fee credit for incidental fees and automatic Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy. Cardholders also earn a very generous welcome bonus and heightened rewards on eligible travel purchases. Read our Amex Platinum Card review .

• Comes with the best airport lounge membership available
• More than $1,500 in annual statement and merchant credits available
• Earns flexible Amex Membership Rewards points
• $695 annual fee and $195 annual fee for each additional Platinum Card ( see rates and fees )
• Earns just 1X points on other eligible non-category purchases
• Statement credits may be difficult to use

Best for Flat-Rate Rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital one venture rewards credit card.

After spending $4,000 in first 3 months from account opening

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card comes with a promising flat rewards rate of unlimited 2X miles on all purchases and unlimited 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. This card also earns flexible miles that can be used for multiple purposes like travel statement credits, gift cards , travel bookings through Capital One or miles transfers to Capital One airline and hotel partners. Read our Capital One Venture Rewards card review .

• Earns impressive flat-rate rewards
• Miles come with flexible redemption options

Best With No Annual Fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Wells fargo autograph℠ card.

After spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months

Why we chose it: For no annual fee, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card comes with a solid sign-up bonus and earns an unlimited 3X points on travel, gas, transit, restaurants, popular streaming services and phone plans, and 1X points on other eligible purchases. Read our Wells Fargo Autograph review .

• No annual fee required
• Earns 3X points in six popular categories
• Intro APR on purchases
• No transfer partners
• Few travel-specific benefits

Best Overall Hotel Card: World of Hyatt Credit Card

World of hyatt credit card.

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 by earning 2 bonus points total per $1 spent in the first six months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 bonus point, on up to $15,000 spent.

Why we chose it: The World of Hyatt Credit Card is packed full of features. It offers an annual free night certificate each year after your cardmember anniversary, five elite qualifying nights per year just for having the card and a way to spend toward additional elite nights and an additional free night certificate each year.

• Category 1-4 free night certificate annually after your cardmember anniversary
• Earns two nights toward elite status for every $5,000 spent on the card
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance and lost luggage reimbursement
• Full welcome bonus requires costly spending
• Lackluster earnings outside of Hyatt stays
• Lower overall point value on hotel stays than some competing cards

Best for Budget-Friendly Delta Loyalists: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Why we chose it: The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers excellent value for its $150 ongoing annual fee. The card’s first free checked bag benefit applies to you and up to eight other people in your same reservation. When redeeming miles for Delta flights, you’ll receive a 15% off discount when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. You’ll also get a $200 Delta flight credit when you spend $10,000 on the card in a calendar year. Finally, you can receive an annual statement credit of up to $100 when you use your card book hotel nights through Delta Stays bookings on delta.com. Read our Delta SkyMiles Gold review .

• Free first checked bag for you and up to eight other people on your reservation
• 15% off Award Travel when using miles on Delta flights (through delta.com and the Fly Delta app)
• $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then $150)
• Earns only 2X miles on Delta purchases
• No ability to earn Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) using the card
• $200 Delta flight credit requires $10,000 in spending on the card in a calendar year

Best for Business Travel Rewards: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Why we chose it: The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card earns generous rewards on travel and in a range of popular business categories. Plus cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases within three months of account opening. Read our Ink Business Preferred review .

• Earns flexible Chase Ultimate rewards points
• Get 25% more value when booking travel with points through Chase Travel
• Earns 3X points in popular eligible business categories (on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year, then 1X points)
• Bonus category spending caps limit rewards potential
• Earns just 1X points on all other regular purchases

Best for Business With No Annual Fee: The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Why we chose it: For no annual fee, the Blue Business Plus Credit Card offers 2X points on up to $50,000 spent in purchases each year, then 1X points on other purchases. Plus rewards earned fall within the flexible American Express Membership Rewards program. Read our Blue Business Plus card review .

• Earns Amex Membership Rewards points
• Get 2X points on the first $50,000 spent in purchases each year (then 1X points)
• Earns just 1X points after $50,000 in spending each year
• Small welcome bonus
• Limited travel-specific benefits

Best for Everyday Spending: Citi Premier® Card

Citi premier® card.

After spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com

Why we chose it: The Citi Premier Card offers a robust selection of bonus rewards categories. Not only do cardholders earn a generous sign-up bonus, but they also earn 3X points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels. All other purchases earn 1X points. Cardholders can also earn 10X points on hotels and car rentals booked through the Citi Travel portal (through June 30, 2024). Read our Citi Premier review .

• Earns flexible rewards for travel
• Generous 3X earning rate in five popular categories
• Elevated rate on eligible travel purchases via Citi Travel through June 2024

Best for Travel Rewards on Dining: American Express® Gold Card

Why We Chose It: The American Express Gold Card might be the ultimate dining card for travelers. It offers 4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide—that’s the most points you’re likely to earn without jumping through hoops like making dining purchases through a portal. Read our Amex Gold card review .

• 4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide (plus on takeout and delivery in the U.S.)
• 4X points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per year in purchases (then 1X points)
• Up to $120 in Uber Cash annually
• Steep $250 annual fee
• Poor redemption value beyond airfare
• U.S. supermarket bonus rewards are capped at $25,000 in spending each year

Best for Travel and Transit: American Express® Green Card

American express® green card.

After spending $3,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

Why We Chose It: The American Express Green Card offers 3X Membership Rewards points on almost every type of eligible travel and transit expense. If you prefer to earn travel rewards and want a single card to consolidate your expenses on, the Amex Green Card is likely your best choice.

• Earns 3X points on a wide variety of eligible travel and transit, plus at restaurants worldwide
• Earns transferable Membership Rewards points
• Offers trip delay insurance*, baggage insurance plan* and car rental loss and damage insurance*
• $150 annual fee
• Limited cash redemption options
• No introductory APR

Related Articles

• Best Rewards Credit Cards
• How To Choose a Credit Card
• How Many Credit Cards Should I Have?

A Closer Look at the Best Travel Cards

Best overall: chase sapphire preferred card.

Why we love this card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points that transfer to airline and hotel partners like British Airways, Southwest Rapid Rewards and World of Hyatt, yet cardholders can also get 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase.

Other reasons to love this card include its exceptional welcome offer (earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, worth $750 redeemed through Chase Travel) and earning rates: 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 5X points on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025); 3X points on dining, online groceries (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs) and select streaming services; 2X points on general travel; and 1X points on all other purchases.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is ideal for consumers who want to earn flexible travel rewards they can redeem in more than one way without having to pay hundreds of dollars toward an annual fee each year. That said, the fact you can redeem points for cash back, statement credits, gift cards and merchandise means the Sapphire Preferred can also work as a cash back credit card.

Other cards to consider: If you want a travel credit card with perks like airport lounge access or annual travel credits, you’ll have to be willing to pay a higher annual fee. In that case, you can consider cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred

Best for Travel Rewards: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Why we love this card: The Chase Sapphire Reserve starts new customers off with a welcome offer to earn 60,000 bonus points when they spend $4,000 within three months of account opening, and they also earn 10X points on hotels and rental cars booked through Chase; 10X points on Chase Dining purchases with Ultimate Rewards; 5X points on flights booked through Chase Travel; 5X points on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025); 3X points on dining and general travel purchases (not purchased through Chase); and 1X points on everything else. Rewards on travel are after the $300 travel credit is spent each year.

Premium perks that come with the card include a $300 annual travel credit, an application fee credit for Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck membership, Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership and a suite of premium travel insurance benefits.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Sapphire Reserve is for frequent travelers who want to earn flexible rewards they can use for direct travel bookings through Chase or point transfers to airlines and hotels. The ideal cardholder also wants luxury travel benefits like airport lounge access and annual travel credits.

Other cards to consider: For a more affordable premium travel card, consider the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. But for more extensive lounge access and the chance to earn more credits, look into the Amex Platinum Card.

Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve

Best for Premium Value: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Why we love this card: Despite the fact this card charges just $395 per year, it comes with a $300 annual travel credit, a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, Priority Pass Select membership, access to Capital One airport lounges and more. Users also earn flexible Capital One miles that can be redeemed for travel through Capital One Travel, used for gift cards, merchandise and travel statement credits or transferred to Capital One airline or hotel partners. Rewards include 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel and 2X miles on all other purchases.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is for people who can utilize its airline and hotel partners or want to use their miles to book travel directly through Capital One. Individuals who want a card with airport lounge access at the lowest possible cost can also consider this premium travel credit card.

Other cards to consider: If you research Capital One airline and hotel partners and like what you see but want to pay a lower annual fee each year, you should also consider the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card ($95 annual fee). If you want airport lounge access and other premium benefits, however, you should check out the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve .

Read our review of the Capital One Venture X

Best for Luxury Perks: The Platinum Card from American Express

Why we love this card: The Platinum Card from American Express has so many perks and statement credits it’s hard to keep track. For example, cardholders get more than $1,500 in statement and merchant credit offers with the card, plus the broadest airport lounge membership possible (Global Lounge Collection), Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy with enrollment, access to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and plenty of other luxury travel perks.

Cardholders also earn a generous welcome bonus (earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new card in the first six months of card membership), plus 5X points on up to $500,000 spent each calendar year on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, 5X points on eligible prepaid hotels booked via American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Platinum Card from American Express is best for frequent travelers who can use most of its statement credit offers and benefits each year. Individuals who fly a lot and want access to the most airport lounges worldwide will also love the fact they can enter Priority Pass lounges, Amex Centurion lounges and even Delta Sky Clubs when they fly with Delta Air Lines. This card also works best for people who want to earn flexible points for travel that can be redeemed for airfare, hotel stays, car rentals and other travel in more than one way. After all, points earned with the card fall within the popular American Express Membership Rewards program.

Other cards to consider: If you want airport lounge access, consider premium travel credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Capital One Venture X, which charge annual fees of $550 and $395, respectively. You can pay an even lower annual fee if you give up some luxury travel benefits and pick a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Citi Premier.

Read our review of the Amex Platinum

Why we love this card: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns a nice flat rewards rate of 2X unlimited miles on all purchases and 5X unlimited miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Plus, miles can be redeemed for options like statement credits to offset travel, gift cards, travel through Capital One or transfers to airlines and hotels. While the annual fee is just $95, cardholders get perks like a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership every four years.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is ideal for frequent travelers who want some upgraded perks without paying more than $100 per year for their travel credit card. The card’s flat rewards rate also makes it a good choice for consumers who don’t want to keep track of confusing earning rates or bonus categories. Finally, this card works well for people who want to use their miles for travel but also want some flexibility in how they redeem them.

Other cards to consider: Several other flexible travel credit cards let users transfer rewards to airlines and hotels without paying more than $100 in annual fees each year. For example, you could consider the Citi Premier or the Chase Sapphire Preferred, which earn points in the Citi ThankYou Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards programs, respectively.

Read our Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review

Best for No Annual Fee: Wells Fargo Autograph Card

Why we love this card: The Wells Fargo Autograph Card earns 3X points in so many bonus categories with no annual fee required. The welcome offer is also higher than other travel and cash back credit cards with no annual fee (30,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in purchases in the first three months), and rewards are fairly flexible. For example, you can redeem rewards with this card for travel, gift cards, statement credits or PayPal purchases. The card also has more benefits than one would think, including cellphone protection, auto rental coverage, travel and emergency assistance services and roadside dispatch.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Wells Fargo Autograph Card is best for people who want to earn rewards with no annual fee required, as well as those who want some flexibility when it comes to cashing in their rewards. The intro APR offer on purchases also makes this card a good option for people who want to earn rewards on a large purchase and then pay it down interest-free for the first year.

Other cards to consider: If you want to earn travel rewards with no annual fee required, several top cards can fit the bill. For example, you could also look at the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card, the Discover it® Miles and the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

Read our Wells Fargo Autograph Card review

Why we love this card: The World of Hyatt Credit Card offers 4X points on Hyatt hotels, an annual free night certificate and a second free night certificate once you spend $15,000 in a calendar year. The card also helps you earn elite status with Hyatt. You start out with World of Hyatt Discoverist status and five elite-qualifying night credits just for having the card, plus you earn two bonus elite night credits for every $5,000 you spend on the card. That’s plenty of value for a $95/year card.

Who should have this in their wallet: The World of Hyatt Credit Card is a great choice for anyone who stays at Hyatt hotels at least a few times a year. If you stay at Hyatt hotels occasionally and can make use of the annual category 1-4 free night, you’re likely to get value in excess of the card’s $95 annual fee. Those who stay at Hyatt hotels often enough to pursue Hyatt status will find that the card both helps boost their status and offers the best rewards value on Hyatt stays of any card.

Other cards to consider: If you want a credit card that offers a free night certificate, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card also offer a free night annually each account anniversary just for having the cards.

Why we love this card: The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card comes with plenty of features and benefits. The card’s first checked bag free benefit applies to everyone in your reservation—up to eight companions—making it a great value for family travelers. The $100 Delta Stays credit offers easy value when you book a hotel stay through Delta Stays on delta.com and the $200 Delta Flight credit you’ll receive after spending $10,000 in a calendar year should be easy to use for loyal Delta flyers.

Who should have this in their wallet: Anyone who regularly checks bags on Delta and doesn’t already have Delta elite status should get the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card. The card will pay for itself in saved checked bag fees after just three round trips each year by our estimation.

Other cards to consider: If you’re pursuing Delta elite status, consider holding one of the airline’s more premium cards. The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card both earn the Medallion Qualifying Dollars you’ll need to earn frequent flyer status with Delta.

Best for Business Travel Rewards: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Why we love this card: The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card earns 3X points on up to $150,000 in spending each anniversary year in the following categories (then 1X points): shipping purchases; advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines; internet, cable and phone services; and travel. You earn 1X points on all other purchases.

Rewards fall within the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, so points can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, merchandise, travel through Chase Travel (for 25% more value) or 1:1 point transfers to Chase airline and hotel partners. Benefits for business owners include free employee cards, primary auto rental coverage when renting a car for business purchases, cell phone protection, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty protection and more.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Ink Business Preferred is for business owners who spend a lot in its bonus categories and want to earn travel rewards points they can use in more than one way. Many business owners also pair this card with the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve as their personal card since Chase lets users pool rewards in one account for convenience (and premium redemptions).

Other cards to consider: If the bonus categories don’t fit your spending, the no-annual-fee Amex Blue Business Plus offers a flat rate of 2X points on up to $50,000 in purchases each year, followed by 1X points.

Read our review of the Ink Business Preferred

Best for Business With No Annual Fee: Blue Business Plus Credit Card

Why we love this card: The Blue Business Plus Credit Card earns Amex Membership Rewards points with no annual fee required. While the welcome bonus is on the small side (earn 15,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $3,000 in purchases with the card in the first three months), cardholders can earn 2X points on up to $50,000 spent on purchases each year, then 1X points on other purchases.

Who should have this in their wallet: This business credit card is ideal for business owners who want to earn Amex points without paying an annual fee each year. Many consumers pair this card with a Membership Rewards card for consumers such as the Amex EveryDay, the American Express® Gold Card, and the American Express® Green Card.

Other cards to consider: There are few other business credit cards to consider if you want a card for travel with no annual fee that’s specifically for small businesses and entrepreneurs. However, you can consider consumer credit cards for travel with no annual fee required, including the Discover it® Miles and the Capital One VentureOne.

Read our review of the Amex Blue Business Plus

Best for Everyday Spending: Citi Premier Card

Why we love this card: The Citi Premier Card is a solid choice as a top-of-wallet card due to its bonus category potential. The card earns 3X points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels; 10X points on hotels and car rentals booked through the Citi travel portal (through June 30, 2024); and 1X points on other purchases. While a $95 annual fee applies, benefits like a $100 annual hotel savings on a $500+ hotel stay booked with Citi Travel help make up for it. Also note that this card earns Citi ThankYou points that can be redeemed for gift cards, merchandise, travel through Citi or transfers to Citi ThankYou airline and hotel partners.

Who should have this in their wallet: The Citi Premier Card is best for people who want to earn 3X points in as many categories as possible, as well as those who want some flexibility in how they redeem their rewards. This card also works well for people who have a cash back credit card from Citi that they use for points pooling.

Other cards to consider: The Wells Fargo Autograph is another flexible credit card for travel that earns 3X points in a bunch of different categories, yet with no annual fee. If you want points that transfer to partners with an annual fee below $100 each year, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred or even the Amex EveryDay.

Read our review of the Citi Premier Card

Best for Travel Rewards on Dining: American Express Gold Card

Why we love this card: Almost every rewards card that earns extra points for dining at any restaurant worldwide will give you at most three points per dollar. The Amex Gold Card gives you 4X points. If restaurants worldwide (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.) is one of your biggest spending categories, this bonus to the amount of rewards you earn can really add up. Plus, the card offers respectable rewards of 4X points on up to $25,000 a calendar year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1X) and 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

Who should have this card in their wallet: If you are invested in the Membership Rewards ecosystem and know how to use the points for high-value redemptions, the Amex Gold Card is a rewards powerhouse. The Gold card can earn you a great return on your worldwide restaurant spending and up to $25,000 of charges you make at U.S. supermarkets a calender year (4X points before cap, then 1X).

Other cards to consider: If you prefer earning travel rewards that are easier to use, the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve might be a better bet. Both cards earn 3X points on dining at restaurants—rewards that can be easily redeemed for cash back, travel or transferred to travel partners.

