Category: Credit Cards

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

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card from Chase is a co-branded hotel reward credit card with VIP perks that are only available through Chase Bank. The offer includes a hefty rewards-earning potential for cardholders who prefer to stay with Marriott when they travel, and a special introductory bonus reward for spending $5,000 within the first three months of opening an account. Exceptional rewards can be earned when purchases are made directly with Marriott, weighing in at 6x points per $1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy™ hotels; cardholders will earn double points for all other purchases, too. Enjoy VIP treatment that includes a free Night Award on every anniversary of opening your account. The card has a competitively low-interest rate for purchases, and a reasonably low annual fee, considering the benefits that accompany it. Chase’s Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card is sure to stand out among its competitors for cardholders who wish to use their rewards to redeem points for free hotel stays and more.

How it Works

Earning Points:

• Earn Points with Marriott Bonvoy®: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless cardmembers earn 6x reward points for every dollar they spend directly with Marriott – at over 7,000 properties across the globe.
• Earn Bonus Points When You’re a New Cardmember: New cardholders who spend $3,000 within the first three 90 days of opening their account will receive a special bonus of 75,000 rewards points – not a bad start for anyone who plans to use this card extensively during the introductory bonus period. This offer is exclusively available to cardmembers who have not yet received an introductory bonus with this program; it is not available to current cardmembers.
• Earn Points While Cruising: Earn 3 points per dollar spent when you sail through Marriott’s exclusive partner, Cruise with Points.
• Earn Points with Travel Partners: Cardholders can earn points by spending their money with a variety of travel partners. Learn more here.
• Earn with Everything Else: 2 reward points are awarded for every dollar spent on all other purchases with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Card. 

Redeeming Points:

• Hotel Stays: The easiest way to redeem Marriott Bonvoy Boundless membership points is by booking stays using your points at Marriott Bonvoy worldwide. Points can be used towards stays at more than 7.000 properties worldwide, ranging from standard hotel rooms to suites, as well as resort stays and more. 
• Cash Bookings: Points are also applicable towards part of a hotel stay with Marriott. If a Marriott Bonvoy Boundless 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 Boundless™ Card from Chase at major retailers, and opt to pay with points.

Today’s Bonus Offer

New cardholders can earn up to 100,000 bonus points within the first 3 months of opening their account by spending $5,000 or more in purchases during that time. 100,000 points can get you as many 12 free nights at a Marriott property of your choice since Free Night Awards start at 7,500 points – don’t sleep on this introductory offer!

Getting Under the Sheets with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Card

• Annual Fee: There is an annual fee of $95.00 associated with Chase’s Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card.  
• Foreign Transaction Fee: There are no foreign transaction fees associated with this card.

Hotel Perks:

• Automatic Elite Status: Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless cardholders earn instant Silver Elite status, thanks to an annual bonus of 15 Elite Night Credits. This elite status entitles cardmembers to hotel perk that include free WiFi, priority late checkout, mobile check-in, no blackout dates, exclusive member rates with Marriott hotels, and an exclusive 10% point bonus with each stay at a Marriott property.
• Annual Elite Night Credits: Cardholders receive 15 free Elite Night credits for each anniversary year of membership. One Elite Night Credit is typically earned after every $3,000 spent, and are used for Elite status qualification and to upgrade to a new Elite status tier. There are several tiers of Elite status, starting with Silver and including Gold, Platinum and Titanium, up to Ambassador. Each tier comes with its own set of exclusive perks, which range from welcome gifts to room upgrades, lounge access to Ambassador Service and Your24 (a program that allows you to choose your own check-in and check-out times).

Cardholder Protections:

• Purchase Protection: Cardholders who make new purchases with their Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card will be covered against damage or theft for up to 120 days after making their purchase, 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: If you, or an immediate family member, check or carry-on luggage that the commoncarrier you are traveling with damages or loses, you’ll be covered up to $3,000 per passenger.
• 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 travel by common carrier is delayed more than 12 hours (or requires an overnight stay), you and each person on your reservation will be covered for un-reimbursed expenses like meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket.

Additional Benefits:

• Contactless Payments: The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card from Chase features contactless pay technology, which allows users to make simple and fast payments by simply tapping their card.

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

• Initial Bonus Offer: The signup bonus offer from the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card proffers exceptional value for anyone who will use their card enough to spend a minimum of $5,000 during the first three months of opening their account. New account holders can earn a special bonus that weighs in at a whopping 100,000 bonus points – redeemable for up to 12 free nights at Marriott properties, depending on how you’d like to redeem them.  
• Elite Member Status: The perk of automatic Silver Elite status is another great feature of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card. Elite status entitles members to an impressive array of benefits, including free Wi-Fi, concierge services, and more. 
• Fifteen Elite Night Credits, Annually: Cardholders receive fifteen Elite Night Credits every year on their cardmember anniversary, just for having an open account. This automatically bumps them to Silver Elite status and makes earning Gold status and higher tiers that much simpler.
• Points Don’t Expire: Your rewards points will not expire, as long as you make at least one purchase with your Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card once every 24 months.

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

• The Card Isn’t Free: This card has an annual fee of $95.00. It’s not an exorbitant fee, and it’s reasonably low compared to several other hotel card offers and credit card offers (fees can be as high as $500 per year!), but it is something to consider when looking at this card, as there are other hotel credit cards that do not carry an annual fee. While $95.00 may seem high, consider the hefty introductory bonus – which essentially grants you multiple free nights right off the bat. An average hotel stay costs between $80-100, depending on the hotel and the area you’re visiting, so the introductory bonus alone offsets the cost of this annual fee substantially – and you’ll receive many more benefits along with this. If you’re looking for a card that does not carry an annual fee, you might wish to look elsewhere.
• Rewards Earning is Limited: While this card offers more points per $1 spent with Marriott Bonvoy hotels than the Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ option from Chase, and you can still earn 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases, you’ll notice that this card’s best use is when spending directly with Marriott Bonvoy hotels. If you don’t often stay with Marriott Bonvoy’s properties, this card may not be the best choice for you.

Time to Check-Out

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card from Chase is a hotel rewards card that features hefty rewards options designed specifically for those who plan to use their credit card for hotel stays and purchases directly with Marriott Bonvoy hotel properties. The card earns a whopping 6 points for every dollar spent with Marriott properties, and double points for all other purchases. New cardholders can also earn up to 100,000 points when making qualifying purchases within the first 90 days of opening their account – and considering that Free Night Awards start at 7,500 points, this be redeemed for up to 10 free nights – definitely nothing to scoff at. 

This card makes it easy to take advantage of the great rewards available thru Marriott’s Bonvoy cobranded rewards program. The initial bonus point offer, for instance, can break down to multiple free nights at a Marriott Bonvoy hotel property, and earning 6 points per $1 at Marriott makes achieving a higher Elite status that much easier when you choose to stay with Marriott. Rewards can be redeemed towards hotel stays, airfare and travel, car rentals, gift cards, and can even vacation packages and cruise deals.

