1.Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
American Express
- 12%Cash back on Hilton purchases
- 6%Cash back on dining, gas, and groceries
- 3%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn 155,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.
Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on purchases made directly with Hotels and Resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 6X on dining/gas/groceries, and 3X on other purchases.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card stands out as the top choice because it offers exceptional rewards for Hilton stays, including 12X points on hotel purchases and valuable perks like complimentary Gold Status, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
Pros:
- Complimentary Hilton Gold Status
- Up to $200 in quarterly statement credits for Hilton purchases
Cons:
- Annual fee of $150
- Requires $15,000 annual spending for Free Night Reward
2.Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
American Express
- 14%Cash back on Hilton purchases
- 7%Cash back on flights, car rentals, and U.S. dining
- 3%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.
Earn 14X points at Hilton, 7X on flights/car rentals/U.S. dining, and 3X on other purchases.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
What sets the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card apart is its extensive benefits for frequent travelers, including 14X points on Hilton stays and complimentary Diamond Status, making it a premium choice for those who can leverage its perks.
Pros:
- Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond Status
- Up to $200 in annual airline fee credits
Cons:
- High annual fee of $550
- Requires significant spending to maximize benefits
3.World of Hyatt Credit Card
Chase
- 9%Total points at Hyatt hotels
- 2%Cash back on select categories
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months.
Earn up to 9X total points per $1 at Hyatt hotels and resorts.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
The standout feature here is the World of Hyatt Credit Card's ability to earn up to 9X points at Hyatt properties, making it a strong contender for those who frequently stay at Hyatt hotels and want to maximize their rewards.
Pros:
- Automatic Discoverist status
- Free night certificate
Cons:
- Annual fee of $95
- Limited to Hyatt properties for maximum rewards
- 26%Total points at IHG hotels
- 5%Cash back on select categories
- 3%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn up to 26X points per dollar at IHG hotels.
19.49%-27.99% Variable APR
This card shines for its high earning potential at IHG hotels, offering up to 26X points, making it an excellent choice for loyal IHG guests looking to maximize their rewards.
Pros:
- Automatic Platinum Elite status
- Free night certificate annually
Cons:
- Annual fee of $99
- Requires spending to earn additional bonuses
5.Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
American Express
- 21%Total points at Marriott hotels
- 3%Cash back on restaurants and flights
- 2%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.
Earn up to 21X points at Marriott hotels.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card is the best option for frequent Marriott travelers, offering extensive perks like a yearly Free Night Award and high earning potential on hotel stays.
Pros:
- Complimentary Platinum Elite status
- Annual Free Night Award
Cons:
- High annual fee of $650
- Requires significant spending to maximize benefits
- 6%Cash back on hotel stays
- 3%Cash back on gas, groceries, and dining
- 2%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn 5 Free Night Awards after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months.
Earn 6X points on hotel stays and 3X on gas, groceries, and dining.
19.74%-28.24% Variable APR
This card is ideal for those who frequently stay at Marriott properties, providing solid rewards on hotel stays and everyday spending, making it a great value for loyal customers.
Pros:
- Annual Free Night Award
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- Annual fee of $95
- Limited to Marriott properties for maximum rewards
7.Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card
American Express
- 6%Cash back on Marriott purchases
- 4%Cash back on U.S. supermarkets and restaurants
- 2%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first 6 months.
Earn 6X points at Marriott properties and 4X at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants.
19.74%-28.74% Variable APR
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Card is a strong choice for those looking to maximize points on everyday spending, especially in dining and grocery categories, while still enjoying valuable hotel perks.
Pros:
- Complimentary Gold Elite status
- Potential for significant points earning
Cons:
- Annual fee of $250
- Limited to specific categories for bonus points
8.Hilton Honors American Express Card
American Express
- 7%Cash back on Hilton purchases
- 5%Cash back on dining, gas, and groceries
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn 100,000 Hilton points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 6 months.
Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible purchases made directly with Hotels and Resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
The Hilton Honors American Express Card is an excellent entry-level option for those looking to earn rewards on Hilton stays without an annual fee, making it accessible for casual travelers.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Bonus points on Hilton stays
Cons:
- Limited rewards compared to premium cards
- No free night rewards
- 17%Total points at IHG hotels
- 3%Cash back on monthly bills, gas, and restaurants
- 2%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn up to 17X points at IHG hotels.
19.49%-27.99% Variable APR
The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is a great option for those who want to earn rewards without an annual fee, providing solid earning potential for IHG loyalists.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Automatic Silver Elite status
Cons:
- Fewer perks than higher-tier cards
- Limited to IHG properties for maximum rewards
Final Words
As you navigate your options for hotel credit cards this January, remember to prioritize your travel habits and preferences to maximize your rewards potential. Take time to compare the features and benefits of each card to make an informed decision that best suits your travel lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card offers a welcome bonus of 155,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months. You can earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on purchases made directly with Hotels and Resorts within the Hilton portfolio, plus 6X on dining/gas/groceries and 3X on other purchases.
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card provides a welcome bonus of 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 6 months. This card offers 14X points at Hilton, 7X on flights/car rentals/U.S. dining, and 3X on other purchases, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
With the World of Hyatt Credit Card, you can earn a welcome bonus of 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months. You can earn up to 9X total points per $1 at Hyatt hotels and resorts, plus 2% cash back on select categories and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
When selecting a hotel credit card, consider factors like the annual fee, welcome bonuses, reward rates, and additional perks such as free night stays or elite status. Also, assess your travel habits and which hotel brands you frequently use to maximize your benefits.
Yes, many hotel credit cards come with annual fees that can range from modest to premium amounts depending on the card's benefits. It's essential to weigh the card's annual fee against the rewards and perks you will earn to determine if it's worth the investment.
Hotel credit cards typically earn rewards based on your spending categories, such as hotel stays, dining, and travel. For example, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card earns 12X points on Hilton purchases, while the Aspire Card earns 14X, allowing you to accumulate points quickly.
Applying for a hotel credit card usually involves filling out an online application where you'll provide personal information, financial details, and your credit score. Approval can be instant or take a few days, depending on the issuer's review process.
