Best Cards For Hotels In USA
Updated on Tue, 10 Feb 2026
Points can quietly deliver outsized value for U.S. hotel stays. All the co-branded cards on this list offer free night certificates, while the transferable cards offer luxury hotel credits. Choosing the right card can turn an expensive stay into a near-free one. Here are the cards that do it best.
Our Rankings
1 | World of Hyatt
Hyatt points is the king when it comes to U.S. hotel redemptions. World of Hyatt points are easy to earn with the World of Hyatt credit card, and you receive an annual free night certificate at a Category 1–4 property, with the opportunity to earn a second one after $15,000 in annual spend. Hyatt does not impose blackout dates, and if a standard room is available for cash, it can be booked with points, even during peak demand when cash prices are sky high. The points price will still follow the award chart in this scenario as well. The low annual fee is easily offset by the free night alone. Hyatt also has a strong domestic footprint across both budget and high-end brands, particularly in major cities, and you can top up points easily with transfers from Chase or Bilt.
Honorable Mentions
2 | Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a close second to the Hyatt card, and the biggest reason is its partnership with Hyatt. Only Chase and Bilt transfer to the most popular hotel points program, so any points you earn from the big signup bonus from this card can be transferred to Hyatt. There were plenty of things to complain about with the Sapphire refresh, but hotel value is not one of them. In addition to transferring to Hyatt, the Sapphire Reserve also has two, $250 annual credits to redeem at their collection of high end hotels dubbed The Edit. In addition to the credits (two night stay minimum required for each credit), you receive perks like free breakfast, a $100 property credit, and room upgrades, early check-in, and late checkout when available.
The Edit has grown into a legitimate U.S. luxury hotel tool. Stack your annual $300 travel credit with your Edit credits, and you could get a very luxurious hotel stay for minimal out of pocket costs.
3 | Amex Platinum
If luxury hotel stays in the U.S. are what you’re after, the Amex Platinum is the card you want. Its benefits are unmatched when it comes to luxury hotel programs through Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection. FHR is what Chase modeled The Edit after, but Amex’s collection is much larger and comes with guaranteed perks that put it clearly ahead. You receive two $300 credits annually for stays at a Fine Hotels + Resorts property or a two-night stay through The Hotel Collection, along with free breakfast, a $100 property credit, and guaranteed 4pm checkout. Early check-in and room upgrades are based on availability. Amex also partners with Hilton and Marriott, and while neither matches Hyatt’s redemption value, Amex points are useful for top-ups if you’re loyal to either brand. You also receive Hilton Gold status with the Platinum, which adds another layer of value for domestic stays.
4 | Hilton Honors Aspire
The Hilton Aspire is Hilton’s top card, and while it comes with a high annual fee, it can deliver significant value for U.S. hotel stays. Hilton’s footprint is massive, so you’ll almost always find a property wherever you’re traveling. An annual free night certificate helps offset the fee, and complimentary Diamond status unlocks premium perks like free breakfast, late checkout when available, executive lounge access, premium Wi-Fi, and room upgrades, including suites. You also receive a fifth night free on award stays. The card includes $400 in Hilton credits, issued as $200 twice per year, plus a $100 on-property credit at Waldorf Astoria and Conrad hotels. The standard signup bonus is strong, but due to Amex’s 1/7 Rule, waiting for an elevated offer often makes sense.
5 | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
Like Hilton, Marriott has a massive U.S. footprint, making it easy to find a property almost anywhere you travel. The Bonvoy Brilliant is Marriott’s top card and comes with an annual free night certificate worth up to 85,000 points, with the option to top it up using an additional 15,000 points. You’ll receive Platinum Elite status, which includes 4pm late checkout, enhanced room upgrades, lounge access where available, a welcome gift, and a 50% bonus on eligible Marriott spending. The card also offers a $100 property credit when staying at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis hotels. Since Marriott partners with Amex, Chase, and Bilt, topping up your points balance is also easy when needed.
Honorable Mentions
6 | Citi Strata Elite
The Citi Strata Elite has become a strong option for U.S. hotel bookings. The card comes with an annual $300 hotel credit that must be used through the Citi Travel portal on a booking of at least two nights. When you book a Reserve by Citi Travel property, you’ll also receive a $100 experience credit, daily breakfast for two, a room upgrade, complimentary Wi-Fi, and early check-in and late checkout when available. Citi’s transfer partnerships add another layer of value. Choice Hotels transfers at a favorable 1:2 ratio and includes upscale brands like Cambria, Ascend Collection, and Preferred Hotels properties bookable through Choice. Citi also transfers to Preferred Hotels & Resorts at a 1:4 ratio, where points can be redeemed at independent luxury hotels that often price well above traditional chain redemptions.
Honorable Mentions
7 | Bilt Palladium
The Bilt Palladium earns its spot on this list because of its partnership with Hyatt. Bilt is the only transferable points program outside of Chase that allows transfers to our favorite hotel program. The Palladium is the top card in the lineup and the only Bilt card that offers a traditional signup bonus. While the annual fee is high, it can be offset with two $200 hotel credits booked through the Bilt portal on stays of at least two nights. You can also stack up to $100 in Bilt Cash if you’ve earned it. Bilt is the only card that lets you earn points on housing payments, but maximizing that benefit requires putting a significant amount of non-housing spend on the card. This can be a very lucrative setup, but it’s best suited for those willing to consolidate most of their spending onto one card.
Honorable Mentions
8 | IHG One Rewards Premier
The IHG One Premier is easy to love as there are 17 different brands to choose from, making it easy to find a good stay almost anywhere. The signup bonus is strong, and the annual free night certificate more than offsets the $89 annual fee. Cardholders also get a fourth night free on award stays and a 10% points rebate on redemptions. Platinum Elite status comes with the card, offering priority check-in, late checkout when available, free internet, and room upgrades, though upgrades do not apply to award stays. For U.S. travel, brands like Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites, and Crowne Plaza stand out as especially useful options.
My Strategy Notes