Best hotel credit cards of March 2023: Free nights and more

Written by
Ashley Parks
Edited by
Courtney Mihocik
Reviewed by
Stephanie Zito
Edited by
Courtney Mihocik
Reviewed by
Stephanie Zito
Updated March 23, 2023

Hotel credit cards can earn you free nights, upgrades, luxury perks and more, whether you have a preferred chain or you like to stay flexible. If you're not traveling as much, some cards earn points for non-travel purchases too. Check out the best hotel cards of 2023 from our partners and find a better way to stay.

Image of Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card

Best for gas

Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card
Apply now Lock
on Barclays's secure site
4.1 Bankrate review
Info
See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

45,000 points
Info

Annual fee

$75

Regular APR

20.24%, 24.49% or 29.49% variable

Recommended credit

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Info
Best for gas

Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card
Image of Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card
4.1
Bankrate score
Info
Apply now Lock
on Barclays's secure site
Intro offer 45,000 points
Info
Annual fee $75
Regular APR 20.24%, 24.49% or 29.49% variable
Recommended credit Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
  • 6X Earn 6X points on eligible purchases made at Hotels by Wyndham as well as on qualifying gas purchases.
  • 4X Earn 4X points on eligible dining and grocery store purchases (excluding Target® and Walmart®).
  • 1X Earn 1X points on all other purchases (excluding Wyndham Vacation Club down payments).

This card earns rewards at a great rate in practical and popular everyday categories, including gas, eligible dining and more, which should make it easy to offset its already lower-than-average annual fee. In fact, the card’s anniversary bonus alone offers enough value to nearly offset its cost.

Read our full Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card review.

Pros

  • Carries one of the best gas, dining and grocery store rewards rates available on a hotel rewards card at this price
  • Offers a higher sign-up bonus than the Wyndham Rewards Earner card, but carries the same spending requirement

Cons

  • Despite its higher annual fee, this card offers the same anniversary bonus as the regular Wyndham Rewards Earner card
  • Its 7,500-point anniversary bonus won’t be enough for a free night at a mid-tier or luxury property — only a lower-tier property
  • Earn 45,000 bonus points, enough for up to 6 free nights after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.
  • Earn 6X points on eligible purchases made at Hotels by Wyndham as well as on qualifying gas purchases.
  • Earn 4X points on eligible dining and grocery store purchases (excluding Target® and Walmart®).
  • Earn 1X points on all other purchases (excluding Wyndham Vacation Club down payments).
  • Automatically receive a Wyndham Rewards PLATINUM member level and enjoy perks like early check-in, car rental upgrades, and more.
  • Receive 7,500 bonus points each anniversary year after payment of the renewal fee-that's enough for up to one free night at participating hotels every year.
  • Redeem 10% fewer Wyndham Rewards points for go free® awards, and earn your free nights faster.
  • Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Cardmembers can save even more on our Best Available Rate for stays at participating Hotels by Wyndham.
  • There is no limit to the number of points you can earn.
  • Redeem points you've earned for online shopping, discounts on gas, local tours and activities, gift cards, and so much more.
Additional features
Purchase intro APR
N/A
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR for 15 mos. on BTs. After that a var APR of 20.24%, 24.49% or 29.49%, 3% BT fee, min $5.
Image of Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card

Best for balance transfers

Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card
Apply now Lock
on Barclays's secure site
4.2 Bankrate review
Info
See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

30,000 points
Info

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

20.24%, 24.49% or 29.49% variable

Recommended credit

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Info
Best for balance transfers

Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card
Image of Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card
4.2
Bankrate score
Info
Apply now Lock
on Barclays's secure site
Intro offer 30,000 points
Info
Annual fee $0
Regular APR 20.24%, 24.49% or 29.49% variable
Recommended credit Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
  • 5X Earn 5X points on eligible purchases made at Hotels by Wyndham as well as on qualifying gas purchases.
  • 2X Earn 2X points on eligible dining and grocery store purchases (excluding Target® and Walmart®).
  • 1X Earn 1X points on all other purchases (excluding Wyndham Vacation Club down payments).

This card not only offers some of the best everyday rewards rates available on a no-annual-fee hotel card, but is also one of the only hotel rewards cards to carry an intro APR offer on balance transfers. This makes it a smart choice for Wyndham fans looking to pay off debt without sacrificing long-term value.


