Imagine stepping into a luxury hotel lobby, greeted by name, offered complimentary upgrades, and treated to exclusive amenities— all without spending an extra dime. This is not just a fantasy reserved for elite travelers; it is a reality you can achieve with the right credit card in your wallet. Many top-tier credit cards offer automatic hotel status, granting you access to VIP perks like free breakfast, early check-in, late checkouts, and room upgrades. Whether you are a frequent traveler or planning a special getaway, these cards can elevate your hotel experience to a whole new 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

The Best Credit Cards For Hotel Status

Here is a quick overview of the best credit cards for hotel status (Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott), which includes a summary of card details, hotel status granted, 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.

Credit. American Express. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.

Credit Card Details

• Intro Offer: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of card membership
• Annual Fee: $550
• APR: 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
• Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*
• See Rates And Fees

Reward Rates

• 14x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio
• 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of purchases on your card at U.S. Restaurants
• 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of purchases on your card with Airlines
• 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of purchases on your card with Car Rentals
• 3x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar on All Other purchases

Other Benefits

• Automatic Hilton Honors™ Diamond status as long as you remain an Aspire cardmember
• Receive a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors on your cardmember anniversary
• Earn a second Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $30,000 on eligible purchases on your card in a calendar year
• Earn a third Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $60,000 on eligible purchases on your card in a calendar year
• Up to $400 in Hilton Resort Credits during each calendar year ($200 semi-annually)
• Up to $200 in Airline Fee Credits during each calendar year ($50 quarterly)
• Up to $100 in Hilton On-Property Credits at Waldorf Astoria or Conrad properties (2-night minimum stay)
• Up to $199 in Clear Plus Membership statement credits
• Enjoy complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status. Enrollment in the complimentary Emerald Club® program is required (Terms Apply)

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card – Gold Elite Status

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card stands out in the crowded “mid-tier” category of co-branded hotel credit cards due the elite benefits, which more than justify the $150 annual fee. The card provides a solid earning rate at Hilton properties, automatic Hilton Honors Gold status (which includes complimentary breakfast, increased earning rates at Hilton properties, and space available upgrades), and rental car elite status. In addition, cardholders earn up to $200 back annually on eligible Hilton purchases (up to $50 in statement credits each quarter).

Credit. The Points Guy. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.

Credit Card Details

• Intro Offer: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of card membership
• Annual Fee: $150
• APR: 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
• Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*
• See Rates And Fees

Reward Rates

• 12x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio
• 6x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of purchases on your card at U.S. Restaurants
• 6x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of purchases on your card at U.S. Super Markets
• 6x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of purchases on your card at U.S. Gas Stations
• 4x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail purchases
• 3x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar on All Other purchases

Other Benefits

• Automatic Hilton Honors™ Gold status as long as you remain a Surpass cardmember
• Get up to $200 back each year on eligible Hilton purchases after you use your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
• Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year
• Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
• Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status through the end of the next calendar year
• Enjoy complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status. Enrollment in the complimentary Emerald Club® program is required (Terms Apply)

The Hilton Honors American Express Card is the entry level co-branded credit card from Hilton. The card provides a solid earning rate at Hilton properties and automatic Silver status, all without charging an annual fee. In addition, card members can rest easy while traveling, as the card offers basic travel and purchase protections. This card is a solid option for new cardmembers loyal to Hilton.

Credit. The Points Guy. Hilton Honors American Express Card.

Credit Card Details

• Intro Offer: Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of card membership
• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
• Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*
• See Rates And Fees

Reward Rates

• 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio
• 5x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of purchases on your card at U.S. Restaurants
• 5x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of purchases on your card at U.S. Super Markets
• 5x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of purchases on your card at U.S. Gas Stations
• 3x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar on All Other purchases

Other Benefits

• Automatic Hilton Honors™ Silver status as long as you remain a cardmember
• Spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors™ Gold Status through the end of the next calendar year

The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the most popular and valuable premium travel rewards cards. Despite the high annual fee of $695, the Platinum Card® from American Express offers incredible overall value through various benefits including: Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite status, Hilton Honors Gold Elite status, airport lounge access, extensive credits up to $1,500 (i.e. hotel, airline, and others), and a high earning opportunity on flight purchases. In addition, cardholders, can redeem American Express Membership Rewards points through the American Express Travel portal or transfer the points to one of the many American Express transfer partners.

