How hotel credit cards unlock free luxury stays in 2026
Hotel credit cards are offering more ways to earn free night stays in 2026. Many include annual certificates that can cover high-end hotels near me, often outweighing the cost of the card’s annual fee. Travellers can now redeem these rewards at luxury properties worldwide, from San Diego to Bali.
Several major hotel loyalty programmes provide free night certificates as part of their credit card perks. IHG One Rewards offers these through its Select, Premier, and Premier Business cards. The Premier version also includes automatic Platinum elite status and travel protections.
Hilton and Marriott have expanded their options too. The American Express Hilton Honors Aspire Card grants one free night each year upon renewal, with extra certificates after spending $30,000 and $60,000. The Surpass Card provides one after $15,000 in annual spending. Marriott’s Boundless Card gives five free night certificates (up to 50,000 points each) after a $3,000 spend in three months, plus an annual anniversary certificate. The Bold Card offers two free nights (up to 50,000 points) after $1,000 in the same period. Meanwhile, the World of Hyatt Card includes an annual free night (freetaxusa Category 1-4 or 1-7) and another after $15,000 in spending. Popular redemption choices include the InterContinental San Diego, as well as international properties like InterContinental Bali, Bangkok, Berlin, and Lisbon. In the US, top picks feature the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix, Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan, and Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown-Union Station. These options allow cardholders to maximise the value of their certificates.
The free night certificates from these cards can significantly reduce travel costs. Many provide enough value to justify the card’s annual fee. With a range of luxury hotels available, cardholders have more flexibility in planning high-end stays.
