Travel Tips

Travel Tip: How to Make Hotel Loyalty Programs Work for You

Loyalty_cardsHotel loyalty programs aren’t nearly as convoluted as the airline programs, but there are some tricks to making them work for you.

One of the fastest ways to accrue points is to use a co-branded credit card. But you have to travel a lot for it to be worthwhile. Otherwise you’re better off with a card that lets you redeem points on ANY part of the travel process, like Bank of Americard Travel Rewards.

Or look for one that lets you transfer points to several loyalty programs.  The Chase Sapphire Preferred card can transfer points to Hyatt Gold Passport, Marriott Rewards and others.

Starwood Preferred Guest lets you combine points with cash to book hotel rooms, which can be a great deal.

But remember, Cash & Points is capacity controlled. Whereas if you use points only, you have more freedom—if there’s a room available, you can redeem points.

And keep your eyes opened for promotions.  Right now, Marriott Rewards has a deal where if you stay two nights between February 1 and April 30, and you’ll earn free night at participating hotels around the world.

For more information, visit the credit card archives.

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