Best hotel credit cards of November 2023

Harrison Pierce

BLUEPRINT

Updated 4:16 a.m. UTC Nov. 27, 2023

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The best hotel credit cards set themselves apart from the competition by providing valuable redemption opportunities, high earn categories, elite status and an array of perks that help you travel worldwide. Earning rewards on hotel credit cards can allow you to earn a slew of free nights at budget-minded properties or stockpile your points for a dream vacation.

You have two options when it comes to a hotel credit card: You can opt for a general travel rewards card that can transfer points to hotel loyalty partners, or you can opt for a co-branded credit card with your favorite hotel chain. Each option provides value and both might have a place in your wallet.

We analyzed a broad swath of hotel credit cards from a variety of issuers to curate a list of the very best. Here are our selections.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
: Best hotel credit card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card *

The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

: Best for flexibility
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card *

The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

: Best for top-tier status
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card *

The information for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

: Best for bonus points
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
: Best for frequent Marriott stays
The World of Hyatt Credit Card *

The information for the The World of Hyatt Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

: Best for Hyatt loyalists
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card *

The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

: Best for mid-tier Marriott loyalists
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
: Best for transfer partners
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
: Best for high spenders
Bilt World Elite Mastercard®
: Best for renters
Best hotel credit cards of November 2023
Methodology
Should you get a hotel credit card?
Evaluating rewards potential
Guide to hotel credit cards
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Best hotel credit cards of November 2023

Best hotel credit card

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

BLUEPRINT RATING

Apply Now

On Chase Bank USA, NA’s Secure Website

BLUEPRINT RATING

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

Editor’s Take

Pros

Up to $300 annual travel credit and Priority Pass Select lounge access.
Redeem points for 50% more value to book travel through Chase’s portal.
Transfer points 1:1 to partners such as United Airlines and World of Hyatt.

Cons

High annual fee.
Not ideal if you aren’t interested in transferring points.
May not qualify if you’ve applied for 5 or more credit cards in the last 24 months.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the most premium travel credit cards available. It charges a hefty annual fee, but in exchange comes with an up to $300 annual travel credit, a top-notch list of travel partners you can transfer points to, a Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership (enrollment required) and a long list of travel benefits and protections.

Card Details

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 Ultimate Rewards®
$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 Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 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
Member FDIC

Best for flexibility

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases and 5 miles per dollar on flights and 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booking via Capital One Travel.

Editor’s Take

Pros

High reward potential.
Wide selection of statement credits.
No foreign transaction fees.

Cons

No hotel or airline-specific benefits.
Requires excellent credit.
High annual fee.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers premium benefits at a lower annual fee than competing premium cards. With over a dozen airline transfer partners and over $400 in annual recurring perks, it’s well worth the annual fee.

Card Details

Annual fee: $395.
Rewards: 2 miles per $1 on purchases, 5 miles per $1 on flights booked through Capital One Travel and 10 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel.
Welcome bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
APR: 19.99% to 29.99% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers.
Other perks and benefits: No foreign transaction fees, 10,000 mile card ownership anniversary bonus, $300 annual credit reimbursement for travel bookings made through Capital One Travel, $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application reimbursement credit, airport lounge access benefits, cellphone protection benefit, transfer miles to travel and hotel partners, Hertz President’s Circle Status.

Best for top-tier status

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn 14X Hilton Honors bonus points on eligible purchases at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton portfolio; Earn 7X points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants; Earn 3X points on other eligible purchases.

Editor’s Take

Pros

High rewards rates on Hilton bookings, flights and dining.
Annual credits and complimentary Diamond status.
A free night each calendar year with the potential to earn two additional nights after required spend.

Cons

High $550 annual fee.
Hilton points often have a lower redemption value than competing programs.
May require significant effort to take advantage of the annual credits.

The Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express offers many perks and benefits for travelers seeking a premium hotel card and luxury travel experience. Though the annual fee is fairly steep, the benefits and rewards from this card are stellar for those who frequent hotels within the Hilton portfolio, fly regularly and spend heavily on dining out.

Card Details

Annual fee: $550.
Rewards: 14 Hilton Honors points per $1 at hotels or resorts in the Hilton Portfolio, 7 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies and U.S. restaurants and 3 points per $1 on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: 180,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends 1/17/24.
Perks and benefits: Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status, annual free night reward with the opportunity to earn a second free night after spending $30,000 on the card in a calendar year and an additional night after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, up to $400 in statement credits (up to $200 semi-annually each calendar year) for eligible purchases through participating Hilton resorts, up to $200 airfare statement credit (up to $50 per quarter) on flights booked directly with airlines or via amextravel.com, up to $100 in property credit when you book a two-night minimum stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts or Conrad Hotels & Resorts, (enrollment required for select benefits).
APR: 20.99% to 29.99% variable APR on purchases
Foreign transaction fees: None.

Best for bonus points

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn 10X points at IHG® Hotels and Resorts with the card, earn 10X points from IHG® for being an IHG® One Rewards member, plus 6X points from IHG® with Platinum Elite Status (a benefit of this card); Earn 5X points on travel, gas stations and restaurants; Earn 3X points on all other purchases.

Editor’s Take

Pros

Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent at IHG hotels.
Free night after your account anniversary each year.
Redeem three nights, get a fourth consecutive night free.

Cons

$99 annual fee.
Value per point may be low compared to competing hotel chains.
Potentially high APR.

If you frequently stay at IHG properties, you’ll love the generous rewards rate you can earn with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card. It does charge a low annual fee, but that’s reasonable considering what the card has to offer.

Card Details

Annual fee: $99.
Rewards: Earn 10 points per $1 at IHG Hotels and Resorts, another 10 points per $1 as an IHG One Rewards member, 6 points per $1 from IHG with Platinum Elite Status (a benefit of this card), 5 points per $1 on travel, dining and gas stations and 3 points per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 140,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
APR: 21.49% to 28.49% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
Perks and benefits: Free night after your account anniversary, redeem three award nights and get a fourth consecutive night free, automatic Platinum Elite status, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, credit of up to $100 to reimburse Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS.
Foreign transaction fees: None.

Best for frequent Marriott stays

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Partner Offer

BLUEPRINT RATING

Rates & Fees / Terms Apply

Apply Now

On American Express’s Secure Website

BLUEPRINT RATING

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.

Editor’s Take

Pros

Free Night Award worth up to 85,000 points every year after Card renewal month.
Up to $300 annual dining statement credit for eligible purchases.
Up to $100 Marriott Bonvoy property credit for qualifying charges.

Cons

$650 annual fee.
Potentially high APR.

The steep annual fee means the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant is not for the casual traveler. It is ideal, however, for the frequent Marriott patron who values luxury benefits. With perks including top-level elite status and dining statement credits, this card is for those who make Marriott hotels their home away from home.

Card Details

Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
$300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. 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 access 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.
Terms Apply.

Best for Hyatt loyalists

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn up to 9 points total per $1 spent at Hyatt – 4 bonus points per $1 when you use your card at Hyatt hotels & 5 bonus points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member. Earn 4 points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels and 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. All other eligible purchases earn 1 point per $1.

Editor’s Take

Pros

High rewards potential on hotel bookings through Hyatt.
Points don’t expire.
Free night certificate each year.

Cons

There’s a $95 annual fee.
Hyatt doesn’t have as expansive a footprint as Marriott and Hilton.
High APR.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card is a great option for Hyatt loyalists. It provides an annual free night perk, a strong rewards program and the opportunity to redeem points for valuable award stays. Plus, it comes with complimentary Discoverist status and solid travel and purchase protections — all for a reasonable annual fee.