Best for Business Travel Expenses: American Express Green Card

Why we love this card: With the Amex Green Card, you’ll earn 3X Membership Rewards on core travel expenses like eligible airfare and hotels, but you’ll also earn increased rewards on most other eligible travel expenses like tours, cruises, travel purchases on third party websites, rideshare, tolls and dining at restaurants worldwide. If you’re after travel rewards, you can do pretty well carrying only the Amex Green Card when you travel.

Who should have this card in their wallet: The frequent traveler who wants a single card that offers a good rate of rewards on all of their travel purchases should carry the Amex Green Card. The card not only offers 3X Membership Rewards on almost every eligible purchase you’ll make on the road, but it also provides essential travel insurance protections.

Other cards to consider: If cash-like rewards on your travel is your preference, you can earn rewards on most of your travel and transit expenses with the Wells Fargo Autograph Card. You won’t get the travel protections that you will with the Green Card, but you will pay no annual fee for the card.

What Is a Travel Credit Card?

A travel credit card is a type of rewards credit card that offers points that can be redeemed for travel and other options. Many travel credit cards also offer travel-specific benefits that can apply in certain situations, such as free checked bags when flying with an airline or late checkout when staying with specific hotel brands.

While some travel credit cards earn airline miles for a specific airline or hotel points that work within a specific hotel loyalty program, other cards earn flexible travel rewards points that can be redeemed for several flexible options. Additional travel credit card benefits can also be included, such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, auto rental coverage, roadside dispatch, automatic elite status, annual travel credits, airport lounge access and more.

How Do Travel Credit Cards Work?

How travel credit cards work depends on the type of card and the program its rewards fall in. However, all travel credit cards have certain things in common. For example:

• Travel credit cards tend to offer welcome bonuses when you meet a minimum spending requirement within a few months of account opening.
• You can earn travel rewards points (or miles) based on spending and the card’s earning structure.
• Some cards offer bonus points or miles in certain categories, while others do not.
• Travel credit card benefits (e.g. travel insurance, annual travel credits, airport lounge access, free checked bags, etc.) can apply, although these perks vary widely by card.
• Travel credit card annual fees range from $0 all the way up $695, and there are cards for consumers as well as businesses.

Other than the card amenities that apply specifically to travel, cards in this niche work like other types of credit cards. All travel credit cards give consumers a line of credit they can borrow against, and they can avoid credit card interest if they pay their statement balance in full by their payment due date. When consumers don’t pay their balance in full, they get charged interest based on the average daily balance and the card’s annual percentage rate (APR).

Types of Travel Credit Cards

As you decide on a travel credit card for your wallet, you should know about the types of cards that are out there. This can help you figure out which travel credit card is best for you based on the type of rewards you want to earn and the benefits you desire.

• General travel credit cards: Some cards are considered general travel credit cards because they earn bonus points or miles in multiple categories and let you redeem rewards for travel without offering a lot of travel-specific perks or benefits. Cards in this category do not let you transfer points to airline and hotel programs like flexible travel credit cards do.
• Flexible travel credit cards: Flexible travel credit cards fall within programs like Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards, and they let you redeem rewards for travel through a portal or rewards transfers to airlines and hotels affiliated with the program. Premium cards in this category may also come with benefits like airport lounge access, annual travel credits and robust travel insurance protections.
• Co-branded airline cards: Co-branded airline credit cards are offered by card issuers alongside frequent flyer programs like American Airlines AAdvantage and Delta SkyMiles. Cards in this category earn miles that are redeemable for flights with the airline itself or its partners, and they can come with perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, airport lounge access and more.
• Co-branded hotel cards: Hotel brands like Hilton Honors and World of Hyatt also offer co-branded credit cards alongside major card issuers . Cards in this category earn hotel points that can be used for free award stays, suite upgrades and other on-site benefits, and they tend to come with perks like automatic elite status, early check-in and late checkout. Some premium hotel credit cards also come with annual travel credits and airport lounge membership.

How To Choose the Best Travel Credit Card

The best travel credit card for one person can be totally different for another, mostly because there are so many variables to keep in mind. Not only are there different types of travel rewards you can earn, but earning rates and cardholder perks and fees vary widely by product.

As you look for the right travel credit card for what you’re hoping to get in return, keep the following factors in mind.

Type of Rewards

First off, you’ll want to think over the type of travel rewards you want to earn, whether that’s flexible points, airline miles or hotel points. If you fly with a specific airline or stay with a specific brand of hotels often, you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of earning rewards that are specific to that program versus earning flexible rewards that may or may not transfer to your favorite travel brands.

Redemption Options

Speaking of that, make sure you have a general idea of the redemption options available for the rewards you earn, and keep in mind that airline miles and hotel points tend to be more limited overall. If you want rewards that are as flexible as they can be, consider picking up a flexible travel credit card that lets you redeem rewards through a portal or transfer to a range of airline and hotel partners.

Cardholder Benefits

Also consider the perks you want to get with your credit card for travel, keeping in mind that some cards offer general benefits and others offer more specific perks. For example, airline credit cards tend to offer benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding, whereas hotel credit cards offer hotel-specific perks like entry-level elite status, early check-in and late checkout. Meanwhile, flexible travel credit cards tend to offer more general benefits like fee credits as reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership or Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership.

Learn more about the benefits found with some of the best travel rewards cards:

• New Amex Delta SkyMiles benefits (and fees)
• Amex Platinum benefits
• Amex Gold Card benefits
• American Express® Business Gold Card benefits
• Chase Sapphire Reserve benefits
• Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits

Earning Rates

Also look at the earning rates travel credit cards offer and compare them to see which cards would net you the most in rewards over time. If you spend a lot of money in specific categories each month like gas, groceries or travel, it can help to look for cards that offer bonus points in these categories.

Welcome Offers

Consider travel credit card welcome bonuses and see which ones entice you the most. If a card has a high minimum spending requirement to earn a welcome bonus, make sure you can easily meet it with regular, organic spending and bills within the timeline required.

If you have to spend $4,000 on purchases within three months of account opening, for example, that breaks down to spending at least $1,334 on purchases each month for the first three consecutive months in a row after becoming a cardholder.

Travel Protections

Although you might be tempted to book your travel with your card that earns the greatest amount of rewards, you should also consider what travel protections your card provides. Many travel credit cards offer a suite of travel protections that can be far more valuable than a few marginal points if things go wrong. Here are a few of the essential travel protections that many travel cards offer.

• Trip delay insurance can cover incidental expenses and even an overnight stay if travel you book with your card is delayed significantly or overnight. Booking a trip with a card that offers this benefit can mean that you’re not out hundreds of dollars if you suddenly need to check into a hotel for an overnight flight delay.
• Auto rental collision damage waiver insurance can cover damage to or theft of a rental car you book using your card. Ideally, you’d rent a car using a card that offers primary insurance, which can provide protection without requiring you to make a claim to your personal auto insurance. Keep in mind that this benefit doesn’t cover liability and often doesn’t cover car-sharing services like Turo.
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance may cover reimbursement of non-refundable prepaid travel expenses in the event that your trip gets interrupted or canceled for a covered reason. Which expenses this benefit covers vary widely by card—some cards only cover prepaid travel by common carrier, while others will cover expenses like tours and lodging booked through travel providers.

Finally, compare travel credit cards based on their annual fees, and make sure you feel comfortable with the annual fee you’re planning to pay. If a credit card for travel you’re considering charges an annual fee, look closely at its benefits and rewards to make sure you’re getting more value out of the card than its annual fee the first year. Also check for other fees like foreign transaction fees, but note that credit cards geared to travel usually don’t charge them.

You can also look at cards based on their variable interest rates and intro APR offers. That said, you’ll typically only want to get a travel credit card if you plan to pay off your purchases in full each month. If you carry a balance on your card or end up in long-term debt, the variable rates you pay will more than wipe out the rewards you earn.

What Are Your Points and Miles Worth?

How much points and miles are worth may not seem like a big consideration, but this is one of the most important factors to keep in mind as you compare card earning rates and redemption options. After all, some rewards points are worth considerably more than others, and some cards have different redemption rates depending on how you use your points.

Knowing how much your points are worth can help you decide if a travel credit card is the right fit for you. For example, Amex Membership Rewards points are worth an average of 1.19 cents per point according to Newsweek valuations. For maximum value, you’ll need to transfer your points to an airline partner.

Other Amex redemption options aren’t as valuable. You can redeem Amex points for airfare through AmexTravel.com at 1 cent per point. But points are only worth 0.6 cents per point if you redeem for statement credits and 0.7 cents per point for many travel redemptions through Amex Travel.

If cash back is your preferred redemption option, a cash back credit card is likely a better fit over an Amex travel card. And if you’re not booking flights through Amex travel or transferring to a high-value transfer partner, a different travel rewards card could give you better value when redeeming your rewards.

Also note that similar points from different programs can be worth varying amounts, and this can skew how generous the earning rates and welcome bonuses appear with different cards. For example, Hilton Honors points are worth an average of 0.41 cents each, whereas World of Hyatt points are worth 2.11 cents each based on our internal valuations.

*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do you need for the best travel credit cards.

Minimum credit score recommendations vary by card product and card issuer. But the best travel credit cards are geared toward individuals with good to excellent credit (or a FICO Score of 670 and up).

What Is the Best Credit Card for Travel Points?

The best credit card for travel rewards can vary based on the type of rewards, fees charged and perks included. However, some of the best travel credit cards on the market today include the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X.

Do I Have To Pay Interest on a Credit Card?

Avoid interest completely on credit cards by paying your card’s statement balance in full by your card’s payment due date each month. Some cards also come with introductory APRs for purchases, balance transfers or both, yet this isn’t a common feature among credit cards for travel rewards.

The post Best Travel Credit Cards of April 2024 first appeared on Newsweek Vault .

• Find My Reservation
• Modify or Cancel Reservation
• Explore Our Locations

Entertainment Destinations

All-Inclusive Resorts

Extended-Stay Hotels

• Book Meetings & Events
• Discover Wyndham Business
• View All Reservations
• Default Currency
• See All Offers

You’ll always get the lowest price at thousands of hotels worldwide when you book direct.

• Use Wyndham Rewards Points
• Earn Wyndham Rewards Points
• Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card
• Member Levels
• How It Works

Our best offer yet: Earn up to 100,000 bonus points—enough for up to 13 free nights! See  Terms & Conditions  for details.

You're only nights from !

with the Wyndham Rewards Earner ®  Cards. See  Terms & Conditions  for details.

• My Activity
• Redeem Points
• English - US
• English - Asia Pacific
• English - CA
• English - UK

with the Wyndham Rewards Earner ®  Cards. See  Terms & Conditions  for details.

with the Wyndham Rewards Earner ®  Cards. See  Terms & Conditions  for details.

Earn up to 2 Free Nights—Your Way!

You’re only nights away from Level.

You've matched to  In order to keep your  level match, you need to stay  more qualifying night(s) by . Book now .

With thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts, and vacation rentals worldwide and so many ways to earn and redeem points, Wyndham Rewards gives you more options to travel and get rewarded the way you want.

Fall Travel - Stay Longer, Save More

Travel to Europe

Our Best Offer Yet: Earn Points for up to 13 Free Nights

With the Wyndham Rewards Earner ® Cards, you can earn up to 100,000 bonus points—enough for up to 13 free nights. See  Terms & Conditions  for details.

Pay Now & Save, Non-Cancelable

New! Road Trip Planner

The Easiest Way to Book & Go on Our App SM

On-Property Credit

Save 15% or More + 500 Bonus Points

Save up to 30% at Caesars Entertainment

Wyndham Rewards Double Points Rate

Stay Twice, Earn a Free Night

Save up to 25% at Caesars Entertainment

Wyndham Rewards Member Rate

Stay 2+ Nights, Save up to 25% at Wyndham Vacation Clubs

Everyday Heroes Rate

Members Always Get the Lowest Price

New! Make Business Travel More Rewarding

Join our new Wyndham Rewards ® Business program and complete a business-qualified stay by June 30, 2024 to earn 7,500 Wyndham Rewards bonus points for your company—enough for a free night at thousands of Hotels by Wyndham worldwide.

Terms & Conditions

How to Earn

Earn 10 points per dollar or 1,000 points, whichever is more, on every qualified stay.²

How to Redeem

Enjoy discounted nights starting at 1,500 points and free nights starting at 7,500 points.³

However You Travel, Get Rewarded

60,000+ places to stay.

Discover incredible hotels, vacation club resorts, and vacation rentals around the world.

Member Perks

Get free nights, the lowest price when you book with us, free WiFi, and the chance to unlock even more exciting perks.

More Than Hotels

Earn and redeem points on tours, activities, shopping, gift cards, and more.

Viva by Wyndham All-Inclusive Resorts

a Trademark Collection

The sun on your back. The sand in your toes. A cocktail in your hand. At Viva by Wyndham All-Inclusive Resorts a Trademark Collection, you can choose your own version of paradise. Submerge yourself in the beauty of these spectacular destinations in locations like Mexico and the Carribean, and enjoy a stress-free escape. 

EXPLORE NOW

Grand Palladium & TRS All-Inclusive Resorts

Registry Collection Hotels® Spotlight

Scintillating pools. Private beach clubs. Gourmet cuisine and cocktails. Set your sights on a spectacular stay with luxury all-inclusive resorts in remarkable destinations.

Explore Now

Introducing Vienna House ® by Wyndham

Cool, casual, and unapologetically chic, our new hotel brand offers inspiring spaces, superior service, and exciting experiences in cities across Europe. 

Explore Thousands of Properties Around the World

Book faster with the wyndham hotels & resorts app.

Lightning Book ®

Reserve a nearby hotel in a flash—the fastest way to book direct℠.

Road Trip Planner

Find your stops, book your stays, hit the road. It’s the easiest way to book and go℠.

Mobile Check-In & Checkout

Check in and check out right from your phone at select hotels.

1 Check with your property to see if stays qualify for earning points. Stays that earn points are subject to certain restrictions, including, without limitation, that such stays cannot be booked on any third-party website. Click here for more information.

2 How to Earn: At most properties where points can be earned, they are earned for dollars spent on the room rate only. Qualified Stays are subject to certain restrictions, including, without limitation, that such stays cannot be booked via any third-party website. Click here for more information.

3 How to Redeem: Point redemption requirements are per bedroom per night. Member must have enough points for all bedrooms in desired accommodation to book. Redemption requirements vary by property and can be as high as 30,000 points per bedroom. Cash payment portion of discounted nights varies by property and date. Taxes and resort fees may apply (even for free nights); points can’t be used to pay them. Subject to availability, blackout dates/rates, and other restrictions; click here for more information.

Member Rate Flash Sale: Save up to 15%

Friends and Family Sale

Bring on the Fireworks!

Get $5+ off per Night

Save up to 20%

Exclusive Military Offer

Get Back to PLATINUM

Get Back to DIAMOND

AARP Discount

Get 15% Off or More

Summer Savings 15 Off 2 Nights or More

Advertiser Disclosure

Best Travel Credit Cards of April 2024

Some of the card offers on this site are from companies who are advertising clients of U.S. News. Advertising considerations may impact where and in what order offers appear on the site but do not affect any editorial decisions, such as which card products we write about and how we evaluate them. Terms apply.

• Chase Freedom Unlimited® : Best feature: Flexible cash back rewards.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best feature: Travel rewards.
• Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card : Best feature: Delta Air Lines rewards.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : <b>Best Feature:</b> 75,000-mile sign-up bonus.
• Hilton Honors American Express Card : Best feature: Hilton hotel rewards.

Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, travel credit cards can help you save money. There are many types of travel cards, and they often come with sign-up bonuses and robust rewards programs. A general travel card is a good option for those who want flexibility. But if you do have a favorite airline, an airline-branded card might be just what you need. Terms apply.

U.S. News’ Best Travel Credit Cards of April 2024

See all of our credit cards here .

On This Page

• U.S. News’ Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• How Travel Credit Cards Work

Commonly Compared Travel Credit Cards :

Popular categories:.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Airline Credit Cards

Rewards Credit Cards

Credit Cards With Sign-up Bonuses

How Do Travel Credit Cards Work?

You can use travel credit cards to save money on travel expenses such as airfare, hotel stays, car rentals and baggage fees. Use your travel rewards credit cards to pay for travel and other monthly expenses, and you'll be amazed by how quickly your earnings accumulate. I use a combination of travel rewards and cash back cards, and I earn thousands of dollars' worth of rewards every year.

Depending on the credit card, you can redeem your rewards for airfare, statement credits, hotel stays, merchandise, upgrades and more. Many of these cards also allow you to transfer miles or points to partner airlines and hotels.

Within the travel rewards credit card category, there are three basic types of travel cards: general travel cards, airline cards and hotel cards.

General Travel Credit Cards

With general travel credit cards, you can redeem rewards for many things. Options may include statement credits, trips booked via the issuer's travel portal, online purchases and gift cards. Depending on the rewards program, which varies by credit card, you may also be able to transfer rewards to other airline or hotel loyalty programs.

General travel cards are more flexible than co-branded airline or hotel credit cards, which is a big plus for travelers who aren't loyal to a particular brand or who travel to destinations with fewer options for hotels or airports. Cardholders can worry less about blackout dates or other travel restrictions because rewards are not tied to a sole provider.

Airline credit cards

Airline credit cards offer perks that are especially useful to frequent flyers. They can be co-branded, meaning you earn rewards with a particular airline.

Airline cards can deliver a more economical, comfortable flying experience. Benefits often include free checked bags, priority boarding, complimentary or discounted access to airport lounges, and discounts on in-flight purchases.

