One of the best perks of hotel credit cards is the free night award that many of them offer after your cardmember anniversary. These free nights can provide incredible value, especially when used strategically at high-end properties. If you’re looking for a way to stretch your travel budget further, here are some top credit cards that grant free nights each year:
1. World of Hyatt Credit Card
- Free Night Award: Receive 1 free night every year after your cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt property.
- Extra Free Night: Earn an additional free night at a Category 1-4 Hyatt property if you spend $15,000 during your cardmember anniversary year.
- Expiration & Issuance: The free night award is valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. It can take up to 10 weeks to be deposited into your World of Hyatt account.
- Important Note: The award cannot be transferred, extended, or re-credited for points.
2. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless®Credit Card
- Free Night Award: Receive 1 free night after your cardmember anniversary, valid at properties with a redemption level up to 35,000 points.
- Points Top-Off: Use up to 15,000 points to expand the value of your Free Night Award.
- Expiration & Issuance: The free night award is valid for 12 months and is deposited into your Marriott Rewards Account within 6 to 8 weeks of your anniversary date.
3. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- Free Night Award: Receive 1 free night after your card anniversary, valid at properties with a redemption level up to 85,000 points.
- Points Top-Off: Use up to 15,000 points to increase the value of your Free Night Award.
- Expiration & Issuance: The free night award expires 12 months from the date of issuance and is automatically deposited into your Marriott Rewards Account.
4. Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card (not offered to new cardmembers)
- Free Night Award: Receive 1 free night after your card anniversary, valid at properties with a redemption level up to 35,000 points.
- Points Top-Off: Use up to 15,000 points to enhance the value of your Free Night Award.
- Expiration & Issuance: The free night award expires 12 months from the date of issuance and is automatically deposited into your Marriott Rewards Account.
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When Your Vacation is Free!
5. Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
- Free Night Award: Receive 1 free night every year after your card account anniversary, valid at properties with a redemption level up to 35,000 points.
- Extra Free Night: Earn an additional Free Night Award after spending $60,000 on purchases in a calendar year.
- Points Top-Off: Use up to 15,000 points to expand the value of your Free Night Award.
- Expiration & Issuance: The free night award is valid for 12 months and is automatically deposited into your Marriott Rewards Account.
6. The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card from JP Morgan (not offered to new cardmembers)
- Free Night Award: Receive 1 free night after your card anniversary, valid at properties with a redemption level up to 85,000 points.
- Points Top-Off: Use up to 15,000 points to expand your redemption options.
7. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire® Card
- Free Night Award: Receive one free night when you open your card and another every year after renewal.
- Expiration & Issuance:The Annual Free Night Reward will be issued in the form of a redeemable code and sent in an email from Hilton Honors to the email address listed on your Hilton Honors account. You will receive the Reward email within 8-14 weeks after your renewal month. The Annual Free Night Reward expires one year from the date of issuance
8. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- Free Night Award: Receive 1 free night at any IHG hotel, redeemable for properties costing up to 40,000 IHG Rewards points.
- Flexible Redemption: As of March 2022, you can add points from your account to redeem at hotels exceeding the 40,000-point cap.
- Expiration & Issuance: The award is valid for 12 months and will be deposited into your IHG Rewards Club account.
- Important Note: The award cannot be transferred, extended, or redeemed for cash.
Final Thoughts
Credit cards that offer free night awards can be a fantastic way to reduce hotel costs, especially if you use them strategically at high-value properties. Whether you’re a loyal Hyatt guest, a Marriott enthusiast, or a Hilton or IHG traveler, these credit cards can provide significant travel savings year after year.
Before applying, consider your travel habits and ensure the card aligns with your preferred hotel chain. Happy travels!