Card Details

Annual fee: $95.
Rewards: 9 points total per $1 at Hyatt — 4 points at Hyatt hotels and 5 base points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member. Earn 2 points per $1 at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: 30,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months, plus up to 30,000 points by earning 2 points per $1 total on up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening (then 1 point).
APR: 21.49% to 28.49% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
Perks and benefits: One free night at any category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort every year after your card opening anniversary, plus an extra free night if you spend $15,000 on the card throughout the year, one year of no-extra-charge DashPass, automatic Discoverist status and credits toward the next level of World of Hyatt elite status, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, Visa Signature Concierge and purchase protection.
Foreign transaction fees: $0.

Best for mid-tier Marriott loyalists

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn 6 points for every $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3 points for every $1 spent each year (up to $6,000) on combined grocery stores, gas stations and dining purchases and 2 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Editor’s Take

Pros

Free Night Award.
Travel protections including baggage delay insurance.
Automatic Silver Elite status.

Cons

$95 annual fee.
Free Night Award worth less than you could get with a more premium Marriott card.
Elevated rate on groceries, gas and dining is capped.

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless is a strong mid-tier hotel card for those who stay at Marriott properties somewhat frequently. With a relatively low annual fee, it’s more affordable to carry than many of the other Marriott co-branded cards, but still offers strong perks like Gold Elite status and a free night perk.

Card Details

Annual fee: $95.
Rewards: Earn 6 points per $1 at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, 3 points per $1 each year on combined grocery stores, gas stations and dining purchases (up to $6,000 spent) and 2 points per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn three Free Night Awards after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
APR: 21.49% – 28.49% Variable.
Perks and benefits: Free Night Award after your account anniversary (valued at up to 35,000 points), automatic Silver Elite status, earn Gold Elite status after spending $35,000, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip delay reimbursement.
Foreign transaction fees: $0.

Best for transfer partners

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Apply Now

On Chase Bank USA, NA’s Secure Website

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x points on dining and 2x points on all other travel purchases, plus more.

Editor’s Take

Pros

Flexible points that can be transferred to 14 travel partners or redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards® at 1.25 cents each.
$50 annual statement credit toward Ultimate Rewards hotel bookings.
Valuable travel protections.

Cons

$95 annual fee.
Category bonuses are limited and not competitive against other travel cards.
Transfer partner list is limited compared to programs like Amex Membership Rewards and Citi ThankYou.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred may not have a premium fee but it comes packed with enough benefits to stand tall in a crowded field of travel cards. It earns rewards at generous rates on travel purchased through Chase and on dining, and offers the same lineup of transfer partners as the more expensive Chase Sapphire Reserve®, plus a robust selection of travel protections.

Card Details

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 Ultimate Rewards®.
Enjoy beneﬁts such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 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

Best for high spenders

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card

Partner Offer

BLUEPRINT RATING

Rates & Fees / Terms Apply

Apply Now

On American Express’s Secure Website

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points). Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.

Editor’s Take

Pros

Automatic Gold Elite status.
Strong rewards rates at Marriott hotels, restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (a cap applies).
1,000 bonus points per paid stay booked directly with Marriott.

Cons

Free Night Award requires a spend of $15,000.
Elevated earnings on dining and groceries at U.S. supermarkets are capped at $15,000 in combined purchases.
$250 annual fee.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy is a strong choice for Marriott loyalists, offering automatic Gold Elite status and solid rewards on Marriott spending and dining and supermarket purchases.

Card Details

Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
With complimentary Gold Elites status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit.
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card® you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
Plan It® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
$250 Annual Fee.
Terms apply.

Best for renters

Bilt World Elite Mastercard®

BLUEPRINT RATING

Rates & Fees / Terms Apply

Apply Now

On Bilt’s Secure Website

BLUEPRINT RATING

1x on rent payments without a transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year). 2x points on travel (when booked directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company). 3x points on dining. Plus, 1x points on other purchases. Use the card 5 times to earn points each statement period.

