Posts Tagged hotel rewards

When you travel frequently, hotel use will be one of your regular expenses.  As such, you want to find a rewards card that will try to get you a bit more benefits for your stay.

1. Find a card that features hotels suited for your travel needs

Figure out where you normally travel and what hotels will be the ones you’ll most likely stay at.  Based on that, find a credit card with rewards programs especially for those establishments.  If you’ll most likely be staying at the Hilton, there’s no point in getting a card with Starwood rewards specials.

2. Make sure it offers rewards in a currency that you like

Many credit cards allow you to accrue your points in a number of different ways, including rebates, miles, redeemable points or a combination of sorts.  If you prefer one over the other, choose your credit card accordingly.

When using your rewards cards on hotels, the following things should ensure you get the most for them:

1. Earn loyalty rewards

Even if your card offers rewards benefits for different hotels, it still makes sense to stay loyal with one.  Many of the large hotel chains offer loyalty programs, the gains you can derive from which can add up to more than what you earn across different establishments.

2. Be aware of blackout policies

Always check the blackout policies of the hotels you plan to cash in your rewards on.  As of the moment, most hotels implement some form of blackout policy (even thought they claim otherwise) that will bar you from getting a room with your points for one reason or another.  The Hilton and Starwood both have the most flexible policies in this area.