Best Credit Cards for Hotel & Airline Rewards
In today’s world of travel, earning rewards through credit cards has become a game-changer for frequent travelers. Whether you’re chasing free flights, luxurious hotel stays, or elite status perks, the right rewards credit card can significantly enhance your travel experience. However, with so many options available, choosing the best card can be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll break down the top credit cards for hotel and airline rewards, their benefits, and how to select the one that aligns with your travel goals.
Why Choose a Travel Rewards Credit Card?
Travel rewards credit cards allow you to earn points or miles for everyday spending, which can later be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, upgrades, and other travel-related expenses. These cards often come with additional perks such as lounge access, travel insurance, and statement credits for global entry fees. By strategically using these cards, you can save thousands of dollars on travel while enjoying premium experiences.
Top Credit Cards for Airline Rewards
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Best For: Beginners and intermediate travelers
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Earning Rates:
- 2x points on travel and dining.
- 1x points on all other purchases.
- Redemption Value: Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Additional Perks:
- $50 annual hotel credit.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Primary car rental insurance.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is an excellent starter card for those new to travel rewards. Its flexible points system allows you to transfer points to partner airlines and hotels, making it versatile for various travel needs.
2. American Express® Gold Card
- Best For: Foodies and frequent flyers
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months.
- Earning Rates:
- 4x points at restaurants and supermarkets (up to $25,000 annually).
- 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.
- 1x points on all other purchases.
- Redemption Value: Transfer points to over 20 airline and hotel partners, including Delta, Hilton, and Marriott.
- Additional Perks:
- $120 annual dining credit.
- $100 annual airline fee credit.
- Access to Amex’s Global Dining Collection.
This card is ideal for travelers who love dining out and flying frequently. Its generous earning rates on dining and flights make it a standout option.
3. The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Best For: Luxury travelers
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months.
- Earning Rates:
- 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.
- 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel.
- 1x points on all other purchases.
- Redemption Value: Transfer points to over 20 airline and hotel partners.
- Additional Perks:
- Access to Centurion Lounges worldwide.
- Up to $200 in annual airline fee credits.
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement.
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status and Hilton Honors Gold status.
The Platinum Card is perfect for those seeking luxury travel perks, including airport lounge access, elite hotel status, and premium travel credits.
4. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- Best For: Frequent Delta flyers
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months.
- Earning Rates:
- 3x miles on Delta purchases.
- 1x miles on all other purchases.
- Redemption Value: Redeem miles for Delta flights with no blackout dates.
- Additional Perks:
- Companion Certificate each year.
- Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) toward Delta elite status.
- Free checked bag for you and up to 8 companions on Delta flights.
If you’re loyal to Delta, this card offers unmatched value with its companion certificate and elite status benefits.
Top Credit Cards for Hotel Rewards
1. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
- Best For: Marriott loyalists
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Earning Rates:
- 6x points at Marriott Bonvoy properties.
- 3x points on flights booked through Amex Travel.
- 2x points on other eligible purchases.
- Redemption Value: Redeem points for free nights at Marriott properties worldwide.
- Additional Perks:
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status.
- Annual free night award (up to 50,000 points).
- $300 annual Marriott property credit.
This card is a must-have for Marriott enthusiasts, offering valuable perks like free nights and elite status.
2. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
- Best For: Hilton loyalists
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Earning Rates:
- 14x points at Hilton properties.
- 7x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.
- 3x points on dining and grocery stores.
- 1x points on all other purchases.
- Redemption Value: Redeem points for free nights at Hilton properties worldwide.
- Additional Perks:
- Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status.
- Annual free weekend night reward.
- $250 annual Hilton resort credit.
The Aspire Card is ideal for Hilton fans, offering generous earning rates and automatic elite status.
3. World of Hyatt Credit Card
- Best For: Hyatt loyalists
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
- Earning Rates:
- 4x points at Hyatt properties.
- 2x points at restaurants, fitness clubs, and on airfare.
- 1x points on all other purchases.
- Redemption Value: Redeem points for free nights at Hyatt properties worldwide.
- Additional Perks:
- Complimentary Discoverist status.
- Annual free night award.
- $100 annual wellness credit.
This card is perfect for Hyatt enthusiasts, offering affordable luxury stays and wellness-focused benefits.
How to Choose the Right Card for You
When selecting a travel rewards credit card, consider the following factors:
1. Your Travel Preferences
- Are you loyal to a specific airline or hotel chain? If so, co-branded cards like the Delta SkyMiles Reserve or Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant may offer the most value.
- Do you prefer flexibility? General travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred provide more versatility.
2. Spending Habits
- Look for cards that reward your biggest spending categories, such as dining, groceries, or travel.
3. Annual Fees
- While premium cards like The Platinum Card offer incredible perks, their high annual fees may not be worth it if you don’t maximize the benefits.
4. Redemption Options
- Ensure the card’s rewards program aligns with your travel goals, whether it’s booking flights, hotel stays, or upgrading your travel experience.
Maximizing Your Rewards
To get the most out of your travel rewards credit card:
- Pay Your Balance in Full: Avoid interest charges by paying off your balance each month.
- Leverage Transfer Partners: Many cards allow you to transfer points to airline and hotel partners, often at favorable rates.
- Stack Benefits: Combine multiple cards to maximize earning potential and perks.
- Take Advantage of Promotions: Keep an eye out for limited-time offers that boost your earning power.