Overall, the Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is an excellent choice for those who frequently stay with Marriott hotels during their travels. The annual fee may seem hefty, but is immediately offset by its benefits; instant Elite status, lack of foreign transaction fees, special rates for cardholders, and flexible redemption options are truly enticing for anyone who is a fan of staying at Marriott hotels and fancies a credit card that will earn them free stays and save them money. 


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 Radisson Rewards™ Visa® Card 

The Radisson Rewards™ Visa® Card is a straightforward hotel rewards card for travelers who frequent any of the more than 1,100 Radisson hotels across the world. Cardholders would be treated to 30,000 bonus points if they spent $1,000 in eligible purchases in the first 90 days, which are redeemable for up to 3 free award nights worldwide. 

How it Works 

Earning Points: 

• Earn Points with Radisson Hotel Stays: Cardholders can triple points (three points for every dollar spent) on eligible net purchases with Radisson and Radisson-family hotels worldwide. The Radisson brand includes some impressive names, including Radisson Blu®, Radisson®, Radisson RED, Park Plaza®, Park Inn® by Radisson, and Country Inn & Suites. 
• Earn with Everything Else: Cardholders earn a single reward point per dollar spent for all other purchases made with their card. 

Redeeming Points: 

• Hotel Stays: Radisson Rewards points are best used towards redemptions for stays at Radisson properties, with reward nights starting at as low as 9,000 points. Radisson does not black out dates on standard rooms – an excellent perk for rewards members. 
• Transfer Points to Airline Rewards Programs: The Radisson Rewards program allows members to transfer their rewards points to over 35 different airlines’ frequent flyer programs. The program also features an exclusive bonus of a redemption rate of 7:1 with SAS EuroBonus®, the frequent flyer program for Scandanavian Airlines. 
• TSA Precheck: Radisson Rewards points are redeemable towards the cost of TSA Precheck providing five years of hassle-free travel with TSA. TSA Precheck redemptions cost 65,000 points. 
• Priority Pass: Points are redeemable towards Priority Pass membership. Priority Pass provides access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide. 
• Charity: Points are transferrable to charities, such as the American Red Cross, SOS Children’s Villages, or First Climate, allowing members to use their points for good causes. 
• Other Ways to Redeem: Points are also applicable for other rewards, such as gift cards, prepaid cards, hotel perks, and more. 

Today’s Bonus Offer 

New cardholders earn 30,000 bonus points when they use their card to make just $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of opening an account. As Radisson Reward stays start at just 9,000 points, an initial spend of just $333 each month for the first three months could be worth up to three free nights at Radisson – not too shabby. 

Getting Under the Sheets with the Radisson Rewards™ Visa® Card 

• Annual Fee: The Radisson Rewards™ Visa® features no annual fee, which is a very nice perk. 

Hotel Perks: 

• Not Many: While the Radisson Rewards program is great, the Radisson Rewards™ Visa® isn’t big on actual hotel perks. 

Additional Perks: 

• E-Certificates: Cardholders earn a Free Night E-Cert for every $10,000 they spend on their card in a calendar year (up to $30,000) and when they renew their card.  

Cardholder Protections: 

• Travel and Emergency Assistance: Cardholders receive 24/7 access to Visa’s travel and emergency services. 
• Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Visa offers cardholders rental, loss, and damage insurance when they use their Radisson Rewards™ Visa® to book their entire car rental. 
• Warranty Manager: Cardholders receive warranty protection which adds one year of warranty to purchased items. 

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

• Initial Bonus Offer: 30,000 bonus points when they use their card to make just $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days is a pretty impressive haul. For those who don’t want to pay an annual fee but still want great introductory bonuses – this may be your card. 

“Reservations” About the Radisson Rewards™ Visa® Card:  

• High APR: Best practice with credit cards is to pay off the entire balance each month, thereby avoiding interest payments. If, however, you prefer to carry a balance, the Radisson Rewards™ Visa® Card isn’t the card for you. 
• Lack of Perks: The Radisson Rewards™ Visa® Card offers no real hotel perks or bonuses, such as a later checkout time, free breakfast, or other on-property benefits, which is a real let down. 

Time to Check-Out 

The Radisson Rewards™ Visa® Card is a decent hotel rewards card for the person that wants to earn points for their Radisson stays but doesn’t want to pay an annual fee. While the card lacks a lot of the same perks you may expect from a hotel rewards credit card, such as extended check-out hours, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, or others, the Radisson Rewards program more than makes up for these shortcomings. Points are redeemable for stays at over 1,000 Radisson properties worldwide, towards gift cards, transferrable to over 35 frequent flyer programs, or even used to pay for Priority Pass lounge access or TSA Precheck. 

The high APR and lack of perks may turn many frequent travelers away, but for the occasional traveler that wants to be rewarded for their loyalty to Radisson, the Radisson Rewards™ Visa® Card is a decent choice 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 Westgate Reward Mastercard®  

The Westgate Reward Mastercard® is a basic, no-frills hotel card for those who frequent Westgate Resorts time-shares and properties. The card earns double points (2 for every dollar spent) on Westgate purchases, as well as gas and groceries, and a single point (1 for every dollar spent) on everything else. New account holders also receive 4,000 bonus points when they make $500 in purchases within the first two months. The card also features no annual fee. 

How it Works 

Earning Points: 

• Earn Points with Westgate Purchases: Westgate Reward Mastercard® cardmembers earn double bonus points for every dollar they spend on Westgate purchases (two points for every dollar spent). 
• Earn Points on Gas and Groceries: Cardmembers also earn double points when they use their card to make grocery or gas station purchases. 
• Earn with Everything Else:  All other purchases with the card earn a single point for every dollar spent. 

Redeeming Points: 

• Vacations: Points earned with the Westgate Reward Mastercard® are redeemable towards Westgate Resorts products and services, including towards vacation stays at Westgate properties. 
• Restaurants: Rewards points are also applicable to dining at Westgate Resort restaurants. 
• Attractions: Points can also be redeemed for tickets to local attractions near Westgate Resort locations. 
• Fees: Westgate Reward Mastercard® rewards points are also redeemable for both mortgage payments on Westgate time-share and resort properties, HOA fees, and other related fees and expenses. 

Today’s Bonus Offer 

New cardholders receive 4,000 bonus points when they use their Westgate Reward Mastercard® to make $500 in purchases within the first two months of opening their account. As Westgate Rewards points are valued at $.01, 4,000 points equal a $40 rewards certificate. 

Getting Under the Sheets with the Westgate Reward Mastercard® 

• Annual Fee: The Westgate Rewards card features no annual fee, which is one of the few nice features of the card. 

Hotel Perks: 

• Preferred Check-In: Cardholders receive preferred check-in when arriving at Westgate Resort properties. 
• Not Much Else: Beyond preferred check-in, the Westgate Reward Mastercard® doesn’t offer any other enticing perks or benefits, beyond what cardholders can expect from Mastercard products. 

