The BEST Hotel Credit Cards (ULTIMATE Guide)

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  • Опубліковано 9 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 97

  • @SpencerJohnsonOfficial
    @SpencerJohnsonOfficial  Рік тому +5

    ☎️ Book a call with me here: spencerjohnsonofficial.com/consulting

  • @KevinYang
    @KevinYang Рік тому +14

    Hotel cards give you so much more than airline cards do, and I'm sure most people can find at least one card on this list that can fit their lifestyle! Still have yet to take a dive into a major hotel chain's cards but maybe that'll change soon. Awesome video Spencer!

    • @SpencerJohnsonOfficial
      @SpencerJohnsonOfficial  Рік тому +4

      Aint that the truth!! I think airline credit cards have a time and place, but they aren't quite as easy to get positive value from for the most part. I'm excited to see what hotel cards you start to pick up man! Thanks so much for watching! 👊🏼

    • @KevinYang
      @KevinYang Рік тому +1

      @@SpencerJohnsonOfficial Hilton vs Marriott... decisions decisions... haha

    • @MichaelPithium89
      @MichaelPithium89 Рік тому

      @@SpencerJohnsonOfficialI will say the only truly valuable airline card is the Alaska airlines personal card

    • @headlibrarian1996
      @headlibrarian1996 11 місяців тому

      Even with dynamic pricing hotels haven’t devalued their loyalty programs as rapaciously as the airlines have. Airlines seem determined to get rid of non-cash travelers from their loyalty programs i.e. leisure travelers. I would argue that for the most point it is foolish to earn airline points unless you can’t help it i.e. business travel. Earn in a flexible currency like MR or UR and transfer to whoever gives you good value, which usually isn’t an airline, and pay cash for the other thing.

    • @Txcowboy80
      @Txcowboy80 4 місяці тому

      @@KevinYangMarriot is my go-to. I like their different tiers better.

  • @williamfeliciano6003
    @williamfeliciano6003 Рік тому +13

    You should do airline credit cards next. Hopefully you get the IHG CARD. Def can’t wait for those vids

    • @SpencerJohnsonOfficial
      @SpencerJohnsonOfficial  Рік тому +4

      Well you’ll be happy to know that that’s my plan! Keep an eye out for the vid next Sunday 👀

  • @TheCreditFrog
    @TheCreditFrog Рік тому +5

    Great and comprehensive video Spencer! There's so much opportunity with hotel credit cards with status upgrades as well as FNAs! There's so many options out there that it can be overwhelming, but it's nice to find all of them here in this video! Definitely would be cool to have a card from each program so you can be an (elevated) free-agent! I personally try to stick with one main program just so I can climb to the higher status tier (Marriott Titanium for this year), but I can see how having options can really be helpful!

    • @SpencerJohnsonOfficial
      @SpencerJohnsonOfficial  Рік тому

      I appreciate that Stan!! This one was one of the longest normal videos I've ever posted, but I wanted to try and get as much info in their as possible for it. As for my hotel card free agency, I don't necessarily think that would be a forever thing, it would only be until I figure out which one I really want to pursue status with. But I'd like to know as much as I can about each of them, and their cards would help me do so!

  • @jimmyjames6492
    @jimmyjames6492 Рік тому +2

    You can definitely get some great value with hotel CCs. Especially the $95ish AF ones that offer a FNC. Great info + video!

    • @SpencerJohnsonOfficial
      @SpencerJohnsonOfficial  Рік тому +1

      I completely agree! There's a ton of value to be had in hotel cards. Thanks for the support as always Jimmy!

  • @dylanzwick
    @dylanzwick 6 місяців тому

    So at 11:05 one of those hell demons from the movie Ghost just pops up from the shadows.
    You know, as tends to happen in credit card review videos.

  • @sidwalker4194
    @sidwalker4194 Рік тому +3

    You overlooked a perk on the Hilton Business card, unlike the personal version. This card still offers 10 free Priority Pass visits per year, which, as a business card, isn't expected to be dropped.

  • @williamfeliciano6003
    @williamfeliciano6003 Рік тому +2

    I think the UA-camr stan the credit frog said best. “Don’t get cards because of hype, get cards that fit your travel needs”.

