Traveling abroad can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but managing expenses while staying in international hotels can quickly add up. One way to save money and earn valuable perks is by using the right travel credit card. Many travel credit cards offer excellent rewards, bonuses, and benefits for hotel stays, including discounted rates, free nights, and exclusive access to premium accommodations. Whether you're a frequent traveler or planning a special getaway, the right credit card can make your international hotel stays more affordable and luxurious. Here’s a guide to the best travel credit cards for international hotel stays.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel credit cards, offering an excellent balance of rewards, flexibility, and benefits. This card is perfect for travelers who want to maximize their hotel stays abroad while earning valuable points.
- Rewards: Earn 2x points on travel and dining purchases, and 1 point on all other purchases.
- Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. This is worth $750 in travel when redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal.
- Hotel Benefits: Use points to book hotels through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards® program, including international hotels. You can also transfer points to hotel loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, and IHG Rewards Club at a 1:1 ratio, making it easy to book free or discounted hotel stays worldwide.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None, which is a significant advantage when traveling internationally.
- Annual Fee: $95.
2. The Platinum Card® from American Express
For those who want the ultimate luxury and perks, The Platinum Card® from American Express is an excellent choice. With access to exclusive hotel benefits and premium rewards, it’s ideal for frequent travelers looking to make their international hotel stays more comfortable.
- Rewards: Earn 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, and 5x points on prepaid hotel purchases made through American Express Travel.
- Sign-Up Bonus: 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months. These points can be used to book hotels, flights, and experiences.
- Hotel Benefits: Enjoy benefits like complimentary upgrades, daily breakfast for two, early check-in, and late check-out at over 1,000 luxury hotels worldwide through the Fine Hotels & Resorts program. Additionally, you can transfer Membership Rewards® points to over 20 hotel partners, such as Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, and Radisson Rewards.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
- Annual Fee: $695.
3. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
If you often stay at Marriott properties, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is a fantastic choice. With perks tied to the Marriott Bonvoy program, this card helps you earn points and enjoy exclusive hotel benefits both in the U.S. and internationally.
- Rewards: Earn 6x points on Marriott hotel stays, 2x points on travel and dining, and 1x point on all other purchases.
- Sign-Up Bonus: 100,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. This can help you book several free nights at Marriott hotels.
- Hotel Benefits: Enjoy one free night every year after your cardmember anniversary, as well as automatic Silver Elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program. If you spend $35,000 on purchases in a calendar year, you’ll achieve Gold Elite status, which provides additional perks like room upgrades and extended check-out.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
- Annual Fee: $95.
4. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card offers an array of benefits for travelers who stay at Hilton properties, which include brands like Conrad, Waldorf Astoria, and Hampton by Hilton.
- Rewards: Earn 12x points on Hilton hotel stays, 6x points on dining, and 3x points on flights and car rentals.
- Sign-Up Bonus: 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months. These points can be used for free nights at Hilton hotels worldwide.
- Hotel Benefits: Receive complimentary Gold status in the Hilton Honors program, which grants benefits like room upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out. Additionally, you can earn more points by booking directly through Hilton’s channels.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
- Annual Fee: $95.
5. World of Hyatt Credit Card
For Hyatt loyalists, the World of Hyatt Credit Card offers exceptional value, especially if you frequently stay at Hyatt properties like Hyatt Centric, Hyatt Place, and Park Hyatt.
- Rewards: Earn 4x points on Hyatt hotel stays, 2x points on dining, travel, and fitness club memberships, and 1x point on all other purchases.
- Sign-Up Bonus: 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. This can help you book multiple nights at Hyatt hotels.
- Hotel Benefits: Enjoy automatic Discoverist status in the World of Hyatt program, which provides perks like room upgrades and early check-in. You’ll also earn 2 Elite Qualifying Nights towards status for every $5,000 spent, helping you achieve higher elite status in the program.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
- Annual Fee: $95.
6. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
If you prefer a simple rewards system with flexible redemption options, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice. While it’s not directly tied to a hotel loyalty program, it offers flexibility in redeeming points for travel-related expenses, including hotel stays.
- Rewards: Earn 2x miles on every purchase, making it easy to accumulate rewards for your travel expenses.
- Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. These miles can be redeemed for travel expenses, including hotel stays.
- Hotel Benefits: While this card doesn’t offer direct hotel loyalty perks, you can use the miles you earn to offset hotel charges, including international stays, by using the “Erase” feature through Capital One’s travel portal. You can also transfer your miles to over 15 travel partners, including hotel chains.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
- Annual Fee: $95.
7. Citi Premier® Card
The Citi Premier® Card offers excellent travel rewards, including benefits for booking hotels. While not tied to a specific hotel chain, this card allows flexibility with rewards and partnerships, including hotel stays around the world.
- Rewards: Earn 3x points on travel including hotels, 2x points on dining and entertainment, and 1x point on other purchases.
- Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, which can be redeemed for travel, including hotels.
- Hotel Benefits: You can transfer your points to one of Citi’s many hotel partners, such as Hilton Honors, Wyndham Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, providing great flexibility in booking international hotel stays.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
- Annual Fee: $95.
Choosing the best travel credit card for international hotel stays depends on your travel habits, preferred hotel brands, and the type of rewards you're looking for. Whether you're looking for exclusive perks, flexible redemption options, or specific hotel loyalty program benefits, there’s a card for every traveler. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and American Express Platinum® offer a range of benefits that can help you earn points and enjoy premium hotel experiences. If you're loyal to a specific brand like Hilton or Marriott, then credit cards tied to those programs, like the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, will give you added value.
By understanding your needs and evaluating the features and rewards offered by each card, you can find the best deal for your next international hotel stay.
