Several hotel chains are offering debit cards with significant sign-up bonuses, potentially allowing frequent travelers to offset annual fees and earn rewards like free stays and room upgrades. Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy are currently featuring cards with strong introductory deals.
These cards are linked to hotel loyalty programs, enabling users to accumulate points on their spending. These points can be redeemed for free nights, and the cards can also improve a user's status within the loyalty program, unlocking benefits such as complimentary breakfast and room upgrades. However, the cards typically come with substantial annual fees, making them most suitable for regular travelers or those already engaged with hotel loyalty programs.
Rob Burgess, editor of the frequent traveler website Head for Points, noted that current introductory bonuses can effectively cover the first year's fee, presenting an opportune moment for individuals interested in trying these schemes.
Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card
Hilton Honors offers two debit cards through travel card provider Currensea, which link to a user's primary bank account. The Hilton Plus debit card has an enhanced welcome bonus, offering 50,000 points until September 7, an increase from the previous 15,000 points. Additionally, cardholders can receive 35 'elite' qualifying nights, compared to the usual 30.
Achieving 30 elite nights grants 'Gold' status within the Hilton Honors scheme, which guarantees complimentary breakfast on all stays at its approximately 10,000 hotels. Burgess highlighted this guaranteed perk as a significant advantage for beginners, as other schemes' benefits are often subject to availability.
To qualify for the full bonus, which includes 20,000 points on the first transaction, cardholders must spend £2,500 in foreign currency within the first six months. Meeting this spending requirement is more likely for frequent travelers or those undertaking extended holidays. The card carries an annual fee of £150, with the bonus points valued at approximately £165.
Marriott Bonvoy Premium Debit Card
Marriott Bonvoy also provides two card options, standard and premium, issued by Currensea. The Marriott Bonvoy Premium card offers 40,000 bonus points upon spending £3,000 in foreign currency within the first 12 months. This offer is valid until September 15.
While this provides a longer qualification period than the Hilton card, the spending threshold is still more attainable for frequent travelers. Redeeming points for free nights depends on the room's value and location, although a combination of points and cash can be used for bookings. Cardholders achieve 'Gold' status, but associated perks like late checkout and room upgrades are not guaranteed and are subject to availability.
The annual fee for this card is £175, with the bonus points valued at around £200.
IHG One Rewards and Revolut
The IHG One Rewards debit card operates differently, requiring customers to sign up with the digital bank Revolut. This process involves more steps than simply linking a debit card to an existing account, but it may simplify earning bonus points.
Until August 25, cardholders can receive 30,000 IHG One Rewards points and 15 elite night credits when spending £3,000 within the first three months. This offer requires spending through the Revolut account, but unlike the other cards, the spending does not need to be in foreign currency, meaning UK spending counts towards the bonus. The card confers Platinum status, though benefits like upgrades and early check-in are subject to availability.
The annual fee is £216 (£18 per month), and the bonus points are valued at approximately £120 for hotel stays. A free option is available, offering 10,000 points after spending £1,000 in the first three months, which could be a suitable choice for those wishing to explore hotel loyalty programs and Revolut without the high fee. However, due to the Revolut requirement and the substantial annual fee, the paid card is less ideal for casual users seeking to simply try hotel rewards.