Many hotel loyalty programs, including World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, offer cobranded credit cards. And even if you only stay with a particular hotel loyalty program a few times each year, you may still benefit from signing up for that program’s credit card. After all, some of the best hotel credit cards offer valuable benefits that far outweigh the fees.
An annual free night certificate is one of the best perks frequently offered by hotel credit cards. This anniversary night can often justify the card’s annual fee before you even consider any of the card’s other perks.
As such, I typically don’t hesitate to open a new hotel credit card that offers an annual award night. And I’ve never closed a credit card that provides one. After all, I always get more value from the annual free night and other perks than the annual fee I pay.
If you’re not set on a hotel credit card, consider a travel credit card, which offers more flexibility in earning and redemption. But as we look ahead to fall and holiday travel, now is a great time to add one or more of the best hotel credit cards to your wallet.
So, let’s review some of the best hotel credit cards that offer cardholders an annual free night.
Best hotel credit cards with an annual free night
The information for the Hilton Aspire has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: Battle of the mid-tier hotel cards: Which card outshines the others?
Comparing hotel credit cards that offer an annual free night
| Hotel credit card | Best for | Annual free night details | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| World of Hyatt Credit Card | Hyatt loyalists | One free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort every year after your cardmember anniversary
Earn one extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year |
$95 |
| The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card | Hilton loyalists | One free night reward with your new card and again every year after renewal
One additional free night reward after you make $30,000 in card purchases in a calendar year and another free night reward after $60,000 in purchases |
$550 |
| Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card | Marriott loyalists | One free night award every year after your account anniversary, valid for a one-night stay at a property with a redemption value of up to 35,000 points | $95 |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card | Marriott loyalists who want extra perks | One free night award every year after your card renewal month. You can use the free night award for one night (up to 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at a participating hotel | $650 (see rates and fees) |
| Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card | Business travelers who are Marriott loyalists | One free night award every year after your card account anniversary, valid for a one-night hotel stay with a redemption level of up to 35,000 points
Earn one additional free night award, valid for a one-night hotel stay with a redemption level of up to 35,000 points, after spending $60,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year |
$125 (see rates and fees) |
| IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card | IHG loyalists | One free night valid at IHG hotels with a point redemption level of 40,000 points or less after your account anniversary each year | $99 |
| IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card | Best for business travelers who are IHG loyalists | One free night valid at IHG hotels with a point redemption level of 40,000 points or less after your account anniversary each year | $99 |
Diving deeper into the best hotel credit cards with annual free night awards
Before deciding on any of these cards, you should understand their benefits and earning rates. The welcome offer valuations for the cards below are based on TPG’s August 2024 valuations.
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World of Hyatt Credit Card: Best for Hyatt loyalists
If you’re like many TPGers, you’re a big fan of the Hyatt chain of hotels. The World of Hyatt Credit Card is fantastic for anyone who stays with Hyatt at least a couple of times each year.
Welcome bonus: Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning 2 bonus points total per $1 spent in the first six months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 bonus point, on up to $15,000 spent.
Welcome offer value: Up to $1,020
Annual fee: $95
Rewards rate: Earn 4 points per dollar on purchases at Hyatt properties; 2 points per dollar on local transit and commuting, at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline and on fitness club and gym memberships; and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
Annual free night benefit: The World of Hyatt Credit Card offers a free night at a Category 1-4 hotel each year after your cardmember anniversary. You can also receive a second free night at a Category 1-4 hotel each year when you spend $15,000 on the card in a calendar year.
Why this benefit is valuable: Hyatt has an attractive list of Category 1-4 properties. You’ll find plenty of Hyatt Places and Hyatt Houses on the Category 1-4 list.
Still, higher-tier Hyatt brands are also available, including Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Centric, Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt and Andaz. There are even some solid Hyatt Category 1-4 properties in the U.S., as well as some properties that would be good for a family vacation.
Plus, you don’t pay resort fees at Hyatt when staying on a free night award. With an average nightly rate at a Hyatt property around $250, it should be easy to get at least $95 of value from your certificate.
Other card details:
To learn more, read our full review of the World of Hyatt Credit Card.
Apply here: World of Hyatt Credit Card
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Best for Hilton loyalists
Hilton fans will appreciate all of the benefits that the Hilton Amex Aspire card offers.
Welcome bonus: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.
Welcome offer value: $900
Annual fee: $550
Rewards rate: Earn 14 Hilton points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels or resorts in the Hilton portfolio; 7 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies and at U.S. restaurants; and 3 points per dollar on other eligible purchases.
