Best Hotel Credit Cards of February 2023
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ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2023 || Best travel credit cards || Best rewards credit cards || Best airline credit cards
A co-branded hotel credit card — that is, a card that bears the name of a hotel company — often entitles you to great perks and bonus rewards at that company's hotels. Some even offer a free anniversary night. But to redeem your rewards, you're often limited to those same hotels. A general travel credit card, on the other hand, earns flexible rewards that you can use at any hotel — but doesn't give you the perks of a co-branded card.
ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2023 || Best travel credit cards || Best rewards credit cards || Best airline credit cards
A co-branded hotel credit card — that is, a card that bears the name of a hotel company — often entitles you to great perks and bonus rewards at that company's hotels. Some even offer a free anniversary night. But to redeem your rewards, you're often limited to those same hotels. A general travel credit card, on the other hand, earns flexible rewards that you can use at any hotel — but doesn't give you the perks of a co-branded card.
Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Best Hotel Credit Cards From Our Partners
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Apply now on Capital One's website | Best for Easy redemption | $95 | 2x- Miles | 75,000 Miles | Apply now on Capital One's website |
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Apply now on Chase's website | Best for Point transfers to hotel programs | $95 | 1x- Points | 60,000 Points | Apply now on Chase's website |
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card Apply now on American Express' website | Best for Hilton | $95 | 3x- Points | 150,000 Points | Apply now on American Express' website |
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card Apply now on Chase's website | Best for Holiday Inn/IHG | $99 | 1x- Points | 175,000 Points | Apply now on Chase's website |
World of Hyatt Credit Card Apply now on Chase's website | Best for Hyatt | $95 | 1x- Points | 30,000 Points | Apply now on Chase's website |
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card Apply now on Chase's website | Best for Marriott | $95 | 2x- Points | 100,000 Points | Apply now on Chase's website |
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card Apply now on American Express' website | Best for Hotel card for small business | $95 | 3x- Points | 165,000 Points | Apply now on American Express' website |
Our pick for
Easy redemption
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
$95
2x-5x
Miles
75,000
Miles
For easy earning and redemption, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is tough to beat, whether you want to redeem miles for hotel stays, flights, cab rides or cruises.
For easy earning and redemption, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is tough to beat, whether you want to redeem miles for hotel stays, flights, cab rides or cruises.
Pros
You're not restricted to any particular hotel chain. Book your own travel, then pay for it with rewards. You can also transfer points to over 12 travel loyalty programs. The card offers 2 miles per $1 spent on all purchases. Redeem miles for credit against most travel expenses at 1 cent per mile. Also, get reimbursed for a Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fee every four years.
Cons
You'll get no hotel-specific perks, such as room upgrades or late checkout. So, if you’re loyal to one particular hotel company, it might be worth comparing this card with the hotel-branded card. And point values don't budge. You can't get more than 1 cent worth of value per mile.
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
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®
Enjoy two complimentary visits per year to Capital One Lounges or to 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges through the Partner Lounge Network
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
Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Our pick for
Point transfers to hotel programs
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$95
1x-5x
Points
60,000
Points
If you stay mostly at one company's hotel brands, a co-branded card might provide specific benefits that the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card does not. But if you want flexibility in earning and transferring points for outsized value when redeeming, this is a top pick.
If you stay mostly at one company's hotel brands, a co-branded card might provide specific benefits that the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card does not. But if you want flexibility in earning and transferring points for outsized value when redeeming, this is a top pick.
Pros
Flexible rewards and high-value redemption options are the main attractions. Earn 5 points per $1 spent on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®; 3 points per $1 spent on dining (including eligible delivery services and takeout), select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (not including Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs); 2 points per $1 spent on travel not purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®; and 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases. Points are worth 1.25 cents apiece when used to book travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, or you can transfer them at a 1:1 rate to several other loyalty programs, including hotel programs with Marriott, Hyatt and IHG.
Cons
As a general travel card, it lacks the special perks — such as free anniversary nights and room upgrades — that hotel-specific co-branded cards might 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 Ultimate Rewards®.
