If you are a frequent traveler, having the right hotel credit card can transform your trips by unlocking free nights, elite perks, and substantial cashback opportunities. Many hotel and travel credit cards also work seamlessly with cashback apps like Fluz, allowing you to stack rewards and maximize savings. Here is a guide to some of the best hotel credit cards that deliver outstanding value for regular travelers.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Widely regarded as one of the best travel cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers 2x points on travel and dining, plus 5x points when booking through the Chase Travel portal. These points can be transferred at a 1:1 rate to hotel loyalty programs like World of Hyatt and Marriott Bonvoy, making them extremely flexible. Chase Sapphire also pairs well with Fluz, allowing you to earn rewards when purchasing discounted hotel gift cards and paying with your rewards card.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
For those who stay at Marriott properties frequently, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers tremendous value. Cardholders enjoy automatic Platinum Elite status, a free night award each year (valued up to 85,000 points), and up to $300 in dining statement credits annually. Marriott points can be earned on both direct bookings and when stacking cashback opportunities using apps like Fluz for gift card purchases.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is an excellent choice for travelers loyal to Hilton brands. It offers 12x points at Hilton hotels, complimentary Gold Status (with an upgrade to Diamond after $40,000 in annual spending), and 10 free Priority Pass airport lounge visits per year. Hilton points are especially valuable when combined with cashback earned through platforms like Rakuten and Fluz.
World of Hyatt Credit Card
Hyatt loyalists will find exceptional value in the World of Hyatt Credit Card, offering up to 9x points on Hyatt stays, a free night each year, and automatic Discoverist status. The card also rewards 2x points on dining, airfare, and gym memberships, making it practical even outside hotel stays. Pairing Hyatt bookings with cashback apps can help stretch rewards even further.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
While not hotel-specific, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a top pick for flexible travelers. It earns 2x miles on every purchase and miles can be redeemed for hotel bookings, flights, and travel expenses. Venture cardholders can maximize their value by using miles for hotel stays and combining them with cashback earned from discounted hotel gift cards on Fluz.
Tips for Maximizing Hotel Credit Card Rewards
- Combine credit card points with cashback apps. Purchase hotel gift cards on Fluz using your travel credit card to earn both cashback and points simultaneously.
- Use cards for bonus category spending. Many travel cards offer higher reward rates for dining, travel, and hotels—use them strategically.
- Monitor transfer bonuses. Occasionally, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, and Capital One miles offer transfer bonuses to hotel loyalty programs.
- Leverage elite status perks. Complimentary breakfast, late checkout, and room upgrades can significantly improve your travel experience.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right hotel credit card is not just about earning points—it is about maximizing the total value of every dollar spent. By strategically pairing top cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant, and Hilton Surpass with cashback platforms like Fluz and Rakuten, travelers can enjoy luxurious stays, free nights, and cash rewards all year long.
