Category: Credit Cards

Checking-In to the RCI® Elite Rewards Mastercard®   

The RCI® Elite Rewards Mastercard® is a basic, no-frills hotel card for members of the RCI timeshare program who want to earn rewards to help pay membership or resort fees or book travel through Barclays. The card earns 5x points per dollar with RCI purchases, 2x points on travel purchases, and single points per dollar for everything else. Points earned are redeemable for RCI fees, Barclays-booked travel, or RCI credits. New account holders receive a 2,500-point bonus when they use their card to make a first purchase. The card charges no foreign transaction fees and has no annual fee. 

How it Works 

Earning Points: 

• Earn Points with RCI Purchases: Cardmembers earn 5x points per dollar on every purchase with RCI. 
• Earn Points on Travel: Cardmembers earn double points per dollar when they use their card to make eligible travel purchases. 
• Earn with Everything Else: All other purchases with the RCI Mastercard earn a single point for every dollar spent. 

Redeeming Points: 

• RCI Members Credit: Points earned with the card are redeemable towards RCI members credits, good for exchange fees and membership renewals. 
• Travel: Rewards points are also applicable to flights, car rentals, and hotels booked through BarclaysUS.com. 
• Cash Back: Points are also redeemable for cashback to help pay RCI resort fees. 
• Get 5% Rewards Back: RCI®  rewards redemptions earn an automatic 5% back, helping cardholders save towards their next redemption. 

Today’s Bonus Offer 

New cardholders receive 2,500 bonus points when they use their card to make an initial purchase. Those 2,500 bonus points are equivalent to $25 in RCI members rewards. 

Hotel Perks: 

• $250 Vacation Credit: Cardholders earn a $250 RCI vacation credit when they use their card to make $10,000 of purchases in a calendar year. 

Cardholder Protections: 

• Extended Warranty: Cardholders receive extended warranty protections for an additional year on all products purchases featuring warranties with their RCI® Elite Rewards Mastercard®. 
• Price Protection: Cardholders don’t need to worry if they find their purchase cheaper elsewhere, as Mastercard gives them comprehensive purchase protection. 

Getting Under the Sheets with the RCI® Elite Rewards Mastercard®  

• Annual Fee: The card features no annual fee. 

“Suite” Perks That Make the RCI® Elite Rewards Mastercard® Worthwhile: 

No Foreign Transaction Fee: The RCI card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, making it a useful tool when visiting a timeshare abroad. 

No Annual Fee: The card also does not charge an annual fee, which is always a pleasant surprise with a hotel rewards card. 

“Reservations” About the RCI® Elite Rewards Mastercard®:  

Lack of Value: As just noted, the RCI® ERewards Card doesn’t provide much value beyond its lack of annual fee and foreign transaction fees. While the addition of a 0% intro APR on balance transfers is excellent, it isn’t enough to propel this card into the ranks of other, more impressive hotel rewards credit cards. 

Time to Check-Out 

What, then, should we make of the RCI® Elite Rewards Mastercard®? For those who are members of the RCI timeshare program, the card may offer some surprising value. 5x points for RCI purchases, as well as 2x points for eligible travel, can go a long way in helping recoup some of the expenses that come with booking a timeshare getaway. This value is further boosted with the ability to use rewards points towards RCI membership fees and costs. 

Ultimately, however, the RCI® Elite Rewards Mastercard® fails to escape the niche into which it is placed. For anyone other than a frequent timeshare enthusiast, the card has relatively little value. While no annual fees or foreign transaction fee help some, there isn’t enough justifiable benefit for those not connected to RCI. This, however, is a moot point, as that is precisely whom the RCI® Elite Rewards Mastercard® is aimed at. 


Editorial Disclosure — The opinions expressed on HotelCards’ reviews, blogs, and all other content on or relating to the website are solely those of the content’s author. They are not reflective of any card issuer or financial institution and have not been reviewed or approved by these entities unless otherwise noted. Further, HotelCards lists credit card offers that are updated daily with information believed to be accurate to the best of our knowledge.

Checking-In to the Hilton Honors Card 

The Hilton Honors Card is an impressive hotel rewards card for those who prefer to stay at Hilton Hotels. The Hilton family of properties encompasses will over 1,000 hotels and resorts around the globe and the Honors Card earns impressive points at all of them – for no annual fee. Cardholders earn 7x points per dollar for purchases with Hilton, 5x points on select categories (including gas and groceries in the U.S.), and 3x points per dollar for everything else. New accounts are also treated to 95,000 bonus points when they use their card to make $1,000 in purchases in the first three months. 

How it Works 

Earning Points: 

• Earn 7x Points with Hilton Stays: Cardholders earn 7x Hilton Honors points per dollar when they use their card to book stays at eligible Hilton properties around the globe. 
• Earn 5x Points in Certain Categories: Cardholders earn 5x points per dollar for purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, or U.S. gas stations. 
• Earn 3x Points on Everything Else: Cardholders earn 3x points per dollar on every other purchase with their card. 

Redeeming Points: 

• Redeem on Hilton Stays: The easiest method of point redemption with the Honors Card is by booking free nights with eligible Hilton properties around the world.
• Partial Redemption for Cash Bookings: Honors points are also applicable towards part of the total cost of a Hilton stay. 
• Redeem On Hilton Honors Experiences: Rewards points earned through the Hilton Honors Card are also applicable to unique Hilton Experiences.  
• Transfer Points to Frequent Flyer Programs: Hilton Honors members have a great perk in the ability to transfer their points to 30 frequent flyer programs.  

Today’s Bonus Offer 

New cardholders earn an impressive 95,000 bonus points when they use their card to make at least $1,000 in purchases within the first three months of opening an account.  

Getting Under the Sheets with the Hilton Honors Card 

• Annual Fee: The Honors card features no annual fee.  

Hotel Perks: 

• Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver Status: Hilton Honors AMEX Cardholders receive complimentary Silver status with their card membership. Silver status entitles members to free in-room Wi-Fi, 20% increased points on Hilton stays, late check-out, and a second guest staying free. 

Cardholder Protections: 

• AMEX Global Assistance: Cardholders also receive 24/7 access to AMEX’s Global Assistance hotline, providing emergency, legal, financial, and other coordination and advice when travel takes them more than 100 miles from home. 
• Extended Warranty Coverage: Cardholders receive an additional two years of warranty for purchases with a U.S. manufacturer warranty of fewer than five years. 
• Car Rental Insurance: American Express offers cardholders rental, loss, and damage insurance when they use their AMEX card to book their entire car rental. 
• Travel Accident Insurance: AMEX provides coverage for injuries, dismemberment, or accidental death when traveling.  
• Fraud Protection: Honors Cardholders never have to worry about fraudulent purchases on their account thanks to AMEX fraud protections.

