Returning home with a suitcase full of souvenirs can be one of the highlights of a trip. You might travel specifically to buy clothes, such as some folks who head to Hoi An, Vietnam, which is known for its tailor-made clothing. Or you might come from Japan with a case of Kit Kats in bold flavors like red bean and Japanese sweet potato, plus other unique gifts for the folks back home.
Some travelers might have to limit the momentos they buy because of financial constraints. But others are bound simply by what fits in the suitcase for the flight home.
With these three packing tips, you’ll not just avoid overpacking, but you’ll make room for souvenirs, too.
1. Don’t pack items you’d want a souvenir version of
You may have seen the somewhat cliche lists of things you likely never need to pack, like toiletries, towels or hair dryers (most hotels provide these things for you). But what about the items you do need — the ones that are perfectly logical to pack, like shirts, sunglasses and hats?
If you’re the kind of person who’s likely to buy souvenir versions of these items, then rethink how many of them you bring with you to begin with. If you pack one or two fewer shirts, for example, you can buy a couple at your destination, wear them while traveling, and bring them home as souvenirs.
2. Rent clothes upon arrival
A new service has popped up in the travel industry, offering to deliver personally styled rental clothes to your hotel. Travelers wear these temporary duds throughout the trip and leave them behind at the hotel upon checkout.
Trvl Porter lets you pick items to rent at $65 each (with a two-item minimum) for up to two weeks and takes care of the shipping costs both ways.
Some major hotel and airline companies are getting in on the trend too.
In July 2023, Japan Airlines launched its “Any Wear, Anywhere” clothing-sharing service. Customers go online and input criteria like size, style and how many items they want (the minimum is three tops plus two bottoms per rental), which generates a bundle of clothes for them to rent.
And it’s not too expensive either. The lowest-priced bundle costs 4,000 yen (about $27). For now, though, the service is only available to passengers on international, JAL-operated flights and is just a trial project, scheduled to end in August 2024, according to Japan Airlines.
Meanwhile, W Hotels Worldwide, a Marriott brand, has a partnership with Rent the Runway where clothing orders are delivered to travelers at the hotel (and returned to the hotel’s front desk at checkout). This service lets customers pick any four items from a selection of Rent the Runway clothing for $69. Separately, Rent the Runway also offers one-time rentals that might be ideal if you’re looking for something you’d wear only once during the trip (like a suit or formal gown), which would allow you to pack less.
3. Pack old clothes you want to part with
Bring apparel that you were about to donate or throw away anyway. Make your vacation the last time you wear it — and then leave anything too tattered to wear again in the trash. For clothes that are otherwise in good condition (perhaps you’re ready to part with them because you want a closet refresh), look for local thrift stores to drop off donations. Local places of worship might also take quality second-hand clothing donations.
Why you should avoid overpacking
A heavy suitcase can be cumbersome to lug around, particularly if you’re trying to roll it over cobblestone streets in Europe or sprint with it to catch a departing train.
Bringing more than what fits in carry-on means you’ll likely pay airline checked bag fees (though that’s avoidable with certain levels of airline elite status or by holding certain airline credit cards).
If you do check bags, you’ll spend precious vacation time waiting at the baggage carousel. And there’s still the risk that your stuff will get lost. Even protections like lost luggage insurance, which can refund the cost of what went missing, can feel like a poor consolation prize if you lose irreplaceable items like a camera (and the memory card or film inside), or tough-to-get items like the Japanese Kit Kats you flew across the ocean to collect.
By returning with very few of the same items you departed home with, you’ll not only leave plenty of room for souvenirs, but you also might be able to make it all the way home with carry-on bags only.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
If you haven’t heard about Choice Hotels’ recent acquisition of Radisson Hotels Americas, here’s a key detail: It has opened some new points redemption possibilities.
Radisson has some incredible properties within the Americas, and the acquisition has made it much easier to redeem points for stays. This is the biggest reason I booked the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago for my recent stay in the Windy City.
As a five-star property, it’s fairly costly. However, it was such a great deal on points that it made no sense to book anywhere else. Happily, the hotel turned out to be as nice as it appeared online. Let’s talk about it in this review.
Booking
I’ve made such a big fuss about the booking that I feel compelled to lead with this because — and I don’t say this lightly — this is the absolute biggest steal in Chicago.
However, rooms cost just 50,000 Radisson points per night. Thanks to the Choice acquisition of Radisson, Choice points convert to Radisson at a 1:2 ratio, which means 1 Choice Privileges point becomes 2 Radisson points.
I stayed for two nights at the Radisson, which came out to 25,000 Citi points for the stay. The cash cost for the hotel would have been $1,008.98, which means I redeemed those points for 4.04 cents each. This is far above NerdWallet’s valuation of most hotel points.
More than this, however, I also managed to spend just 25,000 points for a two-night stay in central Chicago. This beats the rates you’ll find with other hotel chains, including Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott.
Location
The Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago has an excellent location for tourists. After I arrived, there wasn’t a single instance in which I needed to use a car or other form of transit. The hotel is close to Navy Pier, Millennium Park, the Riverwalk promenade and tons of other tourist hot spots.
Accommodations
I have no elite status with Radisson, which meant I expected nothing in the way of benefits. Imagine my surprise, then, when I found out that my award booking had been upgraded to the top-tier Executive Queen room with a balcony. I have no idea why, but I’m not complaining.
The room was spacious, and because I was staying with a friend, we opted for separate beds. The room also had a desk with a chair.
We were on the top floor, which presented an interesting problem with the balcony. Namely, it was great to peer at through the window, but its wavy design and the whipping wind made it a little too terrifying to actually go outside.
There was a large television on one wall; the TV worked well for Netflix but errored out for an hour straight when we tried to use other streaming apps.
There was also a sizable closet, which included an ironing board, a hair dryer and a safe.
The room felt freshly renovated, which was especially nice in the bathroom.
I also appreciated the wide range of toiletries available.
However, if I have to lodge a single complaint, it’s this: The room had no carpeting, which meant every sound echoed.
That isn’t normally an issue for me, but it certainly was for my friend when I arrived at 1 a.m. and attempted to tiptoe across the vast, cavernous space.
