Best hotel business credit cards of October 2024

Choosing the best hotel business credit card can feel like a daunting task. With so many options out there, it's crucial to understand what each card offers and how it aligns with your specific needs.
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Whether you're after generous rewards, valuable perks, or low fees, finding the right card can significantly impact your travel expenses.
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Let's break down the key factors to consider when selecting the best hotel business credit card.

How to choose the best hotel business credit card

How do you know which card will give you the most bang for your buck?

Consider your business's travel habits

First, assess how often your business requires travel. Frequent travelers benefit more from cards offering higher rewards on hotel stays and travel-related expenses. If most business trips involve hotel stays, prioritize cards that offer substantial points or cashback for hotel bookings. Conversely, if travel is infrequent, a card with a broader range of benefits might be more suitable. 

Compare reward earning potential

Next, evaluate the reward structures of different cards. Some cards offer points per dollar spent, while others provide cashback. Look for cards that maximize rewards on categories where your business spends the most. For example, if hotel stays are a significant expense, choose a card that offers higher points or cashback rates for hotel bookings. Also, consider whether the rewards can be easily redeemed for hotel stays or other travel-related expenses.

Evaluate annual fees vs. benefits

Annual fees can vary widely among hotel business credit cards. Some cards charge high fees but offer extensive benefits, while others have low or no fees with fewer perks. Weigh the annual fee against the benefits provided. If the perks and rewards outweigh the cost of the fee, it might be worth the investment. However, if the fee is too high relative to the benefits, consider a card with a lower fee.

Look for valuable travel perks and protections

Travel perks and protections can add significant value to a hotel business credit card. Look for features such as free nights, room upgrades, late check-out, and complimentary breakfast. Additionally, consider cards that offer travel insurance, trip cancellation coverage, and lost luggage reimbursement. These perks can enhance your travel experience and provide peace of mind. For those who travel internationally, exploring no foreign transaction fee business credit cards can be beneficial.

Check for introductory offers and bonuses

Introductory offers and bonuses can provide a substantial boost to your rewards balance. Many hotel business credit cards offer sign-up bonuses, such as a large number of points or cashback after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months. Evaluate these offers carefully, as they can significantly enhance the value of the card in the initial period. However, ensure the spending requirement aligns with your business's budget and spending habits. 

Top hotel business credit cards for 2024

Ramp

Ramp stands out for its flexibility and comprehensive features. While not exclusively designed for hotels, it is one of the best travel cards out there. The card offers significant 1.5% cashback that can be used for any expense, including hotel stays. The travel management and booking features allow cardholders to book hotels and flights at the lowest rates, simplifying travel planning. 
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The platform also provides real-time expense tracking and automated receipt matching, reducing administrative tasks for hotel owners, saving you precious time when booking. You can also customize guardrails to prevent out-of-policy spend, from per-diems to hotel rates. Additionally, Ramp integrates with various accounting software, ensuring seamless financial management. ‍

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card offers substantial rewards for hotel stays and travel expenses. Cardholders earn up to 6x points at Marriott properties and 4x points on U.S. restaurants, gas stations, wireless telephone services, and shipping. The card also provides complimentary Silver Elite status, which includes priority late checkout and room upgrades. However, the $125 annual fee may be a drawback for some users. Customer reviews highlight issues with point redemption and limited availability of reward nights. 

Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card provides rewards for Hilton stays and other business expenses. Cardholders earn up to 12x points at Hilton properties and 6x points on select business and travel purchases. The card includes complimentary Gold status, offering benefits like free breakfast and room upgrades. However, the $195 annual fee and limited point redemption options may deter some users. As of recent, the Free Night Benefit has also been removed from the card, a dealbreaker for a lot of card holders. 

IHG Rewards Club Premier Business Credit Card

The IHG Rewards Club Premier Business Credit Card offers rewards for IHG hotel stays and other purchases. Cardholders earn up to 10x points at IHG properties and 5x points on travel, gas stations, and dining. The card includes a free night each year and Platinum Elite status, which provides room upgrades and late checkout. However, the $99 annual fee and limited point transfer options may be concerns. There have been a lot of complaints about the IHG One Rewards being worth less than a penny a point on most redemption.

The Business Platinum Card from American Express

The Business Platinum Card from American Express offers travel benefits and rewards. Cardholders earn 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. The card provides access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide and includes complimentary Gold status with Hilton and Marriott. However, the $695 annual fee is significantly higher than other cards, which may be prohibitive for some users. Customer feedback often highlights the high fee and occasional difficulties with customer service. 

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At Ramp, transparency and integrity are core values guiding our content. We believe in the exceptional value of our products, which may shape our perspective. Our methodical approach involves competitor analysis, comparison of credit cards, and frequent reviews to maintain reliability. Review our full methodology for choosing the best business credit cards.

How to maximize rewards with hotel business credit cards

Maximizing your rewards isn't just about picking the right card—it's also about using it effectively. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your card.

Use your card for all business expenses

Maximize rewards by using your hotel business credit card for all business-related expenses. This includes travel bookings, dining, office supplies, and even utility bills. Every purchase contributes to your rewards balance, allowing you to accumulate points or cashback faster. Consistent use of your card ensures you don't miss out on potential rewards from everyday business transactions.

Take advantage of bonus categories

Many hotel business credit cards offer higher rewards rates for specific spending categories such as travel, dining, or gas. Identify these bonus categories and align your spending to take full advantage. For instance, if your card offers extra points for dining, make sure to use it for all business meals and client dinners. This strategy helps you earn rewards at an accelerated rate, maximizing the benefits of your card. 

Use hotel loyalty program partnerships

Leverage partnerships between your credit card and hotel loyalty programs. These partnerships often provide additional perks like free nights, room upgrades, and exclusive discounts. Enroll in the loyalty programs of the hotels you frequently use and link them to your credit card. This not only boosts your rewards earnings but also enhances your overall travel experience with added benefits.

Redeem points strategically for maximum value

Redeem your points strategically to get the most value. Hotel stays often provide the best redemption rates, so prioritize using points for bookings. Look for opportunities to book during off-peak times when fewer points are required. Additionally, consider using points for upgrades or additional services that enhance your stay. Avoid redeeming points for lower-value items like merchandise or gift cards, as these options typically offer less value per point. For more tips on managing travel expenses, check out this travel expense reimbursement guide.

Why choose Ramp 

Ramp offers generous cashbacks on all purchases, making it an ideal choice for businesses that want to maximize their rewards across various spending categories, including hotel stays. Unlike traditional hotel-specific cards, Ramp's flexibility allows you to use your rewards for any expense, providing unparalleled versatility in how you manage your travel budget.
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With Ramp, you gain access to powerful travel management tools that simplify booking and expense tracking. The platform enables you to book hotels and flights at the lowest rates while providing real-time expense tracking and automated receipt matching. 
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Ramp's customizable guardrails help prevent out-of-policy spending, ensuring that your team stays within budget. Whether it's setting per-diem limits or capping hotel rates, these features empower you to maintain control over your business expenses without sacrificing convenience.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to improve your travel experience while maximizing rewards. Join the community of 25,000smart spenders. Sign up now and unlock exclusive offers tailored for your business needs.