Cardholder Protections: 

• Extended Warranty: Cardholders receive extended warranty protections for an additional year on all products purchases featuring warranties with their Westgate Reward Mastercard®. 
• Price Protection: Cardholders don’t need to worry if their recent purchase is found cheaper elsewhere, as Mastercard provides comprehensive purchase protection. 
• Online Account Management 

“Suite” Perks That Make the Westgate Reward Mastercard® Worthwhile: 

• None, really: The Westgate Reward Mastercard® doesn’t offer any real perks beyond preferred check-in.  

“Reservations” About the Westgate Reward Mastercard®:  

• Lack of Value: As just noted, the Westgate Reward Mastercard® doesn’t offer any real perks beyond preferred check-in. Sure, the card offers purchase protection and extended warranty protection on purchases, but those perks can be found on any other Mastercard product. Simply put, there are better hotel rewards Mastercards available – including the Best Western Rewards Mastercard, which also boats no annual fee.  

Time to Check-Out 

The Westgate Rewards Mastercard is underwhelming when compared to other hotel credit cards. Earning potential for cardholders is weak, the rewards are meager and have limited redemption options, and there are very few benefits or perks to enhance your on-site Westgate Resort experience. Only those who stay at a Westgate Resorts location every 18 months should consider this card but should not expect to receive significant savings or perks from doing so. The majority of consumers would be better off with a generic travel card like the Citi Premier℠ Card which offers triple points for hotel stays with no annual fee, or a co-branded hotel rewards card, such as the Best Western Rewards Mastercard, which also has no annual fee. 

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 Brilliant™ American Express® Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card is a co-branded hotel rewards credit card from American Express. The card offers impressive rewards-earning potential and is the flagship of the Bonvoy collection of credit cards. New cardholders receive an exceptional 75,000 bonus Bonvoy points when they make just $3,000 in purchases within the first three months after opening an account. Customers are also entitled to Bonvoy Gold Elite status for their first year of membership and earn up to 6 points for every dollar spent with Marriott – all for a $450 annual fee.

How it Works

Earning Points:

• Earn Points with Marriott Stays: Bonvoy program members earn six bonus points for every dollar they spend with participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels when they use their Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card.
• Earn Points When Dining or Traveling: Cardmembers also earn 3 points per every eligible dollar spent using their card at U.S. restaurants or when booking flights directly with airlines.
• Earn with Everything Else:  Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Cardholders also earn 2 points per dollar spent for all other purchases made with their card.

Redeeming Points:

• Hotel Stays: The easiest way to redeem Marriott Bonvoy membership points is through stays with Marriott Bonvoy properties worldwide. Marriott divides its properties into eight categories for rewards, with typical hotels placed in Category 1. 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.
• 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, transfers at a rate of 200 Bonvoy points to 1 Airpoint™.

Today’s Bonus Offer

New cardholders earn 75,000 bonus Bonvoy points when they use their Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening. 75,000 points are good for up to 10 standard rate nights at Category 1 Bonvoy hotels – not bad!

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

• Annual Fee: The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card features an annual fee of $450. This yearly rate is at the top of the heap with hotel rewards cards, but the card does offer significant value. The initial bonus offer of 75,000 points, for instance, more than covers for the annual fee, as it provides the potential of up to 10 free stays.

Hotel Perks:

• Automatic Gold Elite Status: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Cardholders receive complimentary Bonvoy Gold Elite status for their first year of membership. Gold Elite status entitles members to a bonus 25% points earning 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 Brilliant™ American Express® Cardholders receive insurance coverage 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 Brilliant™ American Express® Card Worthwhile:

• Initial Bonus Offer: The initial bonus offer provides exceptional value for those who plan to use their card regularly. 75,000 bonus points are good for up to 10 nights at Category 1 properties, or up to 2 off-peak nights at mid-tier hotels – all for an easily achievable minimum spend of $3,000 in the first three months.
• Gold Elite Member Status: The perk of automatic Gold Elite status is another great feature of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card. Gold Elite status entitles members later checkout times, room upgrades, and increased points earning on Bonvoy stays worldwide.
• One Free Night Every Year: Cardholders receive one complimentary night at Marriott Bonvoy properties on every cardmember anniversary.

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

• Steep Annual Fee: The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card is an ultra-premium hotel card – that much is clear. Unfortunately, however, being a luxury hotel card comes with a luxury price tag. The $450 annual fee may be a bit too much for many travelers who may choose to opt for other Marriott Bonvoy co-branded cards. For those who travel frequently, however, the $450 price tag is manageable.

Time to Check-Out

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card is a luxury hotel card that doesn’t skimp on the bonuses. New cardholders will undoubtedly benefit from the introductory 75,000 bonus Bonvoy points, which offer exceptional value for money. With a spend of just $1,000 per month for the first few months ($3,000 in the first three months), cardholders can potentially earn up to 10 free nights at Category 1 Marriot Bonvoy hotels. For the frequent traveler, that’s an enticing offer.

The $3,000 spend in just a few months may be too costly for some people’s blood, as is the $450 annual fee. Fortunately, this isn’t a card for the squeamish. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card is designed for the high-end or regular traveler who wants to get the most bang for their buck. The addition of a $300 statement credit applicable towards purchases at Bonvoy properties, as well as an additional $100 credit for using the card to book a stay at The Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties, isn’t a bad perk, either.


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 Disney® Visa® Card from Chase  

You’ll always have a piece of the Happiest Place on Earth in your pocket when you own the Disney® Visa® Card from Chase – unfortunately, your wallet might not be so thrilled. Although this is the no annual fee version of the Disney credit card, which allows cardholders to earn Disney Reward Dollars (DRDs) at no cost, only the heaviest of card users will yield any viable return. However, the card does offer modest in-theme park savings that could offset its weak earning potential. 

Frequent Disney-goers (i.e. Disney annual pass holders) and families planning a Disney vacation will find the most use out of this card for its special financing options, in-park savings, and cardholder-exclusive access. Those hoping for dramatic savings or preferential treatment will likely be underwhelmed, whereas those hoping to minimize their out-of-pocket costs while at theme parks will be the most disappointed. 

How it Works 

Earning Points: 

No Bonus Categories: Disney Visa credit card owners will earn an unexciting flat rate of 1% in Disney Reward Dollars for every dollar spent. They may offer bonus offers from time to time, which could help expedite the accumulation of Reward Dollars – but the frequency of which cannot be determined.  

It would require spending $100 to earn a single DRD (Disney Reward Dollar), which in turn only has a cash value of $1 when redeemed. To break it down, here’s how much you would earn at various spending levels: 

• $5 will earn $0.05 worth of Disney Reward Dollars 
• $500 will earn $5 worth of Disney Reward Dollars 
• $5,000 will earn $50 worth of Disney Reward Dollars 

It’s especially disappointing that this card doesn’t offer earning bonuses even when it’s used in a theme park, as one would expect.  Regardless of your spending style, reward earnings with this card will be weak at best. Those who prefer strategic spending with bonus categories to maximize the return on their reward cards will be disappointed and quickly find that the only “strategy” involved boils down to spending as much as possible.  