Editor’s Take

Pros

Earns rewards on rent payments.
No transaction fee for paying rent by credit card.
No annual fee or foreign currency conversion fee.

Cons

You must make five transactions per billing period to earn rewards.
No welcome bonus or intro APR period.
Restrictive definition of what counts as a travel purchase.

It’s almost unheard of for a credit card to offer specific rewards for paying rent, but the Bilt Mastercard does. Not only that, but the card also allows you to avoid the transaction fee that most landlords tack on for paying rent by credit card. The no-annual-fee card also earns elevated rewards rates on dining and travel, lets you transfer points 1:1 to airline and hotel partners and provides an auto rental collision damage waiver, too.

Card Details

$0 annual fee
Earn 3x points on dining, 2x points on travel (when booked directly with an airline, hotels, car rental agencies, and cruise lines), 1x points on rent payments without a transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year) and 1x points on other purchases
Earn double points on the first of the month (i.e. 6X points on dining, 4X on travel and 2X on other purchases; except rent)
Earn points when you make 5 transactions that post each statement period
Cell Phone Protection
Purchase Security (theft and damage protection)
World Elite Concierge
Lyft Credits
No foreign currency conversion fee
Rewards & benefits terms
Select ‘Apply Now’ to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions.

Compare the best credit cards for hotels:

Credit Card

Credit score

Best For

Annual Fee

Welcome Bonus

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Excellent (750 – 850)

Best hotel credit card

$550

60,000 bonus points

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Excellent Credit (750 – 850)

Best for flexibility

$395

75,000 miles

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best for top-tier status

$550

Earn 180,000 points

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best for bonus points

$99

140,000 points

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best for frequent Marriott stays

$650

Earn 95,000 points

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best for Hyatt loyalists

$95

Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best for mid-tier Marriott loyalists

$95

Earn 3 Free Night Awards

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best for transfer partners

$95

60,000 bonus points

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best for high spenders

$250

Earn 85,000 points

Bilt World Elite Mastercard®

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best for renters

N/A

Best hotel credit cards of November 2023

Best hotel credit card: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the top travel rewards cards on the market and is our pick for the best overall card for hotel stays. The suite of benefits can more than justify the hefty annual fee, and cardholders who take advantage of the numerous 1:1 transfer partners can maximize the Sapphire Reserve’s rewards potential.

Annual fee: $550, $75 per authorized user.
Rewards: Earn 5 points per $1 on flights and 10 points per $1 on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards® after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fees: $0.
Other benefits and drawbacks: One of the top perks of the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the annual $300 statement credit received as reimbursement for travel purchases made on your card each account anniversary year. Note that you will not earn points on these purchases, but it helps to offset the annual fee.

Apart from that, you receive access to the Priority Pass lounge network (enrollment required), a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee reimbursement, a complimentary two-year Lyft Pink All Access membership, a $10 monthly statement credit from GoPuff through December 31, 2023, and one year of DashPass. Cardholders also receive various trip protections to make travel easier and safer. You can transfer your points at a 1:1 ratio to the World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy and IHG One Rewards hotel loyalty programs, as well as to numerous airline partners.

Best for flexibility: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Cardholders with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. get many of the same perks as an ultra-premium card without paying an ultra-premium annual fee. And you can transfer points to numerous hotel and airline partners, most at a 1:1 rate.

Annual fee: $395, $0 for authorized users.
Rewards: Earn 2 miles per $1 on purchases, 5 miles per $1 on flights booked through Capital One Travel and 10 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel.
Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fees: None.
Other benefits and drawbacks: Cardholders get a $300 annual travel credit, but only for purchases made through Capital One Travel. You also receive 10,000 miles on each account anniversary and access to both the Priority Pass network (enrollment required) and Capital One lounges. The Venture X packs a lot into a small package and leads in its simplicity of earning and flexible redemption options. The biggest drawback is that you only get bonus points on bookings through Capital One Travel. It’s not a dealbreaker, but is something to consider.

