The Best Credit Cards For Earning Free Hotel Stays
Among the big reward credit cards, hotel cards seem to get lost in the noise… there are a couple of great offers out there at the moment, though.
Here’s a snapshot of the best hotel credit cards for U.S. travelers, in Outlaw’s opinion. If free hotel stays are your bag, don’t miss out on:
Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card – This excellent VISA Signature card offers a lot to new cardholders, including 30,000 Bonus Points after your first purchase on the card, and a free night’s stay each year, when you use the published link here to apply.
What are the details of the free night, you wonder? It’s simple: you receive your first Free Night Stay credit upon new account approval — it can be used to book a night at any eligible 1-4 category Marriott hotel. You automatically get another Free Night Stay upon each subsequent card anniversary date as well, and these can be used at 1-5 category Marriott resorts and hotels. You also earn 1 point for each $1 spent on the card, plus 2 points for each $1 spent on airline, dining, or rental car purchases.
(Outlaw named Marriott’s card the “2010-2011 Best Hotel Rewards Card” back in November.)
Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express — This AmEx card has a lot going for it, especially if you like W Hotels or Westin resorts, as I do (both brands are owned by Starwood). They waive the $65 annual fee for the first year, and Starpoints can typically be redeemed for air travel, in addition to hotel stays, so you have quite a bit of flexibility on that front!
You will also receive 10,000 Starpoints after your first purchase on the new card. No blackout dates for point redemption and around 350 airlines participate in the air travel aspect of Starwood’s rewards system.
A third popular option is the Hilton HHonors VISA Signature credit card. I am honestly not too familiar with that one yet, but you receive 30,000 HHonors bonus points after spending $600 within the first four months of account opening.
The upsides of credit card rewards
When used in the right manner, credit cards have a wide number of rewards and benefits. Using this method of payment however, can have consumers facing massive debts. Using credit cards carefully, consumers are entitled to a number of rewards, which can be in the form of gift vouchers, or even cash.
Credit cards in general, feature different forms of reward points within their marketing programs; users now have the ability to earn points on items they purchase. With these points in hand, they can redeem gifts such as discount vouchers, coupons, books, personal care items, shoes, accessories, airline tickets, etc. Depending on the credit card company, the rewards offered is based on their point programs and will differ.
Many credit cards also have a balance transfer option. This is a great choice as it empowers consumers to have their complete outstanding balance transferred to another credit card account. After doing so, individuals can then make payments to the other company in parts by monthly installments or as pre-decided. Consequently, this prevents them from falling into huge debts. As part of the transfer facility, what is required only is a one-time processing charge. More often than not, interest with the installments after balance transfer is low and should work for individuals who are compulsively indulgent buyers.
Ranging between 40 to 50 days, a credit period further provides consumers with the chance to make their payments on purchases at a later time. With a bill cycle date, consumers has a grace period that allows them to pay according to their convenience. In case of an emergency, this can be seen as a great opportunity. The benefits accompanying the wise use of credit cards cannot be ignored. Hence users must make their choice of service provider very carefully.
With credit card rewards as an added perks, a credit card can be very advantageous. Easily classified as a secure alternative to cash in real time, credit cards have a minimal risk if lost or stolen. Upon losing a credit card, there is always the option of blocking it immediately. Being able to do this lowers the chance of unauthorized access to nearly zero.
Author Bio : Mike Thereon works as an internal financial consultant in one of the Fortune 500 companies. He has a passion for writing and writes about various topics related to business, finance and economy. He holds a bachelor degree in the field of economics from Duke University and has been doing his bit in helping people manage their finances better.
Tips for choosing credit card rewards
Searching for that all-in-one credit card is no more a time consuming uphill task. While there are many lucrative offers from a multitude of companies, you need to identify the one that is customized to your lifestyle. Needs and expenditures vary according to age group and life style. Credit card companies understand these nuances in expectations. They have credit cards rewards schemes that convert bystanders’ into customers.
A student for example, would need a credit card that makes every edible purchase rewarding. Reward points that make purchase of pizza (and drinks!), apparel, groceries and at last books cheaper, are more attractive and suitable to students.