Reward Dollars Available Once Per Month: All earnings from Disney Visa transactions will post at the close of each monthly billing cycle. Refunds or returns could result in a deduction of Disney Reward Dollars and possibly in a negative rewards balance. 

Redeeming Points: 

The redemption process is rather cumbersome as cardholders will have to jump through a surprising number of hoops before being able to spend their earnings (i.e. obtain a Redemption Card). In terms of the actual redemption, the only available avenues are Disney-related purchases (although this can take several forms) within the United States.  

Fortunately, there is a modicum of flexibility, as Disney Reward Dollars can be used for partial payment and used with cash or credit cards. Each Disney Reward Dollar is equivalent to $1 regardless of where RDRs are redeemed.  

• Disney Hotels & Resorts – Use Disney Reward Dollars towards your accommodations and/or room charges at most Disney Resorts (U.S. locations only). This can include incidentals for covering room upgrades or other charges. However, cardholders may be eligible for exclusive resort discounts when using either Disney Visa credit card for the booking – keep an eye out for deals that are better off being paid for without using rewards. 
     
• Theme Park Admission Tickets – Includes both ticket admissions and annual pass memberships at Disney Hollywood Studios®, Disney California Adventure® Park, Disneyland® Park 
   
• Theme Park Vendors – Many park vendors and restaurants will accept Disney Reward Dollars as a form of payment and will even return used reward dollars to your account in the event of a refund. This also includes additional in-park activities such as guided tours, photo passes, and more. Visit this page to see the complete list. 
   
• Merchandise – Applies to all U.S. Disney store locations (including shopDisney.com) outside of Disney theme parks.  
   
• Disney Cruise Line – Can be used on all cruises booked either through DisneyCruiseLine.com or via phone at 800-951-3532. Disney Reward Dollars can only be applied towards any onboard costs such as dining, Internet, or shore excursions.  
   
• Movie Tickets – Disney is partnered with AMC theaters to allow cardholders to pay for tickets to Disney, Disney-Pixar, and Star Wars movie tickets. Note that tickets can only be purchased digitally, either through the app or at AMCTheaters.com. In order to pay with your Disney Redemption Card, simply load your card as a form of payment. 

Redemption Cards

How it Works: Prior to the redemption of any earnings, cardholders must obtain a Redemption Card which acts as a reloadable prepaid gift card. They are accepted anywhere that a Disney gift card could be used and there are three available ways to obtain a Disney Redemption Card:  

• Online: Link your Disney account to your Disney Visa credit card account. In addition to requesting a Redemption Card you can track your rewards balance and transfer your reward dollars.

• Phone: Call the number on the back of your Disney Visa card of contact Chase Card Services (1-800-300-8575). 
   
• In-Person: Visit designated Guest Relations booths at a theme park location to pick up a card or reload your existing one. This is the only option where cards can be obtained immediately without wait.  Available theme parks: Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Springs, Disneyland Resort. 

How to Use: Cardholders are responsible for keeping track of their Disney Reward Dollars balance (on the card) and for transferring their earnings from their account to the actual card (DRDs can also be moved from a Redemption Card back to the account – although there is no utility in this feature for standard Disney Visa cardholders). Disney Reward Dollars will expire after five years if they are not loaded onto a Redemption Card – so it’s advisable that all earnings be loaded onto a card at all times. 

Redemption Card Requirements: Cardholders must earn 20 Disney Reward Dollars before they are eligible to order one from Chase (i.e. spend $2,000) before thinking about using their Disney Visa rewards. The Redemption Cards can take up to three weeks to arrive, so plan accordingly if you want to use your Disney Reward Dollars on your vacation. 

Today’s Bonus Offer 

New cardholders will earn a $50 statement credit after making their first purchase with their new Disney Visa Card. There is no purchase minimum, but it may take up to 8 weeks for the statement credit to be issued. Our take? It’s better than nothing, but this card’s sign-up bonus won’t put a dent in your total for a Disney Vacation.

Getting Under the Sheets with the Disney® Premier Visa® Card

The main benefit of being a Disney Visa cardholder is that it can unlock discounts at certain vendors, dining establishments and hotels as well as provide exclusive access to special events such as character experiences. While the savings likely won’t be anything to write home about (mostly a few 10% discounts here and there), they do offer some form of preferential treatment for cardholders.  

Additionally, those planning a Disney vacation will find this particularly useful as all cardholders can enjoy 6 months of 0% APR financing on select vacation packages. This offer is not exclusive to a promotional period for new cardholders and can be utilized several times. Vacation Packages must be booked by you or a travel agent through the Walt Disney Travel Company, Disney Cruise Line or Adventures by Disney Travel Services, Inc. 

Disney Perks: 

• Disney Vacation Financing: 0% promotional APR for the first six months following the purchase date, provided cardholder’s account is not past due on the date the package is purchased. 
   
• Disney Cruise Line Savings: 10% discount for each Castaway Cay Getaway Package; savings also apply to select onboard purchases like activities and souvenirs. 
    
• Shopping and Dining Discounts: Save 10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at select locations and 10% off select dining locations on most days at the Disneyland® and Walt Disney World® Resorts.  
   
• Exclusive Character Experiences: Enjoy access to exclusive photo opportunities with Disney and Star Wars characters. These experiences are held in private locations that vary depending on the resort where you are residing.  
   
• Disney Store Perks: Save 10% on select purchases at Disney stores (both in and outside of the theme park) and online. Cardholders also enjoy special access to exclusive Disney Visa cardmember events held at your local Disney store.  

“Suite” Perks That Make the Disney® Premier Visa® Card Worthwhile: 

• Ability to redeem rewards for movie tickets: The closest option to a “practical” perk, those who primarily partake in Disney through film will be able to redeem their rewards much more frequently for AMC Theater tickets – particularly useful for non-Florida residents who may not be able to visit a Disney theme park on a regular basis.  
   
• Special financing for vacation packages (that can be used over and over again): Cardholders can partake in 0% financing as long as they keep their account open, making this card surprisingly valuable for long-term use.  
   
• Customizable Card Design: Both the Disney Visa and the Disney Premier Visa are the only customizable credit cards offered by Chase. Cardholders can choose from nine Disney-themed images ranging from Tinkerbell to Darth Vader, to classic Mickey Mouse. 

“Reservations” About the Disney® Premier Visa® Card:  

• Weak Earning Potential: A lack of bonus categories means this card falls flat in terms of redeemable awards. Disney fans hoping to earn enough to make a dent in their vacation plans would be better off pocketing the returns from a generic cash back card. Instead, this card is really only useful for enhancing the cardholder experience. 
   
• Reward Redemption is Bulky at Best: Instead of being able to redeem your earnings straight away, doing so requires the intermediary step of obtaining a separate card (the Redemption Card). Then, earnings must be manually loaded onto the card in order to be redeemed. The entire reward redemption process is one hurdle after another and is quite off-putting – especially compared to the ease of other rewards cards.   
   
