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Best Hotel Credit Cards in Canada

Best hotel credit cards in Canada

Sandra MacGregor Freelance Contributor
Amy Tokic Associate Content Editor (SEO)

Updated Jan 24, 2025

We take a close look at the best hotel credit cards in Canada so that you can start travel tripping in style. Check out our picks.

While we adhere to strict editorial guidelines, partners on this page may provide us earnings.

A hotel credit card can reward you when booking and grant you special perks when checking-in.

Airbnbs aren’t for everyone. Some travellers prefer daily housekeeping visits, turn-down service and all the travel-sized toiletries they can stuff in their suitcase. For these people, we have some good news, some bad news, and some more good news. When it comes to hotels and the best credit cards Canada list, there's good and bad news. The good news: Canada does have a hotel credit card. The bad news: There’s only one—the American Express Marriott Bonvoy—that lets you earn and redeem points with Marriott hotels. The good news again: we’ve got a tonne of credit cards where you can build points by staying at hotels and that offer hotel perks. 

Opting for a hotel credit card means unlocking exclusive perks typically reserved for frequent travelers, like free nights and room upgrades, ensuring every trip is more rewarding. Let’s take a closer look at the best hotel credit cards in Canada so that you can start travel tripping in style.

Compare our picks

Best hotel credit cards in Canada

Hotel credit card Travel and hotel perk More information
American Express Marriott Bonvoy ● Annual fee: $120
● Only hotel credit card in Canada
● Annual free night on your card anniversary
● Complimentary Silver Elite status
Apply now
Platinum Card from American Express ● Annual fee: $799
● Elite travel card with all the perks
● Supplementary Platinum Cards: $250 each
● Unlimited access to Airport lounges
● Transfer to Bonvoy Points
● Get 4th night free for every 3 hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points
● $100 NEXUS◊ statement credit
● Priority airport benefits
● Annual worldwide companion voucher
Apply now
American Express Aeroplan Reserve ● Annual fee: $599
● $100 NEXUS◊ Card Statement Credit
● Earn up to 85,000 Welcome Bonus Aeroplan®* points
Apply now
TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite ● Annual fee: $139
● High earn rate on everyday spending
Apply now
RBC Avion Visa Infinite ● Annual fee: 120
● $50 for each additional card
● Get up to 55,000 Avion points* (a value of up to $1,100†), that’s enough to fly anywhere in North America or the Caribbean!
Apply now
Scotiabank Gold American Express ● 120
● Earn up to $780* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points.

Apply now
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card ● Annual fee: $499
● $100 in NEXUS◊ application rebate every 4 years
● 6
● Best credit card for hotel insurance
Apply now
BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* MasterCard®* ● Annual fee: $120
● Limited time offer: Get 3,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles! * That's enough for $310 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash!* Plus, get the $120 annual fee waived for your first anniversary
Apply now

  • Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card to learn more.

    *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.

Best overall

Best hotel credit card in Canada

50k pts

Welcome Bonus

$768.8

First Year Value

$268.8

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points* after you spend $1,500 on your Card within your first 3 months as a new Cardmember.*

Learn More Apply Now On American Express' Secure Site

The American Express Marriott Bonvoy Card stands out as the premiere choice for Canadians seeking a hotel credit card thanks to its close partnership with the Marriott hotels—the only true hotel card in Canada. And it also helps that it’s the only hotel-dedicated credit card in Canada.

The Marriott Bonvoy program offers an annual free night award after each account anniversary, redeemable at a wide range of Marriott properties. In most cases, this perk surpasses the card’s annual fee when used at higher-tier properties where room rates can be steep.

You’ll also be granted complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, unlocking a suite of perks designed to elevate your travel experience. We’re talkin’ about late checkout times and bonus points on stays, which helps you earn points faster. 

And the more you use it, the more attractive perks, such as room upgrades and welcome gifts—making you feel like a VIP every stay.  

No matter where you are in the world, you’ll find accommodations that perfectly match your travel style and needs, tastes and preferences. This is thanks to the brand’s broad spectrum of brands in its hotel umbrella, from luxurious to budget-friendly options. The Marriott portfolio includes:

  • Luxury offerings (e.g., Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, St. Regis)
  • Premium (e.g., Marriott Hotels, Sheraton) 
  • Select (e.g., Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield Inn)
  • and longer stays (e.g., Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites) 

These hotels span the globe across countries in North America, Europe, Asia and more. For the most current and detailed list, see all of Marriott’s brands.

