Travelers can buy hotel elite statuses using select credit cards

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Travelers can buy hotel elite statuses using select credit cards

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Madison Blancaflor Managing editor | The Points Guy

By Sky Industry News

Feb 16, 2025

Hotel elite status can offer perks like late checkout, extra points, room upgrades, and complimentary breakfast. For those struggling to earn a specific hotel elite status, purchasing it through credit cards may be an attractive option.

Choice Privileges offers Gold status with the no-annual-fee Choice Privileges Mastercard and Platinum status with the $95 annual fee Choice Privileges Select Mastercard. Both cards provide additional benefits such as bonus points on purchases at participating hotels and elite night credits.

IHG One Rewards provides automatic elite status through three cobranded credit cards or by joining the InterContinental Ambassador membership. The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card offers Silver Elite status without an annual fee, while the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card provide Platinum Elite status for a $99 annual fee each. All three cards include a fourth-night-free reward perk.

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Hilton Honors members can gain elite status through several American Express credit cards. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers Diamond status for a $550 annual fee and includes perks like up to $400 in Hilton resort credits annually.

Marriott Bonvoy's credit card offerings include Silver Elite, Gold Elite, and Platinum Elite statuses. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card provides Platinum Elite status for a $650 annual fee, which includes lounge access and suite upgrades.

World of Hyatt's lowest tier, Discoverist, is available with their cobranded credit card. Higher tiers like Explorist or Globalist can be earned through spending thresholds on these cards.

Wyndham Rewards offers Gold, Platinum, and Diamond statuses through various credit cards. Each level comes with distinct benefits such as points bonuses and preferred room choices.

These options allow travelers to attain hotel elite statuses without traditional methods of earning qualifying nights or points.

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