  • @SunnyMoneyOfficial
    @SunnyMoneyOfficial Рік тому

    I've been wanting to learn more about hotel credit cards as I now know a good amount about flexible point earning cards, so thanks for the in depth video!

  • @TheAmazingDollarman
    @TheAmazingDollarman Рік тому +1

    Love the breakdown Spencer! Might have to grab one of the IHG cards

    • @SpencerJohnsonOfficial
      @SpencerJohnsonOfficial  Рік тому

      Thanks so much man!! I really appreciate your support. Those IHG cards are more solid than they get credit for!

    • @chijason6630
      @chijason6630 Рік тому

      @@SpencerJohnsonOfficial I am thinking of the IHG Premier card myself! I am new in the points game, as I just got hooked on international travel after my 2.5 week trip to the UK this year. I realized that I was missing out on a ton of value by just having cash back cards, and started with the Chase Freedom Unlimited (July 2023) to build some UR points, and got the Capital One Venture X (September 2023) with the 90k SUB. I just bought a ticket/accommodation package to a big festival in June 2024 in the Netherlands (>$3,200), which took care of almost all of my $4,000 MSR! The trip will be 2-2.5 weeks long, so I will have hotels outside of the festival for 10-14 days. I plan on several more long trips like this once per year and like to travel in business class on long-haul flights, so the travel cards would give me great value!
      I am looking to apply for these cards in the near future - do you think this a good plan? FYI, I have a 801 credit score, no outstanding debt (other than credit cards that I pay in full every month), and am 2/5 toward Chase's 5/24 rule.
      - Chase Sapphire Preferred (November 2023), preferably with 80k+ SUB - business class round-trip to Netherlands ~$3,800, which will cover almost all of $4,000 MSR
      - IHG Premier (January 2024) - purchase hotels for non-festival days in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, etc.
      - Chase Freedom Flex (March 2024) - 5x on rotating categories, hopefully with $200 + 5x grocery bonus (gas is irrelevant, as I don't own a car)
      - Capital One SavorOne (May 2024) - 3x on grocery stores, dining, and entertainment to be transferred to Venture X
      The main reason I was looking at the IHG Premier is because of the SUB and the free night anniversary bonus. In addition, I am more of a mid-tier hotel person (2-3 star rating), and typically look for a place that provides good value, along a clean room, comfortable bed, shower, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a refrigerator (on longer trips). I have stayed on Holiday Inn properties before, and find the quality perfectly acceptable.
      The only question is regarding the value on booking directly with IHG on the IHG Premier card vs. booking through the portal on the Venture X - the Venture X provides 10x points through the portal (18.5 cents/$), while the IHG card provides 26x points (13 cents/$). I would still probably get the card, as the welcome bonus would provide $700 in value, which would make up for the lower earning rate on the card.

  • @johnmckinstry6057
    @johnmckinstry6057 Рік тому +1

    This is a great video summarizing the most popular hotel credit cards on the market! I definitely agree with you on a lot of your thoughts on the cards. I think the Hilton cards got better with the changes that were made, especially on the Surpass card. The mid-level Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful and Bevy cards definitely are not worth getting for a lot of people. For most of the mid-level cards, I think it’s best to start with those because of the free night certificates that they offer and the higher welcome offers. The Choice and Wyndham cards are definitely worth looking at too. I have heard that Barclays tends to be inquiry sensitive and maybe even recent new accounts on one’s credit reports. For me, I’m pretty happy with my IHG Premier card and the NAF Hilton Honors card. My next card will probably be the Marriott Business card since it is a business card and I’m going to be over 5/24 until June 2024.

    • @williamfeliciano6003
      @williamfeliciano6003 Рік тому

      Dude why do I feel the ihg is super slept on

    • @SpencerJohnsonOfficial
      @SpencerJohnsonOfficial  Рік тому

      I appreciate you a ton John! I’m really happy you found it to be valuable. Good to know about the Wyndham card too. I thought that was the case with Barclays but I wasn’t 100% sure. You’ve definitely put me more on the IHG cards than before you shared your experience with it with me, so thank you for that! I’m sure I’ll be adding at least one of those to my setup one day. Thanks so much for the insightful comment as always!