Hotel credit cards

Hotel credit cards are generally most valuable when used to book eligible accommodations. Co-branded hotel credit cards work best for loyal guests of a specific hotel group. If you regularly stay at properties within a hotel group, you can earn rewards that you can use for free nights at participating hotels.

Choosing the Best Travel Card

Before you begin searching for a travel card, think about your travel preferences. Do you prefer to use one airline or do you enjoy the flexibility to choose different airlines? You also want to consider if you want a straighforward rewards program or if you're willing to navigate a complex program to get more enticing rewards.

To find a travel card that meets your needs, evaluate each card using the following criteria:

1. Pick the right travel rewards program for you .

Your travel credit card will work in conjunction either with the loyalty program of an airline or hotel chain or with the issuer's rewards program. Each program has unique terms and conditions for earning, redeeming and transferring points.

Airline loyalty programs: For some travelers, loyalty to any particular airline lasts only as long as that airline offers the cheapest flights. But frequent flyers might be willing to forgo initial cost savings in exchange for benefits later.

Which airline program works best for you depends on how frequently you fly with the airline and how much value you can get from your rewards. Also consider how active the airline is at the airport you're planning to use. If that airport isn't the main hub of your favorite airline, figure out if there are still enough flights to make the card worthwhile. Highly rated airline rewards programs include:

• Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.
• Delta SkyMiles.
• HawaiianMiles.
• United MileagePlus.

Hotel loyalty programs: As with airline cards, choosing a credit card from a hotel group you regularly patronize is likely to offer the best value for earning and redeeming rewards. Highly rated hotel rewards programs include:

• IHG One Rewards.
• Marriott Bonvoy.
• World of Hyatt.
• Wyndham Rewards.

General travel rewards programs: Using a general travel credit card can earn you rewards that can be redeemed for a statement credit or through the issuer's travel portal, or transferred to partners. Many of these programs also have redemption options for gift cards, experiences and more. Examples:

• American Express Membership Rewards.
• Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Which is the right choice? If you're loyal to a particular hotel group or airline and want to earn rewards while taking advantage of brand-specific benefits, a co-branded airline or hotel card is the way to go.

But if you travel infrequently or with many different airlines, or simply want more flexibility, a general travel card may be a better choice.

2. Calculate earning potential.

Travel cards can earn rewards at different rates for spending in different categories, so analyze your spending habits to determine which card will provide the highest rewards value. A good travel card will have a range of purchases that qualify as travel spending, which may include flights, hotels and car rentals.

Depending on the card, these purchases can earn two points/miles per dollar or more. Other purchases may earn one point/mile per dollar or more.

3. Factor in sign-up bonuses.

Some travel cards offer bonuses for meeting a spending threshold within a few months of opening an account. These bonuses can be worth hundreds of dollars.

4. Calculate redemption value.

The value of your points or miles depends on your card as well as your preferences and priorities.

For general travel cards, point valuation may be as simple as the number of points multiplied by the redemption rate, often 1 cent per point. Point value can also vary depending on whether the issuer uses dynamic pricing, which can depend on other factors, such as demand for the date you've chosen.

Award travel booked through airline or hotel loyalty programs can get more complicated. The number of points or miles needed to book can depend on factors such as destination, fare or hotel class, demand, and other factors. And rewards values aren't consistent across all programs: You might be able to redeem a point or mile for a value of 2 cents with one program or less than 1 cent with another.

5. Subtract annual fees.

The average annual fee for travel credit cards is about $139, according to U.S. News research. Credit card companies sometimes entice new users by waiving the annual fee for the first year.

Once the fee kicks in, be sure you're earning enough rewards or enjoying the other card benefits to more than just compensate for it. Also, about a third of travel cards don't carry an annual fee.

6. Understand travel benefits.

Travel benefits can be practical tools, discounted pricing or luxe perks. Benefits can include no foreign transaction fees, access to concierge or customer service assistance, a free checked bag – and sometimes, a free checked bag for one or more traveling companions. Air travel is frequently disrupted these days, and some travel credit cards offer travel cancellation insurance as well as coverage for lost baggage.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , for example, comes with trip cancellation and interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursement, and more.

7. Avoid foreign transaction fees.

Many travel cards don't charge a foreign transaction fee, which is typically 3% on every purchase in a foreign currency or country. Because these fees can outweigh any rewards you earn, frequent international travelers will want to make this card feature a top priority.

Compare Credit Cards

You can compare cards side-by-side, plus get info about rewards, points, interest rates, and how to apply — all in one place.

How to Redeem Travel Points

Each travel rewards credit card has its own rewards program. The rewards program will highlight the rewards rate, explain any tiered categories and outline redemption options. Be sure you understand the rewards program for your credit card so you can maximize your benefit.

You can find out how much you've earned in rewards by logging into your account or referring to your card's monthly billing statement. Here's a brief summary of what to expect when you redeem rewards, but note that specific details vary by credit card issuer.

Redeeming Travel Points on a General Travel Card

Redemption options might include using points or miles to pay for airfare, getting a statement credit, receiving free hotel nights or buying merchandise on discount.

One of the best features of a general travel card is that you have flexibility to choose the airline that meets your needs. Some general travel cards also have their own travel portal where you might get more value for each mile or point redeemed.

Log into your account and you'll find redemption options as well as directions for redeeming your rewards. Many general travel rewards cards have airline partnerships, which gives you many options when booking your travel.

Redeeming Points With an Airline Credit Card

An airline-branded credit card often comes with generous rewards and excellent benefits, including in-flight credits, priority boarding, waived baggage fees, baggage insurance and 24/7 emergency assistance.

The method for redeeming airline-branded credit cards will vary by issuer, but you can usually redeem them online or by phone. Some airline-branded cards allow you to redeem miles on their page. For specific details, go to the credit card's homepage for instructions.

Some airline cards use dynamic pricing, which means award rates can vary throughout the month. With these airline credit cards, flexibility with travel dates can help you get the most value from your miles.

Redeeming Points With a Hotel Credit Card

Hotel-branded credit cards are best for those who are loyal to a specific hotel group. Hotel cards often come with generous rewards, including tiered rewards, and perks. Redemption options might include using your points for free or discounted hotel stays, hotel services and upgrades, gift cards and airfare.

Similar to airline cards, some hotel cards use dynamic pricing, so award values can vary depending on changes in demand for a date or time. Your rewards will be worth less during a period of high demand.

How to Compare Travel Credit Cards

You're unlikely to find the perfect travel credit card, but if you take time to compare several cards, you're going to find a card that meets most of your needs.

• Credit score: Rewards credit cards require good credit scores, so know your credit score before you start comparing cards. This way, you won't spend time looking at cards you're unlikely to qualify for. By focusing on cards you might get approved for, you also protect your score. Each time you apply for a credit card, you can lose up to five points off your score.
• Annual fees: Many travel rewards cards have annual fees. The more generous the rewards and perks, the higher the annual fee. Be sure the amount of rewards you expect to earn far outweighs the annual fee.
• Sign-up bonus: Most travel rewards cards offer enticing sign-up bonuses. Usually, there's a spending requirement you have to meet within the first three months or so. Read the terms, because every travel card has its own requirements.
• Foreign transaction fees: If you travel overseas and make purchases, businesses may charge foreign transaction fees. The fee is usually around 3% of your bill. Using a credit card that waives these fees will save you a lot of money.
• Purchase APR: Rewards cards, as already noted, have higher interest rates. While it's always prudent to compare APRs among credit cards, it's important that you never carry a balance with a rewards card. Due to the high rate and compound interest, you can slip into debt quickly.
• Rewards programs: Take time to review the programs of the cards you're considering. Some cards have simple programs, but others are complex. Comparing rewards programs is a great way to see which cards offer rewards that match up well with your spending style.
• Benefits and perks: The best travel credit cards not only have generous rewards, but also come with excellent benefits, such as waived baggage fees, airport lounge access, lost baggage insurance, airline fee credits, travel cancellation insurance and much more. Decide what benefits are important to you and see which credit card is the best match.

As I said, you won't find your credit card soulmate, but if you compare travel cards, you'll find the one that will make you the happiest.

Pros and Cons

For the right consumer, travel credit cards can make a lot of financial sense, but make sure you know the advantages and disadvantages of these cards.

• Better earning rates and higher redemption value for travel. Travel credit cards can accrue points and miles at higher rates on travel-related spending than other rewards credit cards. When cardholders redeem those rewards for travel, they could get more value out of them than if they redeemed them for other rewards, such as cash back , statement credits or gift cards.
• May not charge foreign transaction fees. A foreign transaction fee is a surcharge on every purchase made using a credit card in a foreign country or foreign currency. The fees are typically 3% of every purchase. So if you have an international trip planned, a travel rewards credit card that waives foreign transaction fees can save you a lot of money.
• Sign-up bonuses. Lucrative sign-up bonuses are common among travel credit cards and are typically available to new cardholders who hit a minimum spending amount within the first few months.
• Potentially high annual fees. Most travel rewards credit cards have an annual fee. Fees can range from a low $39 to fees that exceed $500. Premium travel cards provide premium benefits, and that's reflected in their annual fees. If the travel card is a good match for you, the annual fee might be worth it.
• Possible complexity and restrictions. Travel credit cards can also cost you time. Some travel cards require lots of planning or working with customer service to navigate blackout dates, limited seat availability or confusing terms and conditions. Depending on the travel card, there can also be caps and expiration dates on points or miles. And, of course, bonus points from airline and hotel cards may be restricted to redemption with certain brands or qualifying partners.
• Low value for infrequent travelers. If you don't travel regularly, then you'll want to make sure that the rewards and benefits you're getting from the card are outweighing the annual fee.

How to Maximize Travel Rewards

• Pick the right travel card. When you're starting out with travel cards, select one with a general rewards program that gives you the flexibility to earn rewards for all spending and redeem with the largest variety of brands. Unless you spend a lot with a particular travel brand, co-branded airline and hotel cards aren't the best choice to start.
• Combine a general travel card with a co-branded card. Used in tandem with a general travel card, a co-branded airline card or a hotel card makes sense for frequent travelers who are comfortable committing to one travel brand. This combination allows you to use the co-branded card to earn bonus points on purchases with your preferred brand and to use the general travel card to earn bonus points in other categories.
• Apply for a card before a planned large purchase to reach your sign-up bonus. The best way to guarantee that you'll get your sign-up bonus is to activate a new travel rewards card before you'll be making a lot of purchases (a family vacation, for instance).
• Use your travel credit card to pick up the tab. Does your card give you extra points for dining? You can offer to pick up the tab the next time you go out with friends. So long as they pay you back, it's worth it to get more of those sweet, sweet rewards points .

Travel Cards vs. Cash Back Cards

Nate Hellman

If you're not sure whether a travel card or cash back card is the best fit for you, there is good news: You can get a card that offers great travel rewards and solid cash back. There is overlap between the best cash back credit cards and the best travel credit cards.

There are cash back credit cards that come with travel rewards, but many others focus on rewards for everyday expenses. Take a look at your spending habits and decide which benefits you'll enjoy most before picking a card.

And if you're like me, you'll want to have both a travel credit card and a cash back card. I use several rewards cards strategically, and I usually travel for free. It's simply a matter of knowing your rewards programs and using the right rewards card at the appropriate time. This way, you maximize your rewards!

What Are Some Alternatives to Getting a Travel Credit Card?

• Use a cash back rewards credit card. Many cash back rewards cards offer significant cash back for everyday purchases, and some offer travel benefits such as rental car protection and travel insurance.
• Join a frequent flyer program. Many major airlines offer rewards for booking its flights, spending through its travel partners and shopping with select retailers. These points may have no caps and offer redemption options such as flights, exclusive vacations, premium drinks and cabin upgrades.
• Sign up for a hotel loyalty program. Hotel loyalty programs offer various incentives, such as exclusive rates, late checkout and bonus points, for keeping your overnight stays within its family of properties. Be sure to book your stays directly with the hotel and not a third-party service to rack up bonus points, then redeem for perks such as free drinks, spa packages and free nights.

U.S. News Survey

U.S. News Survey: More Than Two-Thirds of Respondents Say Recent Financial Events Have Affected Their Summer Plans

According to a May U.S. News survey, inflation and recent stock market drops have put a crimp in many people's summer travel plans. Almost 21% of respondents are cutting the number of trips they plan to take, while another 21.7% are reducing their travel budgets. Only 28.8% of respondents say they aren't changing their plans at all. While the past two years of summer travel have been seriously disrupted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, most respondents say they aren't planning to make up for lost time and splurge. Though 30.1% say they plan to spend more on travel compared with pre-pandemic vacations, 43% say they plan to spend less, and 26.9% plan to spend about the same amount. Respondents are also fairly split on how much COVID-19 will affect their plans. For 31.9% of respondents, it's a moderate consideration, but 28.2% of respondents say they aren't thinking about COVID-19 at all. A smaller percentage, 15.9% of respondents, say the coronavirus is a major consideration, and it has dictated their destination or transportation plans.

Additional Survey Insights

Most respondents plan to take either one (36.6%) or two (36.7%) vacations this summer.

Only 14.6% of respondents say they plan to travel internationally this summer, while 25.7% of respondents plan to stay in the same state., roughly two-thirds of respondents plan to travel by car, and about one-third plan to travel by air. a limited number of people are traveling by rail, boat or bus., a large majority of respondents, 61.2%, plan to pay for their trips with savings. in contrast, 13% of respondents plan to add the costs to their credit card balances, and 5.6% plan to use a buy now, pay later plan., over half of the respondents (54.2%) plan to spend $1,000 or less per person per trip., there are two summer travel trends that are especially popular: 30.6% of respondents are taking a multigenerational trip with their families, and 31.1% of respondents are taking a vacation focused on self-care and wellness., the most popular type of credit card for traveling is none at all – 28.7% of respondents say they don't plan on using one., people aren't earning that much in rewards with their credit cards. the largest group of respondents, 28.2%, say they've earned $350 or less in rewards in the past 12 months., if respondents did get a travel credit card, 40.8% say the most important secondary benefit would be free checked bags..

Survey Results

• U.S. News ran a nationwide survey of 1,211 respondents through PureSpectrum between May 19 and May 23, 2022. Only people who planned to travel this summer answered questions.
• The survey sample drew from the general American population, and the survey was configured to be representative of this sample.
• The survey asked 12 questions relating to summer travel and spending.

Best Credit Cards for Travel Methodology

U.S. News has been helping consumers make money decisions for decades. The Best Travel Credit Cards are selected based on ease and flexibility of rewards redemption, travel rewards earning rate, rewards redemption value, annual fee, APR, sign-up bonus value, cardholder benefits, foreign transaction fee and balance transfer fee. Cards are also scored on U.S. News' overall issuer satisfaction rating.

To qualify as one of the best travel credit cards, a card must earn bonus travel rewards, including general travel, airline or hotel. Remember to consider your spending and travel habits as you compare travel cards so you can find the best credit card for you.

Can You Get Travel Rewards for Business Travel?

If you are an entrepreneur, a small-business owner or have a side hustle, you have more options to consider. You can keep all of your spending on one travel rewards credit card to consolidate your points. Alternatively, you can open a separate business credit card . Business cards typically have different rewards categories that might be more beneficial to you.

What Credit Score Is Needed for a Travel Credit Card?

Travel credit cards require good to excellent credit , with a typical minimum credit score of 670.

Is There a Difference Between Points and Miles on a Credit Card?

There is a difference, but it's a minor one. Miles are the reward unit for airline credit cards, while points are the reward unit for hotel and general credit cards. The important thing to check is how easy it is to redeem your points or miles once you earn them.

Should I Get a Separate Credit Card Just for Travel?

[READ: What Does Your Credit Card Number Mean? ]

What Are the Best Travel Credit Card Perks?

The best travel credit card perks for you will depend on your priorities when you travel. If you’re a frequent flyer, for example, you might want a card that gets you airport lounge access and covers the fee for TSA PreCheck. If you instead prioritize hotel stays, you can look for perks such as late checkout.

Comparative assessments and other editorial opinions are those of U.S. News and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by any other entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired.

Beverly Harzog , Credit Card Expert

Beverly Harzog  is a nationally recognized personal finance and credit card expert for U.S. News & World Report. She’s the bestselling and award-winning author of five personal finance books. Harzog puts her expertise to practice in her personal life by saving thousands every year on travel and everyday expenses by using a combination of credit cards in various categories. Read more

Advertiser Disclosure

Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Bankrate.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and the likelihood of applicants' credit approval, also impact how and where products appear on this site. Bankrate.com does not include the entire universe of available financial or credit offers.

Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.

Best travel credit cards of April 2024

• • Credit card strategy
• • Credit card comparisons

Bankrate expert Garrett Yarbrough strives to make navigating credit cards and credit building smooth sailing for his readers. After regularly featuring his credit card, credit monitoring and identity theft analysis on NextAdvisor.com, he joined the CreditCards.com and Bankrate teams as a staff writer to develop product reviews and comprehensive credit card guides focused on cash back, credit scores and card offers.

• • Rewards credit cards
• • Travel credit cards

Nouri Zarrugh is a writer and editor for CreditCards.com and Bankrate,  focusing on product news, guides and reviews. His areas of expertise include credit card strategy, rewards programs, point valuation and credit scores, and his stories on building credit have been cited by Mic.com, LifeHacker, People.com and more. Through his thorough card reviews and product comparisons, Nouri strives to demystify personal finance topics and credit card terms and conditions to help readers save money and protect their credit score.

