Scotiabank Gold American Express® CardScotiabank Gold American Express® CardEarn up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points + no annual fee in your first year

The Ultimate Guide to Hotel Chains and Their Loyalty Programs

The Ultimate Guide to Hotel Chains and Their Loyalty Programs
Share

There are so many hotel brands, hotel chains and hotel loyalty programs that it is normal to get lost and not know which one to choose.

Here is a summary of the features of each, which will help you select the best hotel and loyalty program for your trip.

Note: there are other smaller hotel rewards programs, but the following are the main groups that include the largest number of hotels.

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy is the only hotel chain in Canada that has credit cards tied to its loyalty program. So it’s much easier to earn points, get accelerated perks, and free night certificates with Marriott Bonvoy.

  • Based on dynamic pricing. The more popular the date and location are, and the more upscale the hotel is, the higher the points required will be.
  • Free transfer of up to 100,000 points/year to another account (friend, spouse)
  • Ability to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to other airline programs (Aeroplan, Flying Blue, etc.)

The Ultimate Guide to Hotel Chains and Their Loyalty Programs - JW Marriott Maldives
Number of hotels8,000 Marriott Bonvoy hotels and more
Name of the loyalty programMarriott Bonvoy
Number and name of brands36: Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, StudioRes, Marriott Executive Apartments, Element, Courtyard, Four Points, Four Points Flex by Sheraton, Springhill Suites, City Express, Fairfield, Protea Hotels, AC Hotel, Aloft, Moxy, Marriott, Sheraton, Marriott Vacation Clubs, Delta, Westin, Le Méridien, Renaissance, Autograph Collection, Tribute Portfolio, Design Hotels, Gaylord Hotels, Edition, The Ritz-Carlton, The Luxury Collection, St.Regis, W Hotels, JW Marriott, Homes & Villas, Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy, MGM Collection et StudioRes.
Status tiersSilver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium, Ambassador
Earning Points

Valeur des points1 000 points Marriott Bonvoy ont une valeur de 9 $
Échange de points
Expiration des pointsAprès 24 mois d’inactivité au compte
Les hôtels Marriott Bonvoy sont parfaits pourPour tous les budgets, selon le type de voyage et pour tous les types de voyageurs. Les hôtels Marriott Bonvoy sont presque partout.  Pour les voyageurs en quête d’un hôtel à budget en bordure d’autoroute avec cuisinette, tout comme pour les personnes en quête de luxe dans les plus beaux coins de la planète.
Featured
Annual fee
$120
Our valuation
$990
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 points
Ends Sep 22, 2026
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.

New Cardmembers can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:

  • Earn 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
  • Plus, earn 30,000 points by making a purchase during your 15th month of Cardmembership.

This offer ends on September 22, 2026. The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.

Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.

To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.

The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.

You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.

Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 110,000 point welcome offer is worth about $990, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.

Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.

You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.

The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.

Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.

Annual fee

Primary card$120
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,437
2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days
Featured
Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$990
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 points
Ends Sep 22, 2026
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]This credit card has been the Best Business Credit Card in Canada for hotels for many years. For a limited time, you can earn 50,000 points as a welcome bonus. With this Card you can earn:
  • 5 points per dollar on Marriott Bonvoy purchases
  • 3 points per dollar on gas, dining and travel purchases
  • 2 points per dollar on all other purchases
Also, as a Cardmember, you get many benefits such as:
  • An Annual Free Night Award for up to 35,000 points
  • 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year for your Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status
  • Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status membership
  • Access to American Express promotional offers
  • Access to pre-sale tickets
Finally, you are covered with reliable insurance for your travels and purchases. Like most American Express Credit Cards, there is no minimum income required to apply for this Card.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card is the best credit card for the self-employed, professionals and small business owners who travel.

With this welcome offer, you can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points:

  • Earn 80,000 points after you spend $10,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
  • Plus, earn 30,000 Points by making a purchase during your 15th month of Cardmembership.

This exceptional offer ends on September 22, 2026.

It’s a card we recommend you keep, because each year at renewal, you’ll get an Annual Free Night Award for up to 35,000 points, plus 15 Elite nights per year, counting towards your Marriott Bonvoy Elite status.