  • @chrisv4920
    @chrisv4920 Рік тому

    Thanks Spencer. Awesome info, watched from beginning to the end 🤙

    • @SpencerJohnsonOfficial
      @SpencerJohnsonOfficial  Рік тому

      Dude thank you so much Chris! That really means a ton man. It was a longer one for sure, so I really appreciate you! 👊🏼

  • @tiwiks1
    @tiwiks1 Рік тому

    Great video, Spencer! I am definitely looking to acquire a lot of these hotel cards. I just got the Hyatt personal card to temporarily close out my Chase conquest (2 Personal 7 business cards). I do want to get some more when I am down to 1/24 by April. I just want to cool down my velocity. 😂

  • @Gard_Dawg03
    @Gard_Dawg03 Рік тому +1

    I am looking to eventually add the Marriott boundless to eventually get the ritz. However I am looking to add chase sapphire preferred and I’m having a hard time deciding which one to get first. I currently have the freedom unlimited and Amex gold. What are y’all’s thoughts?

    • @SpencerJohnsonOfficial
      @SpencerJohnsonOfficial  Рік тому +1

      Those are both great cards!! Here's how I would personally look at it. First, you'll need to know your 5/24 status to see how long you'll need to wait between applications. You may have to get one and wait a year for the other, or maybe you can get them both back to back. Second, you need to look at which one will support your current setup the most. For example, if you have a ton of Chase points right now that you want to transfer out to partners, adding the CSP first may give you a ton more value. Third, you want to consider any elevated welcome offers. If one has an offer you can't pass up on, that may drive your decision. There's a lot to think about, but that's how I'd start looking at it personally. Hope that helps!

    • @Gard_Dawg03
      @Gard_Dawg03 Рік тому

      Thank you Spencer! Just started getting more serious about the credit card game and your channel has helped me out so much. It’s been a tough decision deciding which way to go with. I think my strategy is to start with the Marriott and build more points through them. I travel a handful of times throughout the year and all of my travel (flights and hotels) are expensed. My company and myself personally use only Marriott. I see a lot of value utilizing that card now compared to the CSP. I am still saving up my chase points with my CFU card for a big travel sometime in the future so I’m not looking to transfer out to partners just yet. Plus, whenever I am ready to do that, I know I’ll have a nice welcome bonus with the CSP and will have everything I need to transfer out to partners.

  • @MattWelterOfficial
    @MattWelterOfficial Рік тому +2

    Hotel Credit Cards are awesome- I've gotten a ton of value by the elevated statuses, free night awards, and luxury travel benefits that can really elevate your vacations. Have all of the Hilton Cards except the Aspire, but would love to add that Card in the next year too. Great video as always Spencer!

    • @SpencerJohnsonOfficial
      @SpencerJohnsonOfficial  Рік тому

      I know you love em so I hoped you’d appreciate this vid! I’m excited to see you pick up the Aspire. I wanna get it myself at this point lol. Thanks for the comment as always man!

  • @elliottnixon-wq6sp
    @elliottnixon-wq6sp Рік тому +1

    Maybe this is a silly question but what, in your view, is the best keeper hotel card? Welcome bonuses are cool but for continuous value, you need to, you know, spend on the cards if you don’t want the annual fee to bite you where the sun don’t shine. So what hotel card is the best in overall spending (hotel, travel, dining, whatever else) in your view?

    • @SpencerJohnsonOfficial
      @SpencerJohnsonOfficial  Рік тому +1

      That’s a great question! I think most people would say the Hilton cards are the best lineup of cards from one hotel specifically. They have high earning categories, give you a lot of ways to get positive value, and there are Hilton properties everywhere. It all depends on what your prefer though! I’m gonna personally get a few of these to see what I like the most.