Food and beverage
Because I received no elite benefits, such as free breakfast, I avoided the restaurant option in the hotel. The only choice available, the FireLake Grill House and Cocktail Bar, appeared to be popular for a sit-down breakfast, lunch or dinner, as well as drinks. The restaurant is on the ground floor and is open the following hours:
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday to Monday.
8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.
Amenities
The Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago is a city hotel but still has amenities like massages, a fitness center and pools.
Pool
I’m not sure how many folks are using these amenities because the majority of the guests seemed to be tourists or business travelers, but there are two pools available at the hotel. Both are lap pools, though the outdoor one is seasonal.
Gym
The hotel also has a gym with plenty of cardio equipment, including treadmills, stair climbers and ellipticals. It even features an indoor basketball court.
Spa
There isn’t an official spa available at the hotel, but the Radisson has partnered with a local massage company to organize massages in your room.
The pricing is a little steep, but it was nice to know the option was there.
How to get to the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago
Chicago has two airports within its city limits: O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). It’s simple to fly into these airports because they’re well connected throughout the United States.
If you’re looking to redeem points, ORD is a hub for United Airlines, so you’ll be able to find plenty of daily flights no matter where you’re located. MDW is a hub for Southwest, so if you’re interested in bringing a bag, it might be a better bet because all passengers get two checked bags for free on Southwest.
I flew into ORD late at night, and rather than deal with a train or even Uber, I opted for a taxi right out of the baggage claim area. It cost me $50 but was worth it for the convenience.
Because it was so late, the 18-mile journey took only about 25 minutes. If you travel during the day, expect to find traffic, especially during rush hour.
If you’re looking to stay at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago
I greatly enjoyed my stay at the Radisson Blu Chicago, mainly because it’s a nice hotel with a great location.
However, even if it were only middling at best, I’d still come back. There’s simply no other reason to stay elsewhere when I can pay 12,500 points per night for a five-star hotel in the city center.
The information related to Citi Prestige® Cardhas been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.
(Top photo by Carissa Rawson)
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
Aer Lingus is the flag carrier of Ireland. The airline goes back to 1936 when the carrier was called Aer Lingus Teoranta.
When you participate in the AerClub, the loyalty program of Aer Lingus, you earn Avios that are redeemable for award flights on Aer Lingus, as well as its partners British Airways and Iberia. You can even transfer Avios between these programs for free.
Here’s your guide to Aer Lingus and its frequent-flyer program.
About Aer Lingus
Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, Aer Lingus flies to nearly 100 destinations in 23 countries, including the United States.
Combined with its partners, you’ll be able to fly to about 150 destinations. The airline operates under three brands: Aer Lingus, Aer Lingus UK and Aer Lingus Regional.
Aer Lingus operates direct flights from Dublin and Shannon airports, as well as from Manchester, England, to the following U.S. cities.
From Dublin
Cleveland.
Hartford, Connecticut.
Los Angeles.
Newark, New Jersey.
Orlando, Florida.
Philadelphia.
San Francisco.
Washington.
From Shannon
From Manchester
Aer Lingus fare classes
When booking transatlantic Aer Lingus flights, you’ll have a choice of several fare classes: Saver, Smart, Flex, Business and Business Flex. The higher the fare you purchase, the more extras will be included.
Each fare type includes the following items:
Saver
Carry-on bag (22 pounds/10 kilograms).
Small personal carry-on item.
Complimentary meal.
Smart
No change fees.
Checked bag (one 50 pounds/23 kilograms bag in economy or three 50 pounds/23 kilograms bags in business class).
Advance seat selection.
Eligible for a credit voucher.
Flex
Eligible for a cash refund (minus the fees).
Business
Dedicated check-in line.
Airport lounge access.
Lie-flat seats.
Complimentary Wi-Fi (on Airbus A330 and Airbus A321neo Aer Lingus aircraft).
Luxury dining.
Standby for earlier flight.
Fast Track through security at Dublin Airport.
Refundable fare (minus 15% and fees).
Business Flex
Fully refundable fare.
Aer Lingus business class aircraft
Aer Lingus operates three types of planes on its transatlantic routes: Airbus A330-200, Airbus A330-300 and Airbus A321neo LR.
Aer Lingus A321neo business class
Just 16 lie-flat beds are available in business class on the Aer Lingus Airbus A321neo plane. The seats are arranged in 2-2 and 1-1 configurations in a single-aisle cabin.
Aer Lingus A330-200 business class
Aer Lingus doesn’t operate a ton of routes with an Airbus A330-200, but it’s still possible you might fly this aircraft between Ireland and the United States, especially on routes from Dublin to either Los Angeles or San Francisco.
This business-class cabin features 23 seats arranged in a 1-2-2 or 1-2-1 configuration. The seats are 22 inches wide and provide 58 inches of pitch.
Aer Lingus A330-300 business class
The largest aircraft in the fleet, Airbus A330-300 more commonly operates Aer Lingus flights to and from the United States. The seats are the same size as its A330-200 counterpart, but because it’s larger, you’ll find 30 lie-flat seats arranged in a 1-2-1 or 1-2-2 configuration.
How to earn Aer Lingus Avios
Aer Lingus AerClub members earn Avios, the same currency shared by British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, Vueling Club and Qatar Airways Privilege Club.
Earn by flying
You can earn AerClub Avios by flying Aer Lingus and its partners, such as British Airways and United Airlines.
On Aer Lingus flights, the number of Avios you’ll earn is based on how much you spend on the ticket and the currency you used to pay for the flight:
3 Avios per 1 euro.
4 Avios per 1 British pound.
3 Avios per U.S. dollar.
2 Avios per Canadian dollar.
If you fly British Airways or United, you’ll earn Avios based on the purchased fare class and the percentage of the distance flown.
Earn by spending on credit cards
Chase issues the Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card. It earns 3 Avios per dollar spent on Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia and LEVEL; 2 Avios per dollar spent on hotel accommodations purchased directly from hotels; and 1 Avios per dollar spent on all other purchases.
The current sign-up bonus is: Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Earn by transferring points
AerClub is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Points transfer at a ratio of 1:1 in both cases.
If you have Marriott Bonvoy points, you can transfer them to AerClub at a ratio of 3:1, with a bonus of 5,000 Avios for every 60,000 Marriott points converted at once.
Transfer Avios from partners
Use avios.com to transfer Avios from either British Airlines or Iberia to Aer Lingus. If you need to transfer Avios from Qatar, use British Airways as an intermediary first and then follow the next step to transfer them to Aer Lingus.
