Which Best Western Credit Card Should You Get?
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If you’re looking for a rewards credit card for your daily purchases, a Best Western card likely won’t offer as much point value compared with other cards. Instead, Best Western cardholders can look forward to rewards perks that enhance their travel experience.
Aside from an elite status boost, a Best Western rewards credit card can give you access to benefits like discounted room rates and accelerated points on Best Western stays.
The brand has a couple of rewards credit cards to choose from: The Best Western Rewards® Mastercard® or the Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard®. Which card is best for you depends on your travel and rewards credit card preferences.
Here’s a quick comparison of the key features of each Best Western credit card:
Best Western Rewards® Mastercard® | Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard® | |
|---|---|---|
Bonus offer | Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points: 40,000 points when you spend $1,000 in the first 3 billing cycles after the account is opened and another 20,000 points when you spend $5,000 every 12 billing cycles. | 80,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 billing cycles after the account is opened, plus 40,000 points when you spend $5,000 every 12 billing cycles. |
Reward points |
|
|
Automatic elite status | Gold | Platinum |
Reservation discount | 10% off reservations booked using Best Western Rewards Rate | 10% off reservations booked using Best Western Rewards Rate |
Foreign transaction fee | None | None |
Annual fee | $0 | $89 |
Best Western Rewards® Mastercard®
Good for: Budget travelers who exclusively stay at Best Western.
Cardholders who value traveling on a budget will appreciate that the Best Western Rewards® Mastercard® charges $0 annual fee. If you’re loyal to prefer Best Western, this card may be for you since there’s no cost to carry the card.
Cardholders earn 3 points per $1 spent at Best Western properties, in addition to 10 points per $1 earned through Best Western Rewards. The combined 13 points per $1 is pretty substantial.
The card also lets you accelerate your earnings by offering 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
New cardholders are rewarded with a solid welcome bonus: Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points: 40,000 points when you spend $1,000 in the first 3 billing cycles after the account is opened and another 20,000 points when you spend $5,000 every 12 billing cycles.. In case you’re wondering what that translates to in terms of award redemptions, it’s enough for up to two free nights.
Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard®
Good for: Frequent travelers who don’t mind paying for higher status.
If you anticipate traveling often and staying at Best Western hotels during all of your trips, the Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard® may be a better match for you. The card propels your status to Platinum, but you’ll have to pay a $89 annual fee for this benefit.
Cardholders earn 10 points per $1 spent at Best Western properties, on top of the 10 points per $1 earned through Best Western Rewards. This rewards rate makes it easier to maintain your loyalty status. Like the Best Western Rewards® Mastercard®, it also earns you 2 points per $1 spent outside of the hotel brand.
The welcome bonus is higher on this card: 80,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 billing cycles after the account is opened, plus 40,000 points when you spend $5,000 every 12 billing cycles. Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard® cardholders can also earn a recurring bonus of 20,000 points after spending $5,000 on the card each 12 billing cycle period.
» Learn more: Your guide to booking award nights with Best Western
Deciding on the right Best Western credit card for you
Other travel rewards cards on the market offer greater benefits and enticing bonuses to flexible travelers, compared with the Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard® and Best Western Rewards® Mastercard®.
However, if you’re a dedicated Best Western guest and expect to stay with the hotel at least a few times a year, these cards may be worth the perks.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2021, including those best for:
Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Planning a trip? Check out these articles for more inspiration and advice: Best Western Rewards: The complete guide Best Western elite status: How to get it and what it includes Find the best travel credit card for you