Flexibility in redemption options further enhances the card's value. It allows points to be used not just for hotel stays, but also for experiences and flights through airline transfer partners like Aeroplan, Cathay Pacific, Delta and others (where most Marriott points transfer 3:1 for airline miles).

Finally, the Marriott Bonvoy card includes travel insurance and purchase protections. It’s important to have peace of mind with coverage like travel accident insurance and baggage delay insurance. 

Calculating your free nights with Marriott Bonvoy

With the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card, your annual free night award received every year after your first anniversary (valid for 12 months and includes taxes but not any eligible resort fee) lets you stay in any category 1 to 5 hotel up to a value of 35,000 points. It’s worth noting that the annual certificate is only good for a single night; you can’t, for example, break it down into 5,000-point amounts and use it for multiple stays.

Generally speaking, it can be hard to calculate an exact dollar value of any hotel point program, as they can vary so much based on location, time of year and intangible elements like a hotel’s exclusivity. Overall, Marriott Bonvoy points are valued at approximately $0.01 each; so a category 5 hotel stay could be worth $350 or more.

Maximizing your free night

To get the most value from your bonus, you’ll want to stay at the highest category of hotel (hence the highest monetary value) possible.

Marriott introduced peak and off-peak redemption rates so you’ll also need to consider what time of year to redeem your annual stay—a category 5 hotel will actually be 40,000 points during peak season, outside the 35,000-point value cap of your annual free night. 

If all this talk of categories and point value leaves you with a bit of a headache, you can always check the up-to-date, real-world value of your points by comparing what it would cost you to pay for a hotel night in cash versus redeeming points for the exact same stay. So, for example, if you did a search for a Marriott property and found a great sale that got you a category 5 hotel room for say $250 (instead of $350), it would be better to pay cash and save your annual free night certificate.

Other key benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy credit card

In addition to its annual free night award, the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card has a number of other attractive features, despite a lack of competition from other hotel credit cards in Canada. Here are its main offerings:

  • Points can be redeemed and earned at upwards of 7,000 of the world’s most desired hotels around the world with no blackout dates.

  • Earn 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points* after you spend $1,500 on your Card within your first 3 months as a new Cardmember.*

    *Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for these offers. Other terms apply.

  • Earn 5 Marriott Bonvoy points per $1 spent on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
  • Earn 2 Marriott Bonvoy points on everything else
  • Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status membership
  • Each year, when you reach $30,000 in purchases, you’ll get an automatic upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status (Gold Elite has attractive benefits like 25% extra points at Marriott properties, late checkout, eligibility for room upgrades and more)
  • Receive 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Card. These can be used towards attaining an automatic upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status (25 required)
  • Points can be transferred (most at a 3:1 transfer ratio) to more than 40 airline partners
  • Includes a range of insurance coverage, like travel accident, car rental, flight delay, baggage delay/theft and hotel/motel burglary insurance. (Note: it has travel emergency assistance but no actual travel emergency medical insurance)

To sum it all up, the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Card's hotel-focused rewards, coupled with its broad travel benefits, position it as the best pick for Canadians keen on maximizing their travel experiences—providing value that extends well beyond hotel bookings.

Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.

American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Best Amex

Best American Express hotel credit card

up to 140k pts

Welcome Bonus

$931

First Year Value

$231

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points* after spending $10,000 on your Card within your first 3 months as a new Platinum® Cardmember.*

Learn More Apply Now On American Express' Secure Site

  • Why we picked the Amex Platinum as the best Amex card for hotels

    +

    If the Marriott Bonvoy card doesn’t tickle your fancy, you can instead use any Amex. American Express Membership Rewards points transfer to Marriott Bonvoy points at a rate of five Membership Rewards points = six Marriott Bonvoy points.

    So if you want the hotel points without the hotel card, but that still comes loaded with elite privileges, the Platinum Card from American Express should be your go to.

    While its annual fee may have you clutching your pearls, it’s important to remember what comes with that impressive price tag. You get a significant annual dining credit at some of Canada’s best restaurants, as well as a valuable travel credit and you unlock access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide with the Global Lounge Collection.

    Additionally, enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $600 USD at over 1,500 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels + Resorts

    Plus, you can earn higher status in hotel loyalty programs like Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy™ Gold Elite without the standard requirements, unlocking even more privileges.

    Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.