“Suite” Perks That Make the Hilton Honors Card Worthwhile: 

• 95,000 Bonus Points Offer: 95,000 bonus points for just $1,000 in spending within the first 90 days isn’t a bad perk – especially when you consider 95,000 points has a cash equivalent of around $560. 
• Complimentary Silver Status: Silver status with the Hilton Honors program might not be the greatest, but for a card with no annual fee, it is a very nice perk indeed. Silver status provides 20% additional points earning on Hilton stays, complimentary in-room and in-hotel Wi-Fi, and late check-out – not bad for a “free” card. 

“Reservations” About the Hilton Honors Card:  

• None, really: The Honors Card offers surprising value for money, meaning even no free nights with each bombardment anniversary are more than made up for with no annual fee.

Time to Check-Out 

Overall, the Hilton Honors card offers impressive value for money. While the card is the “starter” of the Hilton Honors American Express Cards, it still provides great points earning potential and a sizable sign-up bonus. New account holders earn 75,000 points when they make just $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of opening their account. With regular use, the card earns 7x points per dollar with Hilton purchases; 5x at U.S.- based gas stations, supermarkets, and restaurants; and 3x on everything else.  

The card is further buoyed by complimentary Silver status in the Hilton Honors program, enhanced points earning (20%) on Hilton purchases, and no annual fees or foreign transaction fees. The lack of free nights might be a downside, but for a card that charges no annual fee, it is a nit-pick that likely will – and should – be overlooked. The Hilton Honors Card is an excellent card for the occasional Hilton guest who wants to earn great rewards but doesn’t like paying an annual fee for the privilege.  

 

Editorial Disclosure — The opinions expressed on HotelCards’ reviews, blogs, and all other content on or relating to the website are solely those of the content’s author. They are not reflective of any card issuer or financial institution and have not been reviewed or approved by these entities unless otherwise noted. Further, HotelCards lists credit card offers that are updated daily with information believed to be accurate to the best of our knowledge. 

Checking-In to the M life® Rewards Mastercard®

The M life® Rewards Mastercard® is a hotel rewards card from First Bankcard that rewards users who frequent the MGM family of resorts in Las Vegas, across the U.S., and around the world. Cardholders earn triple points for every dollar spent with MGM, double points on gas and groceries, and single points for every other dollar spent. New accounts further benefit from 10,000 bonus points when they spend $1,000 in purchases within the first three months. The card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.

How it Works

Earning Points:

• Earn on M-Life Rewards Destinations Purchases: M life® Rewards Mastercard® holders earn triple points (three points per dollar spent) and triple Tier Credits at M-Life Rewards Destinations. M Life destination resorts include the following properties:
  • Las Vegas:
    • Bellagio
    • Aria
    • MGM Grand
    • Mandalay Bay
    • Delano Las Vegas
    • Park MGM
    • NoMad Las Vegas
    • The Mirage
    • New York New York
    • Luxor
    • Excalibur
    • Circus Circus
  • MGM Resorts Across the U.S.:
    • Springfield, MA.
    • National Harbor, D.C.
    • Borgata, NJ
    • MGM Grand Detroit, MI
    • Beau Rivage, LA
    • Gold Strike Tunica, TN
    • Northfield Park, OH
    • MGM Empire City, NY
  • MGM Resorts in China, including MGM Macau and MGM Cotai
• Earn on Gas and Groceries:  Cardholders earn double Tier Credits and points on gas and supermarket purchases.
• Earn on Everything Else:  M Life cardholders earn one point and a single Tier-Credit for every other dollar spent on purchases.

Redeeming Points:

• FREEPLAY®: M Life points are redeemable for FREEPLAY® gaming credits on MGM video gaming machines.
• POINTPlay: M Life members can convert cash back balances into POINTPlay credits at their favorite slots or video poker machines.
• Express Comps: Points are also applicable towards MGM Express Comps. Express Comps operate at a 1:1 value for accommodation, dining, spas, and M Life moments, meaning they can be easily used to book anything you can imagine with MGM.
• Tier Credits: Tier Credits are the currency of the M Life rewards program, allowing members to rise through the ranks.

Today’s Bonus Offer

New cardholders receive 10,000 bonus points when they use their M life® Rewards Mastercard® to make just $1,000 in purchases within the first three billing cycles. 10,000 points have a cash value of $100, meaning this reward is a nice nest egg for planning a Las Vegas getaway – especially as rewards points are applicable towards gaming. Who knows? If you’re lucky enough, maybe $100 can turn into $100,000!

Getting Under the Sheets with the M life® Rewards Mastercard®

• Annual Fee: The M life® Rewards Mastercard® has no annual fee, which makes it an excellent option for those who scream “Viva Las Vegas!” and want to earn rewards that make staying in the Sin City (or any other MGM property) that much more exciting.

Hotel Perks:

• M-Life Pearl Status: Cardholders receive M Life Pearl Level benefits with their M life® Rewards Mastercard®. Pearl benefits usually start at 25,000 Tier Credits, making this a valuable perk. Pearl benefits include:
  • complimentary self-parking at MGM resorts in Las Vegas
  • 10% bonus points and Express Comps on gaming
  • A free buffet line pass at MGM Las Vegas resorts
• Priority Check-In: Cardholders receive priority check-in at M Life Resorts.

Cardholder Protections:

• Chip Technology: EMV chip technology has been around for some time now, but it has really started to catch on in the U.S. in recent years. Embedded chip technology provides a higher level of security for cardholders, making counterfeiting that much more difficult.
• Zero Fraud Liability: Cardholders don’t have to worry about fraudulent or unauthorized purchases with their credit card, as they’ll receive complete protection with Mastercard’s Zero Liability Protection.

“Suite” Perks That Make the M life® Rewards Mastercard® Worthwhile:

• Pearl Level Status: The M life® Rewards Mastercard® offers complimentary Pearl Level benefits, including free self-parking, additional earning on gaming, and a free buffet pass at an MGM Las Vegas resort. Free food – who can complain?
• No Annual Fee: Nobody likes paying an annual fee, and this card lets you earn rewards without the worry of overhead fees each year of membership.

“Reservations” About the M life® Rewards Mastercard®:

• Rewards Earning Rate: Triple points and Tier Credits isn’t too bad with all things considered, but it seems like if the reward earning rate was bumped up a few points – perhaps to 5x points per dollar – it may be a more enticing proposition.

Time to Check-Out

The M life® Rewards Mastercard® is a resort-centric hotel rewards card that provides great value to both fans of MGM properties and Las Vegas in general. Cardholders earn decent rewards points and M Life Tier credits with every purchase – all of which apply to a host of MGM rewards, such as comps, dining options at resorts, gaming credits, and more.

The M Life program benefits from the huge selection of properties in the MGM portfolio, including a dozen casinos and resorts in Las Vegas, with many lining the famous Strip. With complimentary Pearl Level benefits, cardholders don’t have to worry about paying to park – or about where to park themselves once they get into the resort, as they’ll receive one complimentary buffet line pass with their membership. And, once they’ve filled their stomachs, they’ll enjoy an additional 10% earning on gaming with their M life® Rewards Mastercard® – not too shabby.