What are Aer Lingus Avios worth?
NerdWallet values British Airways Avios to be worth 0.8 cent each. Because Avios can be transferred from British Airways to Aer Lingus, we’ll say that they’re worth the same. Keep this in mind and use it as a target value when redeeming AerClub Avios for flights.
How to redeem Aer Lingus Avios for maximum value
You can redeem Aer Lingus Avios for awards on Aer Lingus, British Airways and Iberia only, so you don’t have many options to maximize the value. However, you still can get a decent deal redeeming Avios for award flights.
To redeem AerClub Avios, you have to log in on avios.com with your Aer Lingus credentials. The redemption rates depend on the distance you fly, the season and the class of service.
U.S. East Coast to Ireland on off-peak dates
One of the best Avios redemptions through Aer Lingus is for award flights between the East Coast of the United States and Ireland during off-peak season. The one-way mileage rate is just 13,000 Avios in economy class and 50,000 Avios in business class. You’ll pay $116 to $138 in taxes, but it’s still a great deal.
Ireland routes in the East Coast travel zone include:
Cleveland.
Minneapolis.
Philadelphia.
Washington.
U.S. East Coast to Europe on off-peak dates
If Ireland isn’t your destination, you can connect to other European cities that Aer Lingus flies to for an additional 4,000 Avios. So, you’ll redeem 17,000 Avios for an Aer Lingus economy flight anywhere in Europe on off-peak dates.
U.S. West Coast to Ireland on off-peak dates
West Coast residents can take advantage of some great redemption rates on routes to and from Ireland. A one-way economy flight is going to cost you 16,250 Avios, and a business class flight will cost 62,500 Avios.
Ireland routes in the West Coast travel zone include:
Los Angeles.
San Francisco.
Aer Lingus AerClub, the elite status program
Status levels and benefits
Launched in 2016, AerClub is quite a newcomer to the airline loyalty program scene. It has four membership levels: Green, Silver, Platinum and Concierge. If you sign up for the AerClub program, you automatically become a Green member, so technically there are three elite tiers.
Depending on your elite level, benefits include priority check-in and boarding, lounge access, complimentary bags, complimentary upgrades, free Wi-Fi and waived change fees.
How to earn Aer Lingus elite status
Achieving elite status in the AerClub program requires earning Tier Credits, which are awarded based on your route and fare type. The more Tier Credits you earn within a qualification period, the more you progress in the elite levels. Keep in mind that only Aer Lingus ticketed and operated flights earn Tier Credits.
The qualification period is based on when you join AerClub, so make sure to remember the date you signed up as a member. The Tier Credits reset to zero annually on your anniversary date.
European flights earn a different number of Tier Credits than transatlantic flights ticketed and operated by Aer Lingus.
Here’s how many Tier Credits you’ll earn on flights within Europe:
And here’s how many Tier Credits you’ll earn on transatlantic flights:
Keep in mind that the earning rates will change for travel after Oct. 1, 2023.
Aer Lingus AerClub recapped
As a relatively new airline loyalty program, AerClub still has a long way to go. Members can redeem Aer Lingus Avios for award flights on Aer Lingus or its partners. The option to transfer Avios to British Airways, Iberia and Qatar also greatly expands their use.
(Top photo courtesy of Aer Lingus)
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
Although best known for being one of the largest airlines in the world, American Airlines also boasts one of the oldest airline mileage programs ever created.
The AAdvantage program has changed significantly since being launched in 1981. However, it remains one of the most rewarding mileage programs around.
Curious about the best way to use your AA miles? Let’s first recap how the American Airlines mileage program works and then highlight some of the best uses of AA miles.
Basics of American Airlines AAdvantage miles
American Airlines stands out from its competition in still publishing some sort of award mileage chart.
For award flights on American Airlines, the airline now only lists a starting price with no upper bound on just how high the award price could go.
However, American Airlines publishes a fixed award chart for award flights on partners. Award rates vary based on the region you’re departing from, the region you’re flying to, the class of service you’re booking and sometimes even the partner you’re flying on.
Flight distance doesn’t play a factor in award pricing.
Unlike Delta SkyMiles and — to a lesser extent — United MileagePlus, American Airlines awards aren’t as closely tied to the cash price of a flight. That means you can still find outsized value on American Airlines flights.
However, due to its predictable pricing, partner award flights are generally the best use of American Airlines miles. Let’s take a look at some of the best uses of your AA miles.
Best American Airlines Sweet Spots
1. Domestic American Airlines awards from 6,000 miles
The American Airlines award chart now shows one-way domestic awards starting at 7,500 miles in economy or 15,000 miles in business class. However, in practice, American Airlines still prices domestic economy awards as cheap as 6,000 miles each way.
And these bargain-basement rates aren’t just limited to short flights. For example, you can fly from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, across the country to Burbank, California for just 6,000 miles.
If you booked the same flight using cash, you’d need to pay $295 for a standard economy flight — the most comparable cash fare to award tickets. That means you’re getting almost 5 cents per mile from this mileage redemption. That’s more than three times NerdWallet’s valuation of 1.5 cents per AAdvantage mile.
2. American Airlines awards to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America
American Airlines awards to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America now start at just 10,000 AAdvantage miles each way in economy or 20,000 miles in business class. That’s an excellent price for flights that can cost hundreds of dollars.
These award rates aren’t available during peak travel times. However, travelers with a flexible travel schedule may find pretty widespread pricing at this rate.
3. Off-peak and low-season awards to Europe
American Airlines no longer publishes an off-peak award chart for its own flights. However, you can still book off-peak awards to Europe on partners for 22,500 miles each way.
Even better, you can currently book awards on American Airlines between the U.S. and Europe for 42,000 miles round-trip. Note that you’ll need to book a round-trip to get this rate. American Airlines charges 25,000 miles each way if you book two one-way flights.
4. Award flights to Morocco — or beyond into Europe
If you used American Airlines’ award chart as a reference, you might fail a geography test. That’s because American Airlines treats Morocco as a part of Europe. That’s a good thing for travelers as it means you can fly to Morocco for as few as 22,500 miles in economy or 57,500 miles in business class.
