The Guide to Radisson Rewards and Radisson Rewards Americas

Radisson Rewards is the loyalty program of Radisson Hotel Group, which has more than 1,500 hotels around the world, primarily in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

In June 2021, Radisson split its loyalty program into separate Americas and international programs. Radisson Rewards Americas covers hotels in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America, while Radisson Rewards belongs to properties in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific. You can redeem points at properties in either program, but you’ll have to sign up for both programs and transfer points between both of your accounts.

Additionally, Radisson changed its award chart from seven hotel categories to five, significantly increasing the number of Category 1 and 2 hotels, which offer award nights for fewer points. With more redemption opportunities at lower rates, you should get to know the Radisson Rewards program.

» Learn more: Travel loyalty program reviews

Based on our most recent analysis, NerdWallet values Radisson points at 0.8 cent apiece. To determine the value of reward points, we compared cash prices and reward redemptions for hotel stays across several destinations and dates. We divided the cost in cash by the cost in points to determine a “cent per point” value for each hotel night, then averaged this value across several searches.

Although Radisson is not usually the first hotel chain to come to mind for award stays, Radisson has some generous earning and redemption opportunities despite the low value per point.

Historical Radisson Rewards point values

Radisson Rewards points have been gaining in value since 2020. It's now tied for third among the highest value hotel points.

» Learn more: Reviews of major travel rewards programs

Due to the split of the loyalty programs, the region that you stay in will determine where you can earn and redeem points. When you stay at hotels in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America, you will earn points with Radisson Rewards Americas. To book your stay in these regions, head over to radissonhotelsamericas.com. Similarly, when you stay at hotels in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific, you will earn Radisson Rewards points. Stays within these regions need to be booked at radissonhotels.com.

If you already have a loyalty account with Radisson, log in to check if your existing account was converted into a Radisson Rewards Americas or a Radisson Rewards account. You will need to create an account with the second program if you plan on staying at a property that belongs to a region that isn’t covered by your account’s program. You can transfer points between accounts as long as the same name and email is used for both programs.

The Radisson loyalty program offers rewards points to travelers staying at its brands, which include:

1. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson: An upper-midscale hotel brand featuring free Wi-Fi and complimentary hot breakfast.

2. Park Inn by Radisson: A contemporary upper-midscale hotel with a colorful modern design.

3. Park Plaza: An upper-upscale hotel that targets business and leisure travelers with designs that align with the locations.

4. Radisson Red: An upscale brand focused on travelers searching for a different hotel experience — informal services and bold design are the hallmarks of this brand. Properties are in vibrant, urban locations.

5. Radisson: The flagship brand of the collection, providing an upscale stay that blends each destination’s authentic local influence with modern design.

6. Radisson Blu: The upper-upscale brand of Radisson, featuring inspirational spaces and personalized service.

7. Radisson Collection: The premium brand of Radisson — a group of unique luxury hotels.

8. Radisson Individuals: Upscale hotels located in renowned cities, near airports and key business and leisure destinations.

9. Prizeotel: An economy hotel featuring high-design properties with a bold aesthetic.

» Learn more: Why Radisson's rewards program is underrated

Elite status for the Radisson Rewards and Radisson Rewards Americas programs are slightly different. NerdWallet's analysis looked at Radisson Rewards Americas, which has four different loyalty status levels based on which credit card the member holds or how often they stay every year. The value of Radisson elite status depends on various factors, including how often you stay at the properties, how much you use the status and the value you place on perks.

You must call customer service to request a status match to receive the same level of elite benefits in both programs. Your status in one will not automatically apply to stays booked in the other program.

To assign a value to each tier, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the relevant benefits. The value of each status tier is tied to the minimum number needed to earn each status tier (so if you need to stay 30 nights to earn that level of status, the benefits are based no receiving them 30 times, such as 30 free breakfasts or 30 room upgrades). As far as status earned through credit card goes, it's only be worth the same amount if you stay the same number of nights as someone who earns it normally. Clearly perks are more valuable the more they’re used.

» Learn more: NerdWallet's 2023 Best-Of Awards

Radisson Rewards Americas elite status tier levels

Radisson Club

Radisson Club is the base level for new members. Benefits include:

• 20 points per $1 spent on eligible hotel nights, along with meals and beverages charged to the room.

• Members-only rates, which can mean savings up to 10% when booking on the Radisson website or mobile app.