• Disney Reward Dollars Expiration: Disney Reward Dollars expire every five years, and while not a terribly short period of time, could be problematic for families that were hoping to save up their DRDs for a large Disney getaway. Fortunately, this expiration does not apply to rewards that have been transferred to a Redemption Card.  
   
  While it’s nice that Disney offers this workaround – why make Disney Reward Dollars expire in the first place?  This spells trouble for those who might take longer than 5 years to earn enough rewards (20 Disney Reward Dollars) to receive their Redemption Card in the first place. If you won’t spend $2,000 within five years, this card is not the one for you.   

Time to Check-Out 

If a trip to see Mickey and the Gang is your first impulse whenever you have a spare weekend, you’ll likely be able to squeeze some value out of this card – just not from Disney Reward Dollars. While the Disney Visa Card can be counted on to provide you nominal savings once you’re in Disney territory, spendable rewards will likely be hard to come by, no matter how big of a fan you may be.  

If you want to attempt to go the Disney Reward Dollars route, you’ll most likely have to make this your primary credit card. This could throw a serious wrench in your plans if you’ve already got a multi-card strategy when it comes to making purchases. As such, most cardholders will find value out of this card from the discounts it provides when booking at Disney resorts or dining/shopping within the theme parks.  

This card is ideal for Disney Annual Passholders who will most frequently take advantage of the 10% in-park discounts, as well as those with an upcoming Disney vacation who will utilize the 0% APR special financing on vacation packages. 

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 Best Western Rewards Mastercard®  

The Best Western Rewards Mastercard® is a reliable hotel rewards card from First Bankcard (a division of First National Bank of Omaha). The card offers impressive earnings on Best Western hotel stays, with cardholders earning up to 13x points per dollar spent when they use their card for bookings. New cardholders also receive up to 32,000 bonus points: 16,000 points when they use their card to make a first purchase, as well as an additional 16,000 points after their first stay with Best Western. 

How it Works 

Earning Points: 

• Earn Points with Best Western Stays: Best Western Rewards Mastercard® holders earn  a very healthy 13x points on Best Western Stays. 13x points breaks down as 10x points for being a Best Western Rewards member and 3x points for using their Best Western Rewards Mastercard®. 
• Earn Points On Every Other Purchase:  Every other purchase made with the card also earns a decent rewards rate: two points for every dollar spent.

Redeeming Points: 

• Hotels: The simplest way to redeem points is through free nights with Best Western – especially as free nights start from as low as 8,000 points.
• Gift Stays to Loved Ones: Best Western Rewards lets members share their rewards points with loved ones, meaning you can gift free nights to friends or family.
• Gift Cards:  Points are also redeemable for gift cards from leading restaurants, merchants, travel companies, and other vendors. 

Today’s Bonus Offer 

New cardholders receive up to 32,000 bonus points with their new Best Western Rewards Mastercard®: 16,000 points when they make their first purchase with the card and an additional 16,000 points after their first stay with Best Western. Free night rewards with the chain start from as low as 8,000 points, with premium rooms at around 36,000 points, meaning this initial reward could be as valuable as two free nights. 

Getting Under the Sheets with the Best Western Rewards Mastercard® 

• Annual Fee: The Best Western Rewards Mastercard® has no annual fee, which is an excellent bonus for this versatile card. 

Hotel Perks: 

• Gold Elite Status: Cardholders receive complimentary enrollment in Best Western’s Gold Elite membership status. Gold Elite status entitles members to a range of perks, including no blackout dates, early check-in/late check-out, room upgrades, an exclusive reservations line, and an additional 10% in points earning over regular members. 

Cardholder Protections: 

• Credit Monitoring Tools: Cardholders receive free access to their FICO score each month. FICO provides credit score information to help consumers make better-informed decisions about how they apply for – and use their credit cards.
• Zero Fraud Liability: Cardholders never have to worry about fraudulent or unauthorized purchases on their cards, as they’ll receive Mastercard’s Zero Liability Protection. 

“Suite” Perks That Make the Best Western Rewards Mastercard® Worthwhile: 

• Bonus Points: The Best Western Rewards Mastercard® might not have as many perks as other higher-end hotel rewards credit cards, but the prospect of 32,000 points – suitable for up to two free nights – is nothing to scoff at.  
• Earning Potential: Earning 13x points for Best Western stays is excellent – especially with the added benefit of a 10% discount when selecting the “rewards rate” at BestWestern.com. 

“Reservations” About the Best Western Rewards Mastercard®:  

• None, really: The Best Western Rewards Mastercard® may lack many of the hotel perks found in higher-end hotel reward cards, but that isn’t a fair criticism. After all, the card isn’t designed towards an ultra-high-end boutique chain demographic. 

Time to Check-Out 

Overall, the Best Western Rewards Mastercard® is a good hotel rewards card for those loyal to the Best Western Brand. As previously mentioned, the card lacks many of the prestigious perks found in the rewards cards of high-end luxury chains but this isn’t a card for this demographic. The Best Western Rewards Mastercard® is for those loyal to the Best Western brand.  

Best Western is a great hotel that offers real value for money – something this card does in spades. The rewards on offer aren’t the highest, but they are good for up to two free nights with an initial purchase and subsequent Best Western stay. Gold Elite status is also complimentary, providing a suite of nice perks that may not turn heads on paper, but go a long way to make hotel stays more pleasant in the real world.

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 Caesars Rewards Visa® Card 

The Caesars Rewards Visa® Card is a powerful hotel rewards card for those who like to enjoy themselves with the Caesars family of resorts and casinos. The card, a co-branded hotel card from Caesars and Comenity Bank, earns 5x points per dollar for live event ticket purchases with Caesars; 3x points when dining at Caesars restaurants; 2x points with purchases with airlines, gas stations, and at grocery stores; and 1 point for everything else. 

New cardholders also receive 10,000 bonus points when they use their Caesars Rewards Visa® Card to make at least $750 in purchases within the first 90 days and then use their card to make a purchase outside of a Caesars property – a value of $100.  Cardholders also receive one free buffet pass when they make their first purchase – a value of up to $35. The card is further bolstered by no annual fee, making it a great option for those who love Las Vegas. 

How it Works 

Earning Points: 

• Earn Points with Caesars Stays: Cardholders earn 5x points per dollar when using their Caesars Rewards Visa® Card to purchase stays at Caesars Resorts. 
• Earn Points with Caesars Purchases: Cardholders also earn 5x points per dollar for Caesars concert, sport, and event ticket purchases, as well as casino purchases through Caesar Rewards Live Events. 
• Earn While Dining at Caesars:  Cardholders earn 3x points per dollar for purchases at Caesars restaurants through the Caesars Rewards Dining program. 
• Earn Points in Select Categories: Cardholders earn 2x points per dollar for airline, gas station, and grocery store purchases. 
• Earn for Every Purchase: Cardholders receive one point for every other dollar spent with their card. 