Annual free night benefit: The Hilton Aspire Amex provides one free night award with your new card and every year after renewal. You can earn an additional night after spending $30,000 on purchases on your card in a calendar year, then another after spending $60,000 on your card in the same calendar year.
Why this benefit is valuable: The sky is the limit when redeeming Hilton free night award certificates. There is no category cap, so you can redeem your free night at some genuinely exceptional Hilton properties. However, there are several excluded properties, so check before planning your redemption.
Other card details:
- Hilton Diamond elite status for as long as your card is open
- Up to $400 Hilton Resort credit each year of card membership each calendar year (up to $200 bi-annually)
- Up to $200 annual airline fee credit for incidental charges charged by a qualifying airline of your choice to your card per calendar year (up to $50 each quarter)
- Call Hilton Honors to book a two-night minimum stay and receive up to $100 in credits for qualifying charges at participating Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts.
- No foreign transaction fees
Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.
Learn more: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card: Best for Marriott loyalists
With a reasonable annual fee, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card is a great choice for Marriott fans who can’t justify paying triple digits for a hotel card each year.
Welcome bonus: Earn three free night awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 in the first three months of account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees.
Welcome offer value: $1,275
Annual fee: $95
Rewards rate: Earn up to 17 Marriott Bonvoy® points per dollar spent at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3 points per dollar on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on gas stations, grocery stores and dining, and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.
Annual free night benefit: The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless offers one free night award every year after your account anniversary, valid for a one-night stay at a property with a redemption value of up to 35,000 points.
Why this benefit is valuable: Marriott’s portfolio contains many desirable 35,000-point-or-less hotels that qualify for this certificate. So, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a property that fits the bill, even if you’re traveling as a family. As such, getting at least $95 of value from your 35,000-point certificate should be easy.
Other card details:
- Marriott Silver elite status each account anniversary year as a cardholder
- Path to Gold elite status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year
- 15 elite night credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status each calendar year
- Earn one credit toward elite status for every $5,000 you spend
- No foreign transaction fees
To learn more, read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless.
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card: Best for Marriott loyalists who want extra perks
If you stay with Marriott Bonvoy multiple times a year, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant may be a good choice despite its high annual fee.
Welcome bonus: Earn 185,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. Offer ends Oct. 2.
Welcome offer value: $1,573
Annual fee: $650(see rates and fees)
Rewards rate: Earn 6 Marriott points per dollar at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; 3 points per dollar on dining at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines; and 2 points per dollar on other eligible purchases.
Annual free night benefit: The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant offers one free night award every year after your card renewal month. You can use the free night award for one night (up to 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at a participating hotel.
Why this benefit is valuable: TPG’s August 2024 valuations peg the value of 85,000 Marriott points at $723. Many excellent Marriott properties are bookable for 85,000 points or less.
Other card details:
Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.
To learn more, read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express.
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card: Best for business travelers who are Marriott loyalists
Even if you don’t own a traditional business, you may still qualify for a business hotel card like the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex.
Welcome bonus: Earn three free night awards after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. The redemption level is up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points each, for a total potential value of up to 150,000 points, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Resort fees may apply.
Welcome offer value: $1,275
Annual fee: $125
Rewards rate: Earn 6 Marriott points per dollar at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; 4 points per dollar on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping; and 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Annual free night benefit: The Marriott Bonvoy Business offers one free night award every year after your card renewal month. Plus, you can earn an additional free night award after spending $60,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year. You can use your free night award for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at a participating hotel.
Why this benefit is valuable: TPG’s August 2024 valuations peg the value of 35,000 Marriott points at $298. Some impressive Marriott properties costing 35,000 points or less per night qualify for this reward.
So, even if you’re taking your family along for the night, there are some great options. In short, getting at least $125 of value from your 35,000-point certificate should be easy.
Other card details:
- Marriott Gold elite status as long as you’re a cardmember
- 15 elite night credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status
- No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees)
Enrollment required for select benefits; terms apply.
To learn more, check out our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express.
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Best for IHG loyalists
IHG fans will appreciate the IHG One Premier’s reasonable annual fee and solid benefits.
Welcome bonus: Earn five free nights (each valued at up to 60,000 points) after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. This limited-time offer ends Sept. 4.
Welcome offer value: $1,500
Annual fee: $99
Rewards rate: Earn up to 26 points per dollar on purchases at IHG Hotels & Resorts worldwide; 5 points per dollar on travel, gas stations and restaurants; and 3 points per dollar on all other purchases.