    American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Best Aeroplan

Best hotel credit card with Aeroplan

up to 85k pts

Welcome Bonus

$3,011

First Year Value

$1,261

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 Aeroplan®* points* after spending $7,500 on your Card within the first 3 months as a new Cardmember.*

Learn More Apply Now On American Express' Secure Site

  • Why we picked the Amex Aeroplan Reserve as the best Aeroplan hotel card

    +

    The American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card is a great card, especially for frequent flyers who want hotel stays. This card distinguishes itself through its ability to earn Aeroplan points at an accelerated rate on purchases directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations, as well as on dining and food delivery within Canada. This kind of earning potential allows cardholders to quickly accumulate points, which can then be redeemed for hotel stays among other travel rewards.

    If you book hotels with Aeroplan points, you can get a fourth night free at any of its partner hotels.

    Unfortunately, while you can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points and Amex Membership Rewards points to Aeroplan, you can’t transfer points out of Aeroplan.

    Beyond point accumulation, the card offers significant travel benefits that enhance hotel and travel experiences. Cardholders enjoy preferred pricing on Air Canada flights, which can be used in conjunction with hotel packages to optimize travel expenses. The exclusive access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges and Priority Airport Services further enriches the travel experience, offering comfort and convenience from departure to arrival.

    The card's comprehensive suite of travel insurance provides an additional layer of security for travelers. This includes coverage for flight delays, lost baggage and notably, hotel or motel burglary, ensuring peace of mind during stays. For those aiming to achieve or maintain Aeroplan Elite Status, the card accelerates this process through everyday spending, unlocking even more perks and benefits relevant to hotel bookings and travel.

    Moreover, the card's global acceptance ensures that cardholders can seamlessly book hotels worldwide, benefitting from the extensive reach of the American Express network. The inclusion of exclusive events and experiences adds further value, offering unique opportunities that extend beyond conventional travel benefits.

    In essence, the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card stands out for its robust rewards structure, comprehensive travel protections and exclusive Aeroplan perks, making it an exceptional choice for hotel bookings and travel. Its array of benefits is designed to enhance every stage of the travel journey, from booking to stay, and positions it as a premier travel card in Canada.

    Aeroplan partners with several hotels, including high-end chains like Marriott, Hilton, Radisson and Wyndham, as well as mid-range brands such as Quality Inn, Choice and Coast hotels. This allows Aeroplan members to earn more points when booking accommodations​.

    Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.

    American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

  • Aeroplan partner hotels

    +

    ALL - Accor Live Limitless

    Best Western

    Choice Hotels

    Coast Hotels

    Hilton Honors

    IHG Rewards

    Longham Hotels and Resorts

    Marriott Bonvoy

    Radisson Rewards

    Shangri-La Golden Circle

    Rocketmiles

    Shangri-La's Golden Circle

    Wyndham Rewards

Other awesome Aeroplan cards for hotels

CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card

Apply Now

4.3

Read Review
Apply now

Join and get up to $200 in value in your first year!† Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points!†

$0 Annual Fee

Fair Recommended Credit Score

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card

Apply Now

4.2

Read Review
Apply now

Up to $1,300 in value† including up to 40,000 Aeroplan points† and no Annual Fee for the first year†.

$139 Annual Fee

Excellent Recommended Credit Score

$60,000 Required Annual Personal Income

American Express® Aeroplan®* Card

Apply Now

4.4

Read Review
Apply now

Earn up to 40,000 Welcome Bonus Aeroplan®* points

$120 Annual Fee

Good Recommended Credit Score

$0 Required Annual Personal Income

  • †Terms and Conditions Apply. This offer it not available to the residents of Quebec.
  • The information for the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card has been collected independently by Money.ca. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Best TD Rewards

Best hotel credit card with TDRewards

up to $1,000

Welcome Bonus

$468

First Year Value

$0

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $1,000 in value†, including up to 135,000 TD Rewards Points† and no Annual Fee for the first year†. Conditions Apply.

Learn More Apply Now On TD's Secure Site

  • Why we picked the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite as the best TDRewards hotel card

    +

    The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite is the best hotel credit card for TD customers. This is particularly true for the travel-savvy interested in earning and redeeming TD Rewards Points for travel, including hotel stays where you can earn 8 TD Rewards Points through Expedia For TD† when booking travel.

    6 TD Rewards Points on groceries and restaurants† 4 TD Rewards on recurring bill payments† Earn 2 TD Rewards Points For every $1 you spend on other Purchases made using your Card†

    Earn up to $1,000 in value†, including up to 135,000 TD Rewards Points, no Annual Fee for the first year† and additional travel benefits. Conditions Apply. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025.

    • Earn a welcome Bonus of 20,000 TD Rewards Points when you make your first Purchase with your Card†.