Comparatively, awards to Africa cost 40,000 miles in economy or 75,000 miles in business class. Unfortunately, that’s the price you’ll get stuck paying if you connect onward from Casablanca into other parts of Africa — even on a short onward flight to Tunis, Tunisia.
Treating Morocco as part of Europe means that you can also connect through Casablanca on the way to “other” European destinations for no additional mileage cost. This gives American Airlines travelers another way to fly across the Atlantic without paying high taxes and fees on British Airways.
5. Qatar Qsuite to the Maldives or other parts of the Indian Subcontinent
Qatar Qsuite is widely regarded as one of the best business class products in the world. And one of the least-expensive ways to experience it for yourself is by booking with American Airlines miles.
Nonstop flights from the U.S. to Doha, Qatar cost 40,000 miles in economy or 70,000 miles in Qatar Qsuite business class. Even better, you can connect onward to destinations throughout the Middle East or Indian Subcontinent for no additional miles.
You can stretch this award price to its limits by flying to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka or even the Maldives.
6. Flying Japan Airlines to Japan or Korea
Lastly, we would be remiss not to discuss American Airlines’ partnership with Japan Airlines. AAdvantage members can book travel on Japan Airlines between the U.S. and Japan at the following rates:
35,000 miles each way in economy.
50,000 miles each way in premium economy.
60,000 miles each way in business class.
80,000 miles each way in first class.
Japan Airlines provides a top-notch experience in all cabins, making any of these four options potentially a good deal. Business and first class especially stand out as amazing opportunities for using AA miles.
With that said, premium cabin award availability can be especially hard to find between the U.S. and Japan. On dates where there is any award availability, you’ll often find just one seat available.
Earning AAdvantage Miles
American Airlines offers dozens of ways to earn AAdvantage miles. At last count, we found 32 ways — including:
Flying on American Airlines or its partners.
Booking hotels through AAdvantage partners.
Spending on an AAdvantage credit card.
Shopping through the eShopping portal.
Earning through saving with Bask Bank, and so many more.
One of the biggest limitations of the American Airlines AAdvantage program is its lack of transfer partners.
Of the five major transfer point programs, American Airlines only partners with Marriott Bonvoy. You’ll get one AAdvantage mile for every three Marriott Bonvoy points transferred.
If you’re looking for the best use of AA miles
American Airlines offers a diverse range of ways to use AAdvantage miles for good value — from 6,000-mile domestic awards to flying some of the best business- and first-class products in the world for a reasonable mileage rate.
The best use of AA miles just depends on where you want to go.
(Top photo courtesy of American Airlines)
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
Rewards optimizers use the term “trifecta” to describe a combination of three credit cards from one issuer that have complimentary benefits. When combined, the cards create a rewarding synergy that helps you earn more points and get more value out of your redemptions.
Chase and American Express offer popular trifecta combinations for people seeking travel rewards. While you can mix and match different cards to create an optimal trifecta based on your spending habits, there is a recommended combination for each issuer.
In a head-to-head showdown, the Chase trifecta comes out ahead for most people — you’ll pay significantly less in annual fees, get easier-to-use travel credits, rewards and travel partners, and have broader acceptance around the world. The Chase trifecta is also more accessible for people who don’t qualify for a small-business credit card.
At a glance
Here’s a look at the rewards-earning rates for each trifecta. (For details about specific benefits and statement credits offered by each card, check out the individual review pages linked above.)
Chase trifecta
AmEx trifecta
Rewards earning rates
Chase Sapphire Reserve®:
10 points per dollar spent on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase and Chase Dining purchases.
5 points per dollar spent on flights booked through Chase.
3 points per dollar spent on travel and dining.
1 point per dollar on all other spending.
Chase Freedom Flex℠:
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter on bonus categories that you activate (1% back after).
5% back on travel booked through Chase.
3% back at restaurants and drugstores.
1% back on all other non-bonus-category spending.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®:
5% back on travel booked through Chase.
3% back at restaurants and drugstores.
1.5% on all other spending.
The Platinum Card® from American Express:
5 points per dollar for flights booked directly with airlines or through AmEx Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, then 1x).
5 points per dollar for prepaid hotels booked with AmEx Travel.
1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
American Express® Gold Card:
4 points per dollar at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x).
3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmEx Travel.
1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express:
2 points per dollar on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year (then 1x).
Terms apply.
Overall annual fees
$945. Terms apply.
Why the Chase trifecta is better for most people
Lower annual cost
The collective annual cost of the Chase trifecta is $550, with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® having the only annual fee.
That’s 42% cheaper than the $945 annual cost of the AmEx trifecta, which includes annual fees of $695 on The Platinum Card® from American Express, $250 on the American Express® Gold Card and $0 on The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express.
Sure, the AmEx trifecta offers hundreds of dollars worth of coupon-book style credits for services like Uber and Walmart+ that can help offset the higher annual cost. But the catch is that many of these credits are limited in scope: the $240 annual entertainment credit, for example, is doled out in $20 monthly increments and applies to a handful of entertainment subscriptions only. You may have to go out of your way to optimize the potential value of the credits.
Easier-to-use travel credits
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® comes with a $300 annual travel credit that applies to all eligible travel purchases. It doesn’t get any easier — simply book travel like hotel, airfare or rental car with your card, and receive a statement credit.
By comparison, The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with an annual $200 airline fee credit (enrollment required), but it too has several caveats. You must select only one airline from a short list of options to apply the credit. It only applies to incidental charges like in-flight refreshments and checked baggage, and the charge must be made separately from the ticket purchase. The card also comes with an annual $200 hotel credit, but that only applies to specific luxury hotels that are prepaid through the American Express travel portal. Since prepaid hotels are often nonrefundable, you could incur a significant out-of-pocket expense if your plans change. Terms apply.
More valuable rewards
All three cards in the Chase trifecta earn Chase Ultimate Rewards®. These rewards can be combined into your Chase Sapphire Reserve® account, where they are redeemable through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® travel portal at a rate of 1.5 cents each. That makes 6,666 Ultimate Rewards® worth $100 in travel.
American Express Membership Rewards points are worth 1 cent each when booking airfare and 0.7 cent a piece when booking hotels through the AmEx travel portal. It would cost 10,000 points for $100 in airfare, or 14,286 points for a $100 hotel stay. That’s significantly less value than you can get for the same number of Ultimate Rewards®.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Though classified as cash back cards, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and Chase Freedom Unlimited® earn Ultimate Rewards® points. But if you hold just those cards, the points are worth 1 cent each toward travel booked through Chase and are unable to be transferred to travel partners. Adding the Chase Sapphire Reserve® unlocks the ability to transfer to partners and increases the value of the points to 1.5 cents each.
