American Express credit cards deliver exceptional premium advantages to users who spend many nights in hotels alongside their travel journeys. Their distinct reward programs together with premium benefits and insurance features make American Express cards an excellent hotel-enhancement solution.
Investing in a suitable American Express card allows travelers to enjoy improved hotel visits by receiving exceptional amenities and valuable offers from major hotel brands.
The following article explores American Express credit cards that specialize in hotel stays along with their core selection factors and benefits for booking hotels combined with travel improvements.
Summary (TLDR)
Most Popular 5 American Express Credit Cards for Hotel Stays
| Serial Number | Cards | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hilton Honors Amex Card | 7X points on Hilton stays |
| 2 | Hilton Honors Amex Surpass® Card | Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status |
| 3 | Hilton Honors Aspire Card | Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond Status |
| 4 | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® Amex Card | Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status |
| 5 | The Platinum Card® from Amex | Access to American Express Global Lounge Collection |
Best American Express Credit Cards for Hotel Stays 2025
1. Hilton Honors American Express Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Card is an entry-level option for those who frequently stay at Hilton properties. With no annual fee, this card offers solid rewards for Hilton fans but lacks the premium perks of higher-tier options.
Hotel Benefits
- Issuer – American Express
- Payment Gateway – AMEX
- Credit Score – Good-Excellent
- Intro APR – 0% for 12 months
- Regular APR – 20.24%–29.99%
- Annual Fee – $0
- International Transaction Fee – No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Cash Advance Fee – 5% or $10
- Balance Transfer APR – 20.24%–29.99%
- Sign-up Bonus – 80,000 Hilton Honors points after $2,000 spent in 6 months
- Best For – Travelers, Hilton Loyalists
The Hilton Honors American Express Card is a travel card issued by American Express that offers great benefits for Hilton hotel guests. It provides 7X points on Hilton hotel purchases and 5X points on dining and groceries. Its best feature is the complimentary Hilton Honors Silver Status, which offers perks like free Wi-Fi and late check-out.
The card has no annual fee. It offers a unique feature of no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international travel. The credit limit varies, and a good credit score is required. There is also a referral program that rewards cardholders for referring friends and family.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Rewards | 7x points on Hilton purchases | Card Members enjoy special ticket access and presales to select can’t miss moments and events across sports, music, theatre, and more. |
| No Annual Fee | 5x points at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets & gas stations | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- High points on Hilton stays
- No annual fee
- Access to Hilton Honors membership benefits.
Cons
- No major travel perks or credits
- Limited rewards rate on non-Hilton purchases
- Basic benefits compared to higher-tier Hilton cards.
Expert Advice
A great choice for occasional Hilton guests who want to earn points without an annual fee. For frequent travelers, however, you may want to consider a more premium Hilton card for added benefits.
2. Hilton Honors Amex Surpass® Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is designed for Hilton fans who want a solid rewards structure with an affordable annual fee. This card provides strong earnings on Hilton stays and various travel-related benefits, including automatic Hilton Honors Gold Status.
Hotel Benefits
- Issuer – American Express
- Payment Gateway – AMEX
- Credit Score – Good-Excellent
- Intro APR – N/A
- Regular APR – 20.24%–29.99%
- Annual Fee – $150
- International Transaction Fee – No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Cash Advance Fee – 5% or $10
- Balance Transfer APR – N/A
- Sign-up Bonus – 130,000 Hilton Honors point after $2,000 spent in 6 months
- Best For – Traveler, Hilton Loyalists
The Hilton Honors Amex Surpass® Card is a premium travel card issued by American Express. It offers 12X points on Hilton hotel purchases and 6X points on dining and groceries. Its best feature is the complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status, which provides perks like room upgrades and free breakfast.
The card has an annual fee of $150. It offers a unique feature of a $200 Hilton credit annually. The credit limit varies, and a good credit score is required. There is also a referral program that rewards cardholders for referring friends and family.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Rewards | 12x points on Hilton purchases | Enjoy complimentary National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status. |
| Travel Benefits | 6x points at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets & gas stations | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- 12X points at Hilton properties
- 6X points on select travel purchases
- $100 Hilton resort credit.
Cons
- Limited luxury perks compared to higher-end cards
- Fewer travel benefits outside of Hilton
- Not suitable for students as higher spending is required.
Expert Advice
Ideal for moderate Hilton travelers, the Surpass Card offers excellent value for its lower annual fee. However, those seeking top-tier luxury benefits might find it lacking compared to the Aspire Card.
3. Hilton Honors Aspire Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers premium benefits for those who stay at Hilton hotels. With a high earning potential on Hilton purchases and an impressive list of perks, it is perfect for Hilton loyalists who want to elevate their travel experience.
Hotel Benefits
- Issuer – American Express
- Payment Gateway – AMEX
- Credit Score – Excellent
- Intro APR – N/A
- Regular APR – 20.24%–29.99%
- Annual Fee – $450
- International Transaction Fee – No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Cash Advance Fee – 5% or $10
- Balance Transfer APR – N/A
- Sign-up Bonus – 150,000 Hilton Honors points after $4,000 spent in 6 months
- Best For – Frequent Travelers, Hilton Elite Members
The Hilton Honors Aspire Card is a luxury travel card issued by American Express. It offers 14X points on Hilton hotel purchases and 7X points on dining and groceries. Its best feature is the complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond Status, which provides top-tier perks like room upgrades and lounge access.
