1.Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
American Express
- 14%Points on purchases made directly with Hotels and Resorts
- 7%Points on select travel and U.S. restaurants
- 3%Points on all other spending
Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases within your first 6 months of card membership.
Earn 14X points on Hilton purchases, 7X points on select travel and U.S. restaurants, and 3X points on all other spending.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card stands out as the top choice because it offers unparalleled rewards for Hilton stays, including 14X points on eligible purchases, making it ideal for frequent travelers who prioritize hotel loyalty.
Pros:
- Automatic top-tier elite status
- Extensive annual statement credits
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires significant spending to maximize benefits
2.Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
American Express
- 6%Points on hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
- 3%Points at restaurants worldwide
Earn 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points plus a $250 statement credit after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn 6X points at Marriott hotels and 3X points at restaurants worldwide.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
What sets this card apart is its combination of luxury benefits and high earning potential, making it a favorite among Marriott loyalists who frequently stay at their properties.
Pros:
- Free Night Award every year after renewal
- High points earning potential
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires significant spending to maximize benefits
- 6%Points on hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
- 3%Points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year
Earn 4 Free Night Awards after you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months.
Earn 6X points at Marriott hotels and 3X points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on gas, grocery stores, and dining.
19.24%-27.74% Variable APR
This card shines for its straightforward rewards structure and valuable welcome bonus, making it an excellent choice for those who frequently stay at Marriott hotels.
Pros:
- Affordable annual fee
- Generous welcome offer
Cons:
- Limited to Marriott properties
- Lower earning rate on non-Marriott purchases
- 9%Total points on Hyatt stays
- 4%Points on dining
Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months.
Earn up to 9X total points on Hyatt stays and 4X points on dining.
19.24%-27.74% Variable APR
A key differentiator is the annual free night certificate, which adds significant value for those who frequently stay at Hyatt properties, making it a solid choice for loyal customers.
Pros:
- Annual free night certificate
- High points earning potential on Hyatt stays
Cons:
- Limited to Hyatt properties
- Annual fee may be high for infrequent travelers
- 26%Total points at IHG Hotels and Resorts
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 140,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn up to 26X total points at IHG Hotels and Resorts worldwide.
19.24%-27.74% Variable APR
This card is particularly appealing for frequent IHG guests, as it offers a high points earning rate and valuable perks that enhance the overall travel experience.
Pros:
- Automatic Platinum Elite status
- Anniversary free night
Cons:
- Annual fee
- Limited to IHG properties
6.Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
American Express
- 12%Points on hotels and resorts
- 6%Points on dining, groceries, and gas
- 3%Points on all other purchases
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months.
Earn 12X points on hotels and resorts, 6X points on dining, groceries, and gas.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
Unlike other options, this card provides a robust rewards structure tailored for frequent Hilton guests, making it a strong contender for those who prioritize hotel loyalty.
Pros:
- Complimentary Gold Status
- Up to $200 back each year
Cons:
- Annual fee
- Limited to Hilton properties
7.Choice Privileges Select Mastercard
Wells Fargo
- 10%Points on stays at participating Choice Hotels
- 5%Points on everyday bonus categories
Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn 10 points per dollar on Choice Hotels stays and 5 points on everyday bonus categories.
19.74%-28.49% Variable APR
The standout feature here is the generous welcome bonus and anniversary points, which can provide significant value for those who frequently stay at Choice Hotels.
Pros:
- Automatic Platinum elite status
- 30,000 anniversary points
Cons:
- Limited availability of Choice properties
- Annual fee may not justify benefits for infrequent travelers
8.The Hilton Honors American Express Card
American Express
- 7%Points on eligible purchases made directly with Hotels and Resorts
- 5%Points on dining, groceries, and gas
- 3%Points on all other purchases
Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months.
Earn 7X points on Hilton hotels and 5X points on dining, groceries, and gas.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
This card is the best option for those new to travel rewards, offering a straightforward way to earn points without the burden of an annual fee.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Good entry-level rewards
Cons:
- Limited rewards compared to premium cards
- Lower earning potential on non-Hilton purchases
Did you know?
Before you apply, look up credit card basics like APR and fees in our Financial Dictionary. Rewards pay off most when your real spending already hits the card's bonus categories.
Final Words
As you consider the best hotel credit cards this September, remember that the right choice hinges on your travel habits and how you plan to leverage rewards. Take time to compare your options to ensure you select a card that maximizes your benefits and enhances your travel experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers a welcome bonus of 150,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases within your first 6 months of card membership. You can earn 14X points on Hilton purchases, 7X points on select travel and U.S. restaurants, and 3X points on all other spending.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card offers a welcome bonus of 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points plus a $250 statement credit after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. This card also allows you to earn 6X points at Marriott hotels and 3X points at restaurants worldwide.
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card offers a welcome bonus of 4 Free Night Awards after you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months. You earn 6X points at Marriott hotels and 3X points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on gas, grocery stores, and dining.
When selecting a hotel credit card, consider factors like the annual fee, the rewards rate for hotel stays, and any additional benefits such as free nights or elite status. It's essential to evaluate how often you stay at hotels and which hotel chains you prefer to maximize rewards.
Hotel credit cards can be worth the annual fee if you frequently stay at hotels within the card's rewards program. The value of perks such as free nights, upgrades, and bonus points can easily outweigh the fee if you utilize them effectively.
Yes, many hotel credit cards allow you to earn points on everyday purchases, although the rewards rate may differ from hotel-related spending. Always check the card's reward breakdown to ensure you understand how points accumulate for non-hotel expenses.
To apply for a hotel credit card, you can visit the card issuer's website and complete an online application. You'll typically need to provide personal information such as income, employment status, and credit history.