    • @elliottnixon-wq6sp
      @elliottnixon-wq6sp Рік тому

      Yeah, Hilton does a good job even with these questionable updates. I think the regular Honors card is overlooked. Status at a reputable chain and no FTF on a $0 AF card is solid. BTW, you should do a vid about the most creative credit card set ups. I think people get bedazzled by the standard trifectas and overlook cool combos

  • @Ryan-iq2zd
    @Ryan-iq2zd 5 місяців тому

    What are your thoughts on owning multiple credit cards? I already have the Hyatt and the Marriott Bonvoy credit cards, but I’m looking into possibly getting the Hilton Surpass card due to the elevated offer right now. Is that too many? Any thoughts and advice is appreciated.

  • @Gard_Dawg03
    @Gard_Dawg03 Рік тому

    Hey Spencer! Love the channel! I wanted to get your thoughts on my situation. I am currently looking to get either the Marriott Boundless or the Amex Platinum. The platinum offer is currently 150,000 and I feel like I shouldn’t miss out on this. I’m also looking at the boundless bc I travel a decent amount for work and stay at Marriott hotels. I am under the 5/24 rule as well. If I could apply for both, I definitely would but wondering which one you think I should consider getting first. Thanks!

  • @ImKeeday
    @ImKeeday Рік тому

    Do you guys think I should open 2 credit cards at once? I want the chase freedom unlimited with the bonus currently, but I also want to apply for a chase sapphire preferred and put my Christmas shopping on it. I feel if I open a CSP and wait, I’ll miss out on the CFU bonus.

  • @pablodejesus1373
    @pablodejesus1373 Рік тому +1

    Heeeyyyy spencer great video🙏🏻👍✋🤩❤💯

  • @lukehoberg9158
    @lukehoberg9158 Рік тому

    Hi Spencer, some say 3x-2x on "all other purchases" and some say "all other eligible purchases". Should I be concerned on that wording? Also, on these cards do the points expire? My uncle has the best western credit card forever and it's a straight 2x points on everything and the points never expire which I like the no nonsense of how that operates. Just worried about fine print on a couple of these. Looking at your top recommended cards like the Hilton or Marriot cards. Wondering if they have the same setup. Thanks

    • @lukehoberg9158
      @lukehoberg9158 Рік тому

      Also, if you do end up responding to my comment. I run a farm and thinking of applying for a business credit card for that. I would likely get them both under the same brand only one would be a business and the other one a personal. Would it then be possible for them to pool all points into one? Apologies if that's a dumb question but just starting out my credit card journey, so I definitely appreciate channels like yours. Thanks in advance.

    • @lukehoberg9158
      @lukehoberg9158 Рік тому

      Also, with some of these free nights they say 85,000 points(marriott). Could I bank those or do I have to use the free night that year or it will go away. Sorry for the many questions

  • @Ng-cq4wq
    @Ng-cq4wq 10 місяців тому +3

    11:05 - was that a ghost behind you ? 😅

  • @philbertshevitz3113
    @philbertshevitz3113 9 місяців тому

    Talking about the world of hyatt card, Not sure how you figure the extra 15k spend to get 30,000 points, but then say you only actually get 15,000 points. If you spend 15k you do get an extra 30,000 points....

  • @mrjohncollins
    @mrjohncollins Рік тому

    If you get the ritz Carlton before you get the Marriott 650$ premium card you’re lock out of that bonus. So I’m waiting for two years instead of one

    • @Aluckydevil
      @Aluckydevil Рік тому

      careful bro - they might take product change upgrade away

  • @gdejackmo
    @gdejackmo Рік тому

    There is one hidden feature of the choice hotel card no one has mentioned.

  • @taylorb6469
    @taylorb6469 Рік тому

    I love my hotel cards. My wife and I have (4) IHG Premier, (2) Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, (1) Hyatt, and (2) Wyndham Earner plus (specifically to use for Vacasa). The only one I plan on downgrading next annual fee cycle is the Hyatt. It’s the easiest card to get value from, but we simply don’t stay in areas where Hyatts are located. They are always in the middle of the city and we like staying outside the city.

  • @luissalazar2590
    @luissalazar2590 Рік тому +1

    Lmaoooo 11:05 made me secind guess my eyes

  • @sharjeelkhan7437
    @sharjeelkhan7437 9 місяців тому +1

    I watch it as entertainment but not in this rat race.