Overall, the M life® Rewards Mastercard® is a great option for those who love Sin City, live near an MGM resort they frequent often or are simply looking to save up for a “treat yourself” getaway or spa experience now and then. No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and a raft of solid benefits and perks make this stylish card a strong contender for top casino credit card today.

Editorial Disclosure — The opinions expressed on HotelCards’ reviews, blogs, and all other content on or relating to the website are solely those of the content’s author. They are not reflective of any card issuer or financial institution and have not been reviewed or approved by these entities unless otherwise noted. Further, HotelCards lists credit card offers that are updated daily with information believed to be accurate to the best of our knowledge.

Checking-In to the Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Card from Chase

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Card from Chase is a co-branded hotel reward credit card from Chase Bank. The offer from Chase includes massive rewards-earning potential and a special introductory bonus reward for spending $1,000 within the first 3 months of opening an account. With exceptional rewards-earning potential at Marriott Bonvoy™ hotels, as well as double points for travel purchases, cardholders will qualify for 15 Elite Night Credits each year – which qualifies you for Silver Elite status, upgrading you to exclusive benefits that include priority late checkout, 10% bonus points on stays at 7,000+ hotels and resorts, and a dedicated elite reservation line. The Marriott’s Bonvoy Bold™ credit card from Chase is sure to be a great option for cardholders who want to redeem their rewards not only towards hotel stays, but also for car rentals, flights, travel packages, and much more.

How it Works

Earning Points:

• Earn Points with Marriott Bonvoy®: Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ cardmembers earn 3x reward points for every dollar they spend directly with Marriott Bonvoy™ hotels – at over 7,000 properties across the globe.
• Earn Bonus Points When You’re a New Cardmember: New cardholders who spend $2,000 within the first three months of opening their account will receive a special bonus of 50,000 rewards points. This offer is exclusively available to cardmembers who have not received an introductory bonus within the last 24 months; it also is not available to current cardmembers.
• Earn Points While Traveling: Bonvoy Bold™ cardmembers earn 2 points for every dollar spent on travel purchases, including car rentals and taxis, trains, vacation packages, and even cruises.
• Earn Points While Cruising: Earn 3 points per dollar spent when you sail through Marriott’s exclusive partner, Cruise with Points.
• Earn Points Flying: Account holders also earn 2 points for every dollar spent on airfare purchases.
• Earn with Everything Else: 1 reward point is earned for every other dollar spent with the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card. 

Redeeming Points:

• Hotel Stays: The easiest way to redeem Marriott Bonvoy Bold membership points is by booking stays using your points at Marriott properties worldwide. Points can be used towards stays at properties that range from standard hotels to suites, and even resorts.
• Cash Bookings: Points are also applicable towards part of a hotel stay with Marriott. If a Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ cardmember does not have the points needed for the complete reward they want, points can be applied towards a portion of that hotel stay, with the rest payable by cash or card. With Cash + Points, you can stay for as little as $55 and 3,500 points for a standard redemption, where available. 
• Pool Your Points: Cardmembers can combine their former SPG and Rewards Accounts, which gives you a powerful account with the new Marriott Bonvoy. Enjoy a single place for tracking status, points and stays; combined Elite nights can even add up to achieving a new status level, and combining your points balance can increase the points available to you immediately – which can qualify you for a free stay at the click of a button.
• Enjoy Marriott Bonvoy Moments: Cardholders get the opportunity to use points towards VIP access to extraordinary culinary, sporting, and concert events. Access in-demand dinner reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants or snag a premium seat at some of the biggest sporting events of the year. Your points open the door to unforgettable moments!
• Take Off: Select your travel options and pay for cars or flights with points. Travel packages for seven or more nights are also available, and points can be redeemed towards your dream vacation package.
• Gift Cards: Swipe your Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Card from Chase at major retailers, and opt to pay with points.

Today’s Bonus Offer

New cardholders can earn up to 50,000 bonus points within the first 3 months of opening their account by spending $1,000 or more in purchases during that time frame. New cardmembers will also receive 15 Elite Night Credits (an offer that recurs annually), which automatically bumps you to Silver Elite status.

Getting Under the Sheets with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Card

• Annual Fee: There is no annual fee associated with Chase’s Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card.  This makes their rewards program extremely attractive to any consumer whose credit score qualifies them for this offer.

Hotel Perks:

• Automatic Elite Status: Chase Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ cardholders earn instant Silver Elite status thanks to an annual bonus of 15 Elite Night Credits. This elite status entitles cardmembers to hotel perks like an exclusive 10% point bonus on stays, priority late checkout, mobile check-in, no blackout dates, exclusive member rates with Marriott, and a dedicated Elite reservation line.
• Annual Elite Night Credits: Cardholders receive 15 free Elite Night Credits for each anniversary year of membership. One Elite Night Credit is earned for every $3,000 spent and is used towards Elite status qualification. There are several tiers of elite status, starting with Silver and including Gold, Platinum and Titanium, up to Ambassador. Each tier has its own set of exclusive perks, ranging from free WiFi to welcome gifts and room upgrades, lounge access and Ambassador service and Your24 (which allows you to choose your own check-in and check-out times).

Cardholder Protections:

• Purchase Protection: Cardholders have coverage for new purchases made with their card, up to 120 days, against damage or theft. Get up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.
• Visa Concierge: 24/7 access to Visa’s dedicated concierge services, which provide travel assistance and coordination for any issues that may arise during travel as well as help making dinner reservations, finding event tickets, and more.  Customer service is available in different languages.
• Baggage Delay Insurance: Cardholders will be reimbursed for essential purchases like toiletries and clothes when their baggage is delayed over 6 hours by passenger carrier – up to $100 a day, for 5 days.
• Lost Luggage Reimbursement: If you or an immediate family member check or carry-on luggage that is lost or damaged by the common carrier you are traveling with, you’re covered up to $3,000 per passenger.
• Trip Delay Reimbursement: If your common carrier travel is delayed more than 12 (or requires an overnight stay), you are covered for expenses like meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket. This covers each person traveling with your reservation, too – so your family is covered as well.

“Suite” Perks That Make the Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Card from Chase Worthwhile:

• Initial Bonus Offer: The initial bonus offer with the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card offers exceptional value for those who plan to use their card extensively during the first three months of opening an account. With a spend of $2,000 within that time frame, new account holders can earn 50,000 bonus points.  
• Elite Member Status: The perk of automatic Silver Elite status is another great feature of the Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card. Elite status entitles members to an impressive array of benefits, including free Wi-Fi, concierge services, and more. 
• Fifteen Elite Night Credits Every Year: Cardholders receive fifteen Elite Night Credits annually, just for having an open account. 
• Points Don’t Expire: Your rewards points will not expire, as long as you make at least one purchase with your Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card once every 24 months.

“Reservations” About Chase’s Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Card:

• No Introductory APR: Perhaps the biggest drawback with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ credit card program is that while the initial point bonus of 50,000 points is certainly hefty and bold (living up to the card’s name), there is no introductory interest period, which means that this card is not a great choice for consumers who are looking to pay down an existing balance, or use their new card for a big-ticket purchase or to finance that dream vacation.