Read our full Wyndham Rewards Earner Card review.

Pros

  • It earns 7,500 bonus points each anniversary year if you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases, which could be enough for a free hotel stay (not always a guaranteed perk on a no-annual-fee card)
  • Based on Bankrate’s latest point valuations, the value of Wyndham points beats out those of major competitors like Hilton and IHG.

Cons

  • Though Wyndham points can carry decent redemption value, they’ll likely fall short of the value offered by general travel rewards cards
  • Though its intro APR offer on balance transfers is a nice perk, the card lacks an intro APR on regular new purchases
  • Earn 30,000 bonus points, enough for up to 4 free nights after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.
  • Earn 5X points on eligible purchases made at Hotels by Wyndham as well as on qualifying gas purchases.
  • Earn 2X points on eligible dining and grocery store purchases (excluding Target® and Walmart®).
  • Earn 1X points on all other purchases (excluding Wyndham Vacation Club down payments).
  • Automatically receive a Wyndham Rewards GOLD member level and enjoy perks like free WiFi, preferred room selection, late checkout, and more.
  • Earn 7,500 bonus points each anniversary year if you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases—that's enough for up to one free night every year.
  • Redeem 10% fewer Wyndham Rewards points for go free® awards, and earn your free nights faster.
  • Wyndham Rewards Earner Cardmembers can save even more on our Best Available Rate for stays at participating Hotels by Wyndham.
  • There is no limit to the number of points you can earn.
  • Redeem points you've earned for online shopping, discounts on gas, local tours and activities, gift cards, and so much more
Additional features
Purchase intro APR
N/A
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR for 15 mos. on BTs. After that a var APR of 20.24%, 24.49% or 29.49%, 3% BT fee, min $5.
Image of Hilton Honors American Express Card

Best no annual fee hotel card

Hilton Honors American Express Card
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
4.6 Bankrate review
Info
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Intro offer

Earn 100,000 points
Info

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

20.49%-29.49% Variable

Recommended credit

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Info
Best no annual fee hotel card

Hilton Honors American Express Card
Image of Hilton Honors American Express Card
4.6
Bankrate score
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Intro offer Earn 100,000 points
Info
Annual fee $0
Regular APR 20.49%-29.49% Variable
Recommended credit Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
  • 7X Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
  • 5X Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
  • 3X Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.

The Hilton Honors American Express Card is a great no-annual-fee option for travelers who like to stay at Hilton hotels but don't travel enough to warrant getting a top-tier card that charges an annual fee. The rewards rates and elite benefits are less extravagant than those of other Hilton cards, but there's still a lot to like.

Read our full Hilton Honors American Express Card review.

Pros

  • This card earns rewards on both Hilton hotel stays and everyday purchases at U.S restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations.
  • Includes automatic Silver elite status, which comes with benefits including no resort fees on reward stays, late check out and a fifth night free when you book a standard room stay with points alone.

Cons

  • You cannot redeem points earned with this card for cash back.
  • You can only use the free night’s stay certificate for a standard room.
  • Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 04/05/2023.
  • Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
  • Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases 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.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
  • Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
  • No Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Additional features
Purchase intro APR
N/A
Balance transfer intro APR
N/A
Image of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

Best for business travel

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Apply now Lock
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4.8 Bankrate review
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See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Intro offer

Earn 165,000 Points
Info

Annual fee

$95

Regular APR

20.49% - 29.49% Variable

Recommended credit

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Info
Best for business travel

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Image of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
4.8
Bankrate score
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Intro offer Earn 165,000 Points
Info
Annual fee $95
Regular APR 20.49% - 29.49% Variable
Recommended credit Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
  • 12X 12X at hotels & resorts in the Hilton portfolio.
  • 6X 6X on Select Business & Travel Purchases.
  • 3X 3X on all other eligible purchases. Terms & Limitations Apply.

With the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, cardholders can look forward to generous rewards rates on stays at Hilton properties, airfare purchased through Amex Travel, U.S. purchases for shipping costs, wireless telephone services purchases directly from U.S. service providers and more. Benefits such as bonus amenity privileges and room upgrades are sure to make hotel stays more enjoyable.

Read our full Hilton Honors American Express Business Card review.