With this Card, you earn 5 points per dollar for all your spending at Marriott Bonvoy establishments, and you can earn 3 points per dollar for :

  • Gas
  • Dining
  • Travel

And 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 3xTravel
  • 3xGas & EV
  • 3xRestaurants
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,520
2nd Year Value$347

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Accor

Review: Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in La Malbaie by André | ALL - Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu
Number of hotels5,800 Accor hotels
Name of the loyalty programALL (Acronym for Accor Live Limitless)
Number and name of brands45+. Raffles, Orient Express, Faena, Banyan Tree, Delano, Sofitel Legend, Fairmont, Emblems Collection, SLS, SO, Sofitel, Rixos, Onefinestay, Mantis, M Gallery, 21c Museum Hotel, Art Series, Mondrian, Pullman, Swissôtel, 25h Hotels, Angsana, Movenpick, Grand Mercure Hotels and Resorts, Peppers, The Sebel, Aparthotel Adagio Premium, Manta, Novotel, Mercure Hotels, Aparthotel Adagio Original, Mama Shelter, Tribe, Breakfree, Ibis, Ibis Styles, Aparthotel Adagio Access, Greet, Ibis Budget, Jo&Joe, HotelF1, Thalassa, Huazhu Hotels Groups Ltd, Handwritten Collection, The Hoxton
Status tiersClassic, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond.
Earning Points
  • 5 Reward points for every 10 Euros spent at Adagio Access, Jo&Joe and Greet
  • 10 Reward points for every 10 Euros spent at Mantra, Peppers, Breakfree, Art Series, Adagio Original, extended stay hotels like Residences and Living
  • 12.5 Reward points for every 10 Euros spent at Ibis, Ibis Styles and Mama Shelter
  • 25 Reward points for every 10 Euros spent on the rest of the hotels.
  • Transfer from American Express cards where 1,000 Membership Rewards points = 500 Reward points
  • Extra points for elite members.

Valeur des points1 000 points ALL ont une valeur de 30 $
Échange de pointsIl n’y a pas de catégorie de points. Il suffit simplement d’un échange d’au moins 2 000 points Reward pour diminuer la facture de 40 Euros (ou environ 60 $ CAD). Les points peuvent couvrir en partie ou entièrement la chambre d’hôtel.
Expiration des pointsAprès 12 mois d’inactivité au compte
Les hôtels Accor sont parfaits pourLes voyageurs d’affaires ainsi que les personnes qui recherchent un certain mode de vie et un standard élevé en voyage.

Best Western

  • According to a dynamic pricing system.
  • Free transfer of up to 100,000 points/year between accounts of different people at the same address
  • Ability to transfer Best Western Rewards points to other airline programs (Aeroplan, British Airways, Flying Blue, etc.)

Review: Best Western Montecristo Bastia Hotel | Best Western Rewards - Hôtel Bastia Best Western Montecristo Corsica 07
Number of hotelsAbout 4,500 Best Western hotels
Name of the loyalty programBest Western Rewards
Number and name of brands18. Glo, Vib, Best Western Plus, BW Premier Collection, Best Western Premier, Sadie Best Western, Best Western, BW Signature Collection, Executive Residence by Best Western, Aiden by Best Western, World Hotels Luxury, World Hotels Elite, World Hotels Distinctive, World Hotels Crafted, SureStay Plus, SureStay, SureStay Signature Collection, SureStay Studio
Status tiersBlue, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Diamond Select.
Earning Points
  • 10 points for every $1 USD spent at all Best Western hotels.
  • Extra points for elite members.

Valeur des points1 000 points Best Western ont une valeur de 8 $
Échange de points
Expiration des pointsJamais
Les hôtels Best Western sont parfaits pourHôtels situés dans les plus petites villes et de moyenne gamme en grande majorité.  Possède quelques marques luxueuses. Les hôtels Best Western sont destinés aux voyageurs qui ne veulent pas dépasser leur budget limité, qui veulent avoir une bonne valeur et de la qualité.

Choice Hotels

The Ultimate Guide to Hotel Chains and Their Loyalty Programs - Landingpagebanner Choice Hotels International Reception Area

Coast Hotels

Number of hotels7,100 Choice Hotels
Name of the loyalty programChoice Privilege (officially merged with Radisson Rewards Americas since July 18, 2023)
Number and name of brands21. Cambria Hotels, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Red Radisson, Ascend Hotel Collection, Radisson Collection, Radisson Individuals, ParkPlaza by Radisson, Comfort, Country Inn & Suites, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Clarion Pointe, Park Inn by Radisson, Radisson Inn & Suites, Everhome Suites, Woodspring Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Studios, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn
Status tiersMember, Gold, Platinum, Diamond.
Earning Points
  • Choice Privilege: 10 points for every $1 USD spent at the chain’s hotels
  • Extra points for elite members.

