10 Best Credit Cards for Hotels.com of October 2026
Top picks for Hotels.com from our scoring engine.
Rankings are generated by our algorithm based on earn rates, point valuations, fees, and benefits — not paid placement. We don't accept compensation to rank cards higher. How we rank
Ranked by earn rate and redemption value, statement credits minus annual fees (weighted against a typical $30,000/year in total card spend), shopping portal bonuses when we recognize the merchant, matched benefits and promotional earn boosts, co-brand fit for this brand. The ¢ per dollar column is the reward rate at Hotels.com. Order can differ from that column because ranking adds the adjustments above.
Citi Strata Premier Card earns the top spot for Hotels.com purchases at 8.8¢ per dollar on hotels — a $95 annual fee. We ranked every card in our database against Hotels.com purchases using the same scoring engine that powers our search. See the note above the list for what drives order versus the ¢ per dollar column. Cards 4–10 are still solid picks; they just trade off some headline earn rate for fewer fees, broader networks, or simpler redemptions.
Citi Strata Premier Card
Citi
- +10x on Hotels & Lodging booked through the required portal — points worth 1.6¢ each
- +Lost or Damaged Luggage Insurance
- +Trip Delay Protection
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One
- +10x on Hotels & Lodging booked through the required portal — points worth 1.3¢ each
- +Est. $240/yr value — $300 Annual Capital One Travel Credit
- +Primary Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase
- +8x on Travel booked through the required portal — points worth 1.8¢ each
- +Est. $240/yr value — Annual Travel Credit
- +Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Access
Why Citi Strata Premier Card wins for Hotels.com
Citi Strata Premier Card earns 8.8¢ per dollar on hotels when you shop at Hotels.com, the highest marginal rate in our list for this brand. At 8.8¢ per dollar, rewards cover the $95 fee after about $1,080 a year in Hotels.com spending. To come out ahead of Chase Freedom Flex (5.4¢), you'd need about $2,790 a year here. It's the right pick if you want maximum earn rate on this category and don't mind paying for a premium card.
Compare the Top Picks
Quick Comparison
Side-by-side view of the ranked picks.
| Card | Hotels Rate | Effective Value | Annual Fee | Est. Fee Offset | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Strata Premier CardCiti | 10x ThankYou Points | 8.8¢/$ | $95 | — | mastercard |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardCapital One | 10x Capital One Miles | 7.8¢/$ | $395 | — | visa |
| Chase Sapphire ReserveChase | 8x Ultimate Rewards | 7.9¢/$ | $795 | $36 | visa |
| Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Visa Credit CardWells Fargo | 5x Wells Fargo Rewards | 5.8¢/$ | $95 | — | visa |
| Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend MastercardCiti | 12x AAdvantage | 6.5¢/$ | $695 | — | mastercard |
| Chase Freedom FlexChase | 5x Ultimate Rewards | 5.4¢/$ | $0 | — | mastercard |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature CardU.S. Bank | 5x U.S. Bank Altitude Rewards | 4.5¢/$ | $0 | — | visa |
| American Express Gold CardAmerican Express | 5x Membership Rewards | 4.5¢/$ | $325 | $15.20 | amex |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardCapital One | 5x Capital One Miles | 4.5¢/$ | $95 | — | mastercard |
| Citi Strata Credit CardCiti | 5x ThankYou Points | 4.8¢/$ | $0 | — | mastercard |
More Options
How to maximize value at Hotels.com
- Use Citi Strata Premier Card for Hotels.com purchases — it earns 8.8¢ per dollar on hotels at Hotels.com in our scoring.
- Shopping portals sometimes offer extra rewards at Hotels.com; check current portal rates before you buy.
- Pair Citi Strata Premier Card with Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card to cover categories where it earns more — diversifying your spend can lift your blended return.
- Plan a major Hotels.com purchase around your card's welcome offer window — Citi Strata Premier Card's sign-up bonus is worth roughly $960 on top of base rewards.
- Pay your statement in full each month — interest charges almost always exceed the rewards you'd earn.
Cards with earn bonuses for Hotels.com
Extra points or cash back when you pay with these cards — not statement credits.
Similar Brands
Other brands in Travel where the top picks above also earn well.
Frequently asked
- What credit card earns the most at Hotels.com?
- Citi Strata Premier Card ranks #1 for Hotels.com in our list at 8.8¢ per dollar on hotels (including Hotels.com) — $95 annual fee. Order uses the full scoring key described above the list (earn rate, redemption value, fee/credit balance, portals, and co-brand fit); welcome offers are not part of that default brand ranking.
- Can I stack a shopping portal with my credit card at Hotels.com?
- Shopping portals sometimes offer extra rewards at Hotels.com; check current portal rates before you buy.
Want to filter by spend amount, network, or fee preference?
Open in full search with filters →