• • Credit cards
• • Personal finance

Stephanie Zito is a professional traveler, self-employed humanitarian consultant and collector of credit card points. She shares savvy travel tips that she’s learned firsthand circling the globe for more than 25 years. She’s a backpacker, expect and premium traveler who’s visited more than 130 countries and all seven continents. Her life motto is “See the world, change the world, have fun doing it!” and her mission is to inspire others along the journey.

The listings that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which Bankrate receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Here's an explanation for how we make money.

How we make money

You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey.

Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy , so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers.

We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money.

Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity and other home lending products. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range, can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service.

Travel credit cards help you earn valuable points and miles on your purchases. For maximum value, some cards earn rewards not only on travel, but also everyday purchases like dining, groceries and gas. You can redeem these rewards for free or discounted flights, hotel stays or to cover other travel-related expenses.

The best travel cards also come with additional features. Even no-annual-fee travel cards are likely to offer perks like sign-up bonuses, intro APR offers and travel insurance. But for top-of-the-line benefits like airport lounge access, elite status and travel credits, expect to pay an annual fee.

View card list

Table of contents

Why choose bankrate.

We helped over 150,000 users compare travel cards in 2023

We evaluated and compared over 40 travel rewards perks

Over 47 years of experience helping people make smart financial decisions

The Bankrate Promise

At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for how we make money  and  how we rate our cards  .

Bankrate's Best Travel Credit Cards of April 2024

• Best starter travel card:  Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best for flat-rate rewards:  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Best for luxury travel:  The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Best for foodies:  American Express® Gold Card
• Best for no annual fee:  Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card  ( See Rates & Fees )
• Best for intro APR: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
• Best for everyday spending: Citi Premier® Card
• Best for practical perks: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Best for companion tickets:  Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Best for pairing: Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Best no-annual-fee hotel card:  Hilton Honors American Express Card
• Best luxury hotel card:  Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• Best for fair credit:  Credit One Bank Wander® Card
• Best for first-year value: Discover it® Miles
• Best for gas: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
• Best starter airline card: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
• Best for transfer partners: Bilt Mastercard®
• Best for expedited security screening: Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
• Best for point values: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• What to know about travel credit cards
• Tips for choosing the best travel card

Travel credit card perks

How do credit card points and miles work.

• Expert advice on travel cards

How we assess the best travel credit cards

• Frequently asked questions
• Ask the experts

Credit range

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

0 ? 'Showing ' + filterMatchedProductTiles + ' results' : ' '">

Sorry, no cards match these filters

You can still get a personalized list of cards that fit your credit profile in just a few minutes.

You might also consider these cards

Card categories

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.

Intro offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Offer valuation

We calculate this number by multiplying the card's intro offer by Bankrate's valuation of this issuer's rewards program , showing you how much your points or miles are worth in dollars.

Rewards rate

5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries. 2x on all other travel purchases. 1x on all other purchases.

Regular APR

• 5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
• 3x 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries.
• 2x 2x on all other travel purchases.
• 1x 1x on all other purchases.

What we love: This popular card comes loaded with features that can make it easy even for occasional travelers to offset the modest $95 annual fee without eating into hard-earned rewards. Plus, its rewards program is one of the best, giving you some of the most valuable travel redemptions — through both Chase and transfer partners — and Chase card pairing opportunities if you want to build your card portfolio eventually. Learn more: Why expert Margaret Weck loves using the Chase Sapphire Preferred Alternatives: The Citi Premier® Card not only has a comparable sign-up bonus and the same annual fee as the Sapphire Preferred, but also covers even more everyday categories, including  supermarkets and gas stations, potentially making it a better fit as a standalone rewards card. 

• You earn Ultimate Rewards points with this card — some of the most valuable and flexible rewards around, especially if you pair it with Chase’s cash back cards in the future.
• The card touts significant long-term benefits like anniversary bonus points and travel credits, as well as travel protections like trip cancellation insurance and a car rental collision damage waiver.
• Doesn’t offer airline- or hotel-specific perks like free checked bags, elite status or free night stays.
• The sign-up bonus is decent, but the card has previously offered higher, chart-topping bonus points.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

New Venture cardholders can earn 75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

2 Miles - 5 Miles

5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

• 5 Miles 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2 Miles 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

What we love: It’s a great option for travelers looking for a straightforward rewards program and flexible redemption options. You'll earn unlimited miles on all eligible spending and can redeem not only for travel bookings, but also as a statement credit to cover travel purchases made in the past 90 days. Learn more: Why expert Jacqueline DeMarco loves the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Alternatives: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers a higher rewards rate in some everyday spending categories and potentially more valuable points. Chase points are worth 1.25 cents each if you redeem for travel through Chase, while Capital One miles are only worth 1 cent each when you redeem for travel. Plus, Chase rewards are more helpful for occasional travelers since you can redeem as cash back at 1-cent-per-point value.

• Carries solid perks given its low annual fee, including expedited airport purchase security and hotel experience credits, lost luggage reimbursement and more.
• Zero foreign transaction fees make this an excellent choice for international travelers.
• You can’t offset the annual fee with annual travel credits or bonuses alone as you can with some rival cards.
• The card’s sign-up bonus carries a high spending requirement, so it may be tough to earn if you don’t have large purchases on the horizon.
• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

• 5X Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• 5X Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

What we love: Luxury travelers and big spenders will appreciate the bevy of travel benefits, including annual statement credits worth around $1,700, elite hotel loyalty status and access to perhaps the most comprehensive airport lounge access available with a credit card. Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Platinum Card® from American Express Alternatives: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a taste of luxury at a lower cost than many premium travel cards. You can unlock a generous rewards rate on both travel and general purchases, complimentary access to popular airport lounge memberships and valuable annual travel credits and anniversary miles.

• Comes with a generous welcome offer and a longer time period to earn it compared to most rewards cards.
• A robust line-up of airline and hotel partners and related perks make this card truly valuable for travelers.
• The $695 annual fee may not be worth it if you don’t spend much on travel frequently or can’t take full advantage of the card’s luxury — and often niche — perks.
• Redeeming and maximizing the card’s credit and benefits requires some legwork and can be a bit confusing.
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
• $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

American Express® Gold Card

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

• 4X Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• 4X Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• 3X Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

What we love: Few credit cards are more rewarding for traveling foodies than the American Express Gold Card. Both the food-related annual credits and the rewards rates at restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and on flights booked directly with airlines or via the Amex travel portal are some of the best on the market. In fact, the up to $240 in credits each year alone nearly make up for the annual fee. Learn more: Why the Amex Gold is worth the annual fee Alternatives: If the Amex Gold Card’s annual fee sounds high, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . It carries key travel perks, high travel and dining rewards rates, and a much lower annual fee.

• This card features one of the best rewards return rates available on dining, groceries and food deliveries.
• There is no preset spending limit, so you can enjoy extended purchasing power, and you also have the option to pay off purchases with Pay Over Time if necessary.
• Although the card touts a solid collection of travel perks, it doesn’t include popular premium card perks like airport lounge access or trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
• Only eligible airfare earns more than 1X points, while rival cards often earn similar (or higher) reward rates on hotel stays and other travel purchases as well.
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel

1.25 Miles - 5 Miles

5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

• 1.25 Miles 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

What we love: This card offers some of the same advantages as the Capital One Venture, without the burden of an annual fee. It gives you the chance to earn flat-rate miles on your everyday spending and the option to transfer miles to over 15 loyalty program partners to even cover travel purchases outside Capital One — a unique level of redemption flexibility for a starter travel card. Learn more: Reasons to get the VentureOne Rewards Card Alternatives: A general-purpose flat-rate credit card that offers 2X points or 2 percent cash back on all purchases may bring more value if you don’t travel often and aren’t ready to upgrade to a travel rewards credit card with an annual fee. However, the Discover it® Miles earns a flat-rate 1.5X miles that can also be redeemed for cash back at 1-cent per mile, which is unusual for travel rewards.

• The welcome offer is generous for a no-annual-fee travel credit card.
• Booking hotel stays and rental cars through Capital One Travel nets you an impressive 5X miles.
• Unlike several no-annual-fee travel cards, redeeming for non-travel purchases waters down your rewards’ value.
• Capital One has no major U.S. carrier in its line-up of travel partners.
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

• 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• 1.5X Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.

What we love: This entry-level travel card keeps things simple for occasional travelers. It offers simple flat-rate rewards and lets you redeem for a broad mix of travel options not typically available on many travel cards, such as cash back toward purchases with travel agencies,  zoos, art galleries and more. It’s even more valuable if you’re a Bank of America customer and can qualify for a rewards boost through the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program. Learn more: Is the Bank of America Travel Rewards card worth it? Alternatives: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is another great starter travel card, but, unlike many cards in this category, it lets you transfer your miles to airline and hotel partners, potentially for a higher redemption value.

• Its easy-to-earn sign-up bonus and intro APR offers give this card good short-term value.
• No annual fees or foreign transaction fees sweeten this offer.
• It only offers 1.5X points on purchases, and you can’t transfer points can’t to airline partners for more rewards value, so it may not be as lucrative as competing cards.
• The top tiers of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program may be out of reach for many cardholders.
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
• Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
• Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Citi Premier® Card

Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening

Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases

• 3X Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
• 3X Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
• 1X Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases

What we love: This mid-level travel card packs a high rewards rate on both travel and everyday spending, making it a great standalone rewards option for everyday spenders who want to pay an easily justifiable annual fee. In fact, the card includes an annual hotel credit that can offset the card’s annual fee on its own. Learn more: Read why travel podcaster Julia Menez loves the Citi Premier Card Alternatives: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card boasts fewer everyday bonus categories, but it may offer more valuable rewards, perks and travel protections. Chase points are worth 25 percent more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠.

• Offers some of the best rates for a variety of daily expenses like dining, groceries and gas, making the card a good option for less frequent travelers.
• Citi has a robust line-up of travel partners, making it a valuable partner alongside Citi’s cash back cards.
• Doesn’t carry some key perks that competing cards offer, like travel insurance or notable travel benefits beyond the annual hotel credit.
• Budget-conscious customers might balk at the annual fee, especially if they won’t get much use from the hotel credit.
• Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
• Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
• 60,000 ThankYou® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel

2 Miles - 10 Miles

10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 5 Miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

• 10 Miles 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5 Miles 5 Miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel

What we love: This is the perfect middleground for travelers who want the practical benefits from luxury travel cards without dealing with bloated features and an annual fee upwards of $500. It offers complimentary lounge access, high-earning bonus rewards categories, anniversary credits and bonus miles, which can easily make the card worth it for frequent travelers. Learn more: Capital One Venture X Benefits Guide Alternatives: If a higher annual fee is no issue, consider The Platinum Card® from American Express. It’s a top choice for frequent travelers thanks to its impressive welcome offer and luxury perks like annual travel credits, lounge access and hotel elite status. However, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® may be better if your luxury travel experience calls for racking up more rewards.

• Offers anniversary bonus miles and a chance to earn credits worth hundreds of dollars starting at your first account anniversary.
• Comes with complimentary lounge access at over 1,300 lounges for you and two guests per visit.
• To earn the anniversary credit, travel must be booked through the Capital One Travel portal. That’s not as flexible as some other cards, which offer credits that cover any travel purchases, regardless of how you book.
• Lacks some perks found on other premium travel cards like airline or hotel elite status, which can get you benefits like free checked bags or room upgrades.
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

• Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

• 3X Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
• 2X Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
• 1X Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

What we love: The annual companion certificate on Main Cabin domestic flights (taxes and fees apply) comes with this card after the first year is valuable enough to justify the annual fee even if you’re just looking for great Delta perks to make travel smoother with a partner. Plus, the companion certificate is easier to obtain than other airline cards’ since it carries no spending requirement that must be met beyond the card’s annual fee. Alternatives: The American Express® Green Card could be a great alternative since it charges a lower $150 annual fee, lets you earn and redeem rewards on travel with any eligible airline (not just Delta) and offers credits for Loungebuddy lounge access and Clear Plus. You can even transfer points to Delta at a 1:1 ratio.

• Boasts several valuable travel perks, including priority boarding, a free first checked bag and specialized annual credits for select rideshare services and reservations with Delta Stays and Resy.
• Gets you closer to Medallion Status and discounts on in-flight purchases, complimentary upgrades, and more.
• Its rewards rate on non-travel purchases is lacking — a general-purpose travel card could potentially offer better rewards value and flexibility for rewards travel outside Delta.
• No longer offers complimentary Delta Sky Club lounge access as of this year, although airport lounge access is a staple perk for premium travel cards.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $20 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
• Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Resy Credit: With the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Resy Credit, earn up to $10 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: You can earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after you pay with your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. Enrollment Required.
• Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
• Receive Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive $100 back for Global Entry or up to $85 back for TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Official Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
• $350 Annual Fee.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.

Offer valuation is not available for this credit card.

Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service 1.5% on all other purchases

• 5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
• 3% 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service
• 1.5% 1.5% on all other purchases

What we love: Not only does it earn 1.5 percent cash back on general spending, but it also has a bonus cash back rate for drugstores and dining at restaurants. And if you pair it with one or two premium Chase travel cards, you could pool your rewards for better travel redemption value.  Learn more: Why I love the Chase Freedom Unlimited Alternatives: If you want to take advantage of even more rewarding cash back categories and remain in the Chase family, consider the Chase Freedom Flex℠ .

• You can pool rewards with other Chase cards to maximize your earnings.
• The additional rewards rate offer can add even more cash back to your pocket for the first year.
• The welcome offer isn’t as competitive as other cards’ offers.
• Maximizing rewards with this and other Chase cards can get complicated for people who like simple rewards programs.
• Intro Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
• Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
• After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.

Hilton Honors American Express Card

• Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.

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.

• 7X 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.
• 5X Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
• 3X Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.

What we love: This card earns rewards in a terrific mix of everyday bonus categories, so it should be easy to rack up Hilton points even if you don’t spend a ton on hotel bookings. Since it charges no annual fee and provides a few Hilton Honors benefits like Silver status, it’s also a great fit if you’re new to hotel cards and want a single no-annual-fee option instead of juggling multiple rewards cards. Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Hilton Honors American Express Card Alternatives: The American Express® Green Card could be more flexible since it lets you earn and redeem rewards on a much wider variety of travel purchases, including airfare and bookings with several hotel brands, not just Hilton. You can transfer points to the Hilton Honors program as well, but the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card may be better if you prefer upgraded Hilton-specific rewards, loyalty status and other perks.

• Comes with automatic Silver Elite status, which includes a free fifth award night when you book at least four consecutive nights with points.
• Earns rewards in three of the average person’s biggest spending categories, making it a terrific standalone option for earning Hilton points.
• A higher-tier Hilton card would earn more on Hilton bookings and could be more lucrative for frequent guests, even with an annual fee.
• You can only redeem points with Hilton and its partners, which limits the rewards value you earn on the everyday categories compared to a general-purpose cards’ rewards.
• 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.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

• Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines 2X points on all other eligible purchases

• 6X Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®
• 3X 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines
• 2X 2X points on all other eligible purchases

What we love: Frequent Marriott guests looking for luxury card-level perks and elite status should be able to justify this premium card. Along with a terrific rewards rate on Marriott bookings and an annual free night award, you could enjoy generous annual credits for restaurant purchases and Marriott property stays, airport lounge access, elite night credits and more. Learn more: Best Marriott credit cards Alternatives: If you’re looking for top-tier travel perks but want the flexibility to earn and redeem rewards for stays at any hotel chain, consider an elite travel card from Chase or Amex, which can come with generous travel benefits, airport lounge access and the ability to transfer points to Marriott. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is another lucrative alternative.

• Outperforms other Marriott cards with its boosted rewards on travel-related categories and 21X points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, thanks to the automatic Platinum Elite status.
• It’s one of the only hotel cards that includes complimentary Priority Pass lounge access, top travel protections and credits for expedited airport security screening.
• Unlocking some of the card’s best perks — like Five Suite Night Awards — requires a $60,000 annual spend, which may be tough to reach even for frequent Marriott guests.
• Unless luxury perks are at the top of your wishlist, the annual fee may not be worth it and a lower-tier hotel card may offer more value overall.
• $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®. 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• 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 ($100) 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. Terms apply.
• 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.

Credit One Bank Wander® Card

Intro offer is not available for this Credit One Bank credit card.

Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas Earn 1x points on all other purchases

• 10X Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site
• 5X Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas
• 1X Earn 1x points on all other purchases

What we love: The Credit One Bank Wander® Card is a solid option if you want to earn points on travel but have trouble qualifying for mainstream travel cards. Not only is this card accessible with only fair credit, but its rewards program boasts generously high rewards rates in key travel categories. Learn more: Best travel cards for people with bad or fair credit Alternatives: If you don’t mind putting down a refundable security deposit, consider a no-annual-fee secured card like the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card *. It’s a unique secured card that lets you build credit while earning rewards in a category of your choice (with travel just one of many popular options) as well as grocery stores and wholesale clubs.