Time to Check-Out

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ credit card from Chase is a great hotel rewards card option for those who frequently use their credit card for hotel stays and purchases with Marriott and who want to get the most bang for their buck. The card earns 3 points for every dollar spent with Marriott properties, 2 points for all other travel purchases including airfare, car rentals, taxis and more, and 1 point everywhere else. New cardholders can also earn up to 50,000 points when making qualifying purchases within the first 3 months of opening their account. 

This card makes it easy to take advantage of the great rewards available through Marriott’s co-branded rewards program. The initial bonus mile offer, for instance, can break down to more than several free nights at a standard Marriott property. Reward points can also be combined from previous reward programs via Marriott, and can be redeemed towards hotel stays with Marriott properties, airfare and travel, car rentals, gift cards, and even vacation packages and cruises deals.

Overall, the Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card is an excellent choice for those who frequently stay with Marriott when traveling. The $0 annual fee, instant Elite status, lack of foreign transaction fees, and flexible redemption options are truly enticing when combined with the additional travel perks that are part and parcel with this card; it more than pays for itself in the long run. 


Editorial Disclosure — The opinions expressed on HotelCards’ reviews, blogs, and all other content on or relating to the website are solely those of the content’s author. They are not reflective of any card issuer or financial institution and have not been reviewed or approved by these entities unless otherwise noted. Further, HotelCards lists credit card offers that are updated daily with information believed to be accurate to the best of our knowledge.

Checking-In to the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card 

The Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card is a co-branded business hotel credit card from American Express. The card offers impressive rewards-earning potential and is the business-oriented flagship of the Bonvoy cards collection. New accounts receive 75,000 bonus Bonvoy points when cardholders make just $3,000 in purchases within the first three months. The card also entitles cardholders to Bonvoy Silver Elite status for their first year of membership and up to 6 points for every dollar spent with Marriott – all for a very reasonable $125 annual fee. 

How it Works 

Earning Points: 

• Earn Points with Marriott Stays: Bonvoy program members earn six  points for every dollar they spend with participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels via their Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card.  With the addition of employee cards, six points per dollar spent can add up very quickly.
• Earn 4x Points: Cardmembers also earn four points per every eligible dollar spent using their card at U.S restaurants and gas stations, with U.S.-based wireless service providers, when paying for shipping on U.S. purchases, or when booking flights directly with airlines. 
• Earn with Everything Else:  Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Cardholders also earn two points for all other purchases made with their card. 

Redeeming Points: 

• Hotel Stays: The easiest way for companies to redeem Marriott Bonvoy membership points is through stays with Marriott Bonvoy properties worldwide. Marriott divides its properties into eight categories for rewards, with a typical hotel placed in Category 1, while ultra-high-end resorts and luxurious boutiques go all the way up to Category 8. For a Category 1 property, a standard room per night will cost 5,000 points for off-peak stays. The higher up the scale you go, the more points you can expect to spend. One night at a Category 8 property, for instance, can cost anywhere from 70,000 points for an off-peak stay up to 100,000 for peak season stays. The value of Bonvoy points differs depending upon the Category of property. Using a detailed metric based on the number of points need to pay for rooms in the various categories, Bonvoy pints have a value of between $.003 to $.004 per point.
• Cash & Points Bookings: Bonvoy points are also applicable towards part of an eligible hotel stay. The Bonvoy Cash & Points option allows Bonvoy members to use a combination of cash and points to pay for their stay – with as few as 3,500 points and $55 needed to book a stay. 
• Transfer Points to Airline Rewards Programs: Bonvoy members may also transfer points to frequent flyer programs with most carriers. Bonvoy points transfer at a rate of 3:1, though there are some notable exceptions. Air New Zealand, for instance, transfer at a rate of 200 Bonvoy points to 1 Airpoint™.  Transferring points to frequent flyer programs are never the best use of points given the redemption values, but they are a great option if you need a few extra miles to help get you to your next business destination or conference.

Today’s Bonus Offer 

New business accounts earn 75,000 bonus Bonvoy points when authorized users use their Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card to make just $3,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening. 75,000 points are good for up to ten standard rate nights at Category 1 Bonvoy hotels – a pretty hefty reward for companies with employees who often travel for work. 

Getting Under the Sheets with the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card 

• Annual Fee: The Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® features an annual fee of $125. When you consider the theoretical value of Bonvoy rewards points, as well as the possibility of issuing up to 99 additional employee cards, the earning potential with the Business Bonvoy card is staggering – more than compensating for the annual fee. 

Hotel Perks: 

• Automatic Silver Elite Status: Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Cardholders receive complimentary Bonvoy Silver Elite status for their first year of membership. Silver Elite status entitles members to 25% bonus points on all Bonvoy stays, enhanced room upgrades, and exclusive 2 p.m. checkout. Cardholders must make $75,000 in eligible purchases within the calendar year to qualify for Platinum Elite Status after the first year. 
• Free Night Award Every Anniversary: Cardholders receive a complimentary free night on each anniversary year of membership. Redemption level for the free night award must be at or under 50,000 points.  
• Statement Credit: Cardholders receive a $300 statement credit each year of membership, which is applicable for eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties. 

Cardholder Protections: 

• Fraud Protection: Cardholders have complete protection from any fraudulent or unauthorized purchases made on their account. 
• Baggage Insurance: Cardholders can rest assured that if they are separated from their luggage, American Express is on hand to help with comprehensive protection for lost or delayed baggage. 
• Travel Accident Insurance: Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Cardholders receive insurance should they be injured or killed while traveling. 
• Global Assistance: 24/7 access to American Express’ Global Assist hotline, which provides travel assistance and coordination for any issues that may arise during travel.   
• Purchase Protection: American Express offers a suite of purchase protections, including extended warranty protection, purchase protection, and return protections. 

“Suite” Perks That Make the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card Worthwhile: 

• Initial Bonus Offer: The initial bonus offer provides exceptional value for companies who plan to use their card regularly and issue additional employee cards. 75,000 bonus points are good for up to 10 nights at Category 1 properties – all for an easily achievable minimum spend of $3,000 in the first three months. For companies that have employees on the road often, this is a great introductory perk. 
• Silver Elite Member Status: The perk of automatic Silver Elite status is another decent feature of the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card. Silver Elite status entitles cardholders to 20% more points for eligible stays at Bonvoy properties. 
• One Free Night Every Year: Cardholders receive one complimentary night at Marriott Bonvoy properties on every cardmember anniversary. 

“Reservations” About the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card:  

• Global Acceptance of American Express: American Express credit cards tend to offer some of the most lucrative benefits and perks for account holders. Unfortunately, however, the global acceptance of American Express cards is much smaller than that of both Visa and Mastercard. While AMEX boasts that over 1.6 million new businesses in the United States have begun accepting their cards in the past year, globally the number still isn’t where it needs to be to become a reliable international travel tool.  