    • Earn 115,000 TD Rewards Points when you spend $5,000 within 180 days of Account opening†.

    • Earn a Birthday Bonus of 10% of the TD Rewards Points you have earned over the past year, up to a maximum of 10,000 TD Rewards points†.

    • Get an annual TD Travel Credit† of $100 when you book at Expedia® For TD.

    • Get an Annual Fee Rebate for the first year†.

    To receive the first-year annual fee rebate for the Primary Cardholder, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening. To receive the Additional Cardholder(s) first-year annual fee rebate, you must add your Additional Cardholder(s) while the offer is in effect.

    Starbucks Bonus Offer for New Linked Membersx: Link your TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite to earn 600 Starbucks Stars and redeem them for free Starbucks treats. Limited time only. Conditions and restrictions apply.

    The best redemption value for your points is through the Expedia For TD portal. You can also redeem points for any travel booked on your own, education payments, merchandise, Amazon Pay with Points or various gift card options, so you have lots of flexibility.

    The card comes with a suite of travel and purchase protection benefits, including comprehensive travel medical insurance and more. Additionally, cardholders can enjoy Visa Infinite benefits such as Luxury Hotel Collection access and exclusive dining experiences​​​​.

    TD Rewards, in partnership with Expedia For TD, allows cardholders to earn and redeem points on a wide array of hotels available through its exclusive platform. This partnership does not specifically highlight preferred or featured hotel partners but offers access to most hotels listed on Expedia, providing a broad selection of accommodations ranging from budget to luxury. This arrangement gives TD Rewards members the flexibility to book virtually any hotel found on Expedia, often with special deals or rates exclusive to Expedia For TD users.

    This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For Quebec residents, please click here .

    The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button. Sponsored Content.

    † Terms and conditions apply.

Best RBC Avion

Best hotel credit card with RBC Avion

up to 55,000 pts

Welcome Bonus

$236

First Year Value

$0

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Get up to 55,000 Avion points* (a value of up to $1,100†), that’s enough to fly anywhere in North America or the Caribbean!

Learn More Apply Now On RBC's Secure Site

  • Why we picked the RBC Avion Visa Infinite as the best RBC Avion hotel card

    +

    The RBC Avion Visa Infinite and its Avion rewards can be redeemed for travel purchases, including hotels, without blackout periods or seat restrictions.

    In our opinion, the best way to use your Avion Rewards for hotels is by purchasing gift cards to BestWestern, Global Hotels or Hotels.com on the Avion rewards portal. (Occasionally, RBC will offer a 25% discount on its gift cards, so keep an eye out for this deal.)

    However, if hotel burglary insurance is important to you, its credit card insurance won’t protect you if you buy using gift cards and not the RBC Avion card (which gives you $2,500 of hotel insurance).

    Whichever payment option you choose, you’ll still have to book through the Avion rewards portal and it doesn't offer price matching. So, it’s much better to use your Avion points for flying (your points carry more value here).

    RBC does have airline transfer partners including British Airways Avios, Cathay Pacific and American Airlines.

    Refer to RBC page for up to date offer terms and conditions.

    This post contains affiliate links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

    Disclaimer: Money.ca may engage in affiliate marketing, which is done by embedding tracking links into Money.ca. If you click on a link for an affiliate partnership, a cookie will be placed on your browser to track any sales for purposes of commissions.

Best Scotiabank

Best hotel credit card with Scotiabank and Scene+

If you’re loyal to Scotiabank and its Scene+ points program, there are four options for your hotel aspirations.

Scene+ Rewards can be used for flights and hotels at equivalent rates, with the flexibility of booking through the Scene+ travel service or by using the “apply points to travel” option on its website. 

However, booking through Scene+ travel allows you to pay any points shortage with your credit card, whereas you must cover the entire cost in points if you don’t use the portal. The downside of the portal is it doesn't offer price matching, so be sure to check pricing elsewhere before booking. 

You earn three points for every $1 spent on hotel stays and car rental when booked through Scene+ travel. 

You can earn one Scene+ point for every $5 spent with a Scotiabank Rewards Passport debit card (it’s not great, but at least you’re earning). 