Best for top-tier status: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card * The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. (terms apply) boasts an impressive rewards potential with high earn categories. Big spenders who are loyal to the Hilton network will love this card.

Annual fee: $550.
Rewards: Earn 14 Hilton Honors points per $1 at hotels or resorts in the Hilton Portfolio, 7 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies and U.S. restaurants and 3 points per $1 on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 180,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends 1/17/24.
Foreign transaction fees: None.
Other benefits and drawbacks: Cardholders receive complimentary Diamond status as a benefit, the top tier in the Hilton program. Perks of this status include things like room upgrades and executive lounge access. Without the card, you would need to earn Diamond status through 60 nights at a Hilton property or 30 stays, so getting it automatically is a huge benefit.

Cardholders also receive a Free Night Reward on each account anniversary and can earn an additional night after spending $30,000 on purchases and another night after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases each calendar year. Plus, you get up to $400 in statement credits (up to $200 semi-annually each calendar year) when you use your card for purchases made directly with participating Hilton resorts. Enrollment is required for select benefits. However, the $550 annual fee for carrying the Hilton Honors Aspire Amex is not insignificant, and might only make sense for those frequently staying in Hilton properties.

Best for bonus points: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card * The information for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. has a low annual fee but unlimited potential on the reward front. Even infrequent IHG stays can more than account for the cost.

Annual fee: $99.
Rewards: 10 points per $1 at IHG Hotels and Resorts, another 10 points per $1 as an IHG One Rewards member, 6 points per $1 from IHG with Platinum Elite Status (a benefit of this card), 5 points per $1 on travel, dining and gas stations and 3 points per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 140,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fees: None.
Other benefits and drawbacks: Cardholders have an extremely high reward potential with the IHG One Rewards Premier. The rewards rate on travel, dining, and at gas stations is excellent. The points you earn can take you places — when you redeem points for a four-night consecutive stay, you get your fourth night free. You also get a free night after each account anniversary at IHG hotels worldwide, plus Platinum Elite status as long as the account stays in good standing.

Best for frequent Marriott stays: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

This is the premium card for Marriott loyalists and will only make the most sense for those that regularly stay at Marriott properties. The perks with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (terms apply, rates & fees) extend beyond the hotel and include things like Priority Pass membership (enrollment required).

Annual fee: $650.
Rewards: 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per $1 on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 3 points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership.
Foreign transaction fees: None.
Other benefits and drawbacks: With the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant, you can earn up to $25 per month, totaling $300 annually, in dining statement credits each calendar year on purchases at restaurants worldwide. After your card renewal month, you receive a Free Night Award, which can be redeemed at a value of up to 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. On top of that, you can get a statement credit of up to $100 for purchases at the Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis for a two-night consecutive stay. Plus, receive automatic Platinum Elite status.

If you spend a lot on Marriott stays throughout the year, this card could compensate for its value. Due to the annual fee, this might not be a card to use if you often stay at a lower-category hotel, as many of the perks justify stays at some top-tier resorts worldwide.

Best for Hyatt loyalists: The World of Hyatt Credit Card

The World of Hyatt Credit Card * The information for the The World of Hyatt Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. is a fantastic option for Hyatt loyalists who want elite benefits at a moderate cost. Plus, the rewards program provides a strong rate on Hyatt purchases and decent earnings on useful categories including dining and local transit too.

Annual fee: $95.
Rewards: 9 points total per $1 at Hyatt — 4 points at Hyatt hotels and 5 base points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member. Earn 2 points per $1 at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 30,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months, plus up to 30,000 points by earning 2 points per $1 total on up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening (then 1 point).
Foreign transaction fees: $0.
Other benefits and drawbacks: The top benefits of this card include automatic Discoverist elite status — which gives you premium internet, a late checkout and more — as well as a free night each year. The free night can be redeemed at a category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort. Plus, you get another free night after you spend $15,000 on your card within the calendar year.