Time to Check-Out 

The Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card is a very good business hotel card that provides exceptional earning potential to U.S. companies. Authorized cardholders earn 6x points when they use their card to book stays at Marriott Bonvoy Hotels, 4x points with purchases at U.S. restaurants, gas stations, wireless providers, and shipping, and 2x points for all other purchases.  

The points earning potential is furthered by the introductory 75,000 bonus points with just $3,000 in purchases with the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card in the first three months.  For businesses that provide employee cards, this is a very achievable goal.  75,000 points are equivalent to roughly 10 off-peak nights at Category 1 Bonvoy properties, making the Business Bonvoy a potent travel tool, indeed.  

While the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® suffers from AMEX’s reduced global acceptance compared to Visa or Mastercard, the acceptance of American Expres in North America is very good. While the card might not be the best option for companies whose business travel takes them across the oceans, for those who conduct their business stateside it is an excellent option and one that pays for itself almost instantly. 


Editorial Disclosure — The opinions expressed on HotelCards’ reviews, blogs, and all other content on or relating to the website are solely those of the content’s author. They are not reflective of any card issuer or financial institution and have not been reviewed or approved by these entities unless otherwise noted. Further, HotelCards lists credit card offers that are updated daily with information believed to be accurate to the best of our knowledge.

Checking-In to the Wyndham Rewards® Visa® Card 

The Wyndham Rewards® Visa® Card is a great hotel reward credit card from Barclays and Wyndham Resorts. Wyndham Hotels and Resorts operate more than 9,000 properties in over 80 countries across the globe, and the Wyndham Rewards® Visa® is an excellent way to earn rewards towards free stays at these hotels and resorts.  

Cardholders earn triple points for every dollar spent with the card on eligible Wyndham purchases, double points on gas, utilities, and grocery store purchases, and single points for all other purchases. Cardholders also receive complimentary Gold status in the Wyndham Rewards program, an impressive 15,000-point introductory bonus points offer, and Visa protections and security – all for no annual fee. 

How it Works 

Earning Points: 

• Earn Points with Wyndham: Cardholders earn triple points (three points for every dollar they spend) on purchases with Wyndham properties. Eligible purchases include those made at Wyndham Hotels, Wyndham timeshare properties, and Wyndham Vacation Rental North America properties. 
• Earn Points on Groceries and Utilities:  Cardholders earn double points (two points for every dollar spent) on gas and utility purchases made with their Wyndham Rewards® Visa®, as well as on grocery stores. Walmart and Target, however, are excluded from eligible grocery store points earning. 
• Earn Points for Everything Else: Cardholders earn a single point for every other eligible dollar they spend on purchases with their card.

Redeeming Points: 

• Hotel Stays: Wyndham Rewards points are redeemable towards stays at Wyndham owned-and-operated hotels, resorts, timeshares, and other vacation rental properties around the world. As Wyndham boasts well over 30,000 total properties in its impressive portfolio, there’s something for every taste and budget. Free night redemptions with the Wyndham Rewards program start from as low as 7,500 points for Tier 1 properties, 15,000 points for Tier 2 properties, and 30,000 for Tier 3 properties. 

Today’s Bonus Offer 

New cardholders earn 15,000 bonus points when they either make their first purchase with their Wyndham Rewards® Visa® Card or use the card to conduct a balance transfer. As Tier 2 redemption starts from 15,000 points, this easy-to-attain bonus is suitable for either one free night at a Tier 2 property, or two nights at a Tier 1 property. Two nights free with Wyndham just for opening an account and making a purchase is a great perk. 

New account holders also benefit from 0% introductory APR for six months on all Wyndham timeshare purchases, as well as 0% intro APR on balance transfers for the first 15 months. 

Getting Under the Sheets with the Wyndham Rewards® Visa® Card 

• Annual Fee: The Wyndham Rewards® Visa® does not feature an annual fee, which is a great bonus. 

Hotel Perks: 

• Gold Status: Wyndham Rewards® Visa® holders receive complimentary Gold status membership in the Wyndham Rewards program. Gold membership allows cardholders to receive free Wi-Fi, dedicated membership services, preferred room choice when booking, and an accelerated points-earning of 10% over non-Wyndham Rewards members. 

Additional Perks: 

• Concierge Service: Cardholders receive access to Visa’s dedicated 24/7 concierge service, providing personal assistance, including recommendations and reservation s for dining, entertainment, and more. 

Cardholder Protections: 

• Global Assistance: Cardholders receive 24/7 access to Visa’s travel and emergency services. 
• Zero Fraud Liability: Visa offers cardholders comprehensive protection from fraudulent purchases on their card. 

“Suite” Perks That Make the Wyndham Rewards® Visa® Card Worthwhile: 

• Initial Bonus Offer: 15,000 bonus points may not sound like a lot – especially given the massive amount of points some hotel rewards cards offer. The Wyndham Rewards® Visa’s small introductory bonus, however, is more than offset by both it’s easy achievability and the lack of an annual fee. Simply for making a purchase with the card (no matter how small) or conducting a balance transfer, cardholders receive enough points for up to two free nights at Tier 1 Wyndham properties. 

“Reservations” About the Wyndham Rewards® Visa® Card:  

• Lack of Perks: The Wyndham Rewards® Visa® doesn’t offer many perks beyond the introductory offers and Wyndham Rewards Gold status. Fortunately, these drawbacks are offset by no annual fee. 

Time to Check-Out 

The greatest asset of the Wyndham Rewards® Visa® lies in the strength of the Wyndham Rewards program itself. The program includes over 30,000 properties in over 80 countries around the world. Even better, free night rewards with the program start as low as 7,500 points. With so many hotel options – as well as timeshares and other rental properties – available, Rewards members likely will always find something to pique their interest when it comes to reward nights. 

The no annual fee, as well as the virtually free 15,000 bonus points, are the other strengths of this card. Two free nights at a quality chain like Wyndham is nothing to scoff at, meaning if you are someone who either frequently stays at Wyndham Resorts, or wants a card that rewards purchases for utilities or necessities with the chance for free stays, the Wyndham Rewards® Visa® is a strong card to consider. 


Editorial Disclosure — The opinions expressed on HotelCards’ reviews, blogs, and all other content on or relating to the website are solely those of the content’s author. They are not reflective of any card issuer or financial institution and have not been reviewed or approved by these entities unless otherwise noted. Further, HotelCards lists credit card offers that are updated daily with information believed to be accurate to the best of our knowledge.

Checking-In to the IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card

The IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card offers loyal patrons unprecedented earning potential towards the IHG Rewards Club which can be redeemed for complimentary or discounted hotel stay, airline miles, and more. With IHG ® having over 5,000 properties in 100 countries around the globe, their co-branded hotel card from Chase makes it easy to turn every adventure into a luxurious embarkment – wherever your travels may take you. 

This card features an annual fee of $89 which is not waived during the first year. However, cardholders can immediately recoup the card cost with valuable membership perks, a generous signup bonus and the card’s strong earning potential.   

