Best Hotel Credit Cards of May 2025
Updated: Apr 30, 2025
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A co-branded hotel credit card — that is, a card that bears the name of a hotel company — often entitles you to great perks and bonus rewards at that company's hotels. Some even offer a free anniversary night. But to redeem your rewards, you're often limited to those same hotels. A general travel credit card, on the other hand, earns flexible rewards that you can use at any hotel — but doesn't give you the perks of a co-branded hotel card.
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and many other national, regional and local media outlets.
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A co-branded hotel credit card — that is, a card that bears the name of a hotel company — often entitles you to great perks and bonus rewards at that company's hotels. Some even offer a free anniversary night. But to redeem your rewards, you're often limited to those same hotels. A general travel credit card, on the other hand, earns flexible rewards that you can use at any hotel — but doesn't give you the perks of a co-branded hotel card.
Why trust NerdWallet
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
A co-branded hotel credit card — that is, a card that bears the name of a hotel company — often entitles you to great perks and bonus rewards at that company's hotels. Some even offer a free anniversary night. But to redeem your rewards, you're often limited to those same hotels. A general travel credit card, on the other hand, earns flexible rewards that you can use at any hotel — but doesn't give you the perks of a co-branded hotel card.
Why trust NerdWallet
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
A co-branded hotel credit card — that is, a card that bears the name of a hotel company — often entitles you to great perks and bonus rewards at that company's hotels. Some even offer a free anniversary night. But to redeem your rewards, you're often limited to those same hotels. A general travel credit card, on the other hand, earns flexible rewards that you can use at any hotel — but doesn't give you the perks of a co-branded hotel card.
Why trust NerdWallet
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Why trust NerdWallet
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
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NerdWallet's Best Hotel Credit Cards of May 2025
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for Easy redemption
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Best for Hilton
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Best for Marriott
World of Hyatt Credit Card: Best for Hyatt
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Best for Hotel card for small business
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for Point transfers to hotel programs
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Best for Holiday Inn/IHG
Choice Privileges® Mastercard®: Best for Choice Hotels points
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card: Best for Booking with any hotel
One Key+™ Card: Best for Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo
Best Hotel Credit Cards
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Choice Privileges® Mastercard®Apply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website | Best for Choice Hotels points | $0 | 1x-5x | 60,000 points | Apply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website |
 IHG One Rewards Premier Credit CardApply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Holiday Inn/IHG | $99 | 1x-26x | 140,000 points | Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website |
 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit CardApply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Marriott | $95 | 2x-17x | 3 Free Night Awards + 50,000 Points | Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website |
 World of Hyatt Credit CardApply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Hyatt | $95 | 1x-9x | Up to 60,000 Points | Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website |
 Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardApply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website | Best for Easy redemption | $95 | 2x-5x | 75,000 Miles + $250 Travel Credit | Apply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website |
 One Key+™ CardApply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website | Best for Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo | $99 | 2%-3% | $400 | Apply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website |
 Chase Sapphire Preferred® CardApply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Point transfers to hotel programs | $95 | 1x-5x | 100,000 points | Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website |
 Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ CardApply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website | Best for Booking with any hotel | $95 | 1x-5x | 60,000 points | Apply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website |
 The Hilton Honors American Express Business CardApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Hotel card for small business | $195 | 3x-12x | 130,000 points | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
 Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card | Best for Hilton | $150 | 3x-12x | 130,000 points |
Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Our pick for: Choice Hotels points
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - enough to redeem for up to 7 reward nights at select Choice Hotels® properties. Additional fees may apply.
- Earn 5X points on stays at participating Choice Hotels® properties.
- Earn 3X points on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and on phone plan services. Plus earn 1X points on other purchases.
- $0 annual fee.
- Up to $800 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- Receive 10 Elite night credits qualifying for at least Gold level status each calendar year.
- No foreign transaction fee.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Choice Privileges® Mastercard® is a decent option if you're fully committed to the family-friendly brands in the Choice Hotels portfolio. There's no annual fee, and you earn a fairly high rate not only on Choice stays but also on major everyday purchases.
The card earns 5 points per dollar spent on stays at participating Choice Hotels; 3 points per dollar at grocery stores, gas stations and home improvement stores and on phone plans; and 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases. You get automatic Gold status in the chain's loyalty program, which gives you points bonuses and perks during stays. There's a bonus offer that could translate into a lot of free nights.
As with any co-branded hotel card, your redemption options are confined to the brands available. Choice's brands tend to be more budget-oriented, which isn't bad, but if you're looking to redeem points for a more upscale experience, your options are limited.