Pros

  • Receive complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status with this card, opening access to loyalty benefits like room upgrades and bonus amenity privileges.
  • Get 10 complimentary visits a year to Priority Pass Select’s airport lounges once you enroll in the Priority Pass Select program with your card.

Cons

  • This card has a $95 annual fee.
  • Reward redemption values are low outside of designated reward nights.
  • 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.
Additional features
Purchase intro APR
N/A
Balance transfer intro APR
N/A
Image of Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Best for loyal Marriott customers

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Apply now Lock
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4.6 Bankrate review
Info
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Intro offer

95,000 points
Info

Annual fee

$650

Regular APR

20.49%-29.49% Variable

Recommended credit

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Info
Best for loyal Marriott customers

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Image of Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
4.6
Bankrate score
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Intro offer 95,000 points
Info
Annual fee $650
Regular APR 20.49%-29.49% Variable
Recommended credit Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
  • 6X Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program.
  • 3X 3 points at Worldwide Restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines.
  • 2X 2 points on all other eligible purchases.

Cardholders receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status (enrollment required) with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card, boosting your points value by 50 percent on eligible purchases. Meanwhile, you'll earn generous rewards rates for eligible Marriott Bonvoy purchases, at restaurants worldwide, on flights booked directly with airlines and more.

Read our full Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card review.

Pros

  • There’s a free award night offer on your account renewal month with this card every year with a redemption level of up to 85,000 points.
  • There are a variety of ways to redeem points with this card outside of hotel stays, including flights, cruises, merchandise and more.

Cons

  • The annual fee with this card is significant at $650.
  • The barrier of entry is fairly high to be approved for this card, even for those with good credit.
  • Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases on the Card within the first 3 months.
  • Each Card renewal year, get up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide.
  • A Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite member will earn 50% more points on eligible purchases at participating hotels for each U.S. dollar or the currency equivalent that is incurred and paid for by the member.
  • Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. 3 points at Worldwide Restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2 points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Marriott Brilliant Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases, Card Members are eligible to select an Earned Choice Award benefit. Benefit options include: Five (5) Suite Night Awards, 85K Free Night Award, and mattress and box spring $1,000 discount from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • $100 Luxury Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership through any Authorized Enrollment Provider for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85) when you pay the application fee with an eligible Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Each calendar year you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
  • Enroll in Priority Pass Select, which offers unlimited access to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
  • Enjoy unlimited airport lounge visits when you enroll in Priority Pass™ Select membership.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
  • Cell phone protection: You can be reimbursed for your costs to repair or replace your damaged or Stolen cell phone up to $800, subject to a $50 deductible, for 2 approved claims per 12-month period when your prior month's wireless bill was paid utilizing an Eligible Card Account. Terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
  • $650 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Additional features
Purchase intro APR
N/A
Balance transfer intro APR
N/A
Image of Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

Best for business rewards

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Apply now Lock
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4.7 Bankrate review
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See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Intro offer

Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 points
Info

Annual fee

$125

Regular APR

20.49% - 29.49% Variable

Recommended credit

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Info
Best for business rewards

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Image of Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
4.7
Bankrate score
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Intro offer Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 points
Info
Annual fee $125
Regular APR 20.49% - 29.49% Variable
Recommended credit Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
  • 6x 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x 2x points on all other eligible purchases.

Does your small business spend a lot on things like hotel stays and business lunches? With a 6X rewards rate at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program, the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card can help you get maximum value out of eligible business and travel purchases.

Read our full Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card review.

Pros

  • Points earned with this card are transferable to over 40 travel partners.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your card renewal month.

Cons

  • The $125 annual fee could be fairly high for people who don’t travel frequently.
  • You may have to strategize a bit to maximize rewards due to the 24 possible rates for an award night.
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
  • Terms apply.
Additional features
Purchase intro APR
N/A
Balance transfer intro APR
N/A
Image of Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Best for flexibility

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
4.7
Info

Intro offer

40,000 miles
Info

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)

Recommended credit

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Info
Best for flexibility

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Image of Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
4.7
Info
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Intro offer 40,000 miles
Info
Annual fee $0
Regular APR 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
Recommended credit Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
  • 5X 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
  • 1.25X Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day.

Read our full Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card review.