• It’s one of the only travel rewards cards available with a fair credit score, making it a decent option if you want to earn travel rewards as you work on your score.
• Provides 5X points in travel, dining and gas, plus 10X points on eligible hotel and rental car bookings through Credit One Bank — rare and impressive rates with only fair credit.
• Its annual fee is high compared to other cards you can get with a fair credit score , so it may not be the best fit if you prioritize building credit over earning rewards.
• Other travel cards may offer better perks, fewer redemption restrictions and more value, so it may be worth working on your score with a lower-cost card before committing to the costly annual fee.
• Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site
• Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas
• Earn 1x points on all other purchases
• Redeem your reward points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, flights, hotels, and more
• With $0 Fraud Liability, you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
• Free Online Credit Score and Credit Report summary, terms apply
• If you are a Covered Borrower under the Military Lending Act, you may get a different offer
• See Rates & Fees

Discover it® Miles

• Unlimited Bonus: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers - only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 Miles, you get 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.

Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase.

• 1.5X Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase.

What we love: In addition to the exceptionally valuable DiscoverMatch® , this card combines solid flat-rate rewards with consumer-friendly terms, like minimal fees and an equal value for both travel and cash back redemptions. Travelers who value simplicity will appreciate this card’s straightforward rewards and adaptability — even when you aren’t traveling. Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Discover It® Miles Alternatives: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card carries a more straightforward and still easy-to-reach welcome bonus. The VentureOne card also gives you the option of transferring miles to more than a dozen airline and hotel partners, which could increase the redemption value of your rewards.

• All miles earned in your first year will be matched at the end of the year, which could make it one of the most valuable first-year offers for no annual fee.
• Miles don’t lose value when they’re redeemed for cash back, which gives it a leg up over many travel rewards programs for occasional travelers.
• You’ll miss out on pretty standard travel perks like travel insurance, and car rental damage protection.
• The rewards structure lacks flexibility; you won’t be able to transfer your miles or use them to book travel.
• Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase
• No annual fee
• Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% - 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
• Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

• Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.

Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Earn 1X points on other purchases

• 3X Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans.
• 1X Earn 1X points on other purchases

What we love: The Wells Fargo Autograph card is a great option for occasional travelers and households on the go looking to earn rewards while avoiding an annual fee and reduced redemption value for cash rewards. It’s one of a few entry-level travel cards to offer high, year-round bonus rewards for gas, dining, transit and other key travel needs. Learn more: Is the Wells Fargo Autograph worth it? Alternatives: If you’re looking for ways to maximize the value of your rewards, you should consider a travel card that lets you transfer your points to airlines or hotels, like the Bilt Mastercard® or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

• While some issuers only reward travel purchases made directly with airlines or through issuer portals, this card lets you shop around for the best deal on third-party travel sites and still earn extra rewards.
• Carries decent perks such as rental car collision damage waiver coverage, roadside assistance and Visa Signature® Concierge benefits, like access to Visa’s Luxury Hotel Collection (terms apply).
• Unlike with traditional travel cards, you cannot transfer your points to airlines or hotels
• The travel perks and intro APR are weak compared to competing travel-oriented cards’ offers.
• Select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
• $0 annual fee.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

• Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming. Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

• 2X Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases.
• 2X Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• 2X Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• 2X Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
• 1X Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

What we love: This card’s anniversary bonus offers enough value to nearly offset the annual fee on its own, so it should be a terrific low-stakes option whether you’re new to airline cards or a regular Southwest flyer looking for a low-maintenance card. Plus, its sign-up bonus value is on par with the value you’ll get with much pricier airline and travel cards. Learn more: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus benefits guide Alternatives: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card could offer better value overall, despite its $149 annual fee. It carries an annual $75 Southwest travel credit and 7,500 bonus points each year on your account anniversary — more than enough value to justify the higher fee.

• You’ll automatically earn 3,000 Rapid Rewards points each year after your account anniversary, which could offset much of the card’s already-low annual fee.
• Delivers the same hefty sign-up bonus as higher-tier Southwest cards.
• Unlike several travel cards, it doesn’t carry rewards categories for popular everyday purchases like gas or dining.
• It may not be the best Southwest value for frequent flyers since it poses a 3 percent foreign transaction fee and doesn’t offer perks like upgraded boardings or elite status benefits.
• 3,000 anniversary points each year.
• Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases.
• Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• 2 EarlyBird Check-In® each year.
• Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Bilt Mastercard®

Intro offer is not available for this Wells Fargo credit card.

1X Points - 3X Points

3x points on dining 2x points on travel 1x points on other purchases Earn up to 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year. When you make at least 5 posted transactions in a statement period using your Bilt Mastercard, you'll earn points on rent and qualifying net purchases.

• 3X Points 3x points on dining
• 2X Points 2x points on travel
• 1X Points 1x points on other purchases
• 1X Points Earn up to 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year. When you make at least 5 posted transactions in a statement period using your Bilt Mastercard, you'll earn points on rent and qualifying net purchases.

What we love: Not only is this card is a terrific choice for renters since it earns rewards and waives transaction fees when using it to pay rent, it’s also great for rewards strategists considering the extremely robust travel rewards program. You can earn rewards on travel and dining and your points carry a high value whether you redeem through the Bilt travel portal or one of the many airline and hotel transfer partners. Alternatives: If you like the Bilt card’s travel rewards program but don’t see yourself renting long term, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. It earns generously on both travel and dining and also boasts high-value points and transfer partners. If the way you pay rent doesn’t incur credit card payment fees, a flat-rate card may also be worth weighing. 

• It’s the only card that helps you avoid the fees typically associated with paying rent with a credit card.
• Offers a solid collection of travel perks for a no-annual-fee card, including trip cancellation and interruption protection, trip delay reimbursement and other high-level travel protections.
• You can only use rewards to cover rent, toward a future home down payment or for travel and shopping. Cash back isn’t an option.
• There is no sign-up bonus. Most competing travel cards — even those with no annual fee — offer at least a $200 bonus.
• $0 Annual Fee.
• Earn up to 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year.
• 2x points on travel.
• 3x points on dining.
• 1x points on other purchases.
• Earn points when you make 5 transactions that post each statement period.
• When renting at a Bilt Alliance property, you can choose to have your rent payments automatically reported by Bilt to the three major credit bureaus each month; Experian™, TransUnion™, and Equifax™.

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

• Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases. Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

• 2X Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases.
• 1.5X Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

What we love: If you do your banking with Bank of America and qualify for Preferred Rewards status, this card could provide an exclusive 25 percent to 75 percent rewards rate boost. The  rewards rates — 2X points on dining and travel, with 1.5X points on all other purchases — could increase to an incredible 3.5X on travel and dining with an unrivaled flat 2.62X points rate. Learn more: Why expert Sara Coleman loves the Bank of America Premium Rewards Card Alternatives: The similarly-priced Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the best alternatives thanks to its stellar travel protections, yearly bonus rewards and stronger rewards program. However, flat-rate cards like the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card or the Discover it® Miles card could be lucrative if you don’t think the $95 annual fee is worth it.

• The $95 annual fee is relatively affordable for this card category thanks to the up to $100 in yearly airline incidental statement credits.
• You can smooth out your travel experience with great benefits like credits toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and comprehensive travel insurance.
• Attaining the highest rewards rate is not an easy feat, since you’ll need to hold significant funds in Bank of America accounts.
• This card does not offer a few popular premium travel perks like lounge access.
• Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. No limit to the points you can earn and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn 2.5-3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87-2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend.
• Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center.
• Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years.
• Travel Insurance protections to assist with trip delays, cancellations and interruptions, baggage delays and lost luggage.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Low $95 annual fee.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠. Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Travel℠. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

• 10x Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠.
• 5x Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Travel℠.
• 3x Earn 3x points on other travel and dining.
• 1x Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

What we love: Rewards-savvy travelers will be hard-pressed to find a card with better rewards potential than the Sapphire Reserve. Points are worth 50 percent more through Chase Travel, and potentially more with the right transfer partner. It’s a stellar partner for Chase’s cash back cards and stacks on even more value with enough perks to recoup the annual fee without relying on hard-earned rewards. Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Alternatives: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers some of the same key perks as the Sapphire Reserve at a much lower cost. Along with a generous rewards rate on both Capital One Travel and general purchases, the card boasts valuable, practical benefits like competitive airport lounge access , up to $300 in annual Capital One Travel credits and 10,000 bonus miles every year on your account anniversary.

• You can kickstart your rewards bank with one of the most valuable sign-up bonuses on the market.
• Its top-tier benefits include up to $300 in annual travel statement credits, Priority Pass airport lounge access, exhaustive travel protections and stand-out partner perks.
• The card’s cost could be a deterrent for some new cardholders, especially if they plan on encountering adding multiple authorized users.
• You won’t get as many luxury hotel and airport lounge perks with this card as you would with some of its rivals.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more

Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit  AmericanExpress.com/benefitsguide  for more details. Underwritten by Amex assurance company.

The information about the American Express® Green Card and Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuers.

Compare Bankrate's best travel credit cards of 2024

What are travel credit cards.

Travel credit cards allow cardholders to earn points or miles on a variety of purchases (typically travel-related), which are redeemable for travel bookings, statement credits, gift cards and more.

The best travel credit cards do more than help you foot the bill for your next flight — travel cards also offer perks to upgrade your entire travel experience. Trip insurance , annual travel credits, concierge services and lounge access are all common benefits. Airline and hotel co-branded credit cards sometimes offer specific discounts and perks for loyalty program members.

Pros and cons of travel credit cards

Although a well-chosen travel card can pay huge dividends, it might not be the right move for every traveler. Before you apply, take time to weigh the benefits versus the drawbacks of travel credit cards .

Tips on choosing the best travel credit card for you

The right travel credit card for you will carry features and benefits that give you the best value. To help you narrow down your choices, here are the steps to choosing the best travel card.

How to choose a travel credit card

1. know how you prefer to travel.

Knowing whether your travel expenses lean toward airfare, hotel stays or a mix of other travel will help you decide whether you should get an airline card, hotel card or general-purpose travel card. A co-branded airline or hotel credit card may be a good fit if you mostly travel with a certain brand and want exclusive privileges to enhance your experience. A general-purpose travel card is better if you prefer to keep your travel options open.

2. Prioritize redemption value

You may have to pick between simplicity and maximum value when comparing cards and rewards programs. Many travel cards offer a standard point or mile redemption value of 1 cent when you redeem toward travel through the issuer portal, but some cards can get you a higher redemption value when you transfer rewards to airline or hotel partners. However, it's common for many travel reward programs to reduce the redemption value toward non-travel options or limit these redemption options altogether. If you prefer simplicity over maximizing rewards, you may want to consider cards that allow you to redeem points or miles at an equal 1-cent value toward general travel purchase credits, cash back or other non-travel options.

3. Match your card to your spending habits

Take a look at your typical spending and find which travel categories and non-travel categories you spend the most in to help you choose a card that offers a high rewards rate for your regular spending. Just make sure you factor in rewards spending caps.

4. Note what's worth the extra money

High rewards rates and valuable travel perks are the biggest reasons to get a travel card, but many of the best cards carry a high annual fee. You could stick with a no-annual-fee travel card (or at least one with around a $99 fee) if you're mainly focused on earning rewards, but you may have to pay up to $500 or more for luxurious perks like airport lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance and hundreds of dollars in annual travel credits .

5. Look toward your next trip abroad

If you travel overseas, check to see if the card you're considering charges a foreign transaction fee. And since some credit cards aren't as widely accepted as others, you'll also want to make sure your credit card will work when traveling overseas . For example, merchants may not accept Discover and American Express cards as widely as Visa and Mastercard. If a trip is coming up in the next three to six months, keep an eye out for the big sign-up bonuses travel cards are known for. As a rule of thumb, the higher the annual fee, the higher the sign-up bonus should be.

Co-branded travel cards vs. general travel cards

Experts typically divide travel credit cards into two categories: co-branded travel cards and general travel cards. Co-branded cards are linked to a particular airline or hotel, while general travel cards offer more flexible reward opportunities. Here’s why and when you might want one or the other.

• Co-branded cards
• General travel cards

Co-branded travel cards tend to offer higher rewards rates on eligible travel purchases in exchange for limiting your reward redemption options to just one airline or hotel program . These cards may also feature more specific perks associated with the respective hotel or airline, such as free award nights, complimentary airline elite status or priority boarding — which general-purpose travel cards don’t often carry).

However, you won’t be able to use your rewards with a wide variety of different hotels and airlines like general-purpose cards allow. Plus, despite co-branded travel cards’ typically higher rewards rates, many brand-specific rewards tend to be worth less than the potential value of general-purpose cards’ points and miles.

When to get a co-branded travel card : When you often fly or stay with a specific airline or hotel and want to maximize your benefits with that brand.

General travel cards earn rewards on various travel categories and aren’t limited to a particular airline or hotel. Such cards may lack some of the dedicated perks you’ll find on a co-branded travel card, such as in-flight discounts, but make up for it with rewards flexibility and broader perks like general travel credits, expedited security screening and wider airport lounge access. 

The top travel cards even let you transfer your points or miles to airline and hotel loyalty programs, often at a 1:1 rate. Redeeming with some airlines and hotels can even make your rewards more valuable than they would be if you redeemed with the card issuer.

When to get a general travel card : When you have no preferred airline or hotel and want the additional flexibility a general travel card offers. 

Who should get a travel credit card?

A travel credit card is almost always worth it for frequent travelers or anyone who wants to earn rewards toward their next vacation.

If you can save up airline miles, rack up points for free nights at hotels or get discounted travel through your credit card issuer, you’re on your way to significant travel savings. However, the right travel card for you will depend on your travel habits.

Frequent travelers

Naturally, the ideal candidate for a travel card is someone who travels a lot or plans to book several flights and hotel stays per year. However, in some cases, you don’t have to be a frequent traveler to reap the benefits of a travel rewards card. A number of cards offer good rewards rates on general purchases.

Travel beginners

If you’re new to travel rewards, a good place to start is with a travel card that makes it easy to earn and redeem points, without requiring you to navigate a complex rewards program or worry about tiered rewards rates or varying point redemption values. 

Brand loyalists

If you tend to book travel with the same brands frequently or already belong to an airline or hotel loyalty program, a co-branded travel card can offer terrific value.  Airline- and hotel-specific rewards cards often earn a top rate on bookings with the brand as well as exclusive perks like lounge access and automatic elite status. 

Business travelers

Some of the most valuable travel credit cards are business cards . Whether you're a freelancer on the go or the CEO of a Fortune 500, the right travel credit card can help you earn high rewards rates on everyday business purchases. 

International travelers

If you frequently travel abroad, a card with no foreign transaction fees is a great way to help you avoid extra costs on overseas purchases. Plus, if you hate waiting in line at airport security or customs, a lot of travel cards offer statement credits to reimburse you for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.

Luxury travelers

Luxury travel cards often charge a pretty penny but also offer a ton of value via perks like lounge access and annual travel credits. These perks not only make travel more comfortable, but also often carry enough value to offset the card’s cost on their own.

Still unsure if a travel credit card is right for you? Check out our Credit Card Spender Type Tool where you can get personalized credit card recommendations based on your credit score, spending habits and daily needs.

Here’s how a Bankrate editor chose his travel card

Here’s how a bankrate editor chose his travel card.

With all of this advice in mind, let’s see how a credit card expert made their pick. Here’s Bankrate editor Nouri Zarrugh on how he chose his travel card:

When it comes to earning rewards, I’ve always stuck with cash back cards, preferring the simplicity of knowing exactly how much my rewards are worth and the ease of redeeming for statement credits. Recently, though, I decided I wanted to travel a bit more frequently, and I figured a new travel rewards card could be a great tool to help me earn free trips. When choosing the right card for me, a few major points of consideration stood out: Cost: I didn’t feel like I traveled enough to justify a huge annual fee. Simplicity : I wanted to stick with a single, streamlined travel card and not worry about juggling multiple rewards programs or rewards rates. Perks : While I didn’t need anything too fancy, I thought it might be nice to have a perk like TSA Precheck included, since I hate waiting in long airport security lines. To my surprise, the card that stood out most was the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Though it carried an intimidating annual fee of $395 ( See Rates & Fees ), I found this cost was more than worth it once I dug into the details. In fact, its benefits were so valuable, I barely needed to worry about offsetting the cost.  Two of its annual perks — a $300 Capital One travel credit and 10,000 bonus miles every year on my account anniversary — are valuable enough to offset the fee on their own. This means as long as I take one flight a year, I can basically break even on the card. Any rewards or perks I get beyond that feel like pure upside. It’s a huge bonus, then, that the card also includes practical benefits like Priority Pass lounge access and a credit of up to $100 toward the cost of Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. While I’ve never frequented airport lounges, I see these privileges as essentially free considering the value of the annual travel credit and bonus miles. So, I figure, why not take advantage?  For me, the Venture X strikes the perfect balance: A flat rewards rate that makes it easy to earn miles on everything I buy; flexible redemption through Capital One or via transfer to airlines and hotels, and practical perks I know I’ll use when I travel. I never imagined I’d have a $395 travel card in my wallet, but for me, it’s at worst a coupon for a flight every year, which can nudge me to take that next trip. — Nouri Zarrugh, Editor, Bankrate

Travel benefits may differ from card to card, but some of the most popular travel cards available often feature a few key perks. 

Travel insurance

Travel cards may offer various travel insurances , such as trip delay protection, trip cancellation insurance, lost baggage insurance or car rental insurance. These benefits aren’t worth anything until you need them, but you’ll be glad you have them when your flight is canceled or your luggage gets lost.

Travel credits

Credits toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry are a popular and common benefit on many travel cards. You can typically use this credit once every four years, which roughly corresponds to how long a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership lasts. Some cards may also provide an annual credit toward Clear Plus — another expedited security membership. Higher-end travel cards often offer annual statement credits toward travel purchases, and many of these credits nearly offset these cards’ annual fees. 

