These Are the Best Credit Cards for Scoring Savings on Hotels, According to Points Experts

Traveling and staying in hotels can quickly add up, but savvy travelers know how to leverage credit card rewards to offset these costs. Experts in the world of points and miles have weighed in on the best credit cards for scoring significant savings on hotel stays. Here’s a breakdown of their top picks and why they stand out.

Why Focus on Hotel Credit Cards?

While general travel credit cards offer flexibility, hotel credit cards often provide enhanced benefits specifically tailored to hotel stays. This can include bonus points on hotel purchases, automatic elite status, free night awards, and other perks that can significantly reduce your overall travel expenses. Experts emphasize that aligning your credit card strategy with your travel habits is crucial. If you frequently stay at a particular hotel chain, a co-branded card can be incredibly rewarding.

The Top Hotel Credit Cards, According to Points Experts

Here's a look at some of the best credit cards for saving on hotels, as recommended by leading points and miles experts. Note that annual fees and specific reward structures may vary, so it's important to compare options carefully to find the best fit for your individual needs.

Beyond Co-Branded Cards: General Travel Rewards

While co-branded hotel credit cards are excellent for brand loyalists, general travel cards can also offer significant value. These cards typically earn flexible points that can be redeemed for hotel stays through the card's travel portal or transferred to partner hotel loyalty programs. Some examples of highly rated general travel cards include:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
• American Express Platinum Card
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The advantage of general travel cards is their flexibility. You're not tied to a specific hotel chain, allowing you to choose the best option based on price, location, or personal preference. These cards also often offer travel protections and perks, such as trip delay insurance and rental car coverage.

Maximizing Your Hotel Savings

Experts recommend a multi-faceted approach to maximizing hotel savings with credit cards:

• Choose the Right Card: Carefully evaluate your travel habits and spending patterns to select a card that aligns with your needs.
• Take Advantage of Welcome Bonuses: New cardholders can often earn substantial bonus points after meeting a minimum spending requirement.
• Utilize Bonus Categories: Make sure to use your card for purchases in categories where you earn bonus points.
• Redeem Strategically: Understand the different redemption options and choose the one that offers the best value for your points.
• Consider Elite Status: If you frequently stay at a particular hotel chain, earning elite status can unlock valuable perks.

The Bottom Line

By strategically using the right credit cards, you can significantly reduce your hotel expenses and make your travel dreams a reality. Whether you prefer the benefits of a co-branded card or the flexibility of a general travel card, there's a credit card out there to help you save on your next hotel stay. Be sure to compare offers, read the fine print, and choose the card that best fits your individual needs and travel style. Don't forget to always pay your balance in full and on time to avoid interest charges and maintain a good credit score. These tips help you make the most of your rewards and truly save money on your travels.