Our pick for: Holiday Inn/IHG
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn 140,000 Bonus Points
- Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
- Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
- IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
If you stay at the brands of InterContinental Hotel Group, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card can be well worth its annual fee for the free anniversary night alone, and you’ll enjoy Platinum Elite status as long as you have the card.
A free night after each account anniversary and a free reward night when you redeem points for a stay of 4 or more nights are huge benefits, as is Platinum Elite status, which promises exclusive room rates, room upgrades, free Internet and check-in/check-out privileges, among other perks. It also will issue a credit for a Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fee every four years when paying with the card.
Like all co-branded hotel credit cards, its rewards are not as flexible for getting free travel as a general travel card.
Our pick for: Marriott
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) plus 50,000 bonus points after qualifying purchases.
- Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
- Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
- 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
- Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.
- Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is a worthwhile card whose benefits — especially a free night every year — can easily make up for its annual fee. Not only does Marriott have a wide selection of locations, both economy and upscale, but the card doesn't limit you to using points only for hotel stays.
A typical downside of a hotel-branded card is a lack of places to earn and redeem points, but Marriott is huge, with 7,000 properties across 30 hotel brands spanning 129 countries and territories. A free night's stay annually and automatic Silver Elite status every year just for having the card are valuable, along with a points bonus during stays, late checkout and other perks. Another plus: Points are transferable to several airline partners.
Rewards aren't as flexible for redeeming as general travel cards, making this card specific to fans of Marriott.
Our pick for: Hyatt
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 more Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
- Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
- Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
- Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
- Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
- Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
- Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
- Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
If you prefer to stay at Hyatt-brand hotels, World of Hyatt Credit Card can be worth its annual fee for the free anniversary night alone. You’ll enjoy high point values, Discoverist elite status as long as you have the card, and useful everyday bonus spending categories.
Hyatt has the highest point values among major hotel loyalty programs, according to NerdWallet valuations. That's important when you can rack up double points on such spending as gym memberships, dining at restaurants, local transit and commuting and airline tickets purchased through airlines. You'll get a free anniversary night at a Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort, automatic Discoverist status and five qualifying night credits toward the next status tier every year. Discoverist status includes such perks as room upgrades and late checkout.
Hyatt is a smaller player among major hotel groups, which limits places to earn and redeem points.
Our pick for: Easy redemption
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
For easy earning and redemption, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is tough to beat, whether you want to redeem miles for hotel stays, flights, cab rides or cruises.
You're not restricted to any particular hotel chain. Book your own travel, then pay for it with rewards. You can also transfer points to over 15 travel loyalty programs. The card offers 2 miles per $1 spent on all purchases. Redeem miles for credit against most travel expenses at 1 cent per mile. Also, get reimbursed for a Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fee every four years.
You'll get no hotel-specific perks, such as room upgrades or late checkout. So, if you’re loyal to one particular hotel company, it might be worth comparing this card with the hotel-branded card. And point values don't budge. You can't get more than 1 cent worth of value per mile.
Our pick for: Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo
Card details
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn $400 in OneKeyCash™ after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia®, Hotels.com® and Vrbo®. To learn more, please refer to the One Key Terms and Conditions at www.expedia.com/one-key-terms.
- Earn 3% in OneKeyCash on Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, 3% in OneKeyCash at gas stations, grocery stores, and on dining and 2% in OneKeyCash on other purchases.
- $99 annual fee.
- Get Automatic Gold tier in the One Key rewards program with savings of 20% or more with Gold Member Prices on over 10,000 hotels worldwide. Unlock Platinum when you spend $30,000 per calendar year.
- Get $100 in OneKeyCash each year upon your cardholder anniversary.
- Receive one statement credit up to $120 for Global Entry® or TSA PreCheck®
- No foreign transaction fees.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The One Key+™ Card makes sense for those who aren't tied to any specific hotel chain and who don't mind deal-seeking via brands under the One Key rewards program — which includes Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo. The card's perks alone can offset its annual fee.
For a $99 annual fee, you'll get a lot of value in return, including a generous sign-up bonus and rich ongoing rewards, even on spending outside of the One Key brands. You'll also get automatic Gold Status within the One Key program, not to mention a couple of travel credits, including a $100 rewards bonus on every cardholder anniversary.
You'll have to be OK earning and redeeming rewards within the One Key ecosystem. If you prefer to book lodging directly with a hotel, this isn't the card for you.
Our pick for: Point transfers to hotel programs
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
If you stay mostly at one company's hotel brands, a co-branded card might provide specific benefits that the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card does not. But if you want flexibility in earning and transferring points for outsized value when redeeming, this is a top pick.