The card has an annual fee of $450. It offers a unique feature of a free weekend night award after spending $40,000 annually. The credit limit varies, and a good credit score is required. There is also a referral program that rewards cardholders for referring friends and family.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Hotel Rewards | 14x points on Hilton purchases | Enjoy an Annual Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors in your first year of Card Membership and every year upon Card renewal. |
| Premium Travel | 7x points at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets & gas stations | – |
| Lounge Access | – | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Complimentary Diamond Status
- Higher points on Hilton purchases
- $250 annual Hilton resort credit.
Cons
- Not suitable for students as higher spending is required
- Limited to Hilton properties
- High spend requirement for top-tier benefits.
Expert Advice
Perfect for frequent Hilton guests, the Aspire Card offers substantial value through its elite status and perks. However, its high annual fee and Hilton-focused rewards might not be ideal if you prefer a variety of hotel chains.
4. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® Amex Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card caters to those who enjoy staying at Marriott properties, offering elite benefits such as automatic Gold Elite Status and a generous sign-up bonus. It’s a premium card that rewards loyalty to Marriott’s global portfolio.
Hotel Benefits
- Issuer – American Express
- Payment Gateway – AMEX
- Credit Score – Excellent
- Intro APR – N/A
- Regular APR – 20.24%–29.99%
- Annual Fee – $650
- International Transaction Fee – No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Cash Advance Fee – 5% or $10
- Balance Transfer APR – N/A
- Sign-up Bonus – 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after $5,000 spent in 6 months
- Best For – Frequent Travelers, Marriott Loyalists
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® Amex Card is a travel card issued by American Express that offers great benefits for Marriott hotel guests. It provides 6X points on Marriott hotel purchases and 3X points on dining and groceries. Its best feature is the complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status, which offers perks like room upgrades and late check-out.
The card has an annual fee of $450. It offers a unique feature of a free night award after spending $3000 annually. The credit limit varies, and a good credit score is required. There is also a referral program that rewards cardholders for referring friends and family.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Rewards | 6x points on Marriott purchases | Enjoy a curated selection of upcoming events and experiences with our premium Cards |
| Travel Benefits | 3x points at U.S. restaurants & flights booked directly | – |
| Lounge Access | – | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- 6X points at Marriott properties
- $300 annual Marriott statement credit
- Complimentary Gold Elite Status.
Cons
- Limited rewards outside of Marriott brands
- Requires significant spending to maximize benefits
- High spending is required for the signup bonus.
Expert Advice
If Marriott is your preferred hotel chain, this card offers excellent rewards and perks. However, its annual fee and focus on Marriott may not suit those who prefer more diverse travel options.
5. The Platinum Card® from Amex
The Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card designed for frequent travelers seeking luxury benefits. It offers a wealth of perks, including access to exclusive airport lounges, elite hotel statuses, and a range of travel credits.
Hotel Benefits
- Issuer – American Express
- Payment Gateway – AMEX
- Credit Score – Excellent
- Intro APR – N/A
- Regular APR – 21.24%–29.24%
- Annual Fee – $695
- International Transaction Fee – No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Cash Advance Fee – cash advance 5% or $10
- Balance Transfer APR – N/A
- Sign-up Bonus – 80,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 spent in 6 months
- Best For – Professionals, Frequent Travelers
The Platinum Card® from Amex, issued by American Express, offers unparalleled travel benefits, including airport lounge access and hotel upgrades. Its best feature is the no pre-set spending limit, providing flexibility and exclusive experiences.
The card has an annual fee of $695 plus applicable taxes. Unique features include access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection and a renewal benefit worth up to ₹35,000. The required credit score is 750+. The referral program offers additional Membership Rewards points.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Rewards | 5x points on flights booked via Amex Travel | Stay protected with emergency services and insurance |
| Luxury Benefits | 5x points on prepaid hotels booked via Amex Travel | – |
| Lounge Access | – | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels
- Extensive airport lounge access
- $200 in annual airline fee credits.
Cons
- Limited points on non-travel purchases
- Requires good to excellent credit
- Spent for signup bonus is very high.
Expert Advice
The Platinum Card® is ideal for frequent travelers who can take full advantage of the luxury perks and travel credits. If you’re not using these benefits regularly, the steep annual fee might outweigh the rewards.