More accessible travel partners
Both Chase and AmEx have a broad list of airline and hotel transfer partners — American Express has 21 travel partners compared with Chase’s 14. But more isn’t always better.
In this case, Chase wins for many travelers with quality over quantity. Ultimate Rewards® can be transferred to partners like United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Hyatt at no cost.
While American Express boasts more partners, the majority of them are international airlines and not as familiar to many. Transferring points to these airlines can yield impressive value, but can also cause more headaches and confusion to navigate. The biggest domestic transfer partner for AmEx is Delta Airlines — however, you’ll pay an excise tax for transferring points to Delta (and a few others).
Full list of Chase transfer partners
Aer Lingus (1:1 ratio).
Air Canada (1:1 ratio).
Air France-KLM (1:1 ratio).
British Airways (1:1 ratio).
Emirates (1:1 ratio).
Iberia (1:1 ratio).
JetBlue (1:1 ratio).
Singapore (1:1 ratio).
Southwest (1:1 ratio).
United (1:1 ratio).
Virgin Atlantic (1:1 ratio).
Hyatt (1:1 ratio).
InterContinental Hotels Group (1:1 ratio).
Marriott (1:1 ratio).
Full list of AmEx transfer partners
Aer Lingus (1:1 ratio).
AeroMexico (1:1.6 ratio).
Air Canada. (1:1 ratio).
Air France/KLM (1:1 ratio).
ANA (1:1 ratio).
Avianca (1:1 ratio).
British Airways (1:1 ratio).
Cathay Pacific (1:1 ratio)
Delta Air Lines (1:1 ratio).
Emirates (1:1 ratio).
Etihad Airways (1:1 ratio).
Hawaiian Airlines (1:1 ratio).
Iberia Plus (1:1 ratio).
JetBlue Airways (2.5:2 ratio).
Qantas (1:1 ratio).
Qatar Airways (1:1 ratio).
Singapore Airlines (1:1 ratio).
Virgin Atlantic Airways (1:1 ratio).
Choice Hotels (1:1 ratio).
Hilton Hotels & Resorts (1:2 ratio).
Marriott Hotels & Resorts (1:1 ratio).
No business cards required
Our recommended Chase trifecta consists of all personal credit cards. That makes it broadly accessible to anyone with a credit profile that qualifies for the three cards. However, you’ll have to be eligible for a small-business credit card to craft the ideal AmEx trifecta.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express and its ability to earn 2 points per dollar for all purchases on up to $50,000 annually is the glue that really holds the AmEx trifecta together, since the other cards only earn 1x on non-bonus spending. If you don’t qualify for a small-business card, the Chase trifecta is the easy choice. Terms apply.
Better international acceptance
All Chase credit cards carry the Visa or Mastercard logo, making them usable nearly anywhere credit cards are accepted throughout the globe. American Express has closed the acceptance gap domestically, but still lags behind Visa and Mastercard abroad. If you’re looking to use your card internationally, your surefire bet is the Chase trifecta.
Why you might want the AmEx trifecta
Big grocery and restaurant spend
The American Express® Gold Card offers a sky-high 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in annual spend) and restaurants. The Chase trifecta earns an everyday 3 points per dollar at restaurants, and the potential to earn 5 points per dollar on up to $1,500 in quarterly spend if grocery stores are selected as a rotating bonus category on the Chase Freedom Flex. If you have an outsized budget for dining out or groceries, the math may have you leaning toward the AmEx trifecta. Terms apply.
Elite status and luxury perks
You might prefer the AmEx trifecta if you value elite status and exclusivity. By holding The Platinum Card® from American Express, you’ll get complimentary gold elite status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required), President’s Circle status with Hertz, Emerald Club Executive status with National, 24-hour access to a concierge for those hard-to-access reservations or tickets, and access to members-only VIP experiences at prestigious events like Wimbledon and the Kentucky Derby. Terms apply.
If you value these perks, the AmEx trifecta may be worth the added annual cost.
Airport lounge access
If you’re a frequent flyer and often find yourself in airports, lounge access can be a great way to escape the commotion of the terminal. In addition to a Priority Pass Select membership (which the Chase trifecta also has), the AmEx trifecta also lets you access AmEx Centurion and International Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (only when flying Delta) and Plaza Premium, Escape and Airspace network lounges.
That’s a huge footprint that includes complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges. If you want lounge access, the AmEx trifecta may be better for you.
🤓Nerdy Tip
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a dining credit (normally $28 each) for you and a guest at participating Priority Pass restaurants. The Priority Pass access granted by AmEx cards excludes these restaurants.
Which trifecta should you get?
Most people will do better with the Chase trifecta. The annual cost is significantly lower, the benefits and rewards are more transparent and easy to use, and your points are worth more when booking travel through the Chase travel portal. The AmEx trifecta could be a good choice for those who value a broader airport lounge footprint and luxury benefits, but realize you’ll be paying a lot more for those perks.
To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express see this page.To view rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, see this page.To view rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, see this page.
World of Hyatt members know how to benefit from the loyalty program, especially if they have World of Hyatt elite status.
But, if you need to reach Hyatt hotel customer service, what’s the easiest way? There are numerous ways that you can contact World of Hyatt customer service to help with your account, make a travel booking or request other assistance.
Depending on the nature of your request, there are multiple ways to reach out to the brand. These are all of the ways to reach Hyatt Hotels customer service.
Contacting the hotel directly
It is easiest to contact the hotel directly for many requests, such as reviewing a past invoice, checking on missing points or searching for a lost item. You can call the hotel’s phone number, which is available on its website, or contact them by email (if one is listed online).
Reaching out to the source of information rather than calling a Hyatt customer service phone number will be the fastest way to solve the issue.
Often, a customer service department may put you on hold while they contact the hotel directly (or connect you to the hotel). Leave out the middleman and contact the hotel independently for the fastest service.
Calling the Hyatt customer service number
Reservations
In the United States, the toll-free number is 800-233-1234. With this option, you’ll want to pay attention to the Hyatt customer service hours to be sure someone is available to answer the phone.