In-flight perks

Co-branded airline cards typically offer some airport and in-flight benefits on top of their reward-earning capabilities. These can include discounts on in-flight purchases (usually 25 percent back on refreshments and WiFi), free checked bags, flight seating upgrades or priority boarding. 

Free hotel award nights

Co-branded hotel cards may include free hotel award nights annually as part of their benefits. Some cards also add an extra complimentary awards night to your stay if you’ve booked a certain number of consecutive nights. These nights are typically capped at a certain value (sometimes based on the card or your elite status), and may be valuable enough to make up for some cards’ annual fees.

Airport lounge access

One of the most popular (and valuable) travel benefits featured on high-end and luxury travel cards is complimentary access to airport lounges. The lounges you gain access to depend on the card, though co-branded cards will often grant access to the lounge corresponding to the card’s airline. The Amex Platinum card currently offers the best airport lounge access .

If you want to add a credit card to your portfolio for your travel needs, knowing what cards are popular and why people like them can help steer your decision. We regularly stay abreast of these conversations online and noticed two travel cards come up regularly: the Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card from American Express .

These cards shine because they offer some of the best rates on travel purchases and the most comprehensive set of benefits and perks . Despite their annual fees, what you get in return can far outweigh your costs. And the conversation around these two cards isn’t new: Is the effort of maximizing their perks worth it?

What people say about travel credit cards perks

The Sapphire Reserve is often referred to as the gold standard in travel benefits and protections, and the value of its trip insurance is a big part of that. A member of the Rick Steves Forum remarks on the value of the insurance: “It has pretty extensive coverage wherever I travel … my entire trip is covered as long as I charged any portion of the trip to my card.” This feature is unique to the Sapphire Reserve and sets it apart from other premium cards, which require you to charge your entire trip purchase to the card to have active coverage.

But using trip insurance isn’t always a simple process. As a user in the r/CreditCards forum on Reddit cautions: “Credit card travel insurance in general is very specific on what it covers, and people tend to overestimate just how useful the coverage actually is,” they write. “These are named peril policies, so unless you see your exact situation as a covered hazard the policies won't pay out.”

The Platinum Card from American Express gets a lot of buzz for reasons similar to the Sapphire Reserve. The card gives so many benefits, credits and additional perks that it’s often called a coupon book for luxury travel. But for many people, the value comes down to whether they’re willing to do the work to maximize its features. Another r/CreditCards member says they use the card’s Hilton and Marriott status boosters, rental car company loyalty program automatic status features, Centurion lounge access, hotel and airline incidental credits, membership credits and more. Using all these features helps them offset the annual fee.

While some people love maximizing the card’s features to extract  as much value as possible, others, like this Redditor, think it’s too much work:

“The only benefit the Platinum card really adds is Centurion and Delta Sky lounge access but only to the [cardholder] … I believe the Platinum is worth [it] at least the first year for the [sign-up] bonus but then it doesn't get much use after that. Trust me the credits are really annoying to use.” — r/CreditCards user

These two premium cards stand out from the rest because they offer the most comprehensive features available to suit your travel needs and protect you from any issues that arise. The Chase Sapphire Reserve is an exceptional option to protect you from travel issues, but make sure you know the fine print. While the Amex Platinum may not be as ideal for travel protections, the credits offered more than offset its annual fee if you can put in the effort to fully maximize them.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned cardholder, your travel card should always work in your favor by offering the features and benefits you’ll actually use and that make your travels more enjoyable. But whether you’re willing to put in the effort to maximize a card’s value is something you’ll need to decide for yourself.

*The quotes and citations included on this page have been verified by our editorial team and are accurate as of the posting date. Be sure to check the issuer's website/terms and conditions for all up to date content. Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate.

Credit card points and miles are two of the key types of credit card rewards , along with cash back. You’ll earn points and miles by making purchases with your credit card, but you can typically redeem these rewards for travel, gift cards and more — not just statement credits.

Points and miles tend to be more flexible than cash back, but since their value depends on how you redeem them — and, in the case of travel redemptions, where you’re going, when you book, your fare class and more — it may take a bit more effort to make the most of them.

What are your points and miles worth?

Since many airlines and hotels use dynamic pricing models that continually optimize airfare and room prices, it can be hard to know exactly how much your rewards are worth without doing a little math.

Luckily, you don’t need to be a travel hacker to get a sense of this idea. Before you redeem, you can check your reward redemption value by dividing the cost of a plane or hotel booking in cash by its cost in points or miles. This calculation will result in the cash value of your points or miles.

You can also compare this value to Bankrate’s latest points and miles valuations to determine if you’re getting a good deal on your redemptions. Bankrate collected data on hundreds of bookings across dozens of airline, hotel and credit card rewards programs and estimated how much each program’s rewards are worth on average .

• Airline rewards values
• Hotel rewards values
• Credit card program rewards values

The table below shows Bankrate’s estimated reward redemption value for a variety of popular airline loyalty programs. You’ll notice how widely the value varies between airlines, with some offering close to 3 cents per point in average redemption value and others struggling to meet a 1-cent-per-point value.

Keep in mind, however, that these values are averages based on a variety of fare classes, destinations, booking periods and more. For example, while Bankrate estimates Delta SkyMiles carry an average redemption value of around 1.2 cents per mile, they could be worth more or less depending on the details of your booking. 

*Based on weighted average of median point/mile values across economy and first/business class fares.

Like airline miles, hotel points fluctuate in value. The table below shows Bankrate’s estimated point values for some of the most popular hotel brands. 

As you can see, hotel points tend to be worth less than airline and credit card rewards on average, often carrying less than 1 cent per point in redemption value. That said, hotel loyalty programs sometimes offer more favorable exchange rates when you transfer rewards from a credit card rewards program. For example, you may be able to turn 1,000 credit card points into 2,000 hotel points (a 2:1 transfer ratio). 

*Based on median point values across budget, mid-tier and luxury hotel bookings.

Unlike hotel and airline rewards programs, credit card reward programs typically earn points or miles that offer a consistent redemption value when you use them with the issuer. Though the redemption value of your rewards may vary based on how you redeem, each redemption method should offer a consistent baseline value. 

Some credit card rewards programs may also allow you to transfer your points or miles to airline and hotel loyalty programs, which could boost their value considerably. For each major credit card rewards program, we estimate a baseline redemption value (assuming you book for travel with the issuer) and a Bankrate’s Value, which averages the program’s best-value transfer partners.

*Based on an average of the issuer’s five highest-value transfer partners (if available).

When to use rewards vs. cash

To demonstrate when it’s best to use your reward miles versus paying in cash, we set up this example:

We estimate American Airlines AAdvantage miles are worth 1.0 cents. If you book a seat in the main cabin on a one-way flight from Boston to Miami, and it costs either $139 or 21,500 miles, your miles are only worth $0.006 ($139 / 21,500 miles = $0.006). Since your miles for this flight are worth less than 1.0 cents, you may want to save your miles and pay cash for this flight.

But if you book a first-class seat on the same flight for $433 or 31,500 miles, your miles are now worth $0.013 ($433 / 31,500 = $0.013). Since 1.3 cents is higher than our latest valuation, you’re coming out ahead if you use your miles to pay for this flight.

Bankrate experts share their advice on using travel credit cards

It’s important to know how to maximize your rewards and perks. Otherwise, a travel card could end up being a money pit. Here are a few pointers from our experts for making the most of your travel card: 

Combine cards to maximize rewards

Knowing how much you spend in different categories and which merchants are eligible for rewards will help you earn more and build an optimized stack of rewards cards. A flat-rate card is often a great starting point to earn the same rate on every purchase you make. As you build out a rewards strategy, you can incorporate a card with bonus categories to earn even more in your highest spending areas.

Expert Insight:

“For a long time, I’ve used a combination of Chase credit cards known as the Chase trifecta for all my family’s spending…. [I] don’t typically use my Sapphire Reserve for everyday spending and bills. Since it only offers 1X points on non-bonus category spending, I use my Freedom Unlimited to make sure I earn a minimum of 1.5 percent cash back on everything I buy.” “I use each card strategically to earn as much in rewards as possible, then I pool them in my Sapphire Reserve account to redeem them for airfare, excursions, hotels and more.” — Holly D. Johnson — Award-winning personal finance writer and Bankrate contributor: Why I love the Chase Sapphire Reserve

Maximize your rewards value with transfer partners and issuer travel

Save your rewards for the most valuable redemption options. Travel points and miles often lose value toward non-travel options like cash back, so you’ll want to redeem your rewards for travel through the issuer portal for at least 1 cent per point or mile. However, transferring your rewards to the right airline or hotel partner program is usually worth the extra effort since it could net you even more value.

Expert Insight

“When I redeem my points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, the most I can get is 1.25 cents apiece, which is pretty good. However, if I transfer them to a partner airline’s loyalty program, I will often get much more. For example, I can transfer my points to United Airlines MileagePlus and use them to pay for flights. When I do, I generally get a value of 2 or more cents per point — in line with Bankrate estimates that Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth around 2 cents apiece on average when used with the right transfer partner.” — Margaret Wack — Personal finance expert and Bankrate contributor: Why I love the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Make the most of your travel perks

Travel benefits are one of the main reasons to get a travel card, and are often key to making up a card’s annual fee. Be sure to read the fine print to make sure you can take full advantage of these offers . For example, one card’s travel credit may apply to any travel purchase, including airfare, while another card’s may only cover costs like baggage fees or in-flight purchases. 

“This is the year to take inventory of your credit cards and make sure they’re serving you well. If you’re paying an annual fee, look for a card with recurring benefits. Whether it’s annual award nights, waived luggage fees or elite status benefits, these perks can offset your annual fee and make your travels more pleasant … Despite putting minimal spending on my Hilton Honors Amex Aspire card, I keep renewing it every year. That’s because the card provides automatic Hilton Diamond elite status, which can easily offset the $550 annual fee. Recurring card benefits like [these] can save you a lot on travel and are worth considering when shopping for a new credit card.” — Ariana Arghandewal — Travel rewards expert and Bankrate contributor: Five benefits you need from a travel credit card

Plan for the sign-up bonus

The best travel cards come with generous welcome offers, but these bonuses may require a high spend in a short timeframe. That’s why it’s important to consider whether the spending requirement fits with your typical spending habits or whether you need to plan purchases to meet the requirement. Just be sure not to overextend yourself or take on debt you can’t pay back just to earn a bonus — interest and fees can easily eat through any value you’d get.

“Keep in mind that credit card sign-up offers change often. So if you’re interested in a particular card but not blown away by its current offer (there are some for 100,000 points or more that aren’t always worth the trouble), it could be worth your while to wait for a better one.” — Ariana Arghandewal — Travel rewards expert and Bankrate contributor: 6 ways to get bigger credit card bonuses

Look out for limited-time offers, partner perks and other benefits

Keeping an eye out for limited-time offers like extraordinarily high sign-up bonuses, perks with partner services (like rideshares or delivery services) and other reward-earning opportunities is a great way to squeeze the most value from your travel card. Issuers sometimes provide shopping and travel portals and card-linked reward programs for select purchases (like for pre-paid dining or participating merchant spending), which can help you bank extra rewards.

“Keep an eye on your email inbox and rewards portal for any limited-time promotions your issuer may be offering. Many American Express cards feature Amex Offers, which lets you access perks like statement credits for spending a certain amount on specific hotels and other retailers.  Other cards, like the Capital One Venture X, also have occasional promotional offers, such as a credit for 5 percent back on VRBO rentals.” — Lori Zaino — Travel expert and Bankrate contributor: How to maximize credit cards for cheaper accommodations this holiday season

Track your spending and rewards each account statement

Track your favorite stores’ and services’ merchant category codes (MCCs) to fine-tune your spending habits for maximum rewards. If you notice your expenses changing, this practice may also help you notice whether you need to change which rewards cards you carry.

“The first step to optimizing your spending is to take the time to collect the MCCs of stores you frequently shop at. During the process, you might find that some stores in the same chain may have different MCCs, depending on their primary inventory. Even different counters or sections in the same department store may carry different MCCs. You can use this to your advantage if you know one location near you will provide a better cash back rate than the other. These “loopholes” can provide great opportunities to reap cash back on purchases that typically wouldn’t earn rewards.” — Garrett Yarbrough — Writer and credit cards expert at Bankrate: Merchant category codes: How to earn more cash back

Our data: What credit score do you need for the best travel cards?

It’s no secret that your credit score heavily influences which cards you’re likely to get approval for. But how good does your credit need to be to get the best credit cards for travel? We analyzed our data of Bankrate readers who applied for credit cards on our pages in 2023 and compared the approval rates of readers’ different credit tiers.

We found that, on average, 61.9 percent of users with excellent credit were approved for travel cards on our site. Then, an average of 39.5 percent and 19.5 percent of users with good and fair credit, respectively, got approval for travel credit cards they applied to.

If you have fair or bad credit, you still have options for travel credit cards. For example, the Credit One Bank Wander Card caters to people with fair credit — 57 percent of people with fair credit who applied on our site in 2023 were approved for this card , according to our data.

Obviously, the better your credit, the more likely you are to get the card you apply for , but other factors can affect your application. Issuers may also consider your income, recent credit applications, homeownership status and monthly rental or mortgage payment. Keep these other factors in mind with your credit score when you apply for credit cards.

Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email , find us on Facebook , or Tweet us @Bankrate .

When evaluating the best travel cards, we consider a mix of factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether cards offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of cardholders, from earning rewards in popular categories to scoring a large sign-up bonus or high-value perks. Whenever possible, we also feature cards that are available at various credit levels and price points. 

We analyzed over 150 of the most popular cards and scored each based on its rewards rate, estimated annual earnings, welcome bonus value, APR, fees, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup of the best travel cards.

Here are some of the key factors that we considered:

Great rewards value

The primary criteria for a rewards-earning card’s rating is its rewards value. This includes the card’s average rewards rate, estimated annual rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value and reward redemption value.

To estimate a card’s average annual rewards earnings, we first calculate its average rewards rate based on how much it earns in different bonus categories and how closely its categories align with the average person’s spending habits. In other words, we assess whether the card earns rewards at a high rate in the most popular spending categories. 

We use consumer spending data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to get a reliable third-party measure of people’s spending habits. The most recent BLS data estimates average total spending in 2022 was $72,967 per consumer. We then narrow our focus to which purchases are likely to be put on a credit card and earn rewards, subtracting expenditures like housing, vehicle purchases and education. This gives us a total “chargeable” annual spend of around $25,500.  

This includes the following spending by category:

• Groceries: $5,700
• Dining out: $3,600
• Entertainment: $2,400
• Gas: $3,100
• Apparel and services: $1,900

Using this data, we assign a weighting to each of a card’s bonus categories. For example, a card’s grocery rewards rate receives a 22 percent weighting based on how much of the average person’s budget is spent on groceries.

We also estimate the redemption value of points or miles from various issuer, airline and hotel rewards programs.

This weighting and rewards valuation allows us to estimate a card’s average annual rewards earnings — how many points or miles you’d earn with a given card if your spending was about average and you used the card for all of your purchases — as well as what those points are worth. We also use point valuations to determine a card’s sign-up bonus value

With these calculations complete, we assign each card a score based on how its average rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value, rewards rate and redemption value stack up against other rewards cards.

The better these values, the higher its score will be, making it more worthy of inclusion in our list and increasing its potential ranking.

Reasonable rates and fees

We also score cards based on how much it costs to keep them in your wallet or carry a balance. 

To start, each card is scored based on whether it offers an intro APR and how its ongoing APR compares to the rates available on other rewards cards. However, the latter rating only has a slight influence on the card’s score and whether the card is included in our list, since rewards card users generally try to avoid carrying a balance.

More important to both a card’s score and its inclusion in our list is how its annual fee influences its overall value. We consider a card’s annual fee in two ways — how it ranks relative to the fees you’ll find on other cards in the category and how it impacts a card’s overall rewards value. 

Cards with an annual fee will always be at a slight disadvantage in our scoring system since annual fees inherently cut into your rewards value. However, if a card offers terrific value via its ongoing rewards and perks, it can earn a high score and a spot in our list even if it carries a high annual fee. After all, the highest rewards rates and most valuable perks are often found on cards with annual fees. 

With this in mind, we rate a card based primarily on how its ongoing rewards value and ongoing perk value (such as annual credits or bonuses) stack up against those of other cards in the category when you subtract annual fees.

That said, we strive to include as many no-annual-fee options in our list as possible since many people would rather not worry about offsetting fees, even if a card carries impressive rewards and perks.

Redemption flexibility

Rewards cards may make it easy to earn a lot of points, miles or cash back, but how easy is it to use those rewards? After all, if it takes a ton of effort to redeem rewards or you can only redeem rewards in a couple of ways, a card may be more trouble than it’s worth. 

As such, we rate each card’s flexibility based on the restrictions it imposes on earning and redeeming rewards. We factor this rating into a card’s overall score and consider it when deciding on a card’s inclusion in our list. 

Flexibility factors include whether a card only allows you to earn a high rewards rate on only a small amount of spending or requires you to meet a certain earning threshold before you can redeem rewards. We also examine whether your points are worth less when you opt for some redemption options over others and whether a card gives you the flexibility to transfer rewards to travel partners.

Valuable perks

We also score each card’s set of features – its perks and benefits — against five tiers of features to provide a rating. 