Redeeming Points: 

• Hotel Stays: The best way to redeem Caesar Rewards points is through bookings with over 40 participating Caesars resorts in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, New Orleans, and Lake Tahoe. 
• Gaming: Caesars Rewards points are also applicable towards free gameplay at all Caesars Resorts, including the ability to buy-in to the World Series of Poker. 
• Dining & Entertainment: Points are redeemable towards Caesars dining and entertainment experiences, including at over 250 restaurants, as well as tickets for some of the biggest events and shows Las Vegas has to offer. 
• Caesars Rewards Marketplace: Points are also redeemable for merchandise purchases with the Caesars Rewards Marketplace. 
• Other Ways to Redeem: Caesars Rewards points are also redeemable with Caesars Spas, as well as with the Wyndham Rewards Program. 

Today’s Bonus Offer 

New cardholders earn 10,000 bonus rewards credits when they use their Caesars Rewards Visa® to make a purchase outside of a Caesars Rewards destination within the first 90 days of account opening after spending at least $750 on their card.  This initial perk has a cash value of around $100, which is a nice bonus for a spend of only $750. 

Cardholders also receive Caesars VIP access when they spend $10,000 or more with their card within a calendar year. VIP access entitles members VIP line access at participating buffets and restaurants in Las Vegas, VIP hotel check-in and taxi line access, and preferred entry into select nightclubs and entertainment centers in Las Vegas. 

Getting Under the Sheets with the Caesars Rewards Visa® Card 

• Annual Fee: The Caesars Rewards Visa® features no annual fee, making this a very valuable card for those who frequent the more than 53 hotel and resort properties, as well as the 300 restaurants and 200 nightclubs, that make up the Caesars Resort portfolio. 

Hotel Perks: 

• Buffet Pass: Caesars Rewards Visa® cardholders earn one free buffet pass when they use their card to make a first purchase. This perk has a cash value of up to $35. 

Additional Perks: 

• Platinum Tier Membership: Cardholders who spend at least $5,000 with their Caesars Rewards Visa® in a calendar year will enjoy all the benefits of Caesars Platinum tier memberships, which include the following: 
  • 15% discount at Caesars casino gift shops 
  • Monthly 2-for-1 tickets to participating Las Vegas shows 
  • Preferred pricing at participating Caesars Rewards restaurants 
  • Room discounts at Caesars Palace and other Caesars Rewards destinations 
  • Exclusive pre-sale access for select entertainment shows 
  • 10% discount on select Norwegian Cruise vacations 

Cardholder Protections: 

• Travel and Emergency Assistance: Cardholders receive 24/7 access to Visa’s travel and emergency services. 
• Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Visa offers cardholders rental, loss, and damage insurance when they use their Caesars Rewards Visa® to book their entire car rental. 
• Warranty Manager: Cardholders receive warranty protection which adds a year of warranty to purchased items. 

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

• Intro Offer: 10,000 bonus points for spending $750 within the first three months of opening an account is a pretty decent feature. 10,000 points are worth $100, meaning cardholders get good return on investment with their Caesars Rewards Visa®. 
• Resort-centric Perks: The Caesars Rewards Visa® is the ideal hotel rewards card for those who frequently travel to Sin City and want to make the most out of their stays. The card offers a free buffet pass and, depending on the amount spent on purchases, impressive VIP perks that are very enticing. 

“Reservations” About the Caesars Rewards Visa® Card:  

• High APR: If you prefer to carry a balance, the Caesars Rewards Visa® Card isn’t the card for you. If, however, you can pay your balance off each month, this drawback won’t cause too many issues. 

Time to Check-Out 

The Caesars Rewards Visa® Card is a great resort and hotel rewards card that is easy to make use of, regardless of how you prefer to spend your time in Vegas. Points amassed don’t expire as long as you use your card at least once every six months, so it’s just as much a great option for those who prefer to save up their points for an extravagant Las Vegas vacation as it is for those who visit the casino whenever they get the chance. 

The Caesars Rewards Visa® card’s access to membership perks offers huge savings for any who spend at least $1,000 at Caesars establishments, while the lack of an annual fee makes the card easy to own. Unfortunately, the card does impose foreign transaction fees, so you’ll only want to use it for U.S.-based Caesars locations.  

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 Drury Rewards Visa® Card

The Drury Rewards Visa® Card is a robust hotel rewards card from Commerce Bank and U.S. hotel chain Drury Hotels. The card earns 5x points for every dollar spent with Drury Hotels (15x with the addition of a Drury Rewards membership), 2x points on utilities, gas, and restaurant purchases, and a single point for every other dollar spent. New accounts also benefit from 15,000 bonus points (worth up to one free night stay) when they use their card to make $500 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. There is no annual fee for the card, which also comes with Visa’s global acceptance and purchase protections.

How it Works

Earning Points:

• Earn Points with Drury Hotel Stays: Cardholders earn up to 15 Drury Rewards points per dollar spent at Drury properties. Drury operates more than 150 hotels across most of the Southeast, Central, and Southwestern United States, meaning there are ample opportunities for the frequent traveler to earn impressive points.
  • 15x points break down as follows:
  • 10x points for every dollar spent as a Drury Rewards member
  • 5x points for every dollar spent with the Drury Rewards Visa® Card
• Earn Points on Gas, Restaurants, and More:  Cardholders earn 2x points on gas, restaurants, and utilities.
• Earn Points on Everything Else: Cardholders earn a single point for every other dollar they spend on purchases with their card.
• Decline Housekeeping: If you are a Drury Rewards member and decline room service while staying at a Drury property, you will receive an additional 250 points for each night of your stay.
• Point Earning Limitations: Points cannot be earned when booking through discount travel sites (such as Expedia, Orbitz, Trivago, etc.), on travel agent rates, group tour rates, or special employee rates.

Redeeming Points:

• Hotel Stay: Drury Rewards points are redeemable for stays with both Drury Hotels and Pear Tree Inns. With over 150 properties across 25 states, there are plenty of redemption options available, with free nights starting at just 10,000 points at Drury Inns & Suites, and 17,500 points needed for free nights at the more extravagant Drury Plaza Hotels.
• Transfer Points to Airline Miles: The Drury Rewards program allows members to redeem their points towards airline miles, which is a pretty nice perk. Unfortunately, transferring points to airline miles don’t come cheap, with miles starting at 25,000 points. Airline mile redemptions with hotel programs are usually at a less-than-stellar rate, and it is no different with the Drury Rewards Visa®, with typical miles-per-point values well below $.01 based on calculations of transfer rates with numerous airlines.
• Gift Cards: Drury Rewards are applicable for gift cards from some of the leading merchants in the United States, including Target, Amazon, Best Buy, Home Depot, and more.
• Charity: Points are transferrable to charities, such as the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, with donations starting at 15,000 points.

Today’s Bonus Offer

New account holders earn 15,000 bonus points once they make just $500 in purchases with their new card in the first 90 days of account opening. 15,000 points for only a $500 spend is excellent value for money, especially as free night redemptions start from as low as 10,000 points.