How it Works 

Earning Points: 

• 25X points on hotel bookings – Earn 25 points per dollar spent at any IHG® Hotels and Resorts property 
• 2X points on gas, groceries, and restaurants – Walmart and Target, however, are excluded from eligible grocery store points earning 
• 1X points for everything else – Earn one point per dollar for all other purchases wherever Mastercard is accepted 
• Anniversary Bonus – Earn 10,000 bonus points for spending at least $20,000 within the account anniversary year 

Redeeming Points: 

• Reward Nights – The most valuable method of point redemption. Points can be used for complimentary hotel stays for as little as 10,000 points at the thousands of IHG Hotels and Resorts locations. The specific redemption amounts will vary by hotel property (you can look up the specific rates here) and requires advance reservations. While there are no blackout dates, all reservations are subject to room availability.  

The average value per point varies by hotel and the location but, after comparing rates from cities around the United States typically fell between $.003 and $.005 – less than 1¢ each. While there were no clear trends between hotel brands, it appeared that the more popular destinations (South Beach and New York City) had the least valuable redemption rates. To get the most bang out of your IHG rewards program, redeeming points at less coveted destinations will stretch point balances further.   

• Shopping – The IHG Rewards Club offers members the opportunity to redeem points for merchandise through their online catalog which includes high–end appliances, furniture, and electronics. The average point value for catalogs is a disappointing $.002, and therefore, not a recommended redemption method for any IHG® Rewards Club Premier earnings. 
   
• Gift Cards – Available through the same online catalog, gift cards are available from well-known names such as Uber, Amazon, and Best Buy. Unfortunately, this method of redemption also has a subpar redemption rate averaging between $.002 – $.0025 per point.      
   
• Magazine Subscriptions – Dozens of well-known publications are available via points. IHG Members can choose from several 1-year subscription options, ranging in cost between 1,000-8,500 points. 
   

• Airline Miles – IHG® Rewards Club features 39 airline partners ranging from Aeromexico to Velocity Frequent Flyer and includes major U.S. airlines. The majority of their partnered airlines have an exchange rate of 10,000 IHG points for 2,000 miles – a rate of 5 points per airline mile. When taking the amount needed to spend to generate such a number of points, this redemption option quickly loses its appeal.  

Using American Airlines as an example: To purchase 2,000 miles directly on the aa.com site would cost $101.05. Earning 10,000 points using the IHG® Rewards Club Premier credit card would cost: 

• • $400 in bookings at an IHG property, or 
  • $5,000 in gas, groceries, or restaurants, or 
  • $10,000 for non-bonus category purchases 

While the exchange may not look bad on paper, the actual discrepancy in value is apparent once you crunch the numbers. As such, this redemption method isn’t highly recommended either. 

• Donate to Charity – IHG Members can donate between 2,500 – 10,000 points to five establishments: Goodwill, the American Red Cross, The Prince’s Trust, Youth Career Initiative, and CARE International UK.  
   
  It’s difficult to accurately valuate each IHG point for this redemption method, as the actual dollar value of the donation is not shown. Instead, selecting a charity “product” will only display a description of what the donation could be used for.  
   
  While giving back to the less fortunate is always a worthy cause, our one caveat about this redemption option is that donated points are not counted as tax-deductible donations. 

Today’s Bonus Offer 

Spend $2,000 within the first 3 months of opening an account and you’ll find yourself with 80,000 bonus points – and with complimentary hotel stay starting at 5,000 points, this signup bonus can go a long way.  If your annual spending tops $20,000 per account calendar year, you’ll be well-rewarded with an anniversary bonus of 10,000 points.

While $20,000 may seem steep to earn enough points for potentially one night’s stay, those who were likely to spend that much, whether there was incentive or not, will find this perk an easy way to earn extra rewards for the purchases they were already intending to make. 

On top of an impressive signup bonus, new cardholders can enjoy amplified earning potential on purchases for the first 12 months of opening an account: Earn a whopping 40X points per dollar spent at any IHG hotels or resorts and 4X points per dollar on all other purchases. 

Getting Under the Sheets with the IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card

Hotel Perks: 

• Platinum Elite Status – Automatically be upgraded to the mid-tier of IHG® Rewards Club membership which otherwise would require 40 qualified night stays per calendar year or 40,000 Elite Qualifying Points. This elevated status entitles members to a host of benefits including exclusive booking rates, enhanced hotel stays, and accelerated point earning capabilities.  
   
• Anniversary Free Night – A night of complimentary hotel stay will be made available each year that your account is active, on the account renewal date (12 months from the initial open date, reward nights will be given on the same date every year). Unfortunately, this award is not eligible for use at all IHG properties and can only be used for one standard room’s night rate with a current point redemption level of 40,000 or less. View the complete list of ineligible IHG hotels and resorts here. Anniversary Night will be forfeited if not used within 12 months from when it was issued. 
   
• Fourth Night Free – Book four or more nights of consecutive stay using your points and receive the 4th night free. During the booking process, cardholders will be charged the point redemption rate of the first three nights only. There is no limit to how many times this benefit can be used, however, bookings that are paid for in cash or through partial cash payment (Points & Cash bookings) are not eligible for this offer. 

Travel Perks: 

• Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® Fee Credit – Receive a statement credit when using the IHG® Rewards Club Premier credit card to pay the $100 application fee for Global Entry or the $85 application fee for TSA Pre✓®. Reimbursement is only eligible for one application every four years. 
  
  
• Baggage Delay Insurance – Receive reimbursement for essential purchases (toiletries, clothing, etc.), up to $100 for 3 days, if baggage is delayed for over 6 hours.  
   
• Lost Luggage Reimbursement – If checked or carry-on bags are damaged or lost by the carrier, receive up to $3,000 per passenger (applies to you and immediate family members that you are traveling with). 
   
• Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance – If sickness, severe weather, or other eligible situations result in a trip cancelation, receive up to $5,000 in reimbursement (per trip) for pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses. This includes passenger fares, tours, and hotels. 
   
• No Foreign Transaction Fees – Feel free to use the IHG® Rewards Club Premier credit card at any of IHG’s thousands of international properties. There are no additional charges for making purchases outside of the United States.  

Additional Perks: 

• Save 20% on Point Purchases – Use your IHG® Rewards Club Traveler Credit Card when purchasing points towards the IHG® Rewards Club. All points acquired through purchases will not count towards Elite qualification to move to a higher membership tier. 
   
• Purchase Protection – New purchases are covered against damage and theft for 120 days and up to $500 per claim ($50,000 claim limit per account). 

“Suite” Perks That Make the IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card Worthwhile: 

• Automatic Platinum Elite Member status – This perk saves cardholders a considerable amount of hassle from having to discern between Elite Qualifying purchases and Non-Elite Qualifying purchases – and, of course, having to spend on the 40 nights of hotel stays that’s required. Further, having Elite status means that points will never expire as long as you’re a cardholder, allowing the opportunity for individuals to accrue enough points to redeem for some of IHG’s most luxurious properties.   
• Multiple ways to earn free hotel stay – Everyone likes “free”, and the IHG® Rewards Club Premier credit card provides plenty of opportunities to get your share of it. In fact, the card automatically pays for itself ($89 fee) by providing cardholders with a free night for every account anniversary.
  
