Imagine staying in a luxurious hotel suite, enjoying incredible views, and indulging in five-star amenities — all without spending a dime. Sounds too good to be true? With the right credit card in your wallet, it is not just possible; it is easy. Many travel rewards credit cards offer a coveted perk that savvy travelers love: free hotel night awards. These annual rewards can help you stretch your travel budget further, allowing you to enjoy upscale stays for less.

Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a quick staycation, a hotel free night award can unlock incredible value. In this guide, we will explore the best credit cards that offer this benefit, highlighting what makes each card unique and how to make the most of this powerful travel hack. By the end, you will be ready to choose a card that fits your travel goals and start turning your points into unforgettable hotel experiences.

Let’s dive into the world of free night awards and discover the cards that can take your travels to the next level!

Before You Apply: Know Your Credit Score

If you are new to cash-back credit cards, travel rewards credit cards, and credit in general, it is a good idea to check your credit score before applying for a credit or charge card. That way, you will be able to apply for credit cards which align with both your credit score and your financial goals.

Credit. Time. Credit Score Chart.

Credit Scores are shown numerically and range from 300 (Poor) to 850 (Excellent / Perfect). While there are a number of credit agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and credit scores (FICO and VantageScore), generally, scores above 750 are considered excellent*. While some agencies charge for a credit report, there are a number of “free” options as well:

• Personal Bank
• Credit Karma
• Annual Credit Report

Related: Credit Scores 101: Everything You Need to Know

Credit Cards With A Hotel Free Night Award

Here is a quick overview of the best credit cards offering a hotel free night award as a benefit (Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott), which includes a summary of card details, reward rates, benefits, and more.

Hilton Honors (Hilton)

Credit. Hilton. Hilton Honors Loyalty Program.

The Hilton Honors loyalty program allows travelers to earn and redeem points at over 7,000 properties worldwide, offering members a range of benefits including flexible redemption options, elite status perks, and exclusive promotions.

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is a premium hotel credit card loaded with top-tier benefits. A true favorite among Hilton Honors loyalists. The card comes with Hilton Honors Diamond status, an annual Free Night Reward, $400 in Hilton resort credits, $200 in airline credits, and a solid earning rate at properties participating in the Hilton Honors program. In addition, card members receive cell phone protection, trip delay reimbursement, and trip cancelation and interruption insurance. Despite the high annual fee, the benefits easily outweigh the costs.

World of Hyatt (Hyatt)

Credit. Hyatt. World of Hyatt Loyalty Program.

The World of Hyatt loyalty program offers travelers the opportunity to earn and redeem points across a curated collection of over 1,500 properties globally, providing members with personalized service, unique experiences, and valuable rewards.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card is the only co-branded personal card from the World of Hyatt program. However, it is one of the top entry-level hotel cards on the market. Cardholders earn 4 bonus points per dollar on all Hyatt spend and receive a Free Night Award (Category 1-4) each anniversary. While the card does not have the “heavy-hitting” benefits of the more premium hotel cards, the perks and benefits far outweigh the modest $95 annual fee.

Credit Card Details

• Intro Offer: Earn up to 65,000 Bonus Points. Earn 35,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
• Annual Fee: $95
• APR: 19.99% – 28.49% Variable
• Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*

Reward Rates

• 4x World of Hyatt Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hyatt portfolio
• 2x World of Hyatt Bonus Points for each dollar of spend at Restaurants
• 2x World of Hyatt Bonus Points for each dollar of spend with Airlines
• 2x World of Hyatt Bonus Points for each dollar of spend on Transit and Commuting
• 2x World of Hyatt Bonus Points for each dollar of spend at Fitness Clubs and Gym Memberships
• 1x World of Hyatt Bonus Points for each dollar of spend on All Other purchases

Other Benefits

• Automatic World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open
• Get 1 Free Night Award (Category 1-4) each year after your cardmember anniversary
• Receive 5 elite tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
• Earn an extra Free Night Award (Category 1-4) if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
• Earn 2 elite tier qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card

IHG One Rewards (IHG)

Credit. IHG. IHG One Rewards Loyalty Program.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: 40k Free Night Award

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is the top-tier IHG co-branded credit card and a favorite of IHG loyalists. The card provides a strong earning rate on IHG (and non-IHG) purchases, a free anniversary night award, and a generous sign up bonus. Outside the earning rate, cardholders receive automatic Platinum Elite Status with IHG. In addition, the card also offers a unique 4th night free perk, which allows cardholders to pay zero points for every 4th night when redeeming points for award stays of four nights or longer.