Getting Under the Sheets with the Drury Rewards Visa® Card

• Annual Fee: The Drury Rewards Visa® does not charge an annual fee, which is always a nice feature of a hotel rewards card. Given the impressive earning potential – especially for stays at Drury Hotels and Pear Tree Inns – of the card, for the frequent Drury guest, no annual fee makes this card can’t-miss.

Hotel Perks:

• Exclusive Rates: Drury Rewards members receive access to member-exclusive rates at Drury properties when booking their rooms at DruryHotels.com.

Cardholder Protections:

• Zero Liability Coverage: As with all Visa credit cards, the Drury Rewards Visa® Card offers complete protection from fraudulent activities through the Zero Liability Coverage feature. All a cardholder needs to do is notify Commerce Bank and Visa within 60 days of receiving their statement of the unauthorized activity, and they can rest worry-free.
• Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Cardholders also receive protection from damage caused by collision or theft to their rental car through Visa. All they need to do is use their Drury Rewards Visa® Card to pay for the entirety of their rental and waive the additional insurance coverage at the counter.
• Emergency Card Replacement: If their card is lost, stole, or damaged, Visa will block a cardholder’s card, connect them with their bank, and ensure a replacement card, as well as emergency cash (if needed) is distributed within one to three business days.
• Roadside Dispatch: Cardholders don’t need to worry if they break down, as Visa offers a pay-per-use Roadside Dispatch service to ensure their problems are solved and they can get back on their way as quickly as possible.

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

• Generous Intro Offer: The introductory offer of 15,000 rewards points for just $500 in purchases within the first three months is a great perk of the Drury Rewards Visa® Card. For a little over $150 in spending each month, a new account holder can get up to one free night at a Drury property, which is an excellent bonus.

“Reservations” About the Drury Rewards Visa® Card:

• Can’t Earn Points with Travel Sites: The biggest gripe with this card is the lack of points earning with discount travel sites, such as Orbitz, Expedia, Trivago, and the rest. While this isn’t unique to the Drury Rewards Visa®, it is still a frustration that many feel every time they book. It’s logical for companies to want cardholders to book through them, but it would be helpful for the option to book elsewhere to be available.    

Time to Check-Out

The Drury Rewards Visa® Card is a high-quality hotel rewards card from Commerce Bank. The card, co-branded with Drury Hotels, who operate over 150 properties across 25 states, earns an impressive 15x points for every dollar spent with Drury. Cardholders also earn double points for everyday items like gas, restaurant purchases, and utility bills, which is another generous perk.

The Drury Rewards Visa® Card isn’t heavy on hotel-based perks, but it shouldn’t be given the annual fee it charges. The points earning potential is great, the redemptions are plentiful, and there’s no yearly cost associated with the upkeep of the account – what’s not to like?

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 Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard®

The Best Western Rewards Premium Mastercard® is a hotel rewards card from First Bankcard that produces good, but finite, value. The card offers impressive earnings on Best Western hotel stays, with cardholders earning up to 20x per dollar points on Best Western bookings. New accounts can also earn up to 70,000 bonus points – good for up to four stays – when they meet lofty spending targets ($5,000 in a calendar year). The card features no foreign transaction fees and no annual fee for the first year – followed by a $59 annual charge after that. 

How it Works 

Earning Points: 

• Earn Points with Best Western Stays: Best Western Rewards Premium Mastercard® holders earn 20x points on every dollar they spend on Best Western Stays: 10x points for being a Best Western Rewards member and 10x points for using their Best Western Rewards Premium Mastercard®. 
• Earn Points for Every Other Purchase:  All other purchases with the Best Western Rewards Premium Mastercard® earn 2x points per dollar. 

Redeeming Points: 

• Best Western Stays: The easiest way to redeem rewards points is through booking stays at Best Western hotels.  
• Gift Stays to Friends or Family: Best Western Rewards allow members to gift their free nights to loved ones, making it one of the most versatile rewards programs around. 
• Gift Cards:  Best Western Rewards points are also applicable to gift cards for leading restaurants, merchants, and other entertainment-based vendors. 
• Travel: Rewards points are also redeemable for travel gift cards, including with leading cruise lines and airlines around the globe. 

Today’s Bonus Offer 

New cardholders receive up to 70,000 bonus points with their new Best Western Rewards Premium Mastercard®. A sum of 70,000 points breaks down as 50,000 points when cardholders use their Premium Rewards Card to make $1,000 in purchases within the first three billing cycles, and 20,000 additional bonus points when they make at least $5,000 in purchases within the first 12 billing cycles. Free night rewards with the chain start from as low as 8,000 points, with premium rooms at around 36,000 points – meaning this bonus could have a value of up to four free nights.  

Getting Under the Sheets with the Best Western Rewards Premium Mastercard® 

• Annual Fee: The Best Western Rewards Premium Mastercard® has no annual fee for the first year, followed by a yearly fee of $59 after the initial 12 months. While the card may offer some significant value for the first year, there really isn’t too much after that to justify the annual fee. 

Hotel Perks: 

• Platinum Elite Status: Cardholders receive complimentary Silver Elite status in the Best Western Rewards program. Silver Elite status entitles members to 15% in additional points earning on Best Western Stays, no blackout dates, access to an exclusive reservations line, room upgrades, early check-in/late check-out, and the choice of a free welcome gift upon arrival. 

Cardholder Protections: 

• Free FICO Score: Cardholders receive access to their FICO score each month, allowing them to monitor the well-being of their score. 
• Zero Fraud Liability: Cardholders don’t have to worry about fraudulent or unauthorized purchases with their Best Western Mastercard®, as they’ll receive complete protection with Mastercard®’s Zero Liability Protection. 

“Suite” Perks That Make the Best Western Rewards Premium Mastercard® Worthwhile: 

• Bonus Points: The Best Western Rewards Premium Mastercard® might not have as many perks as other, higher-end hotel rewards credit cards, but the prospect of 32,000 points – suitable for up to two free nights – is a good bargain.  
• Points Earning with Hotel Stays: Earning 20x points per dollar when booking with the Best Western Rewards Premium Mastercard® is excellent – as is the additional bonus of a 10% discount when selecting the “rewards rate” at BestWestern.com. 

“Reservations” About the Best Western Rewards Premium Mastercard®:  

• Value vs. the No Annual Fee Card: The Best Western Rewards Premium Mastercard® offers limited lasting value that will justify the $59 annual fee when compared with the Best Western Rewards Mastercard®. While the points earning potential and the initial bonuses are higher, this sign-on bonus takes 12 billing periods to receive – and requires at least $5,000 in spending. 

Time to Check-Out 

The Best Western Rewards Premium Mastercard® makes it challenging to provide value against its yearly $59 price tag when compared with the no annual fee Best Western Rewards Mastercard®. The card earns an impressive 20x points with Best Western stays, but this isn’t likely to be a game-changer for all but the most die-hard of Best Western customers. 

The addition of Platinum Elite status and up to 70,000 bonus points (good for up to four free nights) may seem enticing, but these perks offer limited value. 70,000 miles requires a spend of over $5,000 on the card and Platinum Elite status offers little beyond the Gold Elite status that the no annual fee sibling offers.  

