Hotel Credit Cards

There are no hotel credit cards currently available in Australia. While international providers, such as American Express, may offer credit cards affiliated with specific hotel chains, such as Hilton Honours Rewards, this is not available for Australian customers.

That being said, some rewards credit cards and frequent flyer credit cards offer generous hotel perks, such as discounted or free accommodation. Purchases you make may go towards earning rewards or frequent flyer points, which may be exchanged for hotel stays that are affiliated with that credit card provider or airline.

For example, Qantas members may exchange their Qantas frequent flyer points for complimentary or discounted accommodation using Points Plus Pay, as well as exclusive deals. Some credit cards are affiliated with Qantas, and allow you to earn frequent flyer points on everyday spending, or even bulk bonus points at sign up. If you choose a Qantas affiliated credit card, you may be able to earn these points faster and spend them on hotel rewards. 

Depending on the credit card issuer, there are a range of hotel and travel perks that may be available to you. This includes:

1. Discounted or free stays - Enjoy discounted or even free stays at select partner hotels, as well as opportunity for cardholders to enjoy access to luxury accommodation at a fraction of the regular price.
2. Earning points on bookings - When you make hotel and travel bookings through your credit cards, including flights and hotel stays, you could earn points on these purchases. These points can then be redeemed for future stays, upgrades, or even transferred to airline loyalty programs. This allows you to maximise the value of your credit card spending and turn it into even more travel rewards.
3. Travel insurance - Some Australian credit cards offer travel insurance coverage, which typically includes protection for lost luggage or delayed flights. This can provide peace of mind during your journeys, ensuring that you are financially protected in case of unforeseen events.
4. Airport lounge access -Airport lounge access is a sought-after perk for frequent travelers, and some credit cards in Australia offer this benefit. With airport lounge access, you can relax and unwind while waiting for your flight.
5. Rental car insurance - By using your credit card to book car rentals, you may be eligible for complimentary insurance coverage offered by the card issuer, protecting you against potential damages or accidents. This can save you money by avoiding additional charges for rental car insurance at the time of booking.
6. Concierge services - Many premium credit cards offer concierge services, which can be immensely helpful for travelers. These services typically provide assistance with travel arrangements, such as booking flights, making restaurant reservations, or securing flight upgrades.

Unfortunately, there are no hotel reward program-specific credit cards available in Australia. You may instead consider earning credit cards rewards points or frequent flyer points that may be exchanged for hotel perks and benefits.

There is a wide range of credit cards that offer rewards programs and frequent flyer credit cards in Australia, including those from the big four banks. To find one that best suits your needs, consider identifying the hotel chain you prefer, then researching which bank’s rewards program or frequent flyer program it may be affiliated with. 

For example, Virgin is affiliated with almost 500 stays in Sydney alone, and Qantas is affiliated with over 120 hotels in Sydney. They also offer the ability to earn points through, and redeem points by, booking international hotels, such as stays in Bali or Fiji. If your preferred hotel is linked to a specific program that, say, only Westpac is affiliated with, it may be worth prioritising a Westpac rewards credit card. 

Qantas frequent flyer credit cards

At the time of writing, these are the big four bank credit cards offering bulk Qantas frequent flyer points on sign up.

Note: Data accurate as of 19/05/2023

The best credit card that allows you to take advantage of hotel perks and benefits will depend on your specific goals and financial situation. For example, while a platinum rewards credit card may offer more perks, you may not meet the income eligibility to qualify for this card. Or, if you are a Virgin member as opposed to Qantas, it’s worthwhile prioritising cards affiliated with your preferred airline.

When comparing cards with hotel benefits, consider the following factors:

• Hotel partner(s) - It’s crucial that you choose a credit card that is affiliated with hotel rewards you will actually use. Look at the hotel partner(s) that are linked to that card issuer or frequent flyer program and ensure it meets your criteria.
• Interest rates - If you struggle to pay off your balance in full each statement period, the interest rates charged by the issuer can make or break your budget. It may be worthwhile prioritising low-rate card options to avoid accruing interest charges. If you’re comfortable paying off your balance, you may consider more premium card options with higher purchase rates.
• Fees and charges - Credit cards with hotel rewards typically have annual fees that can range from $50 to $1200 depending on the credit card status tier and the card issuer. It's essential to consider whether the potential rewards and additional benefits of the card outweigh this charge.
• Additional perks -There may be more available in terms of rewards than hotel benefits. Take stock of all the complimentary extras provided by the credit card, such as travel insurance, flight vouchers, and airport lounge access. You’ll want to check not only that these are perks you will use, but that they can help to offset any of these ongoing costs like high annual fees. 

By carefully considering these factors, you may make an informed decision around which hotel credit card best suits your travel preferences, and also provides maximum value in terms of rewards and benefits.