Opposite to standard perception, you needn’t pay an eye-watering annual price to get a travel credit card. If you happen to do not journey sufficient to make use of all the advantages that include a top-tier card — or just do not have room in your finances to justify these charges annually — there are nonetheless loads of no-annual-fee playing cards that may fit your wants.
In the case of hotel credit cards, the excellent news is {that a} no-annual-fee card can give you extra advantages than you would possibly anticipate. Some playing cards include complimentary elite standing, whereas others arrange a pathway towards incomes it via spending.
Relying on the product you select, no-annual-fee cobranded resort playing cards may also help you earn perks particular to sure resort chains. That is thanks, partly, to the elevated incomes charges they function once you e-book a keep or make an on-property buy.
The very best no-annual-fee resort card will range from individual to individual, however among the finest choices presently obtainable embody the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (see rates and fees) and the Hilton Honors American Express Card (see rates and fees).
Each resort chains supply properties everywhere in the world, which means you have got tons of alternatives to earn and redeem factors nearly anyplace.
Beneath, we have rounded up our prime picks for the most effective no-annual-fee resort bank cards that can assist you discover the suitable match in your journey model and finances.
The very best no-annual-fee resort bank cards
Listed here are our prime picks for the most effective no-annual-fee resort playing cards.
The data for the Selection Privileges and Wyndham Rewards Earner Card has been collected independently by The Factors Man. The cardboard particulars on this web page haven’t been reviewed or offered by the cardboard issuer.
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The very best no-annual-fee resort bank cards
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit score Card
Present welcome bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Bonus worth: $370, in accordance with TPG January 2026 valuations.
Incomes charges:
- 5 miles per greenback spent on motels, trip leases and rental vehicles booked via Capital One Journey
- 1.25 miles per greenback spent on all different purchases
Different advantages: Whereas the resort playing cards above can get you elite perks or different unique advantages, typically limiting your self to 1 model does not make sense. That is why the VentureOne is our favourite for all resort stays, because it presents a easy incomes scheme (limitless 1.25 miles per greenback spent on all purchases), plus a fair easier approach to redeem. And if you happen to e-book via Capital One Journey, you will earn 5 miles per greenback.
You’ll be able to redeem your miles for any resort (or different journey) fees in your card. If you happen to’re a complicated award traveler, you will be glad to know you could switch your Capital One miles to airline and hotel partners like Air Canada Aeroplan and Singapore KrisFlyer to seek out much more potential worth.
Why we prefer it: We like the pliability that the VentureOne presents. You will not get resort elite standing, however you are not restricted to 1 loyalty program when it is time to redeem miles. If all you are in search of is a approach to earn and redeem your journey rewards, this may very well be a great card for you. Plus, with no international transaction charges, you possibly can take the VentureOne with you anyplace.
For extra particulars, take a look at our full review of the Capital One VentureOne.
Study extra: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Selection Privileges Mastercard
Present welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus factors after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Bonus worth: $360, in accordance with TPG January 2026 valuations.
Incomes charges:
- 5 factors per greenback spent at eligible Selection Resorts, together with Selection Privileges level purchases
- 5 factors per greenback spent once you use your card to pay for qualifying purchases of Selection Privileges factors
- 3 factors per greenback spent at fuel stations, at grocery shops, at house enchancment shops and on telephone plan providers
- 1 level per greenback spent on different purchases
Different advantages: You will get automated Gold standing within the Choice Privileges program, which unlocks advantages reminiscent of an elite welcome reward, early check-in and late checkout. You will additionally rise up to $800 of mobile phone safety towards injury or theft once you pay your month-to-month invoice with this card (topic to a $25 deductible), in addition to World Elite Mastercard benefits.
Why we prefer it: Being a Selection Privileges elite member will improve your resort expertise, and with this card, you will be granted this standing at no cost. Whereas not probably the most profitable no-annual-fee resort card on the market, this card presents simplicity.
For extra particulars, take a look at our full review of the Choice Privileges Mastercard.
Study extra: Choice Privileges Mastercard
Hilton Honors American Categorical Card
Present welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus factors after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.
Bonus worth: $400, in accordance with TPG January 2026 valuations.
Incomes charges:
- 7 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases made immediately with motels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio
- 5 factors per greenback spent at U.S. eating places (together with takeout and supply), U.S. supermarkets and U.S. fuel stations
- 3 factors per greenback spent on different eligible purchases
Different advantages: It is not usually {that a} no-annual-fee card offers you with as many perks because the Hilton Honors Amex does. For starters, take pleasure in complimentary Silver standing to get 20% bonus factors on stays and a fifth-night-free profit. Along with a profitable rewards charge on Hilton stays and on a regular basis purchases, you will have secondary rental automotive protection* and no international transaction charges (see rates and fees).
*Eligibility and Profit stage varies by Card. Phrases, Situations and Limitations Apply. Please go to americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for extra particulars. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Firm. Automotive Rental Loss or Injury Protection is obtainable via American Categorical Journey Associated Companies Firm, Inc.