Flexible rewards and high-value redemption options are the main attractions. Earn 5 points per $1 spent on all travel purchased through Chase; 3 points per $1 spent on dining (including eligible delivery services and takeout), select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (not including Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs); 2 points per $1 spent on travel not purchased through Chase; and 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases. Points are worth 1.25 cents apiece when used to book travel through Chase, or you can transfer them at a 1:1 rate to several other loyalty programs, including hotel programs with Marriott, Hyatt and IHG.
As a general travel card, it lacks the special perks — such as free anniversary nights and room upgrades — that hotel-specific co-branded cards might offer.
Our pick for: Booking with any hotel
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
- Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases.
- $95 annual fee.
- Book your travel with the Autograph Journey Card and enjoy Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
- Earn a $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase.
- Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card isn't a branded hotel card, but it rewards you like one with 5X points on hotel stays booked directly with the hotel. Other cards in its class often make you book through the issuer's travel portal to get the highest rewards rates. There's a good bonus offer, plus high rewards on other travel and dining.
You earn 5 points per dollar on hotel stays booked directly with the hotel; 4 points per dollar on airfare booked directly with airlines; 3 points per dollar on dining and other travel; and 1 point per dollar elsewhere. There's a $50 annual airfare credit (minimum purchase $50), trip cancellation/interruption protection and more. Bonus offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip. Finally, the points are flexible and can be redeemed for travel or statement credit at the same penny-per-point value.
While you can transfer your points to participating hotel and airline loyalty programs, the list of partners is fairly short and includes no domestic airlines. There's also no credit for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, an increasingly common benefit on cards in its price range.
Our pick for: Hotel card for small business
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Welcome Offer: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership.
- Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible Hilton purchases.
- Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on other purchases made using the Hilton Honors Business Card on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year, 3X points thereafter.
- Get up to $60 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with a property in the Hilton portfolio on your Hilton Honors American Express Business Card.
- Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors Business Card. With Hilton Honors™ Gold Status, you can enjoy benefits at hotels and resorts within the Hilton Portfolio. As a Gold member, earn an 80% Bonus on all Base Points you earn on every stay.
- You may receive an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status through the end of the calendar year if the total eligible purchases on your Card Account during a calendar year reach $40,000 or more.
- As a Hilton Honors American Express Business Card Member, you can enroll to receive complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status through the link on your American Express online account. After you’re enrolled, you can reserve a rental car by calling National Car Rental directly, using your travel service, or by booking online or through the National Car Rental mobile app. Terms apply.
- Terms apply.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
Offering rich ongoing rewards and automatic elite status, The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a terrific choice for business operators who spend dozens of nights a year in hotels. (For more options, see our best hotel cards for small business.)
This card earns 12X points on purchases made directly with Hilton, 5X points on non-Hilton purchases (up to $100,000 in spending annually), and 3X points on other purchases. There's a big bonus offer, complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold status, and an annual statement credit good on purchases at Hilton properties. Enrollment is required. Terms apply.
Unlike many hotel cards at its price level, it doesn't give you an automatic free night every year. Hilton points have a relatively low per-point value, so the 12X and 5X rewards rates aren't quite as eye-popping as they seem.
Our pick for: Hilton
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with a property in the Hilton portfolio on your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card. That's up to $200 in statement credits annually.
- Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
- Earn 6X Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
- Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases.
- Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
- Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
- Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors ™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.
- Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status through the end of the next calendar year.
- As a Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card Member, you can enroll to receive complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status through the link on your American Express online account. After you're enrolled, you can reserve a rental car by calling National Car Rental directly, using your travel service, or by booking online or through the National Car Rental mobile app. Terms apply.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $150 annual fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
NerdWallet's take
If you're loyal to hotels under the Hilton umbrella, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card can more than pay for itself despite relatively low rewards-point values. You’ll be able to hold on to your automatic Hilton Honors™ Gold status as long as you’re a cardholder, making it easier to rack up rewards and earn free stays.
From Hilton and Waldorf-Astoria to Embassy Suites and Hampton Inn, the chain has 5,500 hotels in 109 countries and territories, making it easy to earn and redeem points. Earn extra points for purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and U.S. online retail purchases. Plus, you'll get automatic Hilton Honors™ Gold status, which can snag you a complimentary stay every fifth night at a Hilton portfolio hotel, continental breakfast, and a slew of other benefits. Terms apply.
The card gives you a lot of points, but they have below-average value when you spend them, according to NerdWallet valuations. You can redeem points for airline rewards, but at unfavorable rates.