Enjoy benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, 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.
Our pick for
Hilton
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$95
3x-12x
Points
150,000
Points
If you're loyal to hotels under the Hilton umbrella, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card can more than pay for itself despite relatively low rewards-point values. You’ll be able to hold on to your automatic Gold status as long as you’re a cardholder, making it easier to rack up rewards and earn free stays.
If you're loyal to hotels under the Hilton umbrella, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card can more than pay for itself despite relatively low rewards-point values. You’ll be able to hold on to your automatic Gold status as long as you’re a cardholder, making it easier to rack up rewards and earn free stays.
Pros
From Hilton and Waldorf-Astoria to Embassy Suites and Hampton Inn, the chain has 5,500 hotels in 109 countries and territories, making it easy to earn and redeem points. Earn extra points for purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations. Plus, you'll get automatic Hilton Honors Gold status, which can snag you a complimentary stay every fifth night at a Hilton portfolio hotel, continental breakfast, and a slew of other benefits. Terms apply.
Cons
The card gives you a lot of points, but they have below-average value when you spend them, according to NerdWallet valuations. You can redeem points for airline rewards, but at unfavorable rates.
Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 04/05/2023.
Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
Earn 6X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your 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.
$95 annual fee.
Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Holiday Inn/IHG
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$99
1x-26x
Points
175,000
Points
If you stay at the brands of InterContinental Hotel Group, the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card can be well worth its annual fee for the free anniversary night alone, and you’ll enjoy Platinum Elite status as long as you have the card.
If you stay at the brands of InterContinental Hotel Group, the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card can be well worth its annual fee for the free anniversary night alone, and you’ll enjoy Platinum Elite status as long as you have the card.
Pros
A free night after each account anniversary and a free reward night when you redeem points for a stay of 4 or more nights are huge benefits, as is Platinum Elite status, which promises exclusive room rates, room upgrades, free Internet and check-in/check-out privileges, among other perks. It also will issue a credit for a Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fee every four years when paying with the card.
Cons
Like all co-branded hotel credit cards, its rewards are not as flexible for getting free travel as a general travel card.
Best Points Offer Ever - Earn 175,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Enjoy a Reward Night after each account anniversary year at eligible IHG hotels worldwide. Plus, enjoy a reward night when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier card member
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 Rewards bonus points are redeemable at hotels such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
Our pick for
Hyatt
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$95
1x-9x
Points
30,000
Points
If you prefer to stay at Hyatt-brand hotels, World of Hyatt Credit Card can be worth its annual fee for the free anniversary night alone. You’ll enjoy high point values, Discoverist elite status as long as you have the card, and useful everyday bonus spending categories.
If you prefer to stay at Hyatt-brand hotels, World of Hyatt Credit Card can be worth its annual fee for the free anniversary night alone. You’ll enjoy high point values, Discoverist elite status as long as you have the card, and useful everyday bonus spending categories.
Pros
Hyatt has the highest point values among major hotel loyalty programs, according to NerdWallet valuations. That's important when you can rack up double points on such spending as gym memberships, dining at restaurants, local transit and commuting and airline tickets purchased through airlines. You'll get a free anniversary night at a Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort, automatic Discoverist status and five qualifying night credits toward the next status tier every year. Discoverist status includes such perks as room upgrades and late checkout.
Cons
Hyatt is a smaller player among major hotel groups, which limits places to earn and redeem points.
Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent
Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays - 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent 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
Our pick for
Marriott
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$95
2x-17x
Points
100,000
Points
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is a worthwhile card whose benefits — especially a free night every year — can easily make up for its annual fee. Not only does Marriott have a wide selection of locations, both economy and upscale, but the card doesn't limit you to using points only for hotel stays.
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is a worthwhile card whose benefits — especially a free night every year — can easily make up for its annual fee. Not only does Marriott have a wide selection of locations, both economy and upscale, but the card doesn't limit you to using points only for hotel stays.