  • @youtube.experiment
    @youtube.experiment Рік тому

    You left out a few hotel credit cards that don’t provide much value such as Best Western and Drury.

  • @bencalebrod
    @bencalebrod Рік тому

    Another HUGE perk of the Wyndam Business Earner card is Diamond status which you can status match with Caesars, which can then be used to status match with certain cruise lines for FREE CRUISES!

    • @SpencerJohnsonOfficial
      @SpencerJohnsonOfficial  Рік тому +1

      Great point! Status matching your Wyndham status is definitely a valuable perk of this card. I appreciate you sharing that!

    • @karnmaster
      @karnmaster Рік тому

      I was over 5/24 when i got it.
      Now I get free Holland cruise free, discounted carnival cruise, trip to Bahamas free. Oh i forgot 100 dollar celebration meal.

    • @williamfeliciano6003
      @williamfeliciano6003 Рік тому

      @@karnmaster do you prefer it over Hyatt? Also how do u like to travels seems like cruises and islands

    • @williamfeliciano6003
      @williamfeliciano6003 Рік тому

      The only thing I don’t like is people sayings it’s a good gas card but now your stuck to one POINTS currency when with citi 5x on gas’s you can then transfer to different partners. But I guess hype?

    • @youtube.experiment
      @youtube.experiment Рік тому

      Don’t forget Caesars status matches now with National.

  • @antisellout6547
    @antisellout6547 Рік тому

    If you had to start from your 18th birthday no credit cards no credit period can you please either make a video on the route you would pursue in terms of what first credit card you would get, what percent of the credit limit you would use, how long you would wait until you applied for a second credit card, and what that second card would be, and how long you would wait until you got a third card and what card that would be etc thank you if you dont have time to make a video plz respond to my comment

    • @SpencerJohnsonOfficial
      @SpencerJohnsonOfficial  Рік тому

      I appreciate the suggestion here man! I've made videos like that on my channel already actually (first 5 credit cards to get and the one on my entire credit card journey) but I plan on making a more beginner focused hour long (or so) video on these types of topics at the start of the new year so I hope that one helps you out if the ones I've posted so far don't!

  • @mollyesevancese8884
    @mollyesevancese8884 3 місяці тому

    Hernandez Cynthia White Sharon Miller Steven

  • @ItsMeCJ
    @ItsMeCJ Рік тому +1

    First!!!

  • @berryzedzero
    @berryzedzero Рік тому +10

    I’m out of the game.

    • @sonokanda9436
      @sonokanda9436 Рік тому +2

      Because?

    • @SpencerJohnsonOfficial
      @SpencerJohnsonOfficial  Рік тому +1

      Man, how I’ve missed you 🫡

    • @berryzedzero
      @berryzedzero Рік тому +1

      @@SpencerJohnsonOfficial when are you free to guest star on my new show?

    • @iGimmie
      @iGimmie Рік тому

      I've been thinking that hotel cards are not the tea. Been thinking more Chase, Amex, and Airline points are the way

    • @berryzedzero
      @berryzedzero Рік тому

      @@iGimmie only true path is leaving the game entirely

  • @MattWelterOfficial
    @MattWelterOfficial Рік тому

    Second!

  • @johnmckinstry6057
    @johnmckinstry6057 Рік тому

    Fifth!

    • @SpencerJohnsonOfficial
      @SpencerJohnsonOfficial  Рік тому +1

      Haha I appreciate you nonetheless John! Your support means a ton as always 👊🏼

    • @johnmckinstry6057
      @johnmckinstry6057 Рік тому

      Yes, the video went live during halftime of the Steelers vs. Jaguars game that I was watching.

    • @SpencerJohnsonOfficial
      @SpencerJohnsonOfficial  Рік тому

      That was the goal! 😆@@johnmckinstry6057

  • @OfficialMichaelGlathar
    @OfficialMichaelGlathar Рік тому

    Third

  • @AhmadKhwajazada
    @AhmadKhwajazada Рік тому

    🫠