Valeur des points1 000 points Choice Privilege ont une valeur de 7 $
Échange de pointsEntre 6 000 et 35 000 points par nuit
Expiration des pointsAprès 18 mois d’inactivité au compte
Les hôtels Choice Hotels sont parfaits pourLes gens d’affaires et les voyageurs qui surveillent leur budget en voyage. Les hôtels de Choice Hotels vont de la gamme de service limité jusqu’aux hôtels à service complet. Ils sont en majorité de milieu de gamme, pour les séjours prolongés et plus économiques.
The Ultimate Guide to Hotel Chains and Their Loyalty Programs - Coast hotels abbotsford bc
Number of hotels36. They are located mainly in Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon) and in Washington State, Alaska, California and Hawaii.
Name of the loyalty programCoast Rewards
Number and name of brands1. Coast Hotels
Status tiersPink, Purple, Silver, Gold, Platinum.
Earning Points
  • 1 point for every $1 CAD spent.
  • Extra points for elite members.

Valeur des points1 000 points Coast Rewards = 40 $
Échange de points1 000 points Coast Rewards sont requis pour déduire 40 $ sur n’importe quelle réservation de chambre.  L’échange peut se faire sur la totalité du coût de la chambre ou sur une partie seulement.  L’échange minimum est de 250 points Coast Rewards (10$).
Expiration des pointsAprès 24 mois d’inactivité au compte
Les hôtels Coast Hotels sont parfaits pourLes voyageurs qui recherchent un bon équilibre entre un séjour économique et une valeur raisonnable, lors de leur séjour dans de petites ou moyennes villes dans l’ouest du Canada et des États-Unis.

Hilton

  • According to a dynamic pricing system.
  • Transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Hilton Honors points at a rate of 5 Membership Rewards points = 2.5 Hilton Honors points
  • Transfer Hilton Honors points to other airline programs (Aeroplan, Flying Blue, etc.)
  • Free transfer of up to 500,000 points/year to another account (friend, spouse)
  • Possibility of pooling points together between different members

Review: Hilton Doha The Pearl Hotel & Residences | Hilton Honors - Hilton Doha The Pearl Hotel & Residences
Number of hotels7,000 Hilton hotels
Name of the loyalty programHilton Honors
Number and name of brands21. Hilton Grand Vacations, Home2Suites, Homewood Suites, Tru, Hampton, Hilton Garden Inn, Motto, Tempo, Embassy Suites, Tapestry Collection, DoubleTree, Curio Collection, Hilton, Signia, Spark, Canopy, Conrad, LXR, Waldorf Astoria, LivSmart, Graduate Hotels.
Status tiersMember, Silver, Gold, Diamond.
Earning Points
  • 5 points per $1 USD for stays at Tru and Home2 Stays
  • 10 points per $1 USD for other hotels.
  • Extra points for elite members.

Valeur des points1 000 points Hilton Honors ont une valeur de 7 $
Échange de points
Expiration des pointsAprès 24 mois d’inactivité au compte
Les hôtels Hilton sont parfaits pourPour tous les budgets, selon le type de voyage et pour tous les types de voyageurs. Varie entre l’hôtel respectable à petit budget pour les voyageurs de passage jusqu’à un séjour de luxe aux meilleurs endroits du monde.

Le Germain Hotels

Number of hotels19 in Canada, located between Newfoundland and Calgary. The head office is located in Montreal.
Name of the loyalty programNone. Le Germain Hotels prefer to focus on attentive, personalized service for each guest. Check-out time is flexible and all the best rooms are available to everyone at booking. Their free cancellation policy is very flexible. Everyone is treated equally and everything is set up to meet each guest’s needs.
Number and name of brands3. Le Germain Hotels, alt Hotels, Escad Hotels
Status tiersN/A
Earning PointsN/A
Points ValueN/A
Redeeming pointsN/A
Expiration of pointsN/A
Le Germain hotels are perfect forFor people who travel for pleasure and for business travelers. Le Germain hotels exude a certain lifestyle and refinement, thanks to their attentive staff and trendy hotels.
The Ultimate Guide to Hotel Chains and Their Loyalty Programs - Montreal hotel le germain