Then there are three credit cards we recommend to book your hotel accommodation where the annual fee equates to better earn rates. 

up to $780 in value

Welcome Bonus

$1,382

First Year Value

$602

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: up to $780* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points

Learn More Apply Now On Scotiabank's Secure Site

  • Why we picked the Scotiabank Gold American Express

    +

    You buy groceries, and the Scotiabank Gold American Express is ready to reward you for it. You earn 6x Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco and Foodland, up to 4x Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia, 3x Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options, including rideshares, buses and subways, as well as eligible select streaming services.. You’ll also earn 1 Scene+ point on all other purchases

    While abroad, this card charges 0% - an amazing perk for the jet setter. As well, you can redeem points for statement credits of any travel expense, plus enjoy the perks and special privileges of American Express.

  • Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card to learn more.

    *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.

up to $1,300* value

Welcome Bonus

$926

First Year Value

$0

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $1,300* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points*

Learn More Apply Now On Scotiabank's Secure Site

  • Why we picked the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite

    +

    The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is another hotel credit card option if you collect Scotiabank’s Scene+ Rewards.

    The annual fee is $150. First supplementary Card is $0/year ($50/year on each additional Card)

    You also get 6 complimentary airport lounge passes for you and anyone travelling with you using the Visa Airport Companion program. And thanks to the Visa Infinite Hotel Collection, you can save with great hotel rates, receive automatic room upgrades when available and get free Wi-Fi in your hotel room when you check in.

  • Rates, fees and other information are effective as of January 3, 2025. Subject to change.

    Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card to learn more.

    *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.

up to 5K pts

Welcome Bonus

$471

First Year Value

$421

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months (that’s up to $50 towards travel).

Learn More Apply Now On Scotiabank's Secure Site

  • Why we picked the Scotiabank American Express

    +

    We think the Scotiabank American Express earns the title of the best no-fee hotel credit card.

    Much like the other Scotiabank cards, you earn Scene+ rewards (at a lesser rate) but you don’t pay an annual fee. You can use your Scene+ points for any hotel redemption via Scene+ travel or as a statement credit.

  • Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank American Express® Card to learn more. *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.

Best Aventura

Best hotel credit card with CIBC Aventura

up to 80K pts

Welcome Bonus

$2,181

First Year Value

$581

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Get a total of up to 80,000 Aventura Points† (up to $1,600 in travel value) during your first year.

Learn More Apply Now On CIBC's Secure Site

  • Why we picked the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card as the best CIBC Aventura hotel card

    +

    If you’re a client of CIBC and its Aventura program, we recommend the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card. We picked it because it’s the best hotel credit card for hotel burglary insurance.

    Hotel burglary insurance is like a safety net for your stuff when you're staying in a hotel. If someone breaks into your room and steals or damages your personal items, this insurance has got your back. It covers the loss as long as there's clear proof of the break-in. Though, depending on your home insurance policy, your items may be covered while away from home.

    While Aventura points aren’t incredible for everyday rewards (e.g. gift cards, merchandise etc.), it's all about travel rewards, and this hotel perk may be worth keeping this card in your wallet.

    †Terms and Conditions Apply. This offer is not available in Quebec.

    The information for the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card has been collected independently by Money.ca. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best AIR MILES

Best hotel credit card with AIR MILES

3,000 miles

Welcome Bonus

$383

First Year Value

$183

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Get 3,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles! * That's enough for $310 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash!* Plus, get the $120 annual fee waived for your first anniversary

Learn More Apply Now On BMO's Secure Site

  • Why we picked the BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* MasterCard®* as the best AIR MILES hotel card

    +

    The AIR MILES program has been around since 1992, so we couldn’t leave it off the list. You can redeem your AIR MILES for travel that you booked directly with a hotel chain or airline. You can also redeem points for hotel gift cards from Best Western and Fairmont, but they don’t carry the same value, so we don’t recommend it.

    AIR MILES partners with various hotel brands, allowing members to earn miles when booking stays through their platform. Featured hotel partners include IHG Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, Hotel Indigo and Holiday Inn Express. Booking through AIR MILES provides access to a wide range of accommodations. You can potentially save money on hotel stays and this card offers the opportunity to earn rewards faster, especially for those who can accumulate miles at an accelerated rate.

    BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.


    *Terms and conditions apply

Why a hotel card?

What are hotel rewards? Why get a hotel credit card?

Hotel rewards are incentives offered by hotel loyalty programs to encourage repeat business. These rewards accumulate as points through stays, services, or spending on affiliated credit cards. Points can then be redeemed for various benefits, enhancing the overall travel experience. Key aspects include:

  • Earning points: For every dollar spent on stays, dining, or other services at the hotel.
  • Redemption options: Free nights, room upgrades, late checkouts, dining, and spa services.
  • Additional perks: Free cancellations, Complimentary Wi-Fi, exclusive member rates, no resort fees, and special offers like fifth night free.