The biggest drawback is that, although Hyatt properties can be found worldwide, this chain might not have as many available options as Marriott or Hilton — so evaluate if the Hyatt geographical footprint will work with your travel needs before opening this card.

Best for mid-tier Marriott loyalists: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

If you want the opportunity to earn Marriott points but don’t think you will get enough value out of a premium card to justify a steep annual fee, consider the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card * The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. . It offers valuable benefits for a reasonable cost.

Annual fee: $95.
Rewards: 6 points per $1 at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, 3 points per $1 each year on combined grocery stores, gas stations and dining purchases (up to $6,000 spent) and 2 points per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn three Free Night Awards after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Foreign transaction fees: $0.
Other benefits and drawbacks: If you aren’t ready to spring for a premium Marriott card, the Bonvoy Boundless allows you to get some similar perks at a lower price tag. For instance, you still earn a free night after your account anniversary, but it is only redeemable on stays up to 35,000 points, compared to 85,000 with the Bonvoy Brilliant. Cardholders get automatic Silver Elite status and plenty of travel and purchase coverage. The biggest drawback is the limit on bonus points on groceries, gas and dining. If you think you’ll hit the bonus point limit, you might want to have a different card you can switch to once you do.

Best for transfer partners: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular cards on the market due to the benefits it provides travelers without breaking the bank in terms of an annual fee. It’s a solid travel card that can provide benefits to just about anyone.

Annual fee: $95.
Rewards: 5 points per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3 points per $1 on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per $1 on all other travel purchases and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fees: $0.
Other benefits and drawbacks: If you want the ability to transfer your points, but do not want to pay the hefty annual fee of the Sapphire Reserve, then the Chase Sapphire Preferred is an excellent option for your wallet. Cardholders get up to $50 as a statement credit each account anniversary year for hotel stays purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. You can transfer points to IHG One Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, and World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio, which is great if you like to stay at different hotels each time you travel — plus to numerous airline partners.

The only real drawback is that you only get 1 point per dollar on non-bonus purchase categories. However, this won’t be a significant drawback if you strategically use the Chase Sapphire Preferred as just one piece of your points and miles plan.

Best for high spenders: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card

For big spenders on dining at restaurants and groceries at U.S. supermarkets, the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card (terms apply, rates & fees) can help you rack up Bonvoy points each year. This card combines strong hotel benefits with great rewards potential.

Annual fee: $250.
Rewards: 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per $1 on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4 points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2 points) and 2 points per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points spending $5,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership.
Foreign transaction fees: None.
Other benefits and drawbacks: Although the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy comes with a higher annual fee than the Boundless, it has more benefits. Cardholders earn 1,000 bonus points per paid stay at Marriott properties. If you frequently stay at a Marriott, that can easily add up to a significant amount of points. You also earn a Free Night Award after you spend $15,000 on purchases on your card in a calendar year. On top of those perks, you also get Gold Elite status, which lets you earn an additional 2.5 points per dollar on Marriott purchases.

Be aware that this Marriott Bonvoy Bevy has an identical twin, the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card * The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. . The only difference between the two is that the Bevy is issued by American Express and the Bountiful is a Visa card issued by Chase.

Best for renters: Bilt World Elite Mastercard®

The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® is a great no-annual-fee card that allows renters to earn points on their rent payments each month, as well as elevated rewards on dining and travel. You can transfer these points at a 1:1 ratio to several partners, including IHG One Rewards and World of Hyatt.