Hyatt

Number of hotelsAbout 1,400 hotels
Name of the loyalty programWorld of Hyatt
Number and name of brands27. Mrs. and Mr. Smith Alila, Alua Hotels & Resorts, Andaz, Breathless Resorts, Caption by Hyatt, Destination by Hyatt, Dreams Resorts & Spas, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt, Hyatt Centric, Hyatt House, Hyatt Place, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Residence Club, Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Zilara, Hyatt Ziva, JdV by Hyatt, Miraval, Park Hyatt, Secrets Resorts & Spas, Sunscape Resorts & Spas, Thompson Hotels, The Unbound Collection, UrCove by Hyatt, Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts
Status tiersMember, Discoverist, Explorist, Globalist.
Earning Points5 points per $1 USD at all hotels
Points Value1,000 World of Hyatt points are worth $22
Redeeming pointsIt’s the only major hotel chain that still has a fixed award chart for points redemptions. World of Hyatt has 8 hotel categories, split by peak or off-peak season. Points required range from 3,500 to 45,000 points.
Expiration of pointsAfter 24 months of account inactivity
Hyatt hotels are perfect forTravellers with a high travel budget, business travellers, companies and other guests looking for upscale.
The Ultimate Guide to Hotel Chains and Their Loyalty Programs - Hyatt grand cypress orlando

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group)

  • According to a dynamic pricing system.
  • Paid transfer between IHG Rewards accounts, at a cost of $5 USD per 1,000 IHG points, with no limit.
  • Earn only when staying at IHG hotels for cash and purchasing points.
  • No IHG credit card available in Canada and no transfer option from external loyalty programs.

Polynesia: My two-week itinerary in French Polynesia - Arrival at the intercontinental

Sandman

Number of hotelsApproximately 6,000 IHG hotels
Name of the loyalty programIHG One Rewards and InterContinental Ambassador (only for InterContinental hotels)
Number and name of brands18. Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, InterContinental Hotels, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, Candlewood Suites, Staybridge Suites, Atwell Suites, Avid, Even Hotels, Hualuxe, Six Senses, Iberostar Beachfront Resorts, Vignette Collection, Indigo, Voco
Status tiersMember, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond.
Earning Points
  • 5 points for every $1 spent at Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites hotels
  • 10 points for every $1 USD spent in the rest of the hotels.
  • Extra points for elite members.

Valeur des points1 000 points IHG One Rewards ont une valeur de 7 $
Échange de points
Expiration des pointsAprès 12 mois d’inactivité au compte. Jamais pour les membres Élite.
Les hôtels IHG sont parfaits pourIHG possède une grande variété d’hôtels et de différentes catégories. Sa marque d’hôtels la plus connue est Holiday Inn. Ils visent les budgets moyens, mais a aussi d’intéressants hôtels haut de gamme avec Crowne Plaza et l’InterContinental.  L’introduction prochaine de sa nouvelle marque de tout-inclus Iberostar est à surveiller.
The Ultimate Guide to Hotel Chains and Their Loyalty Programs - Sandman hotel montreal longueuil
Number of hotels61 in Canada (57), in the United Kingdom (1) and in the United States (1)
Name of the loyalty programRSVP Rewards
Number and name of brands3. Sandman Signature, Sandman Hotels & Suites et Sandman Inns.
Status tiersRed, Gold, Platinum and Diamond.
Earning Points
  • 5 points for every $1 CAD spent on Red members
  • 6 points for Gold
  • 7 points for Platinum
  • 9 points for the Diamond.

Valeur des points1 000 points RSVP Rewards ont une valeur de 10 $
Échange de points1 000 points RSVP Rewards sont requis pour déduire 10 $ sur une réservation de chambre en tout temps. L’échange peut se faire sur la totalité du coût de la chambre ou sur une partie seulement.
Expiration des pointsAprès 18 mois d’inactivité au compte
Les hôtels Sandman sont parfaits pourProches des autoroutes, les hôtels Sandman sont destinés aux voyageurs d’affaires pour des séjours de moyenne gamme, principalement au Canada. Ils sont associés avec des restaurants déjà établis (Denny’s, Moxies et autres Bar & grill locaux) pour faciliter la vie des clients.

Wyndham

The Ultimate Guide to Hotel Chains and Their Loyalty Programs - Sunset at viva wyndham
Number of hotelsMore than 9,000 hotels
Name of the loyalty programWyndham Rewards
Number and name of brands24. AmericInn, Baymont, Days Inn, Dazzler, Dolce Hotels and Resorts, EchoSuites, Esplendor, Hawthorn, Howard Johnson, La Quinta, Microtel, Ramada, Ramada Encore, Registry Collection Hotels, Super 8, Trademark Collection, Travelodge, Tryp, Vienna House, Wingate, Wyndham, Alltra, Wyndham Garden, Wyndham Grand. They are also partners with: Club Wyndham, WorldMark, Shell Vacations Club, Margaritaville Vacation Club, Cottages.com, Landal GreenParks, Vacasa, Caesars Palace, Eldorado at the Row Reno, Harrahs, Horsehoe, Tropicana, Flamingo, The Cromwell, the LINQ, Paris Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood, Rio, Harveys Lake Tahoe, Circus Circus, Silver Legacy at the Row, Lumière Place, Isle of Capri, Isle Casino, Nobu Hotel.
Status tiersBlue, Gold, Platinum, Diamond.
Earning Points
  • 10 points per $1 USD spent at hotels or minimum 1,000 points for each stay.
  • Extra points for elite members.

