Top 6 Hotel Credit Cards Under 100 Annual Fee for Travelers
Hotel credit cards can be a valuable asset for travelers, offering perks that enhance your experience without burdening you with high annual fees. In fact, several excellent cobranded hotel cards come with annual fees of $100 or less, providing benefits like free nights, automatic elite status, and bonus points that can significantly elevate your travel game.
Whether you’re aiming to save on international trips, accumulate points through daily spending, or gain access to exclusive upgrades and late checkouts, these cards deliver impressive value without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll explore six of the best hotel credit cards with annual fees under $100, highlighting what makes each one a worthwhile choice and helping you determine which card aligns with your travel preferences.
Choice Privileges Select Mastercard
Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
Annual Fee: $0 (see rates and fees).
Value: The welcome bonus is valued at approximately $360, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers.
The Choice Privileges Select Mastercard offers a generous 30,000 anniversary bonus points, easily offsetting the annual fee. With automatic Platinum status and 20 annual elite night credits, you’re well on your way to achieving Diamond status, which includes perks like free breakfast at select properties.
The card is particularly advantageous for redeeming points in regions with high hotel costs, such as Northern Europe, where nightly rates can be steep. Additional benefits include a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit (up to $120 every four years) and cellphone protection against damage or theft, making this a smart option for frequent travelers.
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Welcome Bonus: Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first six months.
Annual Fee: $0 (see rates and fees).
Value: The welcome bonus is worth around $400.
This card is perfect for those looking to earn Hilton Honors points without an annual fee. With Silver status, cardholders enjoy benefits like a fifth night free on award stays and earn points through both hotel stays and everyday purchases. It’s a hassle-free option for travelers wanting to enjoy Hilton perks without the commitment of a premium card.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Welcome Bonus: Earn 165,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
Annual Fee: $99.
Value: The welcome bonus can be worth up to $825.
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card justifies its $99 annual fee with a free night certificate that can be used at properties where cash rates exceed $200. The card also offers a fourth-night-free perk on award stays, making it a great option for longer trips. With Platinum Elite status, cardholders benefit from room upgrades (subject to availability), welcome perks, and bonus points, making it a reliable choice for those who stay with IHG multiple times a year.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
Welcome Bonus: Earn three free night awards (each night valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
Annual Fee: $95.
Value: The welcome bonus can be worth up to $1,050.
This card’s annual free night certificate easily offsets its $95 fee, especially when used at high-cost properties. The built-in Silver Elite status provides benefits like late checkout and bonus points, while 15 elite night credits give you a head start toward achieving Gold Elite status, which unlocks even more perks. This card is a solid mid-tier choice for anyone who occasionally stays at Marriott properties.
World of Hyatt Credit Card
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 60,000 bonus points: 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months, plus up to 30,000 more by earning 2 bonus points per dollar spent on purchases that normally earn 1 bonus point (on up to $15,000 spent) in the first six months.
Annual Fee: $95.
Value: The welcome bonus can be worth up to $1,020.
The World of Hyatt Credit Card offers an annual free night certificate that delivers exceptional value, particularly at Category 4 hotels. With Discoverist status, cardholders enjoy perks such as room upgrades and late checkout, enhancing the overall experience. The ability to earn elite nights through card spending makes this card an excellent option for travelers looking to unlock both immediate savings and long-term benefits.
Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card
Welcome Bonus: Earn 45,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
Annual Fee: $75.
Value: The welcome bonus is worth approximately $495.
With Platinum status in the Wyndham Rewards program, cardholders enjoy benefits like early check-in and late checkout, as well as bonus earnings on stays. The 7,500 anniversary points you receive each year can easily cover the annual fee, and a 10% discount on award redemptions helps stretch your points even further. This card is particularly appealing for travelers who frequently stay at Wyndham properties, especially those looking for budget-friendly options.
Conclusion
You don’t need to pay exorbitant annual fees to enjoy the benefits of a hotel credit card. With options from major hotel chains, it’s possible to unlock free nights, status perks, and strong earning potential at a reasonable cost.
If you’re looking for standout options, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and the World of Hyatt Credit Card are top contenders, while the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is a great pick for loyal Bonvoy members. No matter your preferred program, these hotel cards under $100 demonstrate that you can enhance your travel experiences without overspending on fees.
By choosing the right card, you can transform your everyday spending into rewarding travel experiences, making your next adventure even more enjoyable.