Annual fee: $0.
Rewards: 1 point per $1 on rent payments without a transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each year), 2 points per $1 on travel (when booked through the Bilt Travel Portal or directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company), 3 points per $1 on dining and 1 point per $1 on other purchases. At least five transactions must be made per statement period to earn these rewards.
Welcome bonus: None.
Foreign currency conversion fee: None.
Other benefits and drawbacks: If you are a renter who wants the option to transfer points earned from rent payments to pay for a hotel stay, then the Bilt Card is likely a great fit for you. Plus, you earn double points for non-rent purchases on the first of each month, which means you get double the points on dining, on travel, and other purchases, excluding rent. You can also earn up to 5 points per $1 on Lyft rides when you link your Lyft and Bilt accounts and pay for your rides using the Bilt Mastercard.

Cardholders also get an auto rental collision damage waiver, trip delay reimbursement and trip cancellation and interruption reimbursement — robust protections for a card that charges no annual fee.

One potential downside is you must use the Bilt Card five times per month in order to earn rewards. However, that’s a small drawback in exchange for this card’s unique rewards program and an excellent lineup of airline and hotel partners you can transfer points 1:1 to.

Methodology

Our credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings. We considered the annual fees, rewards rates, meaningful extras like elite hotel status, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee reimbursements and the overall value of a card compared to any carrying costs.

Should you get a hotel credit card?

There’s no straightforward answer as to whether you should get a hotel credit card. However, even for infrequent travelers, there’s likely a card that might make sense to add to your wallet.

Infrequent travelers or those who mainly stay at vacation homes rather than hotels might want a general travel rewards card or a hotel card without an annual fee. If you travel frequently for work or often find yourself staying in hotels, getting a card that increases your rewards potential can pay off down the line. Many hotel cards come with status, elevating your experience and earning you upgrades or on-site amenities.

On the other hand, hotel credit cards are typically geared toward those with good-to-excellent credit, so if you have fair or poor credit, you might consider applying for a secured credit card designed to help you build up your credit score over time.

Hotel credit cards also typically aren’t the best cards to carry a balance on, so if you anticipate making a big purchase that you won’t be able to pay off immediately, you might consider applying for a 0% intro APR card.

Also be aware that, especially for co-branded hotel cards, your highest earning category will be at that hotel group — so if you’re seeking the opportunity to earn bonus points on other spending categories, a different rewards card might be a better choice than a hotel card.

Ultimately, you can most likely find a hotel credit card that works for you once you’ve narrowed down the specifics of what you’re looking for.

Evaluating rewards potential

Using government data and other publicly available information, we estimate that a household in the U.S. that would be in the market for a hotel card has an annual income of $84,352 and $25,087 in expenses they are likely to be able to charge to a credit card.

Let’s break down that spending for a card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve to see how much this sample household could earn throughout the year. Here are our estimates:

$5,882 in spending on travel x 3 points per dollar = 17,646 points.
$3,526 in spending on dining x 3 points per dollar = 10,578 points.
$15,679 in spending on all other categories x 1 point per dollar = 15,679 points.

That adds up to a total of 43,903 points earned annually.

These points are worth about $439 if redeemed for cash back or $659 if used to book travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. Or, you could transfer them to your favorite hotel or airline partners at a 1:1 ratio and get potentially outsized value booking award travel that way.

Now, let’s look at a co-branded card like the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless:

$868 in spending on Marriott Bonvoy hotels x 17 = 14,756 points.
First $6,000 in spending on gas stations ($2,228), grocery stores ($4,942) and dining ($3,526) x 3 = 18,000 points.
$18,219 in spending on all other purchases x 2 = 36,438 points.

This adds up to an estimated total of 69,194 points annually. The value of a Marriott point will vary, as Marriott room prices are dynamic based on demand, but typically you can get anywhere between half a cent to 1.2 cents in value per point. Award stays may start as low as 7,500 points per night at lower-end properties and go up to 100,000 points or more per night at higher-end hotels.

If our sample annual points estimate isn’t enough for your dream redemption, note that Marriott offers a Points + Cash feature where you can make up the gap by paying the difference. That, plus the added value of the Free Night Award, can help reduce the out-of-pocket cost of a great vacation.