  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn a bonus of 40,000 miles once you spend $1000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $400 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 1.25X 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
  • 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
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 months; 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 18 months
Additional features
Purchase intro APR
0% intro on purchases for 18 months
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro on balance transfers for 18 months
Image of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Best for luxury business travel

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
4.8 Bankrate review
Info
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Intro offer

120,000 points
Info

Annual fee

$695

Regular APR

18.99% - 26.99% Variable

Recommended credit

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Info
Best for luxury business travel

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Image of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
4.8
Bankrate score
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Intro offer 120,000 points
Info
Annual fee $695
Regular APR 18.99% - 26.99% Variable
Recommended credit Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
  • 5X Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com
  • 1.5X Earn 1.5X points on eligible purchases at US construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year
  • 1X 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.

Business travelers seeking a travel oasis will love the many luxury hotel and airport perks that come with the Business Platinum card. And though its annual fee may be intimidating, this card’s vast list of annual travel and business expense credits and wide bonus category coverage should give you plenty of room to rack up rewards. Read our full Amex Business Platinum review.

Pros

  • Unlike many travel-centric business cards, this card’s rewards and perks also cover a variety of everyday business expenses, making it valuable both on the go and in the office.
  • The card touts a generous welcome offer.

Cons

  • The $695 annual fee is hard to justify if you don’t take advantage of the card’s premier hotel and airline credits.
  • Although you aren’t chained to a specific hotel brand, you must book through the American Express travel portal to earn the most points and maximize their redemption value.
  • Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
  • Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on eligible purchases at US construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
  • Unlock over $1,000 in value per year for statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless with the Business Platinum Card.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Card or any of the Additional Cards on your Platinum Card account.
  • $189 CLEAR® Credit: CLEAR® uses biometrics to assign you a touchless ID, allowing you to move faster through security at select airports and stadiums across the U.S. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR membership with up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR with your Business Platinum Card®.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more lounge location options than any other credit card on the market as of 9/2021.
  • $695 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Additional features
Purchase intro APR
N/A
Balance transfer intro APR
N/A
Info
Image of The Platinum Card® from American Express

Best for premium benefits

The Platinum Card® from American Express
chance of approval
Info
Apply now Lock
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4.8 Bankrate review
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See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
See if you're pre‐approved for this card with Approval Odds

Intro offer

Earn 80,000 points
Info

Annual fee

$695

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
chance of approval
Info
Info
Info
Best for premium benefits

The Platinum Card® from American Express
Image of The Platinum Card® from American Express
4.8
Bankrate score
Info
chance of approval
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Intro offer Earn 80,000 points
Info
Annual fee $695
Regular APR See Pay Over Time APR
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
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chance of approval
Info
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See if you're pre‐approved for this card with Approval Odds
  • 5X Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
  • 5X Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

Perhaps no other card packs in as many high-value perks as the Amex Platinum. Its complimentary hotel privileges and credits for select stays ensure you’ll travel in comfort and have a leg up on the daunting annual fee. Frequent Marriott and Hilton guests will also reap extra value via automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite and Hilton Honors Gold status — benefits that typically require dozens of stays or a premium co-branded hotel card. Read our full The Platinum Card from American Express review.

Pros

  • If you spot a good deal outside the Amex travel portal, you can transfer points to Amex’s three hotel partner programs: Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy and Radisson Rewards.
  • You can enjoy possibly the most comprehensive set of airport lounge access privileges available with a credit card, as well as a variety of other airport perks to expedite your journey.

Cons

  • Its bonus category coverage is narrower than rival cards’ — limited to flights, hotels and rental cars booked through American Express Travel — which can make it hard to justify the $695 annual fee if a cardholder can’t maximize the card’s other perks.
  • Aside from its hotel and travel credits, many of the card’s perks may be hard to use since they’re scattered across niche partners like Walmart+ and SoulCycle.
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month when you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at your choice of one or more of the following providers: Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM, The New York Times, and other participating providers. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax.
  • American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Now there are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Card.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
  • $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back each year on an Equinox+ subscription, or any Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Enrollment required. Learn more.
  • $189 CLEAR® Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR® Plus at 45+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per year on your membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Additional features
Purchase intro APR
N/A
Balance transfer intro APR
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On This Page