Pros
A typical downside of a hotel-branded card is a lack of places to earn and redeem points, but Marriott is huge, with 7,000 properties across 30 hotel brands spanning 129 countries and territories. A free night's stay annually and automatic Silver Elite status every year just for having the card are valuable, along with a points bonus during stays, late checkout and other perks. Another plus: Points are transferable to several airline partners.
Cons
Rewards aren't as flexible for redeeming as general travel cards, making this card specific to fans of Marriott.
Limited Time Offer! Earn 100,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.
2X points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite Status each account anniversary year, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
No foreign transaction fees.
Our pick for
Hotel card for small business
Small-business credit cards aren't just for people with storefronts or offices. If you're a freelancer, have a "side hustle" or do gig work, you may a good candidate for a small-business credit card, too. Having a dedicated card for your money-making enterprise helps you keep business and personal finances separate.
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$95
3x-12x
Points
165,000
Points
Offering rich ongoing rewards and automatic elite status, the The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a terrific choice for business operators who spend dozens of nights a year in hotels.
Offering rich ongoing rewards and automatic elite status, the The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a terrific choice for business operators who spend dozens of nights a year in hotels.
Pros
This card earns 12X points on purchases made directly with Hilton, 6X points on an array of popular business categories, and 3X points on other purchases. There's a big bonus offer, complimentary Gold status, and 10 complimentary visits to Priority Pass airport lounges each year. Enrollment is required. Terms apply.
Cons
Unlike many hotel cards at its price level, it doesn't give you an automatic free night every year (although you can earn free nights if you hit spending thresholds). Hilton points have a relatively low per-point value, so the 12X and 6X bonus rewards rates aren't quite as eye-popping as they seem.
Limited Time Offer: Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 3 Months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/5/23.
Earn Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card: 12X at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, 6X at U.S. gas stations, on U.S. purchases for shipping, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants, 3X on all other eligible purchases.
Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status with your Hilton Honors Business Card.
Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
Earn another Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend an additional $45,000 in purchases on your Card in the same calendar year.
Terms apply.
- View Rates & Fees
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST HOTEL CREDIT CARDS
Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Our pick for: Marriott
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Our pick for: Easy redemption
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Our pick for: Point transfers to hotel programs
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Our pick for: Hilton
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
Our pick for: Holiday Inn/IHG
World of Hyatt Credit Card
Our pick for: Hyatt
Hyatt isn't as big as its competitors, but World of Hyatt Credit Card is worth a look for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road. You can earn a lot of points even on non-Hyatt spending, and those points have a high value compared with rival programs. There's a great sign-up bonus, free nights, automatic elite status and more. Read our review.
Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard®
Our pick for: Best Western
Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Plus Credit Card
Our pick for: Wyndham
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Our pick for: Premium hotel card
Hotels.com® Rewards Visa® Credit Card
Our pick for: Hotels.com
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Our pick for: Hotel card for small business
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is an outstanding small-business hotel credit card — though a little unusual. It comes with rich ongoing rewards, automatic elite status with Hilton and 10 free visits to select airport lounges each year (a rare perk for hotel cards). Rather than automatically granting a free night each year, like most hotel cards with annual fees, you have to spend at least $15,000 per calendar year to earn a free weekend night. Terms apply. Learn more and apply.
• • •
How much is a hotel point worth?
By Sam Kemmis, NerdWallet travel rewards expert
Hotel credit cards earn loyalty program points every time you use the card, but the value of these points depends both on the hotel chain that issued them and how you redeem them.
To better understand what points are worth, NerdWallet researched the cash prices and reward-redemption values for hundreds of hotels rooms. See our valuations page for our findings.
Our valuations are different from many others you may find. That’s because we looked at the average value of a point based on reasonable price searches that anyone can perform, not a maximized value that only travel rewards experts can expect to reach.
Use these values as a baseline for your own redemptions. If you can redeem your points for the values listed on our valuations page, you are doing well. Of course, if you are able to get higher value, that’s even better.
To view rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, see this page. All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.
All information about the Hotels.com® Rewards Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Hotels.com® Rewards Visa® Credit Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.
Last updated on February 21, 2023