World of Hyatt
If your query is about the World of Hyatt rewards program, there is a different number for these types of account issues. Each country has its own toll-free number and email contact online. In the United States, the toll-free number is 888-344-9288. Luckily, if you’re inquiring about missing points, there is an online form that expedites the process, which we will cover.
Events
Can you chat with World of Hyatt?
Yes! It’s easy through the World of Hyatt app, which offers messaging service options where you can make special requests about a future stay or request account services.
You can also chat with some hotels directly within the app. Other options include connecting directly with Hyatt’s social media team through the app by way of X, formerly known as Twitter, or Facebook.
This is an easy way to connect with the brand when traveling or if picking up the phone isn’t convenient. You’re able to chat, much like direct messaging a friend.
How to get a copy of your Hyatt bill
If you need a past invoice, it can be done through a dedicated online form. Enter the requested details online; you’ll need the dates of travel and the credit card used during the stay. With many people doing online checkout, this can be a helpful way to get a copy of your invoice.
World of Hyatt Globalist members will want to review their invoice since elite status benefits members include special perks such as waived parking, breakfast, and resort fees on award stays. In fact, no World of Hyatt members get charged resort fees when staying on an award. You’ll want to make sure these charges are removed from your invoice.
Request missing World of Hyatt credit
Earning points is one of the best benefits of a loyalty program, especially the bonus you might receive when having elite status or using World of Hyatt Credit Card, which can offer as many as 9x points on Hyatt stays. If your points don’t process properly, you can contact World of Hyatt customer service online.
Fill out a “past stay request” to locate points that may not have been correctly posted. Be sure to allow two to three weeks following a stay before making a request, as it can take time for them to post.
How to make a compliment or complaint to Hyatt
If you want to share feedback on a recent Hyatt stay, there is an online form that requests particular stay details. Then you can share a compliment or complaint so the brand can get back to you. Another option is to use the World of Hyatt app’s messaging function.
How to complete a best rate guarantee claim
World of Hyatt has a best rate guarantee (similar to other brands like Marriott), assuring you will find the lowest rate when booking directly through a Hyatt channel. You’ll need to complete the online claim form within 24 hours of making the original reservation. If it is accepted, you will receive either 5,000 World of Hyatt bonus points or a 20% discount on the cost of the stay.
Even faster customer service with the World of Hyatt elite status
If you’ve earned elite status with World of Hyatt, there is an even quicker path to customer service since these members have dedicated phone numbers. Access to a private support line is one of the benefits of elite status membership with Hyatt.
For those that want a fast path to elite status, the World of Hyatt Credit Card comes with Discoverist status. This means that you earn bonus points for a stay (even more when paying for the stay with this card) and faster customer service assistance.
If you need to contact World of Hyatt
Your options are plentiful, which means no matter what your preference, you can get in touch with Hyatt customer service.
From picking up the phone, texting through an app, reaching out on social media, or sending an email, World of Hyatt and Hyatt Place customer service (among all other brands) are accessible with just a few touches of a button.
(Top photo courtesy of Hyatt)
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
The Walt Disney World resort in Florida has four theme parks, two water parks, a handful of hotels and a golf course. A little-known secret also worth visiting is Disney’s BoardWalk.
Filled with restaurants, hotels and a dueling piano bar, Disney’s BoardWalk offers ticket-free entry and plenty of things to do.
What is Disney’s BoardWalk?
Disney’s BoardWalk is an entertainment area within walking distance from the Epcot theme park. It surrounds the same lake where water taxis ferry guests from Epcot to various hotels.
The quarter-mile BoardWalk is a single connected walkway from the BoardWalk over to Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Epcot.
This means you can have a leisurely stroll (or bike) throughout the area without crossing roads or leaving the atmosphere.
Disney’s BoardWalk hotels
On the Disney BoardWalk, you’ll find one hotel: Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. As a deluxe resort, you can expect to pay upward of $619 per night, though, you can enjoy a pool with a large water slide and very easy access to Epcot.
Across from the BoardWalk, you’ll find Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort. These feature more of a beach theme than the BoardWalk Inn while still remaining relatively close.
The Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel and the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel are just off the BoardWalk. These two properties are unique as you can book with Marriott Bonvoy points, which means you can potentially save on your stay while remaining close to the action.
Disney’s BoardWalk restaurants
There are 11 restaurants and bars at Disney’s BoardWalk, ranging from sit-down options to an ice cream parlor.
Table service
Those who’ve been to Disney World have probably heard about table service and quick-service dining. As it sounds, table service dining includes a more elevated experience, where you and your group sit down to enjoy your meal. This includes:
Big River Grille & Brewing Works.
Flying Fish.
Trattoria al Forno.
Quick service
Quick-service dining is similar to fast food, though that doesn’t mean it’s lower quality. Instead, these are the types of meals you grab and go at a counter. The choices are:
BoardWalk Deli.
BoardWalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas.
Pizza Window.
Other options
AbracadaBar.
BoardWalk Ice Cream.
Funnel Cake Cart.
The Cake Bake Shop Bakery by Gwendolyn Rogers (coming soon).
The Cake Bake Shop Restaurant by Gwendolyn Rogers (coming soon).
Why is it important to know which restaurants are table service versus quick service? Because those who are staying at an eligible resort can take advantage of the Disney Dining Plan, a service that allows you to prepay all of your meals.
Although paused in 2020, Disney has announced that those traveling to Walt Disney World can add the Dining Plan to their package beginning Jan. 9, 2024.
Disney’s BoardWalk attractions
You’ll find standard amenities as a guest staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, though these options may also be available to day visitors. Recreational activities include:
Mini golf.
Surrey bike rentals.
Campfire songs and marshmallow roasting.
Pickleball.
Playground.
Otherwise, Disney’s BoardWalk is one of the best spots for adults to spend time. This is because of both the Atlantic Dance Hall and Jellyrolls.
No, those weren’t typos. The Atlantic Dance Hall and Jellyrolls bar are available to those 21 and older only. The Atlantic Dance Hall is a dance hall open every evening from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. and is free of charge.
Jellyrolls is a dueling piano bar featuring sing-alongs with the audience. It’s walk-in only and is open from 7 p.m. to 1:45 a.m. every night, though Disney’s site warns that it’s extremely popular, so you’ll want to arrive early. Note there’s an entrance fee.
