Best Credit Cards of Popular Hotel Chains

Hotel credit cards are usually tied to the loyalty program within a particular hotel chain and earn points for every dollar spent. These points can then be used for discounts, free nights, and can even be transferred for use in popular frequent flyer programs for certain airlines.

Compared to the general travel rewards credit cards, hotel co-branded cards can offer additional benefits like priority check-ins, free drinks, room upgrades and more. One of the top perks is the ability to earn elite status even faster and enjoy many additional members-only benefits.

Check out our top picks for hotel branded credit cards:

intro purchase APR 0% APR offerregular APR*see offers
intro BT APR 0% BT APR offer *see offers
rewards earn miles for your spending 
excellent / good credit required

no annual fee

no foreign transaction fee

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intro purchase APR no intro offerregular APR15.74 - 19.74% (V)
intro BT APR 15.74-19.74% 3% BT fee $5 min
rewards 1 or 5 points per dollar +35,000 welcome bonus
  • earn 5x points on reservations directly at Starwood Preferred Guest program hotels:
  • you get 3 points as a program member
  • you get 2 points as a cardmember 
  • 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
  • 25,000 points if you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months of the card
  • extra 10,000 bonus Starpoints after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months
excellent required

$95 annual fee, waived for the first year

best hotel rewards program

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intro purchase APR no intro offerregular APR16.49 - 23.49% (V)
intro BT APR 16.49-23.49% 5% BT fee $5 min
rewards 1x 2x 5x points per dollar two complimentary nights
  • 5x points on Ritz-Carlton purchases or partner hotel purchases
  • 2x points on gas, dining, 
  • get two complimentary nights Tier 1-4 Ritz-Carlton hotel, after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
  • $300 annual travel credit

 

 

good credit required

$450 annual fee

$300 annual travel credit

5x on Ritz Carlton and SPG purchases 

special hotel privileges

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intro purchase APR no intro offerregular APR16.49 - 23.49% (V)
intro BT APR 16.49-23.49 5% BT fee $5 min
rewards 1x 2x 5x points per dollar +80,000 pt intro bonus
  • 5x points on Marriott or Ritz-Carlton purchases
  • 2x points on airlines, rental cars and restaurants purchases
  • 1x on everything else
  • 80,000 points intro bonus

 

fair credit required

$85 annual fee, waived for the first year

80,000 sign up bonus

5x points on Marriott

2x points on airlines, rental cars, dining out

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intro purchase APR no intro offerregular APR15.74%, 20.49% or 25.49%
intro BT APR 0% BT APR for 15 billing periods 3% BT fee $5 min
rewards 5 ponts on Choice Hotels purchases, 2 points on other purchases

no annual fee

15 points on Choice Hotels

2 points per $1 regular rewards

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Tips on choosing a hotel chain:

  • When it comes to international travel, the Marriott and Starwood brands offer the greatest number of hotels available worldwide.
  • Hilton offers the quickest and easiest way to reach elite status as when you sign up  for the HHonors card offered by Chase, you will automatically be given elite status.
  • The Starwood and Hyatt chains have an excellent reputation for offering their elite members the very best service.

Tips on choosing a hotel credit card:

  • It can be a good idea to have a hotel card that complements your credit card for everyday spending.
  • Getting a hotel card is an excellent idea if you are partial enough to a particular brand that it would be beneficial to enroll in their loyalty program. Especially if you travel often for business.
  • Compare the available benefits offered by hotel cards to the benefits offered by general rewards and airline credit cards. 


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