5 Things to Know About the Drury Credit Card

The Drury Rewards Visa Credit Card is a co-branded hotel credit card issued by Commerce Bank. Those who frequent Drury Hotel properties can rake in rewards easily with the card and by being a member of the hotel's loyalty program.

But the card suffers from many of the same pitfalls that similar no-annual-fee co-branded hotel cards do: Rewards are earned largely through brand spending, redemption options are limited and perks are few and far between.

Here’s what to know about the Drury credit card.

1. Drury has a small footprint

Drury is a small chain with properties in only 25 states (as of this writing), which means its hotels are not accessible for many travelers. If you don't frequent one of those states, the card might not make sense for you.

Consider a co-branded hotel credit card from a company with a larger footprint instead. For example, the $0-annual-fee Choice Privileges® Mastercard® earns rewards for stays at the company's more than 7,000 locations worldwide. The card also rewards holders for everyday non-Choice hotel brand spending at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and for phone plans.

» MORE: The complete guide to Drury Hotels

2. You’ll earn the most from Drury spending

To get the card, you must be a member of the Drury Rewards customer loyalty program, which is free to join.

Independent of the card, the program earns members 10 points per $1 spent on eligible Drury room rates for individual stays and 5 points per $1 for group stays. Among other earnings, the card also gets you 5 points per $1 on Drury hotel spending, which stacks with the loyalty program's earnings. So, altogether, here’s what cardholders can earn with the card:

• 10 to 15 points per $1 spent on Drury hotel room rates, depending on whether you book an individual or group stay.

• 2 points per $1 spent on gas, restaurants and utilities.

• 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else.

Like most branded hotel cards, the Drury card reserves its highest reward rates for brand spending. If you visit the hotel often, you can accumulate points fast with the card and by being part of the Drury loyalty program. But most of your spending outside of the brand won’t help you rake in much. The card does earn 2x back for some common spending like gas, restaurants and utilities — but you can find cards that earn 2x back on all purchases.

3. Points aren’t worth much

Drury points can be redeemed for free night stays at participating Drury hotels; Drury hotels gift cards; gift cards from retailers, airlines and restaurants; and for charitable contributions.

Point values and redemption requirements vary by redemption option. For example, you’ll need at least 17,500 points to redeem for a $50 Drury hotel gift card. That means points are worth a paltry 0.0029 of a cent each when redeemed that way — well below the industry standard of at least a penny per point. Similarly, you must have at least 15,000 points, valued at $50, to redeem for a charitable contribution, making points worth about 0.0033 of a cent each in that instance.

To redeem for retailer gift cards, most of which start at $50, you'll need 20,000 points — again, a poor value.

Points required for free night stays with Drury vary by hotel, dates of stay, and room type.

» MORE: How minimum redemptions can devalue credit card rewards

4. There’s a small welcome bonus

As of this writing, new applicants are eligible for the following: Earn 25,000 Drury rewards bonus points when you spend at least $500 with your card within 90 days of account opening. (Note that credit card bonuses can change often.)

5. There are more rewarding options

Like most no-annual-fee hotel cards, the Drury card doesn't feature many perks beyond its ongoing rewards. Plus, its earning and redemption options are restrictive.

For a card that doesn't require brand loyalty, consider a general travel rewards credit card. The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card is a strong candidate. It charges a $95 annual fee, but cardholders get 5 points per $1 on hotels booked directly with the hotel, 4 points per $1 on airfare booked directly with the airline, 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining purchases, and 1 point per $1 on all other qualifying purchases.