The Best Credit Cards for Complimentary Hotel Elite Status [2021]
NerdWallet's Best Hotel Credit Cards of April 2021
What Are the Most Exclusive Credit Cards?
Marriott Silver Elite status is earning by getting just 10 elite nights in a year. All Marriott co-branded credit cards currently available to new cardholders offer 15 elite night credits — that means you'll get (at least) Silver Elite status as a primary cardmember.
Elite Status Match
Applicants must show proof of elite status in Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, IHG Rewards Club, or Accor Live Limitless, and a stay within the last 12 months to have the status matched with Marriott Bonvoy for 90 days.
Travel tip: how to stay for FREE at a hotel
The Marriott credit cards are solid, each offers its own free night certificate and credit towards elite status. However, it's probably easier for most travelers to get better overall value from Hilton credit cards.
The Centurion® Card from American Express (Review) is generally considered the most expensive credit card; it charges a $10,000 initiation fee and a $5,000 annual fee. It's only available by invitation. The Mastercard® Gold Card™ (Review) is the priciest card that anyone can apply to thanks to an annual fee of $995.
Centurion® Card from American Express
Why it's one of the hardest credit cards to get: The hardest credit card to get is the American Express Centurion Card. Known simply as the “Black Card,” you need an invitation to get Amex Centurion.
Cool Credit Cards Compared
| Credit Card | Best For |
|---|---|
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card | Metal |
| Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® card | Cool Design |
| Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card | Travel Rewards |
| Citi Rewards+® Card | Cool Feature |
Earn bonus nights having Marriott cobranded credit cards
As an ongoing incentive to have and keep a Marriott cobranded credit card (or two), you are awarded annual elite night credits just by having the card(s).
Gold Elite status is the second tier in the Marriott Bonvoy program, typically earned after 25 nights. ... The Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card allows you to earn Gold Elite status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each account year.
Marriott Bonvoy recently announced a pretty generous status challenge for those looking to earn Gold or Platinum status: Complete five nights within 90 days for Marriott Gold or 15 nights for Platinum.
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