A young working professional would opt for a credit card that gives airline miles to make air travel cheaper. They would even appreciate cash back on fuel purchase to zoom down on that sleek BMW or the Apache! The satisfaction gained from having a credit card that allows you to skip paying, for filling up the gas tank for an entire month, will definitely save you from the next round of unplanned petrol prices hike. If that is not enough, drive down on that (almost) free petrol, to savour the taste of those delectable dishes in your favourite restaurant and get rewards for even that!
Many companies provide equally appealing offers on Cash back bonus. Select a credit card that provides higher cash back bonus offers on goods that you are most likely to purchase. The extra money earned from this hard endeavor can be spent on miscellaneous ventures with your close friends.
If saving your hard earned money is your passion, then go for a reward credit card that gives cash back on every purchase made; groceries, gas, food, travel, shopping (online and offline) to gift vouchers, home appliances, cosmetic and donations to charities are only a few which you may offer a variety of points. You can even select redemption options that are most suited to you, to redeem reward points from the entire range.
So the bottom line is to read the reward policies of various banks before signing up for that credit card! Find one that matches your needs. Opt for a credit card that has low interest rates and a low or no annual fee.
After getting a credit card, make sure that you don’t do anything that allows the Company to forfeit your accumulated reward points. Pay the card bill before the due date. Doing this will not only keep the interest rates low but also keep your reward points alive (literally). In a low cash month, make sure that you pay the minimum amount due for the bill and carry forward the expense to the next month. Many banks provide this facility at nominal charges. Check the rate of interest for minimum payment.
Regularly check the points accumulated after your monthly purchases to redeem any reward points that are about to expire. With an online account you can calculate the reward points and cash back bonus on the company website.
Author : Susan Lou is a business consultant with a largest multinational corporation. With a Masters degree in Financial Management and Accounting from Princeton University, she has been an active member of the financial community. She nurtures an interest in writing and regularly writes articles related to finance and business.
Challenges Using Credit Card Abroad
A trip overseas that started off great with the purchase of cheap airplane tickets and discount hotel rooms or cheap vacation packages can quickly become filled with problems unless travelers are aware up front of potential challenges they may face when trying to use their credit cards outside the U.S.
To fight credit card fraud, it is common these days for credit card companies to freeze your account as soon as a credit card charges comes in from a foreign country. Banks utilize antifraud software that follows customers’ spending habits. If you are going to be traveling to a different country or to another part of the U.S., it is smart to notify your credit card company in advance of your trip.
Many countries in Europe, Canada, Japan, Mexico and other nations are using a type of credit card that has a chip imbedded in the card and requires the user to enter a PIN. American credit cards have a magnetic stripe on the back of the card. Many stores in foreign countries do not accept U.S. credit cards or will accept them if the customer waits in special, often long lines, to get the purchase approved.
A recent survey determined that almost half of American cardholders traveling abroad over the last couple of years have experienced a problem using a debit or credit card, with 16 percent saying their card was rejected because their cards had magnetic stripes. The alternative is to bring a combination of cash and travelers checks so that you will be able to pay in cases your credit card is not accepted.
Another option will soon be available. The United Nations Federal Credit Union, is planning on offering its members credit cards with both a magnetic stripe and a chip by October. Visa and MasterCard are working with issuers of their cards to consider the feasibility of offering special credit cards with chip technology for customers who travel internationally.
Many customers’ credit card limits have been lowered as a result of the recession and bank problems. You should review your card limit prior to traveling and request an increase, if needed. www.cheapfares.com
About the Author
Cheapfares.com employees enjoy sharing their travel points of view and information with others who might share similar interests.
Welcome to Hotel Credit Cards
Welcome to Hotel Credit Cards! Our site is dedicated to helping you find the best hotel credit cards to save you money, give you cash back, earn you free nights, and more, just for using your hotel reward card to pay for your accomodations. Plus, if you are a business owner, or travel via an expense reimbursement, you can earn free travel benefits that you can use anytime…even for that annual vacation you want to take this year!
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