• International–traveler–friendly – Cardholders can enjoy complimentary Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® and zero foreign transaction fees, perfect for those who frequently travel abroad for business or family. 

“Reservations” About the IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card:  

• Point redemption value – Although there are multiple point redemption methods, the only worthwhile option is to use points towards hotel stays, and even then, point value is typically below half a cent. The next best options for redemption — transferring points for airline miles or redeeming for magazines and gift cards – bring down the value of each point even further.  
   
• High spend for anniversary bonus points – While not a detraction from the overall card itself, the 10,000 bonus points that cardholders have the potential to earn comes at a pretty high spend threshold.

Cardholders who wouldn’t already spend $20,000 per calendar year should not push their spending to unnatural limits just to reach this. Considering that the average 2-night stay requires between 30,000-70,000 points, aiming to reach such a high threshold wouldn’t result in achieving additional IHG award stay.  

Time to Check-Out 

Overall, the IHG® Rewards Club Premier credit card is an incredibly compelling hotel card. It’s difficult to ignore such a substantial signup bonus and the unmatched earning power of the card within the first 12 months. If you’re not already a loyal IHG Hotels & Resorts patron, this card might make you consider becoming one.  

Opportunities for a free night stay are available at nearly every turn – even after earning the signup bonus. The IHG® Rewards Club Premier credit card provides value to cardholders long after the introductory period is over, even if only in a limited capacity. The automatic Elite status hosts a bevy of benefits and would still make a strong case to apply for this card, even if that was the only perk offered. 

Although the card includes bonus rewards for gas, groceries, and restaurants, the low value of each individual point better lends this card to be used solely for booking hotel stays. Other rewards cards will likely provide far more lucrative returns on those popular categories. While it may be tempting to make this your primary credit card because of the annual fee, cardholder can rest assured they’ll get their money’s worth out of the IHG® Rewards Club Premier credit card simply from the free reward night that’s given on every account anniversary. 

The only shortcomings of this card are that the perks and redemption methods are almost exclusively geared towards hotel-related stays. There are no options for cash back or a statement credit, which makes this card slightly less versatile compared to other cards – but what this card does offer more than makes up for the specificity of the redemption options.  

If you travel at least once a year to a location where lodging is needed, the IHG® Rewards Club Premier credit card is a strong hotel card that will continue delivering value for years to come. Want the perks with a lower annual fee? Check out the IHG Rewards Club Traveler credit card.

Editorial Disclosure — The opinions expressed on HotelCards’ reviews, blogs, and all other content on or relating to the website are solely those of the content’s author. They are not reflective of any card issuer or financial institution and have not been reviewed or approved by these entities unless otherwise noted. Further, HotelCards lists credit card offers that are updated daily with information believed to be accurate to the best of our knowledge. 

Checking-In to the Sandals Visa Signature® Card 

The Sandals Visa Signature® Card is a hotel rewards card from Bank of America that earns WorldPoints® rewards points towards the Sandals family of resorts throughout the Caribbean. Cardholders earn triple points for purchases with either Sandals or Beaches Resorts, as well as a single point for all other purchases made with the card. New accounts also benefit from a $150 statement credit when they use their card to make $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days, as well as a 0% intro APR period on purchases for the first seven months, followed by a decent regular APR after that. The card boasts no foreign transaction fees or annual fees.

How it Works 

Earning Points: 

• Earn Points with Sandals Stays: Cardholders earn triple points (three points for every dollar spent) on purchases at any Sandals and Beaches Resort
• Earn with Everything Else: Cardholders earn one point for every other dollar they spend on purchases with the card.

Redeeming Points: 

Sandals offers numerous routes for redeeming WorldPoints® rewards points. The following are the advertised options for redemptions with Sandals and Beaches Resorts:

• 1,800 Points: All That’s Good book
• 2,500 Points: Enjoy a Sesame Street® Character Breakfast
• 7,500 Points: A $75 discount on Sandals or Beaches vacations
• 9,000 Points: Enjoy an Island Routes Canopy Tour at Sandals Jamaica (one person)
• 10,000 Points: A $100 Sandals or Beaches Red Lane® Spa credit
• 12,500 Points: A $125 discount on Sandals or Beaches vacations
• 15,000 Points: A $175 discount on Sandals or Beaches vacations
• 16,500 Points: A private candlelight dinner for two
• 25,000 Points: A $300 discount on Sandals or Beaches vacations
• 75,000 Points: Three free nights at Beaches or Sandals Resorts in September
• 100,000 Points: Three free nights at the following resorts: Sandals Montego Bay Flagship Resort, Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island, Sandals Ochi Beach Resort and Sandals Halcyon Beach St. Lucia
• 125,000 Points: Three free nights at the following resorts: Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort, Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa in Saint Lucia, Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa, Sandals South Coast Jamaica, Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa, Sandals Royal Plantation & Spa, Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island, Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa, Sandals Royal Barbados Luxury Included Resort & Spa, Sandals Barbados, and Sandals Emerald Bay Golf, Tennis & Spa Resort

Today’s Bonus Offers

• New cardholders earn a $150 statement credit when they use their Sandals Visa Signature® Card to make at least $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
• Cardholders also receive 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first seven billing periods after they open their account.

Getting Under the Sheets with the Sandals Visa Signature® Card 

• Annual Fee: The Sandals Visa Signature® features no annual fee, which makes it a useful everyday tool for those who prefer to vacation with Sandals.

Hotel Perks: 

• None: The Sandals Visa Signature® Card does not offer any Sandals or Beaches specific perks, instead, it relies on the ability to earn up to 3 points for every dollar spent on purchases. While this scenario isn’t ideal, the card does benefit from a host of Visa Signature benefits.

Additional Perks: 

• Visa Signature Concierge: Cardholders receive complimentary 24/7 access to Visa’s Concierge service, which offers assistance with travel planning, entertainment booking, and more.
• Exclusive Experiences: Cardholders also receive exclusive access to Visa Signature experiences, such as Sonoma County wine tasting events, dining with celebrity chefs, and more.
• Access to Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection: Visa Signature cardholders receive exclusive access to the Visa Luxury Hotel Collection, featuring over 900 properties around the world. While this is a great perk, users of this card will likely book with Sandals Resorts for obvious reasons, making this perk somewhat redundant.

Cardholder Protections: 

• Travel and Emergency Assistance: Cardholders receive 24/7 access to Visa’s travel and emergency services.
• Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Visa Signature offers cardholders rental, loss, and damage insurance when they use their Sandals Visa Signature® to book the entire cost of their car rental.
• Extended Warranty Protection: Cardholders receive warranty protection, which adds an additional year of warranty to purchased items from eligible U.S. manufacturers.

