Hotel Rewards Credit Cards

How to Choose a Credit Card for Hotel Rewards

The sign-up bonuses for hotel rewards credit cards can be tempting, but is a hotel card right for you?

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• If you frequently stay at a certain chain of hotels, such as Starwood, Hilton or Marriott, then consider signing up for a hotel-branded credit card that gives you extra discounts with that hotel chain.

• If you don’t have brand loyalty to a particular chain, consider a flexible travel rewards card (such as Chase Sapphire Preferred or Barclaycard Arrival Plus) that lets you redeem points for hotel stays, airline tickets and other rewards.

• If you don’t travel often, a card that gives you cash back for your purchases might be your best bet.

Annual Fee
While most premium credit cards do have an annual fee, don't let that deter you. For frequent travelers, the credit cards with an annual fee come with the most generous introductory deal, which often will far exceed the cost of the annual fee.

As with any card, be sure to see whether the APR, annual fee and other benefits are a good fit for you.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. This site may be compensated through the Advertiser's affiliate programs.

3 Lesser Known Hotel Rewards Card Benefits

Rewards credit cards are becoming increasing popular for a good reason. Each time you use your rewards credit card, you’re accumulating points that can be used for cash back, merchandise, gift cards and, in some instances, hotel rooms. Consumers who travel frequently can use their rewards credit card to rack up points toward future travels. The cards can typically be used at any merchant who accepts credit cards, with additional points being accrued when used at hotels.

While hotel rewards cards offer great benefits, consumers typically assume the rewards can only be utilized for future hotel stays. However, there typically are quite a few other benefits that cardholders receive with a hotel rewards credit card. In fact, here are three of the lesser known benefits that truly make hotel rewards worth using.

1. Not just for future stays

   The focus of hotel cards is definitely on hotel rewards. But did you realize that these rewards aren’t just for future stays?

   You can also utilize your perks to upgrade hotel rooms that you booked regularly through your credit card. Many hotels also have other perks that your card will get you, such as credits for the hotel restaurant or access to the special concierge floor.

   If you’re uncertain what perks your card will get you at your preferred hotel, all you have to do is ask. The attendants at the front desk should be able to fill you in on the details. If you have a hotel card that isn’t tied to a specific hotel, you may also want to check directly with your credit card program so you are well versed on the hotel benefits and to see if they differ with each hotel brand.

2. Fly friendly, too

   If you want to focus on airline mile rewards, then an airline credit card is probably best for you. But did you know that many hotel rewards cards enable you to use your rewards toward airline miles as well?

   Sometimes consumers can actually get a special offer when they utilize their hotel rewards card to book a flight. When booking through your rewards program, you may score a better deal than if you went directly through the airline’s website. You’ll want to research your options to see which is currently offering the better value to ensure you’re getting the biggest bang for your rewards.

3. Don’t pass up these other perks

   Hotel rewards cards typically include other fantastic travel benefits including special insurance and protections. This may include hotel theft insurance, trip cancellation protection and rental car insurance -- check with your credit card issuer.

   • Trip cancellation protection – if you have booked rooms, reserved a rental car and made other special arrangements, it can be expensive to cancel your trip at the last minute; this protection can help you decrease those costs through reimbursement.
     
   • Rental car insurance – if you have ever rented a car, you know that the rental car insurance can add hundreds onto the price of the rental. Many credit cards include rental car insurance as a perk, so you can use that extra money on something a little more fun.