• A 5% discount on food and drink at participating hotel restaurants, and two complimentary bottles of water in your room with every stay.

Radisson Silver (worth $30)

After accruing six stays or nine nights, members jump to Radisson Silver status, which includes all the benefits of Rewards Club plus the following:

• 22 points per $1 spent on eligible hotel nights plus meals and beverages charged to the room.

• Ability to request an early check-in or late checkout on eligible stays.

• Eligibility for complimentary room upgrades.

• Ability to roll over eligible nights toward elite status in the next year.

• 10% discount at participating hotel restaurants.

Radisson Gold (worth $295)

Members get Radisson Gold status after 20 stays, 30 nights or getting the Radisson Rewards Premier Visa Signature® Card. The credit card will provide status in the Radisson Rewards Americas program, which you could match to the Radisson Rewards program. On top of the benefits of the lower tiers, Gold members also get these additions and enhancements:

• 25 points per $1 spent on eligible stays and food and drink purchases charged to the room.

• 15% discount at participating hotel restaurants.

• In-room welcome gift during eligible stays.

• 72-hour room guarantee when booking through the Elite Members Services line.

Radisson Platinum (worth $2,221)

At the highest end of Radisson's status levels, Radisson Platinum is earned after 30 stays or 60 nights. These members get all the previous listed perks, plus:

• Free breakfast at participating hotel restaurants.

• Dedicated Platinum Member Services Line.

• Room availability guaranteed up to 48 hours before booking.

• 35 points per every $1 spent at hotels.

• 20% discount on food and drinks at participating hotels.

Radisson lifetime status

Unlike other programs, Radisson doesn't offer lifetime status for continued elite status across multiple years. Instead, members must re-qualify for loyalty status every year. The only guaranteed way to earn status every year is to hold the Radisson Rewards Premier Visa Signature® Card, which grants Gold status upon activating the card.

Elite earning rates

Generally, the “value” of each status tier is also based on the cost to earn. We divided the benefits by the cost to calculate the “elite earn rate” for each tier.

As seen above, the highest tier, Platinum, not only offers more overall value, but a better elite earning rate.

While staying at Radisson hotels is the primary way to earn Radisson points, members can also do so through other offers. From holding a co-branded credit card to using partner offers, there is no shortage of ways to pick up more points.

» Learn more: Your guide to earning Radisson Rewards

Stay at Radisson Hotels

Members earn Radisson points during their stays at a participating property. The number of points you’ll earn is based on your elite status level. As your status level increases, so does the number of points earned when spending on eligible rates:

"Eligible rates" usually exclude bookings such as employee rates, friends and family rates, complimentary or barter rooms not booked on points, rates booked through an online travel agency, and those booked through group or tour operator accounts.

There may also be ways to earn bonus points for your upcoming stays by taking advantage of a hotel promotion.

» Learn more: 3 reasons why Radisson Rewards is great for families

Use the right credit cards

Radisson offers two personal credit cards that earn Radisson Rewards Americas points for every dollar spent. Both cards allow cardholders to earn one free night e-certificate after $10,000 in annual spending, up to three times every year they renew their card.

• Radisson Rewards Premier Visa Signature® Card ($75 annual fee): None

Cardholders earn 10 points per $1 spent at participating Radisson Hotels and 5 points per $1 spent everywhere else. The card also comes with Radisson Gold status upon activation. When you renew the card, you will earn an anniversary bonus of 40,000 points.

• Radisson Rewards™ Visa® Card ($0 annual fee): None

This entry-level card earns 3 points per $1 spent at participating Radisson hotels and 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else.

» Learn more: Which Radisson credit card do I choose?

Other ways to earn Radisson points

Like most hotel rewards programs, Radisson Rewards offers members different ways to earn extra points — most of which don’t involve staying at a hotel at all. These Radisson partners allows you to earn bonus points when shopping online or booking other travel.

Earn Radisson Rewards Americas points

If you want to boost your balance in the Radisson Rewards Americas loyalty program, here are specific ways to earn Radisson Rewards Americas points:

• Car rental rewards: Radisson Rewards Americas partners with the following seven car rental companies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, National and Sixt, offering extra points with each rental. Bonuses range from 300 Radisson points per car rental day to a flat 1,800 points per rental, with extras ranging from discounts to car upgrades.

• FTD flowers: When you order flowers with FTD online or over the phone using Radisson’s promo code, you can earn 1,500 Radisson Rewards Americas points per purchase. Some exceptions apply.