Disney’s BoardWalk transportation
Traveling to the BoardWalk? Walt Disney World Resort is crisscrossed with several transportation options, including an aerial gondola and water taxis. You can access the BoardWalk by:
Driving.
Disney Skyline (aerial gondola).
Taking a water taxi.
There is minimal official parking at the BoardWalk, so those coming by car must park at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn or Epcot. It’s also possible to use Disney’s valet service.
If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World resort, take a look at the individual options available before heading over. Certain resorts include access to the Skyliner, as does Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
If you’ve started your day at the Transportation and Ticket Center (the hub for Magic Kingdom), you can also opt to take the monorail over to Epcot, then walk from Epcot to the BoardWalk.
The BoardWalk at Disney recapped
The Walt Disney World resort is a sprawling complex with many things to do. This includes Disney’s BoardWalk, which evokes the ambiance you’d find at the boardwalks in Santa Cruz, California; Coney Island, New York; and Atlantic City, New Jersey.
While it may not be the most recognizable spot in Disney World, it offers options that range from dining, dancing all night or simply strolling around the promenade.
(Top photo courtesy of Walt Disney World)
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
Marriott Bonvoy credit cards are getting more rewarding for those who put them at the top of their wallet. Beginning July 27, 2023, Marriott Bonvoy cardholders have the opportunity to snag an extra 10,000 points after spending $7,000 in eligible purchases on the card by Sept. 30, 2023. Qualifying transactions can span all spending categories, not just Marriott hotel purchases.
Existing cardholders need to enroll by Aug. 10, 2023. If you’re a Marriott super fan and hold multiple Bonvoy credit cards, you can enroll each card and earn multiple bonuses if you meet the spending requirements on each card.
NerdWallet values Bonvoy points at 0.7 cent each, making 10,000 points worth about $70. That could help you earn a free night at a Marriott property. But if your goal is to rack up as many points as possible, this limited-time offer might not be worth the trouble.
Which cards are eligible?
Marriott offers several credit card options across two issuers. All U.S. Marriott Bonvoy credit cards are eligible for this promotion, including:
Though this offer is available on Marriott Bonvoy cards issued by Chase and American Express, the two issuers have slightly different promotion rules. Chase, for example, allows you to retroactively count any spending made in the promotional period once you enroll in the offer, while AmEx will only count purchases made after you enroll.
You must have been a Chase cardholder by June 21, 2023, to be eligible, while AmEx is allowing anyone who is approved for a new Marriott card and enrolls by Aug. 10 to participate in the promotion. Terms apply. For complete details, make sure you read the terms and conditions when you enroll.
Is it a good deal?
If you’re already planning to spend $7,000 on your Marriott Bonvoy card in the next two months, an extra $70 in rewards is a nice perk. But you could snag a more rewarding bonus if you’re willing to open a new credit card.
As of this writing, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is offering this bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Meanwhile, the American Express® Gold Card has this offer: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Both cards offer higher bonuses with lower spending requirements and more time to earn them. Plus, AmEx and Chase allow you to transfer your reward points to Marriott (though doing so may not yield the highest value for your points). But if you’re specifically hoping to rack up Bonvoy points, transferring either of these bonuses will still net you significantly more rewards than this limited-time offer.
If you’re not interested in opening a new card, this offer can help you snag some extra points on your existing card that you wouldn’t otherwise earn. But if you want to maximize your earnings, you could do better by earning a bonus on a new card instead.
The information related to the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.
Marriott cards are offering 10,000 miles when you spend $7,000+.
The Fine Print
Must first add offer to an eligible Card by 8/10/2023 and then use same Card to redeem the offer by 9/30/2023
American Express
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Card
Chase
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card from Chase
Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card from Chase
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card from Chase
Marriott Bonvoy® Credit Card from Chase
The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card from JPMorgan
Marriott Bonvoy® Premier Credit Card from Chase
Marriott Bonvoy Business® Credit Card from Chase
Marriott Bonvoy® Premier Plus Business Credit Card from Chase
Our Verdict
Works out to be an extra 1.4x points. Not really worth going for this bonus unless you’re planning to put spend on the card anyway to hit other benefits.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to pay annual fees topping $550 to get the best travel credit card. If you don’t travel enough to use all the benefits that come with a top-tier card — or simply don’t have room in your budget to justify these fees each year — there are still plenty of no-annual-fee cards to choose from.
When it comes to hotel credit cards, the good news is that a no-annual-fee card can offer you more benefits than you might expect. From complimentary (or a pathway to) elite status to earning hotel points on your everyday purchases, you’ll only gain from owning these cards instead of worrying about outsizing the value from cards with no annual fees.
While the best hotel card for you will depend on which hotel chain you prefer, the best options of the bunch are the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Card. Both brands are widely prevalent, meaning you have more opportunities to earn and redeem points at properties worldwide.
The best no-annual-fee hotel credit cards
The information for the Best Western Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Comparing the best no-annual-fee hotel credit cards
Card
Rewards rate
Intro bonus
Marriott Bonvoy Bold
3 points per dollar at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2 points per dollar on other travel purchases and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in your first six months from account opening; plus earn an additional 50,000 bonus points after you stay six eligible paid nights at Marriott Bonvoy through Jan. 31, 2024. Offer ends Aug. 10.
Hilton Honors American Express Card
7 points per dollar on eligible purchases directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, 5 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and at U.S. gas stations and 3 point per dollar on other eligible purchases.
Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $1,000 in purchases on the card within your first three months of card membership.
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
5 points per dollar at IHG Hotels & Resorts, 3 points per dollar on utilities, internet, cable, phone services and select streaming services, gas station and restaurant purchases and 2 points per dollar on everything else.
Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 in purchases in the first three months of account opening and up to $50 in IHG statement credits on purchases at IHG Hotels & Resorts during the first 12 months from account opening.
Choice Privileges Mastercard
5 points per dollar at eligible Choice Hotels, 3 points per dollar at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and phone plan services, and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 in purchases within three months of card membership.
Best Western Rewards Mastercard
13 points per dollar on Best Western purchases and 2 points per dollar on everything else.
Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 within the first three months after account opening.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card
1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases
Earn a bonus of 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 within the first three months from account opening.
