A hotel credit card is a travel rewards card that helps you get free nights, discounts and elite status at popular hotel chains. Having one of these cards in your wallet can get you closer to your next vacation.
Here are some things to consider and questions to ask before choosing a hotel credit card.
How often do you travel?
How often do you travel and stay in hotels? If you travel often, getting a hotel credit card makes sense. If you don’t travel often or tend to live in other accommodation, eg Airbnbs, you may be more convenient with a travel rewards card that earns more flexible rewards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.
RELATED: Why I love my Chase Sapphire Preferred Card — and will always keep it in my wallet
Do you prefer a particular hotel chain?
If you prefer to stay at a particular hotel chain, consider applying for one of its cobranded credit cards. For example, if you are a budget traveler, you can do yourself a favor IHG Hotels and Resorts. The Marriott is a good option if you’d rather choose from a variety of hotels in all service levels and price ranges.
Marriott is my hotel chain, and I have Titanium Elite status, so the Marriott credit card can help me earn maximum points every time I stay. Whichever chain you choose and stay with is most likely what you should choose for your first hotel card.
Related: World’s Best Hotel Awards Programs: Which Is Right for You?
What benefits do you get?
When researching hotel credit cards, it’s important to consider the card’s benefits, which can include:
- elite status
- Free night certificates
- Travel security and insurance
- Earn bonus on hotel stays
- Elite Night Credits
- The potential for reward remains
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For example, the The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card automatically gives you Platinum Elite status, which includes many benefits.
Some hotel cards also give you elite night credit just for holding the card, which can get you closer to a higher status level. This Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card A good example is, because it automatically gives you 25 elite nights.
IHG will give you a fourth night free if you hold a credit card and pay with points.
Related: Quick Points: Get your fourth or fifth night free on a hotel award stay
Earnings structure
Another benefit of hotel credit cards is earning bonuses on hotel stays. Some cards earn more than others, so it’s important that you choose the right card.
For example, the Hilton honors the American Express Surpass® Card Earn 12 points per dollar spent on all Hilton stays. The Marriott family of credit cards earn up to 23.5 points per dollar spent on Marriott stays. The IHG Card earns up to 26 points per dollar spent on IHG stays. Meanwhile, Hyatt cards earn up to 9 points per dollar spent on Hyatt stays.
Related: What Are Points and Miles Worth? Monthly review of TPG
Are you choosing the right welcome offer?
Most hotel credit cards have generous welcome offers, such as bonus points or free nights, that can help you accumulate rewards quickly. Marriott, for example, has six credit cards with different welcome offers. As some examples:
New Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card Cardholders can earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Welcome offers vary between cards, so you should decide whether you want to earn points or a free night certificate. You should also ensure that you meet the minimum spending requirement to qualify for the offer, as it may vary between cards.
RELATED: Here are the best credit card welcome offers
Should you put your everyday expenses on a hotel card?
Hotel cards don’t always have the best earning rates on everyday purchases. However, there are some scenarios where you should put your everyday expenses on the hotel card.
If you want to qualify for the welcome offer, put your daily spend on your new card to ensure you reach the threshold. You should also prioritize your hotel card if you want to earn points toward your next trip.
Related: Best Credit Cards for Everyday Spending
Is the annual fee worth it?
Many hotel credit cards charge an annual fee, so you’ll need to decide if you’ll get enough value from the card to justify paying the fee.
A welcome bonus and anniversary certificate can offset some of these annual fees, especially in your first year. A handful of cards will give you a free night certificate every anniversary for having the credit card.
RELATED: The wild thing I didn’t miss was a free hotel night, and how you can avoid my mistake
The bottom line
Hotel credit cards can be a great way to earn elite status and earn points toward your next dream vacation. Choose a card that fits your lifestyle and preferred hotel chain. This way, you can maximize the benefits of having a hotel credit card. If you don’t stay at hotels often, choose a travel card that earns more Flexible currency.
Related: Best Hotel Credit Cards