Compare Bankrate's top 2023 hotel credit cards

Card name Best for Rewards highlights Bankrate score
Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card Gas
6X points per dollar on eligible purchases made at Hotels by Wyndham as well as on qualifying gas purchases
 
4X points per dollar on eligible dining and grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart)
 4.1 / 5
Read full card review
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Everyday purchases Up to 17X total points at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program

3X points at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining (on your first $6,000 in combined spending in these categories each year)

2X points on all other purchases

 4.7 / 5
Read full card review
Wyndham Rewards Earner Card Balance transfers
5X points per dollar on eligible purchases made at Hotels by Wyndham as well as on qualifying gas purchases
 
2X points per dollar on eligible dining and grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart)
 4.2 / 5
Read full card review
Marriott Bonvoy Bold Starter hotel card Up to 14X total points at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program

2X Bonvoy points on other travel purchases

 3.7 / 5
Read full card review
Hilton Honors American Express Card No annual fee
7X points on eligible Hilton purchases
 
5X points on eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations 
 
3X points on all other purchases 
 4.6 / 5
Read full card review
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card Business travel 12X points on Hilton hotel and resort purchases

6X points on select business (U.S. gas stations, U.S. cellphone service providers and U.S. shipping purchases) and travel purchases (U.S. restaurants, airfare booked through Amex Travel and select car rentals)

3X points on all other purchases

 4.8 / 5
Read full card review
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card Loyal Marriott customers 6X points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program

3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines

2X points on all other purchases

 4.6 / 5
Read full card review
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card Business rewards
6X Marriott Bonvoy Points on participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
4X points on restaurants, U.S. gas stations and wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping
2X points on all other purchases
 4.7 / 5
Read full card review
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card Flexibility
5X miles on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel
1.25X miles on all purchases
 4.2 / 5
Read full card review
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express Luxury business travel 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

1.5X points on eligible purchases in key business categories and on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year)

1X points on all other purchases

 4.8 / 5
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The Platinum Card® from American Express Premium benefits 5X points on up to $500,000 of directly-booked flights and hotels booked through American Express Travel per calendar year

2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel

 4.9 / 5
Read full card review
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card Hotel welcome offer
12X points on eligible Hilton purchases
6X points at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations
 
3X points on all other purchases
 4.4 / 5
Read full card review

A closer look at our top hotel credit cards

Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card: Best for gas

  • What we love about the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card: Along with its solid rewards rate in the key categories of groceries and dining, it carries one of the best gas rewards rates available on a hotel card, so it’s a great choice if you spend a lot of time on the road and frequent Wyndham hotels. Its annual fee is also a bit lower than the fee you’ll find on most mid-tier hotel cards, making it a low-risk option.
  • Who this card is good for: Frequent Wyndham guests looking for a standalone rewards card they can use to cover most of their everyday spending.
  • Alternatives: If you aren’t especially loyal to Wyndham, you may be better off with a more flexible travel rewards card like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. The Venture card not only earns 5 miles per dollar on hotel bookings made through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases, but also allows you to redeem rewards for travel at a fixed value of 1 cent per mile or transfer miles to popular airline and hotel loyalty programs, including Wyndham Rewards. 

Read our full Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card review.
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Marriott Bonvoy Boundless: Best for everyday purchases

  • What we love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless: If you’re looking for a standalone rewards card that earns Marriott points, this may be your best option thanks to its terrific mix of bonus categories, which cover not only Marriott stays but also groceries, gas and dining. The card’s annual fee is also relatively low given the value of its perks, making it a low-risk option if you stay at Marriott hotels at least once per year.
  • Who this card is good for: Occasional travelers who like to stick with one card for most of their spending and don’t mind redeeming rewards mostly for Marriott stays.
  • Alternatives: Though this card carries a solid everyday rewards rate, its points are far less valuable and flexible than those you’d earn with many general travel rewards cards. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card charges the same annual fee as the Boundless and carries an impressive rewards rate on Chase travel bookings, dining and online grocery purchases; however, it also earns some of the most valuable and flexible rewards out there. Plus, you can always transfer points to Marriott Bonvoy if needed.