The best no-annual-fee hotel credit cards
Marriott Bonvoy Bold Card: Best card for Marriott
Current sign-up bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in your first six months from account opening; plus earn an additional 50,000 bonus points after staying six eligible paid nights at Marriott Bonvoy hotels through Jan. 31, 2024. Offer ends Aug. 10.
Rewards rate: Earn 3 points per dollar at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2 points per dollar on other travel purchases and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
Other benefits: You’ll become an automatic Silver Elite member as a cardholder, which gets you perks such as priority late checkout and 10% bonus points on stays. Therefore, you’ll have the ability to earn up to 14 points per dollar on eligible Marriott stays (3 points per dollar with this card, 10 points per dollar for being a Marriott Bonvoy member and 1 point per dollar for Silver Elite). Plus, earn 2 points per dollar on all travel purchases.
You’ll also have the opportunity to improve your elite status the more you stay with Marriott. This card comes with an impressive number of travel and purchase protections, including baggage loss and delay insurance and more. To top it all off, there’s no annual fee (and no foreign transaction fees).
Analysis: As you build up your credit card portfolio, you’ll eventually want to have a card that earns transferable points, along with an airline card and a hotel card. If Marriott is your hotel chain of choice (we don’t blame you since there are more than 7,000 properties worldwide), the Bold is the perfect place to start. With a complimentary jump-start to Silver Elite status, the possibilities of reaching higher tiers of Marriott elite status are endless.
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Further reading: Marriott Bonvoy Bold card review
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Bold
Hilton Honors American Express Card: Best card for Hilton
Current welcome offer: Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $1,000 in purchases on the card within your first three months of card membership
Rewards rate: Earn 7 points per dollar on eligible Hilton hotel and resorts purchases, 5 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations, plus 3 point per dollar on other eligible purchases.
Other benefits: It’s not often that a no-annual-fee card (see rates & fees) provides you with as many perks as the Hilton Honors Amex card does. For starters, enjoy complimentary Silver Elite status to get 20% bonus points on stays and a fifth free night benefit. In addition to a lucrative rewards rate on Hilton and everyday purchases, you’ll have secondary rental car coverage and no foreign transaction fees (see rates & fees).
Analysis: The Hilton Honors Amex proves you don’t have to pay an annual fee to get top-notch perks. Its welcome bonus offers a healthy stash of Hilton Honors points and ample ways to continue earning on your everyday spending. We recommend this card for those who enjoy staying at Hilton properties but want to keep costs as low as possible.
Further reading: Hilton Honors American Express card review
Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: Best no-annual-fee card for IHG Hotels
Current sign-up bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 in purchases in the first three months of account opening and up to $50 in IHG statement credits on purchases at IHG Hotels and Resorts during the first 12 months from account opening.
Rewards rate: 5 points per dollar at IHG Hotels & Resorts, 3 points per dollar on utilities, internet, cable, phone services and select streaming services, gas station and restaurant purchases and 2 points per dollar on everything else.
Other benefits: This hotel card comes with the unique benefit of a fourth-night reward, meaning you’ll pay the price of three nights to stay for a total of four nights. Plus, you’ll get a 20% discount on points purchases when you pay for those points with your card.
Analysis: By being strategic with this card, you can get a ton of value without ever paying an annual fee.
Further reading: IHG One Rewards Traveler card review
Apply here:IHG One Rewards Traveler card
Choice Privileges Mastercard: Best for Choice Hotels
Current bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 in purchases within the first three months of card membership.
Rewards rate: 5 points per dollar at eligible Choice Hotels, 3 points per dollar at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and on phone plan services and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
Other benefits: You’ll get automatic Gold Elite status, which unlocks benefits such as an elite welcome gift, early check-in and late checkout. You’ll also get up to $800 of cellphone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly bill with this card (subject to a $25 deductible) as well as Mastercard World Elite benefits.
Analysis: Being a Choice Hotels elite member will enhance your hotel experience, and with this card, you’ll be granted this status for free. While not the most lucrative no-annual-fee hotel card out there, this card offers simplicity — a reason to keep it in your wallet each year with the opportunity to earn anniversary points.
Further reading: 2 new Choice Privileges credit cards are now open to new applicants
Apply here: Choice Privileges Mastercard
Best Western Rewards Mastercard: Best for Best Western
Current bonus: Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 within the first three billing cycles after account opening.
Rewards rate: 13 points per dollar on Best Western purchases and 2 points per dollar on everything else.
Other benefits: With this card, you’ll enjoy no foreign transaction fees, exclusive member room rates and complimentary Gold status, which guarantees you 10% bonus points for your eligible stays and early check-in and late checkout.
Analysis: For a card with no annual fee, those who stay at Best Western properties regularly can get considerable value from the welcome bonus and ongoing Gold elite status.
Further reading: Your ultimate guide to Best Western Rewards
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card: Best for all hotels
Current bonus: Earn a bonus of 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 within the first three months from account opening.
Other benefits: While the hotel cards above can get you elite perks or other exclusive benefits, sometimes limiting yourself to one brand doesn’t make sense. That’s why the VentureOne is our favorite for all hotel stays, as it offers a simple earning scheme (unlimited 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases) plus an even simpler way to redeem. You can redeem your miles at 1 cent each for any hotel (or other travel) charges on your card. If you’re an advanced award traveler, you’ll be happy to know that you can transfer your Capital One miles to airline and hotel partners like Air Canada Aeroplan and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer to find even more potential value.
Analysis: We like the flexibility that the VentureOne offers. You won’t get hotel elite status with this card, but you can use this card to pay for hotels from any brand. If all you’re looking for is a way to earn and redeem your travel rewards, this is a good card for you. Plus, with no foreign transaction fees, you can take the VentureOne with you anywhere.
Further reading: Capital One VentureOne review
Apply here: Capital One VentureOne
Bottom line
Almost all of the no-annual-fee hotel cards in this guide get you automatic elite status, plus a pathway to the next level for even better benefits. The best pick for you will first depend on the hotel chain you prefer, but take a deeper look at the ongoing rewards rate and any additional benefits you can get from the card (such as no foreign transaction fees or any travel and purchase protections).
And remember: Since you’re not paying an annual fee on any of these cards, you won’t have to worry about if you’re stretching enough value to justify the cost each year.
Additional reporting by Emily Thompson.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Amex card, click here.