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Whether you like to stay at the same hotels or prefer flexibility, there's most likely a credit card that meets your needs. To help you narrow down your choices, I've picked out four credit cards that have a lot to offer the frequent traveler. And just one reminder: Travel rewards credit cards tend to have high APRs. To get the most from your rewards, don't carry a balance.
#1: Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express
This card simply has to be recognized in any roundup of hotel credit cards. The rewards are just too good to ignore. You earn 10,000 bonus points after your first purchase and an additional 15,000 points when you spend $15,000 within six months. This is enough for two free nights at a Westin or other category 5 hotel. Get up to five Starpoints for every eligible $1 spent at Starwood Preferred Guest hotels.
The annual fee is $65, but it's waived for the first year. You also get a 2.9 percent (V) APR for six months. After that, the card carries a 15.24 percent (V) APR.
#2: Chase Sapphire (SM) Credit Card
I like this card because it gives you the flexibility to stay at different hotels. Plus, when you call customer service, you get to speak to a human being. These days, that's a nice personal touch. If you spend $500 in the first three months, you get 10,000 bonus points. Book your entire trip using the convenient Ultimate Rewards Travel Site, and earn double points. There are no caps and no expiration dates.
Amazingly, there's no annual fee. This card carries a 13.24 percent (V) APR, which isn't bad compared to other rewards cards. Note: If you're a big spender and you don't mind an annual fee, check out the Chase Sapphire (SM) Preferred.
#3: The Hyatt Card
This card gave me a good feeling when it debuted last year boasting zero foreign transaction fees. If you enjoy staying at Hyatt hotels and you travel overseas, you want to take a look at this card.
When you use this card for the first time, you receive two free nights at any Hyatt anywhere in the world. You get three Hyatt Gold Passport points for each $1 spent at participating Hyatt locations. Then you earn one point on all other purchases. There are no limits to the points you can earn. There's a $75 annual fee, but if you love Hyatt hotels, it might be still be a deal for you. This card carries a 15.24 percent (V) APR.
#4: Marriott Rewards Credit Card from Chase
If you always stay at Marriott hotels, you'll earn points in a hurry with this card. After your first purchase, you earn 22,500 bonus points, which is enough for three free nights at a category 1 hotel. Another bonus: When you're approved for the card, you get an additional free night.
Earn three points for every $1 spent at Marriott hotels and one point on all other eligible purchases. Plus, you get one Elite Night Credit for each $3,000 in net purchases. This is a very rich rewards program, but read the terms and conditions carefully so you understand how it works.
At publishing time, Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express® is offered on Credit.com product pages and Credit.com is compensated if our users apply for and ultimately sign up for the card. However, this relationship does not result in ANY preferential editorial treatment.
Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.