Read our full Marriott Bonvoy Boundless review.
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Wyndham Rewards Earner Card: Best for balance transfers

  • What we love about the Wyndham Rewards Earner Card: It’s one of the only no-annual-fee hotel rewards cards to offer an intro APR on balance transfers, making it a great option for frequent Wyndham guests looking to minimize interest charges. The card also carries solid value thanks to its anniversary bonus and impressive rewards rate in everyday categories like gas, groceries and dining.
  • Who this card is good for: Wyndham fans who need to pay off debt and occasional travelers looking for a no-annual-fee card that earns Wyndham points.
  • Alternatives: Thanks to its higher rewards rates — especially in the key categories of dining and groceries — the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card could be more valuable overall, despite its $75 annual fee. However, if you want a card that has more flexibility while still offering a balance transfer, Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a good, flat rate option. This card will let you earn 1.25X miles on all purchases and have a similar balance transfer intro offer, which is great for those who don’t mind staying at hotels other than Wyndham.

Read our full Wyndham Rewards Earner Card review.
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Marriott Bonvoy Bold: Best starter hotel card

  • What we love about the Marriott Bonvoy Bold: It’s the only Marriott card with no annual fee, so it may be a great option if you’re new to hotel rewards and looking for a low-risk starting point. You can earn rewards on Marriott stays and travel and get a taste of elite status at no cost, then decide whether it’s worth upgrading to a higher-tier card down the line.
  • Who this card is good for: Rewards beginners who usually stay at Marriott hotels and aren’t ready to commit to an annual fee.
  • Alternatives: While an annual fee may be intimidating, other Marriott cards will likely offer more value overall, despite their higher cost. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, for example, carries a $95 annual fee but also gives you a free night award each year after your account anniversary. Since it can cover a stay of up to 35,000 points, this award is easily valuable enough to make up for the fee and then some.

Read our full Marriott Bonvoy Bold review.
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Hilton Honors American Express Card: Best no annual fee hotel card

  • What we love about the Hilton Honors Amex: It offers a welcome bonus of 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 04/05/2023. — one of the most generous offers out there for a rewards card that charges no annual fee. It also includes annual, well-rounded rewards that are difficult to find on cards with no annual fee.
  • Who this card is good for: Loyal Hilton customers who want exceptional rewards rates in a variety of purchase categories, all with no annual fee.
  • Alternatives: This card lacks elite benefits, which is a common tradeoff for no-annual-fee hotel cards. If luxury is alluring for you, consider the card’s next iteration that comes with a $95 annual fee, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass credit card.

Read our full Hilton Honors American Express Card review.
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The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Best for business travel

  • What we love about the Hilton Honors Amex Business Card: You’ll earn 12X points on purchases made through Hilton hotels and resorts—one of the most generous rewards rates you’ll find anywhere. Plus, new cardholders can offset the first-year cost by earning the welcome offer, plus the long-term value of rewards on hotel purchases makes it worth it.
  • Who this card is good for: Business travelers who want to earn Hilton perks and stellar rewards rates in categories beyond travel, including U.S. restaurants and U.S. gas stations.
  • Alternatives: If you can spare the $695 annual fee, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a great alternative for business owners who want to earn rewards on common business expenses alongside hotel and airline bookings. The card not only carries some of the most valuable business card rewards out there, but also several luxury perks, including the same complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status you’d get with the Hilton Honors Amex Business card.

Read our full Hilton Honors American Express Business Card review.
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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card: Best for loyal Marriott customers

  • What we love about the Bonvoy Brilliant Amex: Unlike some co-branded hotel cards, this one has rewards categories that extend to eligible airfare purchases (3X points on airfare booked directly through airlines). Plus, cardholders get a bevy of high-caliber benefits, including complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, premium airport lounge access and enough value via the card’s annual credits and Free Night Award to offset the $650 annual fee.
  • Who this card is good for: Travelers who want premier benefits for staying at Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis, plus solid rewards rates in a variety of purchase categories.
  • Alternatives: If you’re looking to avoid high annual fees but still want to reap the benefits of rewards, consider the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. The card earns slightly fewer points per dollar spent but still comes with elite membership benefits and a much lower annual fee.

Read our full Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card review.
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Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card: Best for business rewards

  • What we love about the Bonvoy Business Amex: Not only does it have a great welcome offer, but you can also get automatic Gold Elite status with the card, upon enrollment. It