If you have ever taken a couple of minutes to research hotel credit cards, you’ll know that they are not created equal. On top of that, there are many options to choose from. The task of researching these cards may have turned you off of them in the past. But, the fact is, hotel credit cards can be quite rewarding for consumers who do their fair share of traveling.
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To help save you some time (and a headache), we did some of the legwork for you and selected three cards that we think are top-of-the-class when it comes to hotel reward credit cards.
What makes these three picks especially appealing is that cardholders are rewarded right from the start. While other cards require you to slowly accrue points over time, these three picks will provide you with bonus rewards nearly immediately so that you can benefit from the card within the first year of card membership.
Starwood Preferred Guest
The Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card was named “Best Travel Rewards Card” as part of the 2011 SmarterTravel Award. The card provides a 10,000 Starpoints bonus with your first credit card purchase and another 15,000 bonus when you spend $5,000 during your first six months of having the card. You will also quickly accrue Starpoints when you stay at participating hotels and resorts, where you will get up to 5 Starpoints for every eligible dollar spent. Your Starpoints can be redeemed for free nights at more than 1,000 hotels and resorts in nearly 100 countries. You can also use them for free flights on more than 350 airlines.
The card does come with a $65 annual fee, but American Express waives the fee for the first year.
 | | - Starpoints® BONUS: 10K with your first purchase and another 15K when you spend $5k within 6 months – enough for up to 6 free nights at a category 1 or 2 hotel.
- Free nights, free flights: Redeem Starpoints with over 350 airlines through SPG Flights and more than 1,000 hotels and resorts worldwide. No blackout dates
- 2011 SmarterTravel® Award for "Best Travel Rewards Card"
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $65
| | | | Intro APR for Purchases | Intro APR for Balance Transfer | APR as low as | Annual Fee | | - | - | 15.24% - 19.24% (Variable) | $65 |
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Citi Hilton HHonors Visa Signature
Talk about rewarding! Not only does this annual fee-free card provide its cardholders a 40,000 Hilton HHonors Points Bonus after spending $1,000 within the first 4 months, but cardholders also quickly earn points thanks to this generous point system:
- 6 HHonors Bonus Points for each $1 spent at participating Hilton Worldwide hotels
- 3 points for each $1 spent on purchases at supermarkets, drugstores and gas stations
- 2 points for each $1 spent on virtually all other purchases
You can redeem your rewards for free nights at more than 3,700 Hilton owned hotels, or for experience rewards, car rentals or airline miles with participating airline partners.
| | - Earn 40,000 Hilton HHonors Bonus Points after spending $1,000 within 4 months of account opening*
- Earn 6 HHonors Bonus Points for each $1 spent at a participating hotel within the Hilton Worldwide portfolio.*
- Earn 3 HHonors Bonus Points for each $1 spent on purchases at supermarkets, drugstores and gas stations.*
- Earn 2 HHonors Bonus Points for each $1 spent on all other purchases.*
- No annual fee.*
| | | | Intro APR for Purchases | Intro APR for Balance Transfer | APR as low as | Annual Fee | | - | - | 14.24% - 16.24% (Variable) | $0 |
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Marriott Rewards Visa Signature
With this card, you receive an immediate bonus upon credit card approval—an e-certificate for 2 free night stays! Plus, cardholders get an additional 30,000 Bonus Points when they make their first purchase on their credit card; this bonus is enough for up to 4 free nights.
You continue to earn points with your everyday purchases, receiving 1 point for virtually every $1 you spend on purchases, and 3 points for every $1 spent at a Marriott location. Points can be used at Marriott properties, including Renaissance Hotels, Courtyard, Residence Inn and Fairfield Inn & Suites.
The card does feature a $45 annual fee, but it is waived for the first year.
| | - Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after your first use, redeemable for up to 4 free nights; plus receive 2 free night stay e-certificates upon account approval, that's enough for up to 6 free nights at a category 1 hotel
- No Annual fee for your first year that's a $45 value*
- Earn 3 points for every $1 spent at Marriott® locations
- Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on other purchases
- Cardmembers achieve Silver elite status with 10 nights credit toward Elite status
- Redeem Marriott Rewards® points at Marriott properties including Renaissance Hotels, Courtyard, Residence Inn, and Fairfield Inn & Suites
| | | | Intro APR for Purchases | Intro APR for Balance Transfer | APR as low as | Annual Fee | | - | - | 14.24% (Variable) | $45 |
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Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.
Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by Citi. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of Citi, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Citi. This site may be compensated through Citi Affiliate Program.
Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by Chase. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of Chase, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Chase. This site may be compensated through Chase Affiliate Program.