• Vinesse Wines: You can even earn bonus Radisson Rewards Americas points for joining a wine club. New Vinesse Wines subscribers can earn 5,000 points with the first wine club shipment, and 5 points for every $1 spent on wine or wine accessories on all future wine club shipments and orders.

• Hosting meetings: When you host a meeting or event at a Radisson property as a Radisson Rewards for Business Americas member, you can earn bonus points depending on the type of event. Travel agents and small/medium enterprises can earn 10 points per $1 for hotel room bookings. Event planners can earn 5 points per $1 for meetings.

Earn Radisson Rewards Points

If you’re looking to earn Radisson points for stays at hotels in Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Africa, options include:

• Car rental rewards: Radisson Rewards partners with car rental companies Alamo, Europcar and Sixt, offering extra points with each rental. Bonuses range from 750 Radisson Rewards points per car rental day to a flat 1,800 points per rental, with extras ranging from discounts to car upgrades.

• Bicester Village Shopping: Earn 10 points for each euro or pound spent at 11 Bicester Village stores in Europe and 10 points for every 10 yuan spent in China. The points can be earned at more than 1,000 shops including Mulberry, Saint Laurent and Furla.

• Hosting meetings: When you host a meeting or event at a Radisson property as a Radisson Rewards for Business member, you can earn bonus points depending on the type of event. Travel agents and small/medium enterprises can earn 10 points per $1 for hotel room bookings. Event planners can earn 5 points per $1 for meetings.

Travelers can use their Radisson points in many ways. While using points for a hotel stay is the easiest way to extract value, points can also be converted to airline miles, a Priority Pass membership, gift cards, prepaid cards and instant in-hotel rewards, or donated to charities.

Free Radisson hotel nights

Searches for award nights fall under two categories: award night stays and Points + Cash awards.

Standard award nights are available across five categories, with Category 1 being the most affordable properties and Category 5 being the most luxurious locations. Radisson’s award chart ranges from 15,000 points for a standard Category 1 room up to 75,000 points for a standard Category 5 room. When using points for a hotel room, we estimate your return is about 0.8 cent per point. Radisson also offers Premium Room award nights at each level for an increased cost.

If you want to use your Radisson Rewards points at a property in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific, you’ll need to transfer points from your Radisson Rewards Americas account to your Radisson Rewards account.

Despite the split into two programs, the cost of award nights for a standard room, premium room and Points + Cash redemption remain almost identical. Radisson Rewards Americas offers discounted rooms known as RewardSaver rooms, which cost 33% fewer points than standard rooms. Radisson Rewards provides a family room redemption that is priced at 23%-25% above the cost of a standard room.

Some hotels in particular provide outsized value because their cash rates are so much higher relative to their points rates. Check out those Radisson sweet spots here.

Radisson Rewards Americas award chart

Radisson Rewards award chart

If you don’t have enough points for an award night, you can also reduce your overall cost for a night with a Points + Cash award. Using a Points + Cash award night, you pay a flat rate of points combined with a cash requirement determined at the time of reservation. How many points you pay is based on the category your hotel is in:

The Points + Cash awards start at 5,000 points plus cash for a Category 1 hotel, up to 25,000 points plus cash for a Category 5 hotel.

» Learn more: The award chart guide for both Radisson Reward programs

Other ways to redeem Radisson Rewards points

If you would rather redeem Radisson points for other travel benefits, both programs have you covered.

Radisson Rewards Americas options

• Airline miles: Radisson points can be transferred to dozens of airline partners. Members have three 10:1 transfer options: 2,000 Radisson points for 200 miles, 50,000 Radisson Rewards points for 5,000 miles, or 100,000 Radisson points for 10,000 miles for all airlines except SAS, which transfer at a 7:1 ratio. Eligible airlines include: Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France / KLM, Asiana Airlines, Avianca, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad, Frontier, Gulf Air, Intermiles, Japan Airlines, Kuwait Airlines, LATAM, Malaysia Airlines, Miles & More (airline not specified), Pegasus Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Qantas, SAS Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Turkish Airways and United Airlines.

• In-hotel Express Awards: Radisson Rewards Americas points can also be used like cash for hotel extras at check-in or during your stay. Points can be used to cover food and beverages, spa services and room upgrades.

