Hotel Credit Cards that Offer Free Night Certificates

Image: PHOTO: Paying with a credit card. (photo courtesy of Thinkstock)

by Holly Johnson
Last updated: 2:00 AM ET, Sat April 15, 2017

Traveling the world isn't cheap, but certain rewards credit cards can help you stretch your budget a whole lot further. With specific hotel credit cards, you get more than the opportunity to earn hotel points - you score free night certificates you can use now or in the future.

If you're aching for a free hotel stay nearly anywhere in the world, one of these cards can help:

Hyatt Credit Card
The Hyatt credit card offers two free night certificates after you spend $2,000 on your card within the first three months of opening the account. As a bonus, you'll also get a free night certificate at any Category 1-4 hotel on your cardmember anniversary.

This card does come with a $75 annual fee, but you can use your free night certificates at nearly 700 properties in 56 countries.

IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card
The IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card's current offer promises 60,000 points after you spend $1,000 within 90 days. Even better, you'll get a free anniversary night at any IHG property worldwide on your card anniversary each year.

Since InterContinental Hotels Group represents more than 5,000 hotels and resorts worldwide, your options are nearly endless. You can even use your free night certificate at one of their all-inclusive properties in Jamaica or Mexico. A $49 annual fee applies, but it's waived the first year.

Hilton Honors Surpass Card from American Express
The Hilton Honors Surpass Card from American Express is currently offering a crazy-good deal. After using your card for $3,000 in purchases within the first three months, you get 100,000 Hilton Honors points. Better yet, you'll qualify for a free weekend night certificate at nearly any Hilton property worldwide on your card anniversary.

A $75 annual fee applies, and it's not waived the first year.

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Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card
The Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card is another card with a huge signup bonus right now. Sign up to earn 100,000 points after you use your card for $5,000 in purchases within the first three months. Since you can transfer Marriott points to SPG, you now have more hotel options than ever. Better yet, you get a free night at a Category 1-5 hotel every year on your account anniversary. This card has a $85 annual fee that's not waived the first year.

Ritz Carlton Credit Card
The Ritz Carlton credit card is offering two free nights at a Tier 1-4 property after you spend $3,000 on your card within the first three months. A $450 annual fee applies, but so does a $300 travel credit good for airline incidentals, upgrades, lounge access, and more. You'll also get a Priority Pass Select Membership, Club Level upgrades at Ritz Carlton properties, global entry reimbursement, and special discounts on domestic airfare.

[READMORE]READ MORE:5 Easy Ways to Meet Your Credit Card's Minimum Spending Requirement [/READMORE]

If you're looking for ways to stretch your travel budget, a hotel credit card can help. Just remember to read the fine print and understand the perks, rewards program, and related fees. While free hotel nights can seem like a dream come true, it's crucial to understand each offer inside and out before you sign up.

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