Why we prefer it: The Hilton Honors Amex proves you do not have to pay an annual price to get top-notch perks. The cardboard’s welcome bonus presents a wholesome stash of Hilton Honors factors and ample methods to proceed incomes in your on a regular basis spending. We suggest this card for individuals who take pleasure in staying at Hilton properties however wish to hold prices as little as doable.
For extra particulars, take a look at our full review of the Hilton Honors Amex.
Apply right here: Hilton Honors American Express Card
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit score Card
Present welcome bonus: Earn as much as 120,000 bonus factors: 90,000 bonus factors after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening, plus as much as an extra 30,000 bonus factors by incomes 3 extra factors per greenback on purchases that earn 2 and three factors per greenback on as much as $10,000 spent within the first six months.
Bonus worth: As much as $600, in accordance with TPG January 2026 valuations.
Incomes charges:
- As much as 17 factors per greenback spent at IHG Resorts & Resorts (damaged down as 5 factors per greenback for being an IHG Traveler cardholder, as much as 10 factors per greenback spent on stays for being an IHG One Rewards member and as much as 2 factors per greenback spent on stays with Silver Elite standing, a good thing about this card)
- 3 factors per greenback spent on utilities, web, cable, telephone providers and choose streaming providers, at fuel stations and on restaurant purchases (together with takeout and eligible supply)
- 2 factors per greenback spent on all the things else
Different advantages: This resort card comes with the distinctive good thing about a fourth-night-free reward, which means you will pay the value of three nights to remain for a complete of 4 nights once you e-book with factors. Plus, you will get a 20% low cost on factors purchases once you pay for these factors along with your card.
Why we prefer it: By being strategic with this card, you may get worth from the fourth-night-free perk.
For extra particulars, take a look at our full review of the IHG One Rewards Traveler card.
Apply right here: IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Daring Credit score Card
Present welcome bonus: Earn two free night time awards (valued at as much as 50,000 factors every) after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. Sure motels have resort charges.
Bonus worth: As much as $700, in accordance with TPG January 2026 valuations.
Incomes charges:
- 3 factors per greenback spent at taking part Marriott Bonvoy motels
- 2 factors per greenback spent at grocery shops, on ride-hailing providers, on choose meals supply providers, on choose streaming providers and on web, cable and telephone providers
- 1 level per greenback spent on all different purchases
Different advantages: You will grow to be an automated Silver Elite member, which will get you perks reminiscent of precedence late checkout and 10% bonus factors on stays, as a cardholder. Subsequently, you will have the flexibility to earn as much as 14 factors per greenback spent on eligible Marriott stays (3 factors per greenback with this card, 10 factors per greenback for being a Marriott Bonvoy member and 1 level per greenback for having Silver Elite standing).
You will even have the chance to enhance your elite standing the extra you stick with Marriott. This card comes with a number of journey and buy protections, together with baggage loss and delay insurance. To prime all of it off, there isn’t any annual price (and no foreign transaction fees).
Why we prefer it: As you construct your credit card portfolio, you will finally need a card that earns transferable points, together with an airline and a resort card. If Marriott is your resort chain of selection, the Daring is the right place to start out. With a complimentary jump-start to Silver Elite standing, the chances of reaching increased tiers of Marriott elite standing are limitless.
For extra particulars, take a look at our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Bold card.
Apply right here: Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card
Wyndham Rewards Earner Card
Present welcome bonus: Earn 30,000 factors after spending $1,000 on purchases inside 90 days of account opening. Resort charges could apply and can’t be paid with factors.
Bonus worth: $330, in accordance with TPG January 2026 valuations.
Incomes charges:
- 5 factors per greenback spent on Wyndham motels and fuel
- 2 factors per greenback spent on eating and at grocery shops (excluding Goal® and Walmart®)
- 1 level per greenback spent on all different purchases (excluding Wyndham Trip Membership down funds)
Different advantages: With this card, you will take pleasure in no international transaction charges and complimentary Gold standing, which ensures free Wi-Fi, most popular room choice and late checkout. Moreover, you get the flexibility to redeem 10% fewer Wyndham Rewards factors in your eligible stays. Plus, you earn 7,500 bonus factors every anniversary 12 months after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases.
Why we prefer it: For a card with no annual price, those that keep at Wyndham properties commonly can get appreciable worth from the welcome bonus and ongoing Gold elite standing.
Study extra: Wyndham Rewards Earner Card
Backside line
Virtually all the no-annual-fee resort playing cards on this information get you automatic elite status. The very best decide for you’ll first rely on the resort chain you favor, however take a deeper have a look at the continued rewards charge and any extra advantages you may get from the cardboard (reminiscent of no international transaction charges or any journey and buy protections).
And keep in mind: Since you are not paying an annual price on any of those playing cards, you will not have to fret about whether or not you are stretching enough value to justify the cost each year.
Associated: Earn rewards on a budget with these no-annual-fee credit card strategies
For charges and costs of the Hilton Amex card, click on here.
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