Overall, the Best Western Rewards Premium Mastercard® is a good, but not great, hotel rewards card. If you plan to spend over $5,000 on the card in the first year, it may be the type of card you use and lose before the annual fee kicks in – otherwise, however, choose the Best Western Rewards Mastercard®. 

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 World of Hyatt Credit Card 

The World of Hyatt Credit Card is a co-branded hotel reward credit card from Chase. The card offers impressive rewards-earning potential, and a great bonus points offer for those who plan to use their card to make at least $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of opening an account. 

The World of Hyatt rewards program offers exceptional value for members, and this card gives holders instant access to World of Hyatt Elite status – providing complimentary lounge access, Wi-Fi, and the potential for room upgrades where applicable. The World of Hyatt Credit Card also allows users to transfer their points towards airline frequent flyer programs at a reduced rate, making it a good option for those who are looking to maximize their airline rewards and traveler status. 

How it Works 

Earning Points: 

• Earn Points with Hyatt Stays: World of Hyatt cardmembers earn 4 bonus points for every dollar they spend with Hyatt. This impressive earning-potential also extends to participating restaurants and Exhale spa locations. 
• Earn Base Points with Hyatt Stays: Cardmembers earn 5 base points per every eligible dollar spent with Hyatt. Base points are applicable towards a World of Hyatt membership status, with the lowest tier – Discoverist – starting at 25,000 base points. 
• Earn Points Getting Around: World of Hyatt cardmembers earn 2 points for every dollar spent on local transit and commuting, including ride-sharing apps, mass-transit, taxis, and more.  
• Earn Points Flying: Account holders earn 2 points for every dollar spent with purchases directly from airlines. 
• Earn Points Dining Out: Cardholders also gain points when dining out at restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops. 
• Earn Points for Staying Heathy: Cardmembers can earn 2 points for every dollar spent on fitness club and gym memberships. 
• Earn with Everything Else:  1 World of Hyatt point is earned for every other dollar spent with the World of Hyatt Credit Card. 

Redeeming Points: 

• Hotel Stays: The easiest way to redeem World of Hyatt membership points is through stays with Hyatt properties worldwide. Hyatt divides its properties into categories for rewards, with your 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, with premium suites running at 10,000 points. The higher up the scale you go, the more points you can expect to spend. One night at a Category 8 property, for instance, costs 40,000 points. 
• Cash Bookings: Points are also applicable towards part of a hotel stay. If a World of Hyatt member does not have the points needed for the reward they want, points can be applied towards half of that hotel stay, with the rest payable by cash or card. 
• Spas and Dining: Reward points earned with the World of Hyatt Credit Card can also be redeemed for dining at Hyatt restaurants, or for spa services at Hyatt spas, such as Exhale.  
• Transfer Points to Airline Rewards Programs: World of Hyatt members have a great perk in the ability to transfer points towards select Hyatt airline partner frequent flyer programs. Points are transferred at a rate of 2.5 World of Hyatt points to 1 airline mile – which isn’t a spectacular rate, but if you need a few extra miles to get that reward flight, this is a great feature. 

Today’s Bonus Offer 

New cardholders can earn up to 50,000 bonus points within the first 6 months of opening their account. When a new account holder spends $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months, they receive 25,000 points, plus an additional 25,000 points if they spend a total of $6,000 on the card in the first 6 months of account opening. 50,000 points are enough for 10 Category 1 nights at Hyatt hotels – a very impressive initial offer! 

Getting Under the Sheets with the World of Hyatt Credit Card 

• Annual Fee: The World of Hyatt Credit Card features an annual fee of $95. While there are many hotel rewards credit cards that offer no annual fee, the World of Hyatt rewards program is exceptional – as are the bonus points available with this card. These perks make the $95 annual fee very reasonable. 

Hotel Perks: 

• Automatic Elite Status: World of Hyatt cardholders earn instant World of Hyatt Elite status as long as their account is open. Elite status entails a member to room upgrades, club lounge access, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary extra nights at Category 1-4 properties. 
• Qualifying Night Credits: Cardholders also receive 5 qualifying night credits towards their World of Hyatt membership status each year. 
• Free Night Award Every Anniversary: Cardholders receive a complimentary free night for each anniversary year of membership. 

Cardholder Protections: 

• Fraud Protection: Cardholders have complete protection from any fraudulent or unauthorized purchases made on their account. 
• Account Alerts: Visa account alerts allow cardholders to know – via text message or email -when payments are due or if there is suspicious activity on their account. 
• Global Assistance: 24/7 access to Visa’s dedicated account services, as well as access to Visa Concierge, which provides travel assistance and coordination for any issues that may arise during travel.  Customer service is available in different languages. 

Additional Benefits: 

• Contactless Payments: The World of Hyatt Credit Card features contactless pay technology, allowing users to make simple and fast payments with just a tap of their card.  

“Suite” Perks That Make the World of Hyatt Credit Card Worthwhile: 

• Initial Bonus Offer: The initial bonus offer with the World of Hyatt Credit Card offers exceptional value for those who plan to use their card extensively. With a spend of $6,000 in the first 6 months, new account holders can earn up to 50,000 bonus points – enough for up to 10 free nights at Hyatt properties.  
• Elite Member Status: The perk of automatic World of Hyatt Elite status is another great feature of the World of Hyatt Credit Card. Elite status entitles members to an impressive array of benefits, including free Wi-Fi, lounge access at select resorts, complimentary upgrades, and more. 
• One Free Night Every Year: Cardholders receive one complimentary night at Hyatt properties on every anniversary. 

“Reservations” About the World of Hyatt Credit Card:  

• Poor Points Redemption Value in Some Areas: The biggest drawback with the World of Hyatt program is the poor return on points when redeeming. World of Hyatt rewards points typically are valued at $.01 per point, but for spa or dining redemption, points are valued at half that – or $.005 per point – not great. 

Time to Check-Out 

The World of Hyatt Credit Card from Visa is a solid hotel rewards card for those who frequently use their credit card for purchases and want to get the most bang for their buck. The card earns 9 points for every dollar spent with Hyatt properties, restaurants, and spas (4 points and 5 base points), 2 points for purchases at gyms, with local transportation, on airfare, or when dining out, and 1 point everywhere else. New cardholders can also earn up to 50,000 points when making qualifying purchases within the first 6 months of opening their account. 

The World of Hyatt rewards program is one of the best hotel rewards programs out there, and this card makes it easy to take advantage of those rewards. The initial bonus mile offer, for instance, is good for up to 10 free nights at Hyatt Category 1 properties. Reward points can also be transferred to airline frequent flyer programs or for use at select spas and restaurants – although for all 3 of these options points don’t travel nearly as far as they do when using reward points for hotel stays. 

Overall, the World of Hyatt Credit Card is an excellent option for those who frequently stay with Hyatt when traveling. The $95 annual fee might not be cheap, but with Elite status instantly, a free night at Hyatt hotels each year, and more – 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.