Comparison Table:
| Card | Hilton Honors American Express Card | Hilton Honors Amex Surpass® Card | Hilton Honors Aspire Card | Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® Amex Card | The Platinum Card® from Amex |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $150 | $450 | $650 | $695 |
| Intro APR | 0% for 12 months | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Regular APR | 20.24%–29.99% | 20.24%–29.99% | 20.24%–29.99% | 20.24%–29.99% | 21.24%–29.24% |
| Sign-up Bonus | 80,000 Hilton Honors points after $2,000 spent in 6 months | 130,000 Hilton Honors point after $2,000 spent in 6 months | 150,000 Hilton Honors points after $4,000 spent in 6 months | 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after $5,000 spent in 6 months | 80,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 spent in 6 months |
| Reward Rate | 7X points on Hilton stays, 5X points on dining & groceries | 12X points on Hilton stays, 6X points on dining & groceries | 14X points on Hilton stays, 7X points on dining & groceries | 6X points on Marriott stays, 3X points on dining & groceries | 5X points on flights & prepaid hotels booked via Amex Travel |
| Best For | Travelers, Hilton Loyalists | Travelers, Hilton Loyalists | Frequent Travelers, Hilton Elite Members | Frequent Travelers, Marriott Loyalists | Professionals, Frequent Travelers |
| Hotel Benefits | Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver Status | Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status | Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond Status | Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status | Access to American Express Global Lounge Collection, hotel upgrades |
| Other Benefits | No foreign transaction fees, referral program, basic perks | $200 Hilton credit annually, National Car Rental status | $250 annual Hilton resort credit, Free Weekend Night Reward | Free night award after spending $3,000 annually, Marriott credit | $200 annual airline fee credit, comprehensive travel protection |
Methodology
The research process focused on hotel credit card analytics involving detailed reviews of existing cards with an evaluation of benefits coupled with reward systems as well as the hotels they partner with. Listening to hotel booking customers would reveal their reward point accrual rate and receive complimentary room upgrades as well as the membership in Fine Hotels & Resorts and the availability of trip cancellation insurance.
Our evaluation included the fees alongside the points-earning process and the way customers were satisfied with the cards. The information was obtained through official American Express card descriptions expert reviews and user feedback.
The research consolidates gathered data to identify American Express cards that are most advantageous for hotel rewards, together with special benefits and maximum value for hotel enthusiasts. The data examination pointed out that the hotel and travel-oriented American Express cards provide maximum long-term advantages for regular hotel guests.
Choosing the Most Popular American Express Credit Cards for Hotel Stays
The American Express Platinum and other Amex cards offer generous rewards, including 5x points on travel bookings and elite hotel perks, making them ideal for frequent travelers and professionals.
- The American Express Platinum Card allows cardholders to accumulate five bonus points when they purchase hotels and flights through American Express Travel.
- American Express Card awards participants with 3x points for dining expenses at restaurants yet these points can still be used to fund various types of travel card.
- With the American Express Card users receive three bonus points for every payment made on traveling expenses which includes hotel reservations.
- This American Express Card suits business professionals who need 5x points for hotels scheduled through American Express Travel.
- Wall Street Journal subscribers using the American Express Hilton Honors Aspire Card can maximize Hilton hotel benefits while obtaining elite status member perks.
- Business travelers who are Marriott guests may find the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card beneficial since it provides Gold Elite status automatically while rewarding them with valuable points.
Why Choose the American Express Credit Cards for Hotel Stays
The earning potential grows stronger because many American Express cards give increased point values during hotel bookings:
- The Hilton Honors Aspire and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant cards will grant you elite standing that enables better hotel services such as improved accommodations and early access.
- American Express cards provide their holders with access to luxury hotel networks which give benefits including early check-ins and late check-outs alongside room upgrade opportunities.
- American Express cards typically provide thorough travel insurance coverage for their customers which includes trip cancellation protection and lost baggage reimbursement.
- Foreign exchange fees do not apply for several American Express credit cards resulting in their suitability for global hotel bookings.
- Amex card holders receive handsome initial credit when they join which they can utilize specifically for hotel bookings and other travel needs.
Advantages of American Express Credit Cards for Hotel Stays
American Express rewards offer travelers enhanced hotel choices, exclusive deals, lounge access, travel protection, and accelerated points, making trips more rewarding and seamless.
- Gaining points through rewards allows cardholders to select hotels from different chains because this program provides multiple hotel loyalty programs.
- American Express extends special deals through its loyalty program for American Express users to utilize with major hotel brands thus improving both offer quality and price.
- Users of premium Platinum cards gain entry to 1,200 airport lounges throughout the world, which improves the travel experience during hotel visits.
- The hotel booking insurance includes travel protection for trip interruption and medical emergencies alongside lost luggage coverage which ensures peace of mind.
- Travelers who use the Business Platinum card obtain 5x points on hotel stays so their travel benefits see substantial growth.
FAQs!
Which Amex card is best for a hotel?
The American Express Platinum Card is often considered the best for hotel stays due to its elite hotel benefits, including access to fine hotels and resorts, and bonus points for eligible hotel purchases.
Which credit cards are best to book hotels with?
The American Express Cards are great for booking hotels, as they offer valuable points on travel purchases, and those points can be transferred to numerous hotel loyalty programs.
Which card has the most offers on hotels?
The American Express Gold Card frequently provides hotel discounts and exclusive offers through American Express Offers, including deals on both luxury and budget properties.
Does American Express offer hotel discounts?
Yes, American Express offers exclusive hotel discounts and benefits through its Fine Hotels & Resorts program and Amex Offers.