BEST Hotel Credit Cards 2024

Summary

In this video, JCO from ProudMoney.com reviews the top hotel credit cards, ranking them based on their rewards, bonus points, and benefits. From the Hilton Honors American Express to the World of Hyatt credit card, he evaluates various cards tailored to different types of travelers. The video highlights factors like annual fees, point bonuses, status perks, and the quality of the associated hotel brands. Whether you prefer luxury stays or budget options, JCO provides insights to help viewers decide which hotel credit card best suits their travel needs and spending habits.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hilton Honors American Express Card is the only no annual fee card in the list, but its point value is relatively low at 0.4 cents per point.
• 😀 The IHG One Rewards Premier Card has a $99 annual fee, offering 140,000 points as a bonus, but IHG points are valued at only 0.5 cents each.
• 😀 Choice Privileges Select Card targets budget travelers with a $95 annual fee, offering 60,000 points as a bonus, with points valued at around 0.6 cents each.
• 😀 Wyndham Earner Plus Card offers 75,000 points with a $75 annual fee, with points valued at about 1 cent each, making it good for budget-conscious travelers.
• 😀 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card offers a 125,000-point bonus with a $95 annual fee, but points are valued at about 0.7 cents each.
• 😀 Hilton Surpass Card provides a significant bonus of 130,000 points and a $200 Hilton credit, but it comes with a $150 annual fee.
• 😀 The World of Hyatt Credit Card stands out with its high point value (~2 cents per point), along with 2 free nights annually, making it the most attractive option overall.
• 😀 Cardholders should consider both hotel brand desirability and the credit card's rewards structure when choosing the best card.
• 😀 Cards with annual fees tend to offer better rewards, including bonuses, higher earning rates, and valuable perks like free nights or statement credits.
• 😀 Hotel chains with more widespread global presence, like Marriott and Hilton, may be more appealing for travelers who prioritize convenience and location options.

Q & A

Why are hotel credit cards ranked based on both the credit card and the desirability of the hotel chain?

Hotel credit cards are ranked by both their features and the desirability of the hotel chain because the value of a credit card depends not only on its rewards and perks but also on how often and effectively the cardholder can use it. A more widely available hotel chain offers greater flexibility, while the card's rewards may enhance the overall travel experience.

What makes the Hilton Honors American Express Card unique compared to other travel credit cards?

The Hilton Honors American Express Card is unique because it is the only card on the list with no annual fee. It offers a bonus of 100,000 points after meeting the minimum spending requirement, but its point value is relatively low, meaning the rewards are worth less in comparison to other hotel cards.

How valuable is the Hilton Honors American Express Card's 100,000-point bonus?

The 100,000-point bonus on the Hilton Honors American Express Card is worth approximately $400 in Hilton stays, considering the value of Hilton points at about 0.4 cents per point.

What is the IHG One Rewards Premier Card's main appeal?

The IHG One Rewards Premier Card's main appeal is its bonus offer of 140,000 points, which could be worth up to $700 in IHG hotel stays. It also offers an anniversary free night and other rewards on purchases related to travel, dining, and gas.

How does the value of IHG points compare to other hotel chains?

IHG points are generally valued lower than those from other hotel chains, estimated at about 0.5 cents per point, making the IHG One Rewards Premier Card less rewarding compared to others with higher point values.

What are the main benefits of the Choice Privileges Select Card?

The Choice Privileges Select Card offers a $60,000 point bonus and a 30,000-point annual bonus, making it a solid choice for budget travelers. It provides good value with its low annual fee and offers benefits like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits and cell phone protection.

What types of hotels does the Choice Privileges card cover?

The Choice Privileges card covers budget and lower-end hotels and motels, including brands like Comfort Inn, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, and others, making it an appealing option for travelers who prefer affordable accommodations.

How does the Wyndham Earner Plus Card stand out among other hotel cards?

The Wyndham Earner Plus Card stands out due to its relatively low annual fee and the possibility of earning up to 10 free nights with its 75,000-point bonus. It also offers a generous rewards structure on Wyndham purchases, gas, and grocery store spending.

What is the value of Wyndham points compared to other hotel chains?

Wyndham points are more difficult to value precisely, but they are generally considered worth around 1 cent per point. The point redemption varies with Wyndham's different hotels, and most hotels require between 7,500 and 30,000 points for a free night.

Why is the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card ranked so high on the list?

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card ranks highly due to its attractive sign-up bonus of up to 125,000 points, its strong rewards rate for Marriott stays, and the ability to earn an annual free night certificate. Marriott's vast network of hotels also makes it a desirable option for frequent travelers.

What are the specific benefits of the Hilton Surpass Card?

The Hilton Surpass Card offers a 65,000-point bonus, 12 points per dollar on Hilton stays, and a $200 Hilton credit each year. It also provides the potential for a free night after spending $15,000 in a year, making it a solid option for regular Hilton guests.

Why is the World of Hyatt Credit Card considered the best on the list?

The World of Hyatt Credit Card is considered the best due to the high value of Hyatt points (around 2 cents per point), the potential for earning two free nights per year, and its excellent earning rates on Hyatt purchases. The card also offers valuable benefits like higher earning rates on dining, airlines, and fitness clubs.

What unique benefits does the World of Hyatt Credit Card offer that others don't?

The World of Hyatt Credit Card offers unique benefits such as earning 4 points per dollar on Hyatt purchases, 2 points per dollar on various other categories, and the opportunity to earn two free nights per year. These perks, combined with the high value of Hyatt points, make it a standout card.