We break down these tiers as follows:

• Tier 1 includes fewer features than even standard credit cards (for example, an ultra-streamlined card that offers basic utility and next to nothing in the way of ancillary benefits). 
• Tier 2 includes the benefits you’d expect on standard Visa or Mastercard credit cards, such as free access to your credit score, car rental insurance and $0 liability for fraudulent charges. 
• Tier 3 includes “prime card” or better-than-average card features like cellphone insurance, lost luggage insurance, concierge services and purchase protection. 
• Tier 4 includes luxury features such as airport lounge access, elite status with an airline or hotel and credits for expedited security screening membership programs. 
• Tier 5 includes the sort of exemplary benefits you’ll find on top-tier luxury cards, such as high-value travel credits, cardholder memberships and other unique and valuable perks.

In evaluating the best cards, we tend to favor cards that offer at least Tier 3 benefits, unless they include other unique features that could make up for less-impressive perks.

More information on travel credit cards

Frequently asked questions about travel credit cards, are travel credit cards worth it.

Travel cards can be well worth it since they often have exclusive travel perks like credits for airfare, hotel stays, expedited airport security services and more, as well as complimentary airport lounge access and airline or hotel privileges. However, many of the best travel credit cards come with annual fees. It’s important to at least offset the cost of these cards by taking advantage of the various travel perks and features included on the card. 

What credit score do you need for a travel credit card?

It’s possible to get a travel credit card with bad or fair credit, but most travel rewards cards are geared toward people with good or excellent credit (a FICO score of at least 670, or a VantageScore of at least 661).

Do travel miles or points expire?

Even though many major credit cards earn rewards that don’t expire, you may lose your points and miles if your account closes or isn’t in good standing. However, some co-branded cards’ rewards may expire if you don’t earn or redeem rewards within a certain timeframe (typically 12 to 36 months after the rewards are earned).

Check out our guide to credit card rewards expiration for a thorough breakdown of several popular issuers’ policies.

Are points or miles better on a credit card?

Whether points or miles offer better value will depend on the specific rewards program and how you redeem rewards. One airline loyalty program may earn miles that offer less than 1 cent each in average redemption value while another program’s points may offer close to 3 cents each on average. Similarly, a hotel card’s points may be worth less than half of a credit card issuer’s rewards points. Some programs offer points with only average baseline redemption value but high value when transferred to a partner airline or hotel. 

Ask the experts: Is it a good idea to have multiple travel credit cards?

Thomas Nitzsche

Stephanie Zito

Erica Sandberg

Financial Educator, Debt and Credit

Whether you should have multiple travel credit cards depends on several factors, including your brand affinity, frequency of travel and ability to pay off your cards in full each month. As a credit counselor, I see many people carrying credit card debt at high interest rates while continuing to make charges to the account for the sake of earning rewards. They lose far more than they earn each month. Having more than one travel credit card could make sense for you if you’re able to maximize your earnings by strategizing spending across each card. Just take into account annual fees and actual interest paid.

Contributor, Personal Finance

If you’re up for managing multiple cards and their benefits, then there are definitely big reward payouts to be had. But if the thought of multiple cards is overwhelming, it’s also a good strategy to have one or two more flexible cards and focus on maximizing your earnings and redemptions until it becomes second nature.

Contributor, Credit Cards

Definitely! I currently have two travel credit cards. In addition to the Chase card that I use for my United Airlines purchases, I have the Capital One Venture card for all other airlines. I earn a solid amount of miles on everything I buy with it, so it's an easy go-to for non-travel related expenses.

Article sources

We use primary sources to support our work. Bankrate’s authors, reporters and editors are subject-matter experts who thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate, timely and relevant.

Global entry: Trusted traveler enrollment program . U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Accessed on Feb. 21, 2024

Discover International acceptance . Discover. Accessed on Feb. 21, 2024.

* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.

Find your odds with no impact to your credit score

Apply for a credit card with confidence.

Apply for a credit card with confidence. When you find your odds, you get:

A personalized list of cards ranked by likelihood of approval

Special card offers from top issuers in our network

No credit hits. Enjoy a safe and seamless experience that won’t affect your credit score

Tell us your name to get started

This lets us verify your credit profile

Your personal information and data are protected with 256-bit encryption.

Your personal information is secure

We use your info to run a soft credit pull which won’t impact your credit score

Here’s how we protect your safety and privacy. That means:

We only use your info to run a soft credit pull, which won’t impact your credit score

We’ll never send mail to your home

All of your personal information is protected with 256-bit encryption

What’s your mailing address?

This helps us verify your credit profile.

Why we're asking

Your financial information, like annual income and employment status, helps us better understand your credit profile and provide more accurate approval odds.

Your financial information, like annual income and employment status, helps us better understand your credit profile.

Having a clearer picture of your credit profile will help us ensure that your approval odds are as accurate as possible.

What’s your employment status?

What's your estimated annual income?

Your answer should account for all personal income, including salary, part-time pay, retirement, investments and rental properties. You do not need to include alimony, child support, or separate maintenance income unless you want to have it considerd as a basis for repaying a loan. Increase non-taxbile income or benefits included by 25%.

Knowing your rent or mortgage payments helps us calculate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) which is your monthly debt payments divided by your pre-tax monthly income.

Why does DTI matter? Your DTI gives us a clearer picture of your credit profile, which allows us to evaluate which cards you’re likely to get approved for more accurately.

Monthly rent or mortgage payment

Put $0 if you currently don’t have a rent or mortgage payment.

Almost done!

We need the last four digits of your social security number to run a soft credit pull.

We need the last four digits of your Social Security number to run a soft credit pull. This helps us locate your profile and identify cards that you may qualify for. Your information is protected by 256-bit encryption.

A soft credit pull will not affect your credit score.

Enter the last 4 digits of your Social Security number

Last step! Once you enter your email and agree to terms:

Your approval odds will be calculated

A personalized list of cards ranked by order of approval will appear

Your odds will display on each card tile

Enter your email address

Enter your email address to activate your approval odds and get updates about future card offers.

By clicking “Agree and See Results” you acknowledge receipt of our Privacy Notice , Privacy Policy and agree to our Terms of Use . By agreeing, you are giving your written instruction to Bankrate and our lending partners (together, “Us”) to obtain a soft pull of your credit report to determine whether you may be eligible ...show more for certain targeted offers, including pre-qualified and pre-approved offers (your "CardMatch offers"), as well as display what we estimate your approval odds to be for participating offers (“Approval Odds”). You instruct Us to do this each time you return to our sites to view product offerings and up to once per month so you can be provided up-to-date results.

You understand that this is not an application for credit and CardMatch offers and Approval Odds do not guarantee you will be approved for a partner offer. To apply for a product you will need to submit an application directly with that provider. Seeing your results won't hurt your credit score. Applying for a product may impact your score. See partner for complete product terms. Show less

We’re sending you to the issuer’s site to complete your application.

Just a second... We’re matching you with personalized offers

Hold tight, we’re loading your personalized results page, sorry, we couldn't access your approval odds..

This often happens when the information that's provided is incorrect. Please try entering your full information again to view your approval odds.

Check your approval odds before you apply

Answer a few questions and see if you’re likely to be approved in less than a minute—with no impact to your credit score.

Check your approval odds on similar cards before you apply

Before you apply...

See which cards you’re likely to be approved for

In less than 60 seconds, answer some questions and we’ll estimate your odds of approval on eligible cards. You get:

A personalized list of cards ranked by likelihood of approval.

Access to special card offers from top issuers in our network.

No credit hits. Enjoy a safe and seamless experience that won’t affect your credit score.

But don’t worry! You can check out other cards that are a better fit.

Fortune Recommends: Best hotel credit cards for free nights

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.  

Fortune Recommends™ has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Fortune Recommends™ and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.  

While airfare rates are definitely rising, ironically, they’re not the travel expense that’s soaring right now. 

According to a report by Hopper Media, from January 2022 to January 2023 the average cost of a hotel room rose 54% to $212 per night. This isn’t just a post-pandemic market correction, either; a report by American Express Global Travel found that prices will likely continue to rise throughout 2024. 

Thankfully, the credit card market is flush with options for earning free nights. All of the cards on this list either grant you a free night on your account anniversary, generous annual travel credits or both. Best of all, all five cards offer sizable welcome bonuses that can cover up to nine free nights at a decent property. 

The best credit cards for free nights in April 2024

Best overall: ihg one rewards premier credit card, best for hilton: hilton honors american express aspire card, best for marriott: marriott bonvoy boundless® credit card, best for hyatt: world of hyatt credit card, best for premium benefits: the platinum card® from american express.

• Best for general use: Capital One Venture X Rewards

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card card includes a free anniversary night worth up to 40,000 points, a redeem-three-get-one bonus on award nights, up to 26X total on IHG purchases and a staggering six-figure welcome bonus. This card pumps out free nights like T Swift pumps out chart-topping hits, and if you’re even considering staying in an IHG property this year it’s well worth the $99 annual fee. 

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Intro bonus.

Rewards Rates

• 10x 10X on IHG purchases 
• 5x Earn 5X points on travel, gas stations, and restaurants
• 3x Earn 3X points on all other purchases
• Staggering welcome bonus which when leveraged properly could get you over a week of stays
• Automatic Platinum Elite status grants free upgrades and early check-in
• Free night upon card renewal
• Fourth night free on award bookings
• Limited redemption options outside of IHG
• IHG points are worth less than some other rewards currencies
• Anniversary night certificate is capped
• Additional perks: $50 annual United credit, TSA/Global Entry rebate, trip cancelation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, purchase protection, ability to spend to Diamond status
• Foreign transaction fee: None

Why we like this card: If we’re talking about cards that award free nights every account anniversary–and plenty in between–the IHG One Rewards Premier is the card to beat. For starters, it offers a 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Considering a night at a Holiday Inn Express can often cost under 20,000 points, your welcome bonus can cover over a week of free nights all on its own. 

The card also offers a redeem-three-get-one award night bonus, meaning if you book three separate three-night stays with your welcome bonus, each of those can get a complimentary fourth night attached to the end of it, stretching your points even further. 

Finally, you’ll get the aforementioned free night on your account anniversary, worth up to 40,000 points (~$280) in value, which easily covers your $99 annual fee. Toss in up to 26X on IHG purchases and instant Platinum Elite status (which entitled you to complimentary upgrades) and you have an absolute powerhouse of a hotel rewards card.

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card card from Amex offers a free anniversary night, a $100 Hilton on-property credit (good during a minimum two-night stay), a pair of $200 Hilton Resort credits and automatic Diamond status. All that combined with a 175,000-point welcome bonus should make the Aspire card’s $550 annual fee easy to shrug off for Hilton diehards.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Intro bonus, reward rates.

• 14x Earn 14X points per dollar on Hilton stays
• 7x Earn 7X points per dollar on airfare, car rentals and restaurants
• 3x Earn 3X points per dollar on other purchases

All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Fortune Recommends™.

• Highest-tier Diamond status given with card, unique among hotel cards
• Uncapped free night certificate
• Over $600 in annual credits
• High annual fee
• Credits take effort to redeem
• Travel perks including CLEAR membership, accident insurance, rental car coverage, trip cancellation and delay insurance
• Consumer protections including cell phone insurance, extended warranty, purchase and return protection

Why we like this card: The Hilton Honors Aspire card very much feels like a Hilton-themed Amex Platinum. Sure, with an annual fee of $450 it officially costs more a night at the Waldorf Astoria, but it easily includes enough perks, benefits and statement credits to compensate. 

For starters, you’ll get a 150,000 points if you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months of account opening–roughly $875 in value towards Hilton purchases. Next, you’ll have two semi-annual $200 Hilton Resort credits to spend, a $100 Hilton on-property credit, $200 flight credit, $189 CLEAR Plus credit and will earn up to 14X points per dollar on Hilton stays. Oh, and don’t bother upgrading your stay during checkout, since you’ll have complimentary Diamond status which entitles you to space-available upgrades, lounge access, elite gifts and more. 

Perhaps best of all, your free anniversary night covers virtually any Hilton property that isn’t a Club, Vacation Club or Grand Vacation Club. So as long as you hold onto the Aspire card, you’ll have an annual overnight at the Waldorf to look forward to. 

While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the IHG One Rewards Premier card, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is still a solid choice for Marriott fans since it grants a free anniversary night, three-night welcome bonus, 15 Elite Night credits and up to 6X towards Marriott purchases for a modest $95 annual fee.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

• 6x 6X points per dollar at Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• 3x 3X points per dollar on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
• 2x 2X points per dollar on other purchases
• All information about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card has been collected independently by Fortune Recommends™.
• Generous free night welcome bonus
• Robust bonus category
• Ability to earn a free night via card spending
• Free night welcome bonus is less flexible than a points welcome bonus
• Marriott points aren’t as valuable as other points currencies
• Charges an annual fee
• Additional perks: Trip cancelation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, purchase protection, ability to spend to higher status

Why we like this card: Like its rival the IHG One Rewards Premier, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless offers an automatic free night stay in a hotel up to 35,000 points (every year after account anniversary) ($315 in value) to help justify its $95 annual fee. You’ll also get a 3 free nights (valued up to 150,000 points) after you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months from account opening (certain hotels have resort fees), with each night worth up to 50,000 points (~$450). 

That said, since the Boundless card prefers to award nights instead of points, there’s a loss of flexibility there that makes it less ideal if you like to maximize free nights at budget properties. Thankfully, you can still rack up points pretty quickly since the card adds 6X to the 11X you’ll get for being a Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite member, which is automatic with the card.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card offers a free night on each account anniversary, redeemable at any Category 1 through 4 property (examples of Category 4 properties include Hyatt Regency and Hyatt Place). You’ll also get a 30,000-point welcome bonus good for at least $450 in Hyatt redemption value, 2X on all purchases for the first six months on up to $15,000 in spending and instant Discoverist status. In total, a worthy $95-per-year investment for fans of Hyatt. 

World of Hyatt Credit Card

• 4x 4X on Hyatt brand and FIND Experiences purchases
• 2x 2X points on airlines, commuting and transit, gym memberships, and restaurants
• 1x 1x points on all other purchases
• Discoverist status with the ability to spend towards higher status levels
• Robust travel protections
• Limited redemption options outside of Hyatt
• Hyatt has a much smaller footprint than other hotel chains

Why we like this card: Hyatt fans don’t have a lot of options this year. There’s the World of Hyatt Card and the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card, so the choice is pretty much made for you if you don’t travel for work. 

Thankfully, your singular choice is pretty solid–the World of Hyatt Card comes with a welcome bonus worth $450+ (30,000 bonus points if you spend $3,000 in first 3 months), a handy 2X bonus on all purchases made within the first six months (on up to $15,000 worth of spending, or 30,000 points) and of course, an annual free night at category 1-4 hotel (worth up to 15,000 points). You’ll also score an additional free night at category 1-4 hotel each year you spend $15,000. 

The World of Hyatt Card also offers instant Discoverist status (Hyatt’s equivalent to “Silver”) and a nice array of ways to accelerate your path to Explorist, where you’ll unlock free upgrades. You’ll receive five qualifying night credits automatically each year plus two more for each $5,000 you spend with the card. 

So while its initial welcome bonus falls a little short of its competitors, the World of Hyatt Card compensates with big awards for big spenders.

The The Platinum Card® from American Express includes a up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card® (minimum 2-night stay required) at over 2,200 properties. You’ll also get complimentary benefits (e.g. room upgrades) with these bookings and a $100 onsite experience credit good towards dining/spa/etc. All of that luxury and convenience–combined with the “Plat’s” comically long list of benefits–makes it a logical choice for this list.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

See Rates and Fees

• 5X Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year)
• 5X Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
• 1X Earn 1x points on all other eligible purchases
• Packed with valuable potential credits for digital entertainment, Equinox gym, Walmart+ membership, and more.
• Airport lounge access with a larger network than any other card
• Membership Rewards are valuable due to their flexibility.
• The multiple potential credits can be cumbersome to track.
• Sky-high annual fee
• Some of the perks can be hard to use if they don’t align with your lifestyle.

Other benefits

• Travel benefits including hotel and car rental chain statuses, car rental insurance, trip cancellation/interruption and travel delay protection
• Consumer protections including extended warranty and return protection

Why we like this card: With a list of benefits longer than a CVS receipt, it’s no surprise that the legendary Amex Platinum includes several perks for hotel hoppers. For starters, you’ll get a $200 Hotel Credit good towards a minimum two-night stay at any Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection property. Not only that, you’ll get complimentary benefits (such as room upgrades) with your booking and a $100 experience credit good towards dining, spa treatments and more. 

Your Platinum Card pampers you on the way to and from the hotel, too; you’ll get the widest airport lounge access in the business, an up to $200 airline fee credit, up to $200 Uber Cash, a $189 CLEAR® Plus credit to help skip the TSA line and elevated status with Hertz, Avis and National. Even after you’ve spent your $200 hotel credit, you’ll still get special treatment at Hilton and Marriott properties thanks to automatic Gold-equivalent status with each. 

Needless to say these benefits don’t come cheap–the annual fee for the Platinum is $695–but considering how you can recoup roughly half of that during your first high-end hotel stay, it could be worth the investment.