• Gift cards: Hotel rewards programs often offer retail gift cards as a redemption option, and Radisson Rewards Americas is no exception. Select gift cards are available at the following denominations: $10 for 7,000 points, $25 for 18,000 points and $50 for 34,000 points. However, if you redeem 7,000 points for a $10 gift card, you’re getting a value of only 0.14 cent per point, which is significantly below NerdWallet’s valuation of 0.8 cent each.

• Prepaid cards: Radisson Rewards Americas also allows you to exchange points for prepaid Visa or Mastercard cards, redeemable anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted. A $25 prepaid Visa card costs 20,000 points, a $50 prepaid Visa costs 35,000 points and a $100 prepaid Visa costs 67,000 points. Each of these redemptions would result in a value of 0.13 to 0.15 cent per point, which is still a poor value given our 0.8 cent-per-point valuation.

• Donate points to charity: The American Red Cross and First Climate accept donations of Radisson Rewards points, which are then converted to cash. Members can donate a minimum of 3,000 points, with no limit on the number of points that can be given.

Radisson Rewards options

• Airline miles: Radisson Rewards points can be transferred to dozens of airline partners. Members have three 10:1 transfer options: 2,000 Radisson Rewards points for 200 miles, 50,000 Radisson Rewards points for 5,000 miles, or 100,000 Radisson Rewards points for 10,000 miles for all airlines except SAS, which transfer at a 7:1 ratio. Eligible airlines include Air France / KLM, British Airways, Emirates and SAS Airlines.

• Priority Pass membership: If you don’t have a premium travel credit card that offers lounge access, you could use your Radisson Rewards points to purchase a Priority Pass membership. It will cost 125,000 points to receive a unique invitation code that will cover the cost of a Priority Pass Standard Plus Membership ($299 value) for one applicant for one year. The membership grants 10 free visits, and each visit thereafter costs $27.

• Donate points to charity: First Climate accepts donations of Radisson points, which are then converted to cash. Members can donate a minimum of 3,000 points, with no limit on the number of points that can be given.

Notably, points can be transferred between both programs, so if one of these redemption options is appealing to you but doesn’t appear in the program where your points are concentrated, you can still redeem your points after doing a points transfer.

Good Radisson redemption options

Hotel room awards: The best way to use Radisson points is toward hotel rooms at over 1,500 hotels located on nearly every continent. When using points toward hotels, our calculations show your points are worth an average of 0.8 cent each. The most valuable use of points is to stay in major cities during peak travel seasons. When it comes to redeeming points, you won’t find a more valuable use than toward hotel rooms.

Points + Cash awards: Because Radisson charges a flat rate in points for hotel rooms on Points + Cash awards, some hybrid awards can be a good use of Radisson points. If you can get more than 0.8 cent per point of value from a Points + Cash award, then it’s a good deal.

» Learn more: 9 sweet spot redemptions for Radisson Rewards points

Weak Radisson redemption options

• Airline miles: Generally, you’re not going to get a great value from transferring Radisson points to an airline, especially at a 10:1 ratio (or 7:1 for SAS) as noted above. It can take four to six weeks for the miles to transfer into your account, which is another unfavorable aspect to keep in mind.

• Gift cards: Although you could redeem Radisson points for gift cards and cash cards, you won’t get a very good return. When exchanging points for gift cards, your effective exchange rate is about 0.14 cent per point, which is less than a third of the per-point average on hotel rewards.

• Priority Pass membership: If you hold a premium travel card, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, The Platinum Card® from American Express or Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, then you already understand the benefits and value of Priority Pass (enrollment required). Terms apply. But paying for it with Radisson Rewards points is a really bad deal. First, the $299 membership costs 125,000 points, for a value of 0.23 cent per point — well under the average value of 0.8 cent per point. In addition, the points get you a Standard Plus membership, which gives members only 10 free visits. All guests and visits after the first 10 cost $27 each. If lounge access is important to you, consider getting a premium travel card instead.

If you are an infrequent traveler who wants to earn hotel stays for everyday spending or are planning a vacation for a family, Radisson points are worth your consideration. With a good rate of return for staying at hotels and spending on the Radisson Rewards Premier Visa Signature® Card, travelers who are more concerned about budget than luxury can potentially find great deals with Radisson between its two programs.

On the other hand, those who are primarily looking for luxury over convenience and discounts won't be best served by Radisson properties. Instead, the best returns for those travelers may be found at World of Hyatt, which focuses on luxury hotel experiences, or Marriott Rewards, which offers over 30 brands ranging from economical to high-end and luxury.