Credit Card Details

• Intro Offer: Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Annual Fee: $99
• APR: 20.49% – 27.49% Variable
• Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*

Reward Rates

• 26x Points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
• 5x Points per $1 spent on Travel
• 5x Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations
• 5x Points per $1 spent at Restaurants
• 3x Points per $1 spent on All Other purchases

Other Benefits

• Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts (up to 40,000 points per night)
• Enjoy a 4th reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay
• Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
• $50 in United Airlines TravelBank Cash each year (disbursed as $25 around early January and $25 around early July)

The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is a powerful tool for entrepreneurs and frequent business travelers looking to maximize their hotel stays. Packed with benefits tailored to the IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio — which includes popular brands like InterContinental, Kimpton, and Holiday Inn — this card offers exceptional value. Its standout feature? An annual free night certificate that can be redeemed at thousands of IHG properties worldwide. Combine this with generous point-earning potential and travel perks, and this card becomes a must-have for business owners who love rewarding their work trips with luxurious stays.

Credit Card Details

• Intro Offer: Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Annual Fee: $99
• APR: 20.49% – 27.49% Variable
• Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*

Reward Rates

• 26x Points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
• 5x Points per $1 spent on Travel
• 5x Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations
• 5x Points per $1 spent at Restaurants
• 5x Points per $1 spent on select Advertising
• 3x Points per $1 spent on All Other purchases

Other Benefits

• Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts (up to 40,000 points per night)
• Enjoy a 4th reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay
• Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
• Ability to earn Diamond Elite status through the end of the next calendar year when making purchases totaling $40,000 or more with your card during a calendar year
• $50 in United Airlines TravelBank Cash each year (disbursed as $25 around early January and $25 around early July)

Marriott Bonvoy (Marriott)

Credit. Marriott. Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program.

The Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program offers travelers a versatile way to earn and redeem points across a vast network of over 8,000 hotels worldwide, providing members with exclusive benefits, personalized experiences, and opportunities to maximize their stays through elite status and special promotions.

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is the premium card offering from the Marriott Bonvoy® program and a favorite of Marriott Bonvoy® loyalists. Despite the high annual fee, the card provides multiple elite benefits, which include automatic Platinum Elite status, an annual free night certificate, a $25 monthly statement credit for restaurant purchases worldwide, and a solid earning rate at properties participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. The card also provides limited cell phone protection.

Credit Card Details

• Intro Offer: Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of card membership
• Annual Fee: $650
• APR: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
• Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*
• See Rates And Fees

Reward Rates

• 6x Marriott Bonvoy® points per $1 at Hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program
• 3x Marriott Bonvoy® points per $1 at Restaurants
• 3x Marriott Bonvoy® points per $1 on Airlines
• 2x Marriott Bonvoy® points per $1 on All Other purchases

Other Benefits

• Automatic Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite status each year of card membership
• Each calendar year of card membership you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status
• Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at Hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®  (up to 85,000 points per night)
• Up to $300 Brilliant Dining Credit ($25 per month credit)
• Up to $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit at participating The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® properties (2 night minimum stay required)
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
• Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select (access to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries)
• Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit

A hotel free night award is one of the most valuable perks a credit card can offer, allowing you to enjoy incredible stays at top-tier properties without breaking the bank. Whether you prefer a cozy boutique hotel, a luxurious resort, or a convenient airport property, the right card can make these experiences more accessible and affordable.

From business owners to leisure travelers, there is a card to suit every need. The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is perfect for entrepreneurs, while cards like the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and World of Hyatt Credit Card offer exceptional value for personal travel. With thoughtful planning and strategic redemptions, these cards can help you create unforgettable memories, all while saving money.

Ready to make your next getaway even better? Apply for a credit card with a hotel free night award today and take the first step toward unlocking more rewarding travel experiences.

Your dream hotel stay is just a few clicks away!

*Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company. 

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.