Credit. The Points Guy. The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Card Details

• Intro Offer: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Annual Fee: $695
• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*
• See Rates And Fees

Reward Rates

• 5x on Flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on purchases per calendar year)
• 5x on Prepaid Hotels booked with American Express Travel
• 1x on All Other Purchases

Other Benefits

• Up to $200 Hotel credit (prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel) – requires a minimum two night stay
• Up to $240 Digital Entertainment credit ($20 per month on Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, SiriusXM (ending May 8th, 2024), and The Wall Street Journal)
• Up to $155 Walmart+ credit ($12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership) – Plus up benefits are not eligible
• Up to $200 Airline Fee credit (select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees)
• Up to $200 Uber Cash
  • You must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible American Express Platinum Card must be a method of payment in your Uber account. The Amex benefit may only be used in United States.
• Up to $300 Equinox credit (on an Equinox membership or an Equinox club membership)
• Up to $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit
• Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit
• Up to $100 Saks Firth Avenue credit
• Complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott
• Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Airspace lounges, Escape lounges, Plaza Premium lounges and Delta Sky Clubs

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. The Points Guy. World of Hyatt Credit Card.

Credit Card Details

• Intro Offer: Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 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: 21.49% – 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 – Platinum Elite Status

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. The Points Guy. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card.

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: 21.49% – 28.49% 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 $100 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card

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. The Points Guy. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.

Credit Card Details

• Intro Offer: Earn 185,000 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: 20.99% – 29.99% 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 $100 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

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card is a mid-tier card offering from the Marriott Bonvoy® program. The card comes with a solid set of benefits, which include automatic Gold Elite status, a 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy® point bonus per paid eligible stay, and a solid earning rate at properties participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. However, the card does not offer a complimentary free night certificate, but merely an opportunity to earn one via spend.

Credit. The Points Guy. Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card.

Credit Card Details

• Intro Offer: Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of card membership
• Annual Fee: $250
• APR: 20.99% – 29.99% 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
• 4x Marriott Bonvoy® points per $1 at Restaurants*
• 4x Marriott Bonvoy® points per $1 at United States Supermarkets*
• 2x Marriott Bonvoy® points per $1 on All Other purchases

* Up to $15,000 in combined purchases at Restaurants and United States Supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points

Other Benefits

• Automatic Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite status each year of card membership
• Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases (up to 50,000 points per night)
• Each calendar year of card membership you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status
• Plan It® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee

The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the most popular and valuable premium travel rewards cards. Despite the high annual fee of $695, the Platinum Card® from American Express offers incredible overall value through various benefits including: Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite status, Hilton Honors Gold Elite status, airport lounge access, extensive credits up to $1,500 (i.e. hotel, airline, and others), and a high earning opportunity on flight purchases. In addition, cardholders, can redeem American Express Membership Rewards points through the American Express Travel portal or transfer the points to one of the many American Express transfer partners.

Credit. The Points Guy. The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Card Details

• Intro Offer: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Annual Fee: $695
• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*
• See Rates And Fees

Reward Rates

• 5x on Flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on purchases per calendar year)
• 5x on Prepaid Hotels booked with American Express Travel
• 1x on All Other Purchases

Other Benefits

• Up to $200 Hotel credit (prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel) – requires a minimum two night stay
• Up to $240 Digital Entertainment credit ($20 per month on Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, SiriusXM (ending May 8th, 2024), and The Wall Street Journal)
• Up to $155 Walmart+ credit ($12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership) – Plus up benefits are not eligible
• Up to $200 Airline Fee credit (select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees)
• Up to $200 Uber Cash
  • You must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible American Express Platinum Card must be a method of payment in your Uber account. The Amex benefit may only be used in United States.
• Up to $300 Equinox credit (on an Equinox membership or an Equinox club membership)
• Up to $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit
• Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit
• Up to $100 Saks Firth Avenue credit
• Complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott
• Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Airspace lounges, Escape lounges, Plaza Premium lounges and Delta Sky Clubs

Elevating your hotel experience does not have to be reserved for those with extensive travel budgets or elite frequent flyer status. With the right credit card, you can unlock a world of perks and privileges that make every stay feel special, whether you are on a business trip or a vacation. From complimentary upgrades and free breakfasts to late checkouts and priority service, these benefits can transform an ordinary stay into an extraordinary one. By choosing a card that offers automatic hotel status, you are not just signing up for a credit card — you are opening the door to a more luxurious and rewarding travel experience.

*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.