Valeur des points1 000 points Wyndham Rewards ont une valeur de 15 $
Échange de pointsDe 7 500 à 30 000 points Wyndham Rewards sont nécessaires pour chaque nuit gratuite dans un hôtel Wyndham.
Expiration des pointsAprès 18 mois d’inactivité au compte
Les hôtels Wyndham sont parfaits pourLes petits et moyens budgets, surtout avec les hôtels Days Inn, La Quinta, Super 8 qui comptent pour plus de la moitié de son portefeuille d’hôtels.

Conclusion

To take advantage of all the benefits of hotel loyalty programs, you need to book directly with them on their website or by phone. A booking made through a booking platform (like Hotels.com, Expedia, etc.) doesn’t count.

Depending on your travel experience, whether you want to have breakfast included at the hoteland your budget, you can choose what you want!

Featured
Annual fee
$120
Our valuation
$990
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 points
Ends Sep 22, 2026
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.

New Cardmembers can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:

  • Earn 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
  • Plus, earn 30,000 points by making a purchase during your 15th month of Cardmembership.

This offer ends on September 22, 2026. The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.

Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.

To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.

The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.

You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.

Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 110,000 point welcome offer is worth about $990, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.

Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.

You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.

The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.

Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.

Annual fee

Primary card$120
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,437
2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days
Featured
Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$990
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 points
Ends Sep 22, 2026
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]This credit card has been the Best Business Credit Card in Canada for hotels for many years. For a limited time, you can earn 50,000 points as a welcome bonus. With this Card you can earn:
  • 5 points per dollar on Marriott Bonvoy purchases
  • 3 points per dollar on gas, dining and travel purchases
  • 2 points per dollar on all other purchases
Also, as a Cardmember, you get many benefits such as:
  • An Annual Free Night Award for up to 35,000 points
  • 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year for your Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status
  • Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status membership
  • Access to American Express promotional offers
  • Access to pre-sale tickets
Finally, you are covered with reliable insurance for your travels and purchases. Like most American Express Credit Cards, there is no minimum income required to apply for this Card.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card is the best credit card for the self-employed, professionals and small business owners who travel.

With this welcome offer, you can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points:

  • Earn 80,000 points after you spend $10,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
  • Plus, earn 30,000 Points by making a purchase during your 15th month of Cardmembership.

This exceptional offer ends on September 22, 2026.

It’s a card we recommend you keep, because each year at renewal, you’ll get an Annual Free Night Award for up to 35,000 points, plus 15 Elite nights per year, counting towards your Marriott Bonvoy Elite status.

With this Card, you earn 5 points per dollar for all your spending at Marriott Bonvoy establishments, and you can earn 3 points per dollar for :

  • Gas
  • Dining
  • Travel

And 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 3xTravel
  • 3xGas & EV
  • 3xRestaurants
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,520
2nd Year Value$347

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

What is the best hotel chain in the world?

Popular hotels include Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Wyndham.

The best hotel brand depends on your travel style and budget.

For a small budget, a Quality Inn (Choice Hotels), a Best Western or a TownePlace Suites (Marriott) can do the trick.

For the ultimate travel experience, a Fairmont (Accor), Waldorf Asstoria (Hilton) or Ritz-Carlton (Marriott) are excellent choices.

What is the difference between a hotel and a motel?

The purpose of the hotel and the motel is the same: to accommodate travelers.

A hotel often has more floors, more rooms, and offers several services (conference rooms, pool, restaurant, elevators, doorman, valet, etc.).

A motel generally has limited service, rooms are on one or two floors, and parking is right in front of the room’s exterior front door. Its big advantage is that it’s much cheaper than a hotel and located right by the highway for quick access.

Our featured card

Featured
Annual fee
$120
Our valuation
$990
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 points
Ends Sep 22, 2026
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.

New Cardmembers can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:

  • Earn 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
  • Plus, earn 30,000 points by making a purchase during your 15th month of Cardmembership.

This offer ends on September 22, 2026. The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.

Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.

To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.

The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.

You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.

Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 110,000 point welcome offer is worth about $990, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.

Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.

You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.

The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.

Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.

Annual fee

Primary card$120
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,437
2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Our editorial integrity

Our reviews and rankings are based on an objective assessment. Advertisers do not influence our content. We may receive compensation through some links; our analysis and opinions remain independent.