The best hotel credit cards often offer perks to travelers, including automatic elite status, hotel stay points, other spending points, and the likelihood of earning free hotel nights and elite status. Some hotel credit cards offer free nights by spending annual membership benefits or milestones. This will make these cards more valuable and offset the annual fees for your cards.
In addition to the best hotel credit cards offering free night awards, this guide covers other important details you need to know about each.
Free Night Top Hotel Credit Card
Compare the best hotel credit cards for free night
Hotel credit cards offer free evening incentives in a variety of ways. Here are the top picks for hotel credit cards that offer free evening perks:
| Card name | It’s perfect for | Free Night Benefits | Annual fees | Recommended Credit Score |
| The world of Hyatt credit cards* | Point Value | Get a free night on your card member anniversary every year at Category 1-4 Hyatt Hotels or Resorts. If you spend $15,000 in a calendar year, earn an additional free night at Category 1-4 Hyatt Hotel or Resort | $95 | 670 – 850 |
| Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card* | Mid-level free night | Get a free night on your account anniversary with up to 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy Point redemption levels |
$95 |
670 – 850 |
| IHG One rewards premium credit cards* | International Value | Get a free night on your account anniversary with up to 40,000 IHG ​​redemption levels of one reward point |
$99 |
670 – 850 |
| Hilton honors the American Express Aspire Card* | Luxury Resort | Get annual free night rewards for Hilton real estate each year when you renew your card. If you spend $30,000 in a calendar year, earn an additional free night reward. If you spend $60,000 in a calendar year, get an extra free night reward | $550 | It’s good, it’s great |
| ChoicePrivileges®SelectMasterCard® | anniversary | Earn 30,000 bonus points on each account anniversary. | $95 | 670 – 850 |
How to choose the best hotel credit card for a free night
The best hotel credit cards for free nights are subjective based on your needs. Consider the following factors when deciding which hotel credit card is best:
Choose your favorite hotel brand
If you frequently stay with the same hotel brand or prefer a particular luxury resort, it makes sense to pick up one of the co-branded credit cards. If multiple cards are available, decide which ones provide the best value for your money and spending needs.
Evaluate annual fees
Many hotel credit cards charge an annual fee, some charge as little as $75, while others charge up to $650. These premium hotel credit cards are worth the fee if you use all the perks, but they still help you decide whether you are willing to pay or whether it is worth it. Compare the value of the perks with the free night certificate so that it comes out first.
Determine additional perks
You also need to consider which benefits will give you the right value. Essential perks for frequent travelers may include automatic elite status, property credits, airport lounge access, or statement credits for quick security screening. When assessing the value of free night certificates, you can shop to see cash fees on properties that you may consider using them. If you choose a card with a higher annual fee, you will need to look at perks that will help offset costs.
Maximize your welcome offer
The first welcome offer you can earn can greatly increase your point balance. This could work well with the new features the card offers. Make sure you can meet the minimum spending requirements. Hotel points are worth different amounts, so look at the hotel redemption options to see what points you earn and how you use them logistically valuable.
Hotel credit card alternatives
You may think that free night certificates have too many restrictions, including expiration dates and limits on properties that can be used. You may also be bound or loyal to a particular brand and may not like to be more flexible. If so, consider flexible travel cards that offer hotel programs as transfer partners in particular. The hotel partners that each major issuer can transfer points are as follows:
| Publisher | Hotel Partner | Transfer ratio |
| Tracking |
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| American Express |
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| City |
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| Capital 1 |
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| Wells Fargo | ||
| Bilt’s reward |
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FAQ
What’s next?
You can check out the resources below to find the card that suits your travel needs and budget for your next trip.
Conclusion
Free Night’s Best Hotel Credit Cards provide incentives for free night awards through spending incentives, whether on card member anniversary or spending, with perks such as automatic elite status and promoted on property revenue.
Most cards that offer this perk will set a limit on the number of points for free nights. Read fine prints on how to use the free night awards to stay at the facility you are aiming for or to make it optimally available.
*The world of Hyatt Credit Cards, Marriott Bonvoy Bandless Credit Cards, IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Cards, and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Credit Cards were collected independently by Bankrate.com. Card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.