Hotel rewards programs aim to build customer loyalty by rewarding frequent stays with valuable perks and services.

Free night vs. annual free night

Let’s look at what many cardholders would say is a hotel credit card’s most important benefit: a free stay. In Canada, there are three main ways credit cards offer free hotel nights:

  • An annual complimentary night just for being a cardholder (Bonvoy);
  • A one-time-only sign-up point bonus that allows for one free night or multiple free nights (Bonvoy again);
  • Accumulating enough points through regular spending to redeem for free nights (Bonvoy for the win).

The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Card is presently the only card in Canada that offers an automatic annual free night.

How to choose

How to pick the right hotel credit card: Things to consider

  1. 1.

    Determine where your loyalty lies. We love the Homewood Suites for our family. Homewood Suites is part of the Hilton Chain, so even if we were to travel as a couple or individually, we could book at a Waldorf Astoria Hotel for its unforgettable experiences, at Conrad Hotels & Resorts for smart luxury travel, at a Signia Hotel for business meetings and events, or a DoubleTree if we’re more budget conscious. It makes sense for us to get any American Express credit card because Amex’s Membership Rewards points transfer to hotel partners, including Hilton Honors.

  2. 2.

    The sign up bonus. Whatever you want to call it—the promotional offer or welcome bonus—these point windfalls upon approval can lead to free nights right away, just like you can use a travel card to fly somewhere immediately with points. The other important factor is the earn rate.

  3. 3.

    The earn rate. How quickly can you accumulate new points? Where can you earn? Typically, with hotel cards, you earn more when you spend with the hotel chain. However, if you’re using an Amex and transferring points, the Amex Cobalt has one of the best earn rates in a variety of places from gas and groceries to restaurants and streaming services.

  4. 4.

    Status and VIP experiences. An Aeroplan card gives you the 4th night free. The Amex Cobalt doesn’t give you lounge access, but the Scotiabank Platinum Amex gives you 10 passes a year. Consider insurance—emergency medical, hotel burglary coverage and rental car insurance. The best credit cards for rental car insurance give you more coverage (access to vehicles up to $85,000), longer days of coverage and have discounts to a loyalty program with Hertz, Avis or Budget. Also look for cards that give you the VIP treatment at the airport with NEXUS fee rebates, free checked bags and priority boarding.

  5. 5.

    Specific hotel rewards. Look for bonus points on spending at the hotel chain of choice, annual free night certificates, annual credits at different properties, how easy it is to qualify for elite status (and how many free nights you get once you become elite). 

Conclusion

Should you get a hotel credit card?

If you’re not loyal to a hotel chain and prefer browsing by price or meeting specific criteria, you may want to stick with one of the best travel rewards cards and use them to book your accommodation. For example, the Avion Rewards program allows you to book any hotel or TD Rewards you can book any hotel using Expedia. An American Express cardholder may benefit by booking through their American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts, a Visa Infinite cardholder may benefit from booking through the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel collection. 

We hope you enjoy your stay!

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FAQs

FAQs

  • Do hotel credit cards give you elite status?

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    Yes, hotel cards may provide elite status in a hotel loyalty programme. Take the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card, for example. The card provides complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, including an annual free night award, 15 Elite Night credits, late checkout, free Wi-Fi and more.

  • What are the drawbacks of a hotel credit card?

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    While hotel cards are popular for anyone who frequently stays with a chain, there are drawbacks to these cards. Brand loyalty is the biggest downside. If you frequently travel for work, school, recreation or some other reason, but don't stay at a particular brand, you might find best value with a hotel credit card. Instead, consider a travel credit card.

  • Can you pool points with a hotel card?

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    You might be able to pool points with your hotel card, provided the hotel loyalty programme provided by your credit card is linked to your other brand loyalty accounts. Keep in mind you'll need to be the primary accountholder on both accounts to make the transfer.

    You may also be able to transfer points between programmes. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to more than 40 airline frequent flyer programs worldwide, for example.

Sandra MacGregor Freelance Contributor

Sandra MacGregor has been writing about finance and travel for nearly a decade. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications like the New York Times, the UK Telegraph, the Washington Post, Forbes.com and the Toronto Star.

Amy Tokic Associate Content Editor (SEO)

Amy Tokic is an SEO content editor for Money.ca. She holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of Windsor. Amy is an award-winning author and has been writing professionally for 15 years, publishing articles in the lifestyle and health sectors. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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