“Suite” Perks That Make the Sandals Visa Signature® Card Worthwhile: 

• Sandals Redemptions: The Sandals Visa Signature® Card offers great redemption options which are sure to entice many Sandals or Beaches regulars. Options, such as free nights, resort discounts, or even special events like themed breakfasts or private dinners, make earning rewards and planning trips an exciting proposition.

“Reservations” About the Sandals Visa Signature® Card:  

• Lack of Perks: The Sandals Visa Signature® Card doesn’t offer the level of perks you would usually expect from a Visa Signature credit card. Beyond what Visa offers standard, there is little else for cardholders to get excited about.

Time to Check-Out 

The Sandals Visa Signature® Card is a decent hotel rewards card for those that prefer to vacation with Sandals or Beaches Resorts throughout the Caribbean. The card earns a respectable three points for every dollar spent with Sandals or Beaches and one point for all other purchases. While this earning potential isn’t exceptional, for those who love all-things Sandals it is likely enough to hook them into applying.

The Sandals Rewards program offers excellent redemption options, with exciting activities such as tropical canopy tours in Jamaica starting from just 9,000 points. Simply joining the rewards program and staying with Sandals or Beaches earns 5,000 points, which is more than halfway there. Given that vacations with the resort company tend to run well into the thousands of dollars, using the Sandals Visa Signature® Card to book a holiday will open rewards from around 8,000 to 10,000 points almost instantly.

If you love Sandals, the Sandals Visa Signature® Card may be right for you. If you don’t like to limit your vacation options, however, there are better hotel rewards credit cards out there – or general travel credit cards, for that matter – which may provide higher value for everything else under the sun.

Editorial Disclosure — The opinions expressed on HotelCards’ reviews, blogs, and all other content on or relating to the website are solely those of the content’s author. They are not reflective of any card issuer or financial institution and have not been reviewed or approved by these entities unless otherwise noted. Further, HotelCards lists credit card offers that are updated daily with information believed to be accurate to the best of our knowledge.

Checking-In to the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card 

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card is an impressive hotel rewards card for those who frequently stay with any one of the thousands of the properties that make up the Hilton portfolio of hotels and resorts. The card earns up to 12x points per dollar for purchases with Hilton for an annual fee of just $95. This yearly fee also entitles members to complimentary Gold status in the Hilton Honors program – good for complimentary breakfast, fast Wi-Fi, and a host of other great perks – as well as ten visits to Priority Pass lounges each year. New cardholders can also earn 150,000 points when they use their card to make $3,000 in purchases in the first three months.

How it Works 

Earning Points: 

• Hilton Stays: Cardholders earn 12x points for stays at eligible Hilton properties worldwide, which is an impressive amount of points for a relatively low annual fee.
• Dining and Shopping: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass cardholders also earn 6x points per dollar for purchases at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, or gas stations.
• Everything Else:  Cardholders earn three points per dollar on every other purchase with their card.

Redeeming Points: 

• Hotel Stays: Hilton Honors points are redeemable for stays at participating properties within the Hilton portfolio worldwide. The exact value of Hilton Honors points varies depending on the season and hotel quality, though Hilton Honors points have a value of between $.05 to $.06 per point.
• Cash Bookings:  Honors points are also applicable towards part of the total cost of a Hilton stay.
• Hilton Honors Experiences: Reward points earned through the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card are also applicable towards redemptions for Hilton Experiences.
• Transfer Points to Airline Rewards Programs: Hilton Honors members have a great perk in the ability to transfer points to 30 frequent flyer programs.

Today’s Bonus Offer 

New cardholders earn an impressive 150,000 Hilton Honors bonus points when they use their card to make at least $3,000 in purchases within the first three months of opening an account.

Getting Under the Sheets with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card 

• Annual Fee: The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass card features a $95 annual fee. While there are many great hotel rewards cards that offer no annual fee, the $95 fee is more than made up for with complimentary Gold Hilton Honors membership status and ten free Priority Pass lounge visits each year of membership.

Hotel Perks: 

• Complimentary Gold Status: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Cardholders receive complimentary Gold status with their card membership. Gold status entitles members to complimentary breakfast, premium internet access, a fifth night free on bookings, complimentary upgrades (when available), and 80% bonuses on points earning at Hilton properties.
• Free Night Award Every Anniversary: Cardholders receive one free weekend night reward when they make at least $15,000 in purchases in a calendar year and renew their card.

Additional Perks: 

• Priority Pass Visits: Cardholders receive access to Priority Pass lounges ten times each year of membership. Priority Pass operates over 1,200 lounges throughout the world. Two visits to the lounge with the Surpass card already pays for the entire annual fee of the card.

Cardholder Protections: 

• Fraud Protection: Surpass cardholders have total protection from any fraudulent or unauthorized purchases made on their account.
• Global Assistance: Cardholders also receive 24/7 access to AMEX’s Global Assistance hotline, providing emergency, legal, financial, and other coordination and advice when travel takes them more than 100 miles from home.
• Travel Insurance Coverage: Cardholders receive comprehensive travel coverage through American Express, including travel accident insurance, baggage protection insurance, and care rental insurance when they use their Surpass Card to book their entire car rental and waive additional coverage at the counter.
• Roadside Assistance: Cardholders also receive premium roadside assistance, including towing for up to 10 miles, changing a flat tire, or jump-starting a battery up to four times per year.

 “Suite” Perks That Make the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card Worthwhile: 

• Sign-Up Bonus Offer: 125,000 bonus points is a very impressive haul of points – especially when it requires only $2,000 worth of purchases within the first three months.
• Complimentary Gold Status: Instant Hilton Honors Gold status is an excellent feature of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass card. Gold status entitles cardholders to complimentary breakfast, premium internet access, a fifth night free on bookings, complimentary upgrades, an extra 80% points-earning bonus at Hilton, and more.

“Reservations” About the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card:  

• No Free Nights Without a Hefty Spend: There isn’t a whole lot not to like about the Hilton Honors Surpass Card, especially given its modest annual fee. The lack of free nights, however, is a negative. The card allows cardholders to earn a free weekend night each year when they make $15,000 in purchases – but this seems excessively high for one free night.

Time to Check-Out 

Overall, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass card offers exceptional value for money. For an annual fee of just $95, cardholders can earn up to 12 Hilton Honors points for every dollar spent. Sure, this earning level is restricted to purchases made directly with Hilton brands, but even the purchases which do not fit into designated points categories earn a solid three points for every dollar spent. The Hilton Honors Surpass Card further benefits from an enticing intro bonus of 125,000 points after just $2,000 in purchases within the first three months – an easily achievable feat.

Beyond the points potential off the Surpass, the card also benefits from ten Priority Pass lounge visits each year of membership, as well as complimentary Gold-tier status in the Hilton Honors program, which provides the cardholder with even more chances to rack up the points (as well as free breakfast, super-fast Wi-Fi, and more). The card may be let down by the lack of free nights without reaching a rather high minimum spending threshold, but this is a nit-pick and should not remove this card from anyone’s consideration for an excellent hotel rewards card.