To view rates and fees of the The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page    

Best for general use: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Though it commands a lofty $395 annual fee, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is surprisingly more about value than luxury. You’ll get a 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening (worth $750 towards hotel stays), a $300 back annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel, a 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary and 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. As a net result, the Venture X excels at both covering hotel stays and rapidly funding the next one.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• 10X 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5X 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• 2X 2x miles on everyday purchases
• Annual $300 travel credit and 10,000 Miles upon card anniversary make up for the annual fee
• Airport lounge access
• Capital One Miles require effort to maximize
• Limited cash redemption options
• Travel protections including car rental insurance, trip cancellation/interruption and travel delay protection

Why we like this card: Don’t let the term “Miles” mislead you–Capital One’s travel points are redeemable for any travel purchase made with your Venture X card within 90 days of purchase–including hotels. That means the card’s 75,000-mile welcome bonus plus $300 annual travel credit are good for $1,050 worth of hotel stays, and you’ll get 10X for booking hotels through Capital One Travel to boot. 

But the Venture X’s most alluring perk may actually be its airport lounge access–you and two guests will gain unlimited entry to over 1,300 lounges across the Capital One Lounge, Priority Pass and Plaza Premium Group networks. So as you’re checking out of the Ritz, you can look forward to free Wi-Fi and Biscoff cookies until boarding. 

All things considered, the Capital One Venture X is a compelling travel companion that quickly pays for itself with generous annual credits. 

Frequently asked questions

Which card is best for free hotel nights.

The IHG One Rewards Premier card is the best overall card for earning free nights in 2024. It comes with a bananas welcome bonus good for over a week at a Holiday Inn Express (or five-ish at a fancier property), a free anniversary night, a redeem-three-get-one night bonus and up to 26X on IHG stays. 

Which Hilton card gives you a free night? 

The Hilton Honors Aspire card offers a free award night after each account anniversary. 

How many points do you need for a free hotel stay? 

The points required for a free hotel stay can vary by brand, property, timing, date and other factors. But very broadly speaking, an off-peak night at a budget property can start around 7,500 to 10,000 points, while a night at the Ritz or other ultra high-end property can hover between 50,000 and 100,000+. 

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.  

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefits guide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.  

EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE : The advice, opinions, or rankings contained in this article are solely those of the Fortune Recommends ™ editorial team. This content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of our affiliate partners or other third parties.

Guide to hotel credit cards

Best hotel credit cards in april 2024, best credit cards for hilton in april 2024, best credit cards for hyatt of april 2024, best credit cards for marriott in april 2024, best credit cards for ihg in april 2024, world of hyatt rewards: everything you need to know in 2024, ihg one rewards: everything you need to know in 2024, wyndham rewards earner® plus card review: the card for wyndham loyalists who want status perks and free nights, hilton honors american express aspire card review: top-tier rewards and perks at hilton hotels, hilton honors american express surpass® card review: mid-tier hilton perks for casual travelers, hilton amex launches exciting limited time offers. don’t sleep on these bonus points., ihg one rewards premier card review: a benefit-rich, must-have card for anyone even considering an ihg stay this year, chase ihg one rewards business premier card ups its welcome bonus—should you apply, ihg one rewards traveler credit card review: an excellent hotel rewards card, outshone only by its sibling, the premier., world of hyatt card review: a rapid free-night generator that every hyatt loyalist should have in their wallet, hyatt beefs up the welcome bonus for new world of hyatt cardmembers, marriott bonvoy bold card review: a decent entry-level marriott rewards card that’s worth getting for the welcome bonus and status upgrade alone, the marriott bonvoy bevy card review: a victim of middle-child syndrome , marriott bonvoy brilliant amex review: marriott diehards will need to eat up the benefits to glean enough value for the sky-high annual fee, hilton honors: everything you need to know in 2024, marriott bonvoy business amex review: don't sleep on multiple free night awards and status, is the hilton honors american express aspire card credit card worth it here’s how to decide, is the marriott bonvoy brilliant amex worth the annual fee here’s how to decide.

The best no-annual-fee hotel credit cards

Update : Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to pay annual fees topping $550 to get the best travel credit card. If you don't travel enough to use all the benefits that come with a top-tier card — or simply don't have room in your budget to justify these fees each year — there are still plenty of no-annual-fee cards to choose from.

When it comes to hotel credit cards, the good news is that a no-annual-fee card can offer you more benefits than you might expect. From complimentary (or a pathway to) elite status to earning hotel points on your everyday purchases, you'll only gain from owning these cards instead of worrying about outsizing the value from cards with no annual fees.

While the best hotel card for you will depend on which hotel chain you prefer, the best options of the bunch are the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Card. Both brands are widely prevalent, meaning you have more opportunities to earn and redeem points at properties worldwide.

• Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card : Best for Marriott
• Hilton Honors American Express Card (see rates and fees): Best for Hilton
• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card : Best for IHG Hotels
• Choice Privileges® Mastercard® (see rates and fees) : Best for Choice Hotels
• Best Western Rewards® Mastercard®: Best for Best Western
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card : Best for all hotels

The information for the Best Western Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Comparing the best no-annual-fee hotel credit cards

Marriott bonvoy bold card: best card for marriott.

Current sign-up bonus: Earn 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after using their card to spend $1,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months.

Rewards rate: Earn 3 points per dollar at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2 points per dollar on other travel purchases and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Other benefits: You'll become an automatic Silver Elite member as a cardholder, which gets you perks such as priority late checkout and 10% bonus points on stays. Therefore, you'll have the ability to earn up to 14 points per dollar on eligible Marriott stays (3 points per dollar with this card, 10 points per dollar for being a Marriott Bonvoy member and 1 point per dollar for Silver Elite). Plus, earn 2 points per dollar on all travel purchases.

You'll also have the opportunity to improve your elite status the more you stay with Marriott. This card comes with an impressive number of travel and purchase protections, including baggage loss and delay insurance and more. To top it all off, there's no annual fee (and no foreign transaction fees ).

Analysis: As you build up your credit card portfolio, you'll eventually want to have a card that earns transferable points, along with an airline card and a hotel card . If Marriott is your hotel chain of choice (we don't blame you since there are more than 7,000 properties worldwide), the Bold is the perfect place to start. With a complimentary jump-start to Silver Elite status, the possibilities of reaching higher tiers of Marriott elite status are endless.

Further reading: Marriott Bonvoy Bold card review

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Bold

Hilton Honors American Express Card: Best card for Hilton

Current welcome offer: Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $1,000 in purchases on the card within your first three months of card membership

Rewards rate: Earn 7 points per dollar on eligible Hilton hotel and resorts purchases, 5 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations, plus 3 point per dollar on other eligible purchases.

Other benefits: It's not often that a no-annual-fee card (see rates & fees) provides you with as many perks as the Hilton Honors Amex card does. For starters, enjoy complimentary Silver Elite status to get 20% bonus points on stays and a fifth free night benefit. In addition to a lucrative rewards rate on Hilton and everyday purchases, you'll have secondary rental car coverage and no foreign transaction fees (see rates & fees).

Analysis: The Hilton Honors Amex proves you don't have to pay an annual fee to get top-notch perks. Its welcome bonus offers a healthy stash of Hilton Honors points and ample ways to continue earning on your everyday spending. We recommend this card for those who enjoy staying at Hilton properties but want to keep costs as low as possible.

Further reading: Hilton Honors American Express card review

Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: Best no-annual-fee card for IHG Hotels

Current sign-up bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Rewards rate: 5 points per dollar at IHG Hotels & Resorts, 3 points per dollar on utilities, internet, cable, phone services and select streaming services, gas station and restaurant purchases and 2 points per dollar on everything else.

Other benefits: This hotel card comes with the unique benefit of a fourth-night reward, meaning you'll pay the price of three nights to stay for a total of four nights. Plus, you'll get a 20% discount on points purchases when you pay for those points with your card.

Analysis: By being strategic with this card, you can get a ton of value without ever paying an annual fee.

Further reading: IHG One Rewards Traveler card review

Apply here: IHG One Rewards Traveler card

Choice Privileges Mastercard: Best for Choice Hotels

Current bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 in purchases within the first three months of card membership.

Rewards rate: 5 points per dollar at eligible Choice Hotels, 3 points per dollar at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and on phone plan services and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Other benefits: You'll get automatic Gold Elite status, which unlocks benefits such as an elite welcome gift, early check-in and late checkout. You'll also get up to $800 of cellphone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly bill with this card (subject to a $25 deductible) as well as Mastercard World Elite benefits .

Analysis: Being a Choice Hotels elite member will enhance your hotel experience, and with this card, you'll be granted this status for free. While not the most lucrative no-annual-fee hotel card out there, this card offers simplicity — a reason to keep it in your wallet each year with the opportunity to earn anniversary points.

Further reading: 2 new Choice Privileges credit cards are now open to new applicants

Apply here: Choice Privileges Mastercard

Best Western Rewards Mastercard: Best for Best Western

Current bonus: Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 within the first three billing cycles after account opening.

Rewards rate: 13 points per dollar on Best Western purchases and 2 points per dollar on everything else.

Other benefits: With this card, you'll enjoy no foreign transaction fees, exclusive member room rates and complimentary Gold status, which guarantees you 10% bonus points for your eligible stays and early check-in and late checkout.

Analysis: For a card with no annual fee, those who stay at Best Western properties regularly can get considerable value from the welcome bonus and ongoing Gold elite status.

Further reading: Your ultimate guide to Best Western Rewards

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card: Best for all hotels

Current bonus: Earn a bonus of 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 within the first three months from account opening.

Other benefits: While the hotel cards above can get you elite perks or other exclusive benefits, sometimes limiting yourself to one brand doesn't make sense. That's why the VentureOne is our favorite for all hotel stays, as it offers a simple earning scheme (unlimited 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases) plus an even simpler way to redeem. You can redeem your miles at 1 cent each for any hotel (or other travel) charges on your card. If you're an advanced award traveler, you'll be happy to know that you can transfer your Capital One miles to airline and hotel partners like Air Canada Aeroplan and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer to find even more potential value.

Analysis: We like the flexibility that the VentureOne offers. You won't get hotel elite status with this card, but you can use this card to pay for hotels from any brand. If all you're looking for is a way to earn and redeem your travel rewards, this is a good card for you. Plus, with no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees ), you can take the VentureOne with you anywhere.

Further reading: Capital One VentureOne review

Apply here: Capital One VentureOne

Bottom line

Almost all of the no-annual-fee hotel cards in this guide get you automatic elite status, plus a pathway to the next level for even better benefits. The best pick for you will first depend on the hotel chain you prefer, but take a deeper look at the ongoing rewards rate and any additional benefits you can get from the card (such as no foreign transaction fees or any travel and purchase protections ).

And remember: Since you're not paying an annual fee on any of these cards, you won't have to worry about if you're stretching enough value to justify the cost each year .

Additional reporting by Emily Thompson.

For rates and fees of the Hilton Amex card, click here.

Ticket prices and travelcards

Fares for Moscow's public transport network are the same for every mode of transport making it really easy to travel. See all the different tickets here !

Troika Ticket

This is the most economical option if you're spending a few days in the Russian capital. The card can be purchased and recharged at various station machines or even with the special Moscow Metro application. Your balance can be checked on the app or in the small yellow terminals inside the metro stations. A trip works out at ₽ 42 ( US$ 0.50), but if you change transport within 90 minutes, you'll only pay ₽ 23 ( US$ 0.20) for the next trip.

The day ticket for the Moscow metro can be purchased at any of the stops in the city. The price is ₽ 265 ( US$ 2.80) per day and ₽ 500 ( US$ 5.40) for three days.

90-Minute Ticket

The most convenient card if you want to take several types of transport within an hour and a half period. It costs  ₽ 65 ( US$ 0.70) per person and allows one metro ride and an unlimited number of trips on other types of public transport in Moscow during the time of its duration.

You may also be interested in

Moscow's crazy traffic and its excellent metro network mean that the city's buses and trolleybuses aren't the number one option for tourists.

Where to stay

Moscow has a wide range of accommodation: find the perfect district for you and book hotels, hostels and apartments at the best possible price.

Our Hotels in Moscow

Offer reserved for ALL members Become a member of the loyalty program ALL and get a discount in more than 3,000 hotels starting with your first reservation

Hotel Rating

Adagio original, ibis budget, has restaurant, pets allowed, browse hotels in moscow, ibis moscow domodedovo airport.

Ibis Moscow Domodedovo Airport is in a five-minute drive from one of the largest airports in Russia. If your flight is very early or very late at night, you can book a room and get a good night's sleep before the trip. There is transfer shuttle to the airport. Guests can dine at ibis Kitchen restaurant, relax in our 24-hour bar area, use the hotel parking, laundry room and free unlimited Internet.

Arthurs Spa Hotel By Mercure

Located 20 km from Moscow Circle Road in the north of Moscow region, Arthurs SPA Hotel by Mercure offers premium options for family holidays with its 231 rooms, a spa and wellness center, restaurants, bar areas, sports equipment rental, playgrounds and kids clubs. The hotel offers 10 conference halls for corporate clients. Fresh air, silence, comfort and spa treatments allow you to enjoy a country holiday.

Mercure Arbat Moscow

Mercure Arbat Moscow is situated on the famous pedestrian street. Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and the Pushkin Museum are 2 km away. The Kremlin and Red Square are in 3 km. The Bolshoi Theatre is 3.5 km away. The journey to any of the Moscow airports will take no more than an hour. Smolenskaya metro station is in front of the hotel. A huge number of restaurants and cafes is available for guests.

Novotel Moscow Kievskaya

Novotel Moscow Kievskaya is well located for both tourists and business travelers: just across the street is the Kievsky Railway Station, the subway and bus stations are 5-minute walk away. The Kremlin and Red Square are in 10 minutes by car, and the Moscow river enbankment with a river tram station is just a 5-minute walk away. Nearby there is a large mall Evropeiskiy with a movie theater. In a half-hour walk across the Borodino Bridge lies the Arbat district with its famous theaters and museums.

Aparthotel Adagio Moscow Paveletskaya

Aparthotel Adagio Moscow Paveletskaya is located in Zamoskvorechie district, 1 km from Paveletsky Railway Station, where Domodedovo AeroExpress trains leave every half hour. It takes 15 minutes to Tretyakov Gallery and half an hour to Red Square. There are historical places, mansions, business centers as well as Pyatnitskaya Street with cafes and atmosphere of different eras and unique energy of Moscow.

Ibis budget Moscow Panfilovskaya

Hotel ibis Budget Moscow Panfilovskaya is conveniently located within 20-30 minutes from the Afimall shopping center in the Moskva-City, and Moscow downtown area. The hotel is located near the MCC station Panfilovskaya and the Oktyabrskoye Pole metro station. There are small streets with cafes and shops nearby where you can walk and dine. You can get to Sheremetyevo airport in about half an hour by taxi.

ibis Moscow Centre Bakhrushina

ibis Moscow Bakhrushina is located in Zamoskvorechie district, 1 km from Paveletsky Railway Station, where Domodedovo AeroExpress trains leave every half hour. It takes 15 minutes to Tretyakov Gallery and half an hour to Red Square. There are historical places, mansions, business centers as well as Pyatnitskaya Street with cafes and atmosphere of different eras and unique energy of Moscow.

Mercure Moscow Paveletskaya

Mercure Moscow Paveletskaya is located in Zamoskvorechie district, 1 km from Paveletsky Railway Station, where Domodedovo AeroExpress trains leave every half hour. It takes 15 minutes to Tretyakov Gallery and half an hour to Red Square. There are historical places, mansions, business centers as well as Pyatnitskaya Street with cafes and atmosphere of different eras and unique energy of Moscow.

Mercure Moscow Baumanskaya

A charming 4 star hotel with 47 rooms with unique design creates an atmosphere of comfort and makes your vacation memorable. The hotel is two metro stops away from Red Square and within a walking distance of the metro, which is convenient for both businessmen and tourists. Free Wi-Fi, high-speed internet, tea and coffee and Nespresso coffee machine in the Privilege rooms.

Swissôtel Krasnye Holmy

Imbued with our distinctive brand of Alpine vitality, Swissotel Krasnye Holmy occupies one of the tallest buildings in Moscow - giving you spectacular views of the city and Moskva River from its public spaces and light-filled guest rooms. Being located on the Garden Ring in Moscow's city center puts the best of the capital at your fingertips, but there are plenty of reasons to stay in, too. Achieve inner balance at the spa, then toast a special occasion at our panoramic, 34th-floor cocktail bar.

Mövenpick Moscow Taganskaya

Movenpick Taganskaya is located in the heart of Moscow, in just a 4 min walk from Taganskaya metro station. This is not far from the Red Square and the Kremlin, the Bolshoi Theatre, Zaryadye park, and the ancient district of Kitay Gorod. You can walk 10 minutes from the hotel to see Moskva river and Kotelnicheskaya embankment. From two largest airports you can get to the hotel by taxi in 40 mins.

Aparthotel Adagio Moscow Kievskaya

Aparthotel Adagio Moscow Kievskaya is located across the street from the Kievsky Railway Station, a few minutes walk from the subway and bus station, and 10 minutes from the river boat station. It will take you 15 minutes to get to the Arbat and Red Square and 20 minutes to get to the Moscow City. The Triumphal Arch, the Poklonnaya hill and the Victory Park are 5 kilometers away. You can get there in about 15 minutes by bus from the bus station Kievsky station which is located next to the hotel.

ibis Moscow Dynamo

Ibis moscow oktyabrskoye pole, novotel moscow centre, ibis moscow paveletskaya, ibis moscow kievskaya, ibis stupino, novotel moscow city, novotel moscow sheremetyevo airport, keep exploring.

• Catherine Palace
• Tretyakov Gallery
• Lenin'S Mausoleum
• Saint Basil'S Cathedral

Other Cities