8 best hotel credit cards of 2025

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The best hotel credit cards help you save money with free nights and bonus points that help outweigh the annual fee. Their loyalty programs could also make your stay more comfortable with complimentary room upgrades, late checkouts, lounge access and other status benefits.

Best for free nights: World Of Hyatt Credit Card

Here’s why: The World Of Hyatt Credit Card stands out for its complimentary free night award delivered each year on your cardmember anniversary. This benefit is typically sufficient to offset the card’s $95 annual fee, and, if you spend $15,000 on the card in a calendar year, you’ll receive a second free night. 

You’ll earn up to 9 total points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels (4x from the card, plus up to 5x as a World of Hyatt member). Cardholders also get automatic Discoverist status in the World of Hyatt program, which comes with perks like preferred room upgrades, late checkout and premium internet access.

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Best for hotel variety: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Here’s why: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® features a $300 annual travel credit that’s flexible enough for use at any hotel. And once this travel credit is fully used, cardmembers can earn 10 Ultimate Rewards® points per $1 spent on hotels (excluding The Edit hotels) when booked through Chase Travel.

If you’re taking a flight to your hotel destination, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card offers a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, giving you access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. The card comes with a $550 annual fee, so make sure you’ll get enough value from the benefits and perks to make the card worth it.

Best for no annual fee: Hilton Honors American Express Card

Here’s why: The Hilton Honors American Express Card can help maximize Hilton benefits with a $0 annual fee. Cardholders earn 7 Hilton Honors Bonus Points per $1 spent directly at Hilton hotels and resorts. 

The card also grants complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status, which includes a 20% bonus on base points earned during Hilton stay. As an added bonus, you’ll get a fifth night free on standard room reward stays of five nights or more.

Best for rewards points: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Here’s why: The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card helps you earn a large number of Hilton Honors points quickly, making it easier to work toward free nights at Hilton properties. Cardholders earn 12 Hilton Honors Bonus Points per $1 spent directly with Hilton hotels and resorts. 

Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status is included, offering benefits like free breakfast, room upgrades and an 80% bonus on base points earned during Hilton stays. The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card has a $150 annual fee.

Best for a more comfortable stay: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Here’s why: The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is built for dedicated Hilton loyalists seeking a premium experience. You’ll get to use various travel credits annually to help offset travel expenses: 

  • $400 in Hilton resort credits
  • $200 in flight credits 
  • $100 in property credits at participating Waldorf Astoria® Hotels & Resorts and Conrad® Hotels & Resorts 

To top it off, the card offers a free night reward redeemable at Hilton properties and automatic Diamond status — Hilton’s highest elite tier. All these perks come at a price: The card has a $550 annual fee.

Best for elite status: Platinum Card® from American Express

Here’s why: The Platinum Card® from American Express provides complimentary elite status at both Hilton and Marriott hotels, an exclusive perk that requires enrollment to activate.

Travelers get access to the Global Lounge Collection®, which provides entry to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries. The Platinum Card® from American Express card also provides various statement credits for travel, entertainment and shopping (enrollment required), which can help offset the hefty $695 annual fee.

Best for road trips: Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Card

Here’s why: The Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Card is an ideal companion for road trippers. It offers 5 points per $1 spent at Wyndham hotels and on qualifying gas purchases, a strong earning rate for both filling up at the pump and finding a comfortable place to rest after a long day of driving.

With a $0 annual fee, there’s no cost limiting your rewards. The Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Card also gives you automatic Wyndham Rewards Gold membership status, which comes with perks like late checkout and preferred room selection (subject to availability).

Best for business trips: Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

Here’s why: The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card offers great value for business travelers. You’ll earn 6 points per $1 spent on Marriott stays and 4 points per $1 spent on global dining. The card includes automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status (with perks like late checkout and room upgrades) and an annual free night award. 

The card also comes with a welcome offer of 3 extra free nights after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months of account opening, and a 7% discount on paid stays when you book directly with Marriott. This card comes with a $125 annual fee.


About the author: David Heiling is an assigning editor at Credit Karma, specializing in auto insurance and auto loans. He strives to make financial fitness accessible and relatable to people in all stages of their financial journeys. A… Read more.