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST HOTEL CREDIT CARDS
Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Our pick for: Easy redemption
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is probably the best-known general-purpose travel credit card, thanks to its ubiquitous advertising. You earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. Miles can be redeemed at a value of 1 cent apiece for any travel purchase, without the blackout dates and other restrictions of branded hotel and airline cards. The card offers a great sign-up bonus and other worthwhile perks (see rates and fees). Read our review.
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card
Our pick for: Booking with any hotel
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card stands out among general-purpose travel cards because it pays its highest rewards rates on travel bookings made directly with airlines and hotels, rather than requiring you to go through the issuer's travel agency, where prices might not be competitive. The points are flexible, you get a good bonus offer, and the card comes with a few other nice perks. Read our review.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Our pick for: Point transfers to hotel programs
For a reasonable annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns bonus rewards (up to 5X) on travel, dining, select streaming services, and select online grocery purchases. Points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. The sign-up bonus is stellar, too. Read our review.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Our pick for: Marriott
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is a worthwhile card whose benefits — especially a free night every year — can easily make up for its annual fee. Not only does Marriott have a wide selection of locations, both economy and upscale, but the card doesn't limit you to using points only for hotel stays. Read our review.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Our pick for: Hilton
If you're loyal to hotels under the Hilton umbrella, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card can more than pay for itself despite relatively low rewards-point values. You’ll be able to hold on to your automatic Hilton Honors™ Gold status as long as you’re a cardholder, making it easier to rack up rewards and earn free stays. Read our review.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Our pick for: Holiday Inn/IHG
If you stay at the brands of InterContinental Hotel Group, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card can be well worth its annual fee for the free anniversary night alone, and you’ll enjoy Platinum Elite status as long as you have the card. Read our review.
World of Hyatt Credit Card
Our pick for: Hyatt
Hyatt isn't as big as its competitors, but World of Hyatt Credit Card is worth a look for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road. You can earn a lot of points even on non-Hyatt spending, and those points have a high value compared with rival programs. There's a great sign-up bonus, free nights, automatic elite status and more. Read our review.
Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card
Our pick for: Wyndham
The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card offers plenty of value for Wyndham loyalists, not to mention rich rewards on dining and grocery store purchases. You'll also get automatic Platinum status, plus anniverary points that could net you a free night every year. Read our review.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Our pick for: Premium hotel card
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card comes with a steep annual fee, but its rich rewards (especially on travel and dining) and generous perks make it near-must for hardcore Hilton loyalists. Enjoy airline and resort credits, airport lounge access, automatic elite status, free weekend night awards and much more. Read our review.
Choice Privileges® Mastercard®
Our pick for: Choice Hotels
The Choice Privileges® Mastercard® earns a fairly high rate on stays at Choice Hotels, as well as on major everyday spending categories. It's a solid choice if you're a Choice loyalist, but a general-purpose travel card offers more flexibility. Read our review.
Best Western Rewards® Premium Visa Signature® Card
Our pick for: Best Western
If you’re a fan of Best Western-owned hotel properties, the Best Western Rewards® Premium Visa Signature® Card offers solid rewards. It also grants you elite status, not to mention a free anniversary night, which can help offset the card's annual fee. Read our review.
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Our pick for: Hotel card for small business
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is an outstanding small-business hotel credit card — if you frequent Hilton properties. The card features rich ongoing rewards, automatic elite status with Hilton and an annual statement credit for purchases at Hilton properties. But there's no free night award (a standard perk of hotel cards with annual fees) and AmEx scrapped the card's complimentary Priority Pass perk. Terms apply. Learn more and apply.
One Key+™ Card
Our pick for: Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo
If you'd rather shop around for travel accommodations than be tied to a specific chain, the $99-annual-fee One Key+™ Card has a lot to offer, including rewards and perks that can easily offset that yearly cost. Read our review.
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How much is a hotel point worth?
By Sam Kemmis, NerdWallet travel rewards expert
Hotel credit cards earn loyalty program points every time you use the card, but the value of these points depends both on the hotel chain that issued them and how you redeem them.
To better understand what points are worth, NerdWallet researched the cash prices and reward-redemption values for hundreds of hotels rooms. Our results:
See our valuations page for more details.
Our valuations are different from many others you may find. That’s because we looked at the average value of a point based on reasonable price searches that anyone can perform, not a maximized value that only travel rewards experts can expect to reach.
Use these values as a baseline for your own redemptions. If you can redeem your points for the values listed on our valuations page, you are doing well. Of course, if you are able to get higher value, that’s even better.
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To view rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, see this page. All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.
To view rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, see this page.
Last updated on April 30, 2025
Methodology
NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best credit cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen as among the "best" in multiple categories. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.
About the author
Craig Joseph
Lead WriterAbout the reviewer
About the editor