Guide to hotel credit cards

It’s important to understand what you’re signing up for when you get a credit card with hotel stays in mind. There are two main categories of hotel credit cards:

Hotel-specific cards: If you have loyalty to one hotel group and you often stay in hotels when traveling, this type of card might be a good fit for your lifestyle. You will typically earn the most points per dollar on purchases within the hotel group, and might get benefits like automatic elite status or an annual free night.
General travel reward cards: These cards are great for folks who don’t have loyalty to just one hotel chain, or want to earn points they can use outside of hotel stays. Such a card can offer lots of flexibility and allow you to be strategic in getting the most out of your points.

Consider your financial and travel goals when determining if a hotel credit card is right for you. Are you willing to pay an annual fee in exchange for perks such as travel credits and elite status? Do you have a favorite hotel chain? How often do you stay at hotels, and what benefits could make my life easier when traveling? Additionally, what spending categories does most of your budget go towards?

Once you’ve figured out your goals, it’s helpful to see what is currently available. Look into welcome bonuses that you might be able to take advantage of to earn extra points. Some cards offer large point bonuses once you spend a certain amount on your card within a specific time frame. This can be especially helpful if you don’t have many points accrued but are looking to finance a hotel stay in the coming months.

Consider your financial situation as well. It can be useful to create a budget to anticipate your spending so you can see which categories you spend the most. Find a hotel credit card that gives you the most points per dollar in the areas where you spend the most.

Before getting a hotel credit card, you might want to spend a few nights at each major hotel group to see which one you like best. If you’re new to the hotel world, testing out the options will help ensure that you get the co-branded card that gives you the best value.

There are numerous hotel credit cards on the market, so you should always do your research to figure out the best one for your situation. These cards can provide great value if you know how to use them properly.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Yes, paying for your hotel stay with a credit card is often a good idea. Doing so allows you to earn points on your stay and can provide you with additional perks that you might not receive if you were to pay with a debit card, for example. However, you might not want to pay with a credit card if you will have to carry a balance, as interest charges can add to your debt rapidly.

This will depend on a number of factors, like your credit score, income, and overall credit history as an issuer decides whether to approve your application. In general, an entry-level card will be easier to get than a premium credit card. However, if you have an excellent credit score and reasonably good income, getting approved for a premium card might be attainable for you.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer as to what credit score you need to qualify for a hotel credit card, but in general, you will want to have good-to-excellent credit to increase your chances of qualifying. This likely means you should aim for a FICO credit score of at least 670.

Oftentimes, yes, though it depends on your situation and what you mean by “worth it.” If you’re evaluating a hotel card with an annual fee, make sure you’ll actually use any perks the card offers, so that you don’t end up paying for benefits that don’t fit your needs.

And even when considering a hotel card with no annual fee, make sure the rewards categories line up with your spending habits, so you can maximize the number of points earned each year.

^{For rates and fees for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card please visit this page.}

^{For rates and fees for the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card please visit this page.}

^{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.}

^{Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through December 31, 2024. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.}

Editor’s note: This article contains updated information from previously published stories:

*The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card and The World of Hyatt Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Harrison Pierce

BLUEPRINT

Harrison Pierce is a freelance writer and digital nomad that is passionate about all things personal finance and travel. While traveling full-time, he refined his love for writing and now enjoys working with various brands to tell stories and create meaningful content.

Glen Luke Flanagan

BLUEPRINT

Glen Luke Flanagan is a deputy editor on the USA TODAY Blueprint credit cards team. Prior to joining Blueprint, he served as a deputy editor on the credit cards team at Forbes Advisor, and covered credit cards, credit scoring and related topics as a senior writer at LendingTree. He’s passionate about helping people understand personal finance so they can make the best decisions possible for their wallet. Glen holds a master's degree in technical and professional communication from East Carolina University and a bachelor's degree in journalism from Radford University.