Annual free night benefit: The IHG One Rewards Premier offers an anniversary night every year at one of IHG’s eligible properties worldwide. You’ll get this anniversary night on your account anniversary date each year and have 12 months to book and complete your stay. You can use this anniversary night at IHG Hotels with a current point redemption level of 40,000 points or less.
Why this benefit is valuable: Thanks to IHG’s dynamic pricing, you can book many IHG hotels using the IHG One Premier Card’s anniversary reward night. So, it’s worth checking whether you can use your anniversary night to snag some of IHG’s top hotels.
For example, I’ve booked the amazing InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort using two of the IHG Premier’s anniversary night certificates.
Other card details:
- Automatic IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a cardholder
- Global Entry, Nexus, or TSA PreCheck fee credit of up to $100 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
- Fourth night free when you redeem IHG points for any stay of three or more nights
- Up to $50 United Airlines TravelBank Cash each year (up to $25 biannually)
To learn more, check out our full review of the IHG One Rewards Premier.
Apply here: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: Best for business travelers who are IHG loyalists
If you’re a business owner and an IHG fan, the IHG One Rewards Premier Business card is a reasonably-priced option for you to consider.
Welcome bonus: Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Welcome offer value: $700
Annual fee: $99
Rewards rate: Earn up to 26 points per dollar on purchases at IHG Hotels & Resorts worldwide; 5 points per dollar on travel, gas stations, restaurants, social media, search engine advertising and office supply stores; and 3 points per dollar on all other purchases.
Annual free night benefit: The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card offers an anniversary night every year at one of IHG’s eligible properties worldwide. You will receive the award on your card’s anniversary date each year and have 12 months to use your complimentary reservation. The award is valid for hotels with a redemption level of 40,000 points or less.
Why this benefit is valuable: Having the IHG One Premier Business card can help you snag some of the best IHG hotels in the world for a fraction of the cost. Some of the highest-priced IHG properties, such as the InterContinental New York Barclays, can be priced as low as 40,000 points per night.
Other card details:
- Automatic IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a cardholder
- Global Entry, Nexus, or TSA PreCheck fee credit of up to $100 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
- Fourth night free when you redeem IHG points for any stay of three or more nights
- Up to $50 United Airlines TravelBank Cash each year (up to $25 biannually)
To learn more, check out our full review of the IHG One Rewards Premier Business card.
Apply here: IHG One Rewards Business Premier Credit Card
How we chose the best hotel credit cards that offer an annual free night
We considered various factors when selecting the best hotel credit cards that provide an annual free night. Most importantly, we only included cards offering a free night (or enough points for a free night) to all cardholders at least once a year.
As such, we excluded any cards, such as the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, that only provide an annual free night if the cardholder meets specific spending thresholds.
For cards that offer an annual free night (or enough points to cash in for a free night), we also considered whether cardholders can obtain an additional free night after reaching a spending threshold, other valuable card benefits like elite status and high bonus categories and the annual fee.
How hotel credit card free nights are awarded
Each hotel card featured in this guide offers at least one free night every year, either when your statement closes following the anniversary of your account opening or when you pay the annual fee.
The free night will typically appear as an award or perk in your account. However, some programs, such as Hilton, provide a certificate number you must call to use.
Hotel loyalty programs often restrict free-night certificates to the lower half of the program’s reward categories, but exceptions exist. And you typically have only one year to use each certificate.
How to maximize credit card annual free nights
You could use your free night award by itself for a one-night stay. Or, you could tack it onto a more extended stay booked with points or cash. You could even book multiple nights using free night awards if you have multiple yourself or are traveling with others who also have free night awards. However, if you book consecutive reservations, it’s best to let the hotel know so you can remain in the same room.
It typically makes sense to redeem awards for the highest category possible and compare the cash rate to the certificate’s value. However, don’t focus on maximizing a free night award so much that it goes to waste. Remember to redeem and stay before its expiration date if your card’s certificate has one.
Typically, you don’t need to pay taxes when redeeming a free night. Plus, Hyatt and Hilton typically waive resort fees on award nights.
But you may still need to pay fees on award nights. In particular, if you’re traveling to a destination like French Polynesia or the Maldives, you’ll almost always still need to pay expensive transfer fees to get from the airport to the property, which is often on another island.
Bottom line
Although some of the best hotel credit cards only provide an annual free night starting on your first cardmember anniversary, some offer the first annual free night shortly after you become a cardmember.
Plus, all of these cards provide elite perks and valuable welcome bonuses to eligible new cardholders. Adding one or more of these cards to your wallet now could be just what you need for your next trip.
Related: How to choose a hotel credit card
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex, click here.
