Photo by Yavuz Eren Güngör
With a busy summer travel season expected and consumers looking for ways to cut costs wherever they can, WalletHub today released its study on the Best Hotel Rewards Programs of 2026 to help travelers maximize their savings.
WalletHub’s study ranks the nine largest U.S. hotel chains’ rewards programs based on 21 key metrics, including the average value of a point, point expiration policies, and the volatility of award-night pricing. WalletHub’s study also includes a handy calculator that allows travelers to customize the results based on their specific spending habits.
Key Findings
- Best Hotel Rewards Program: Choice Privileges is the best hotel loyalty program overall, earning a WalletHub Rating of 62 out of 100.
- Significant Savings Available: The five best hotel rewards programs save their members an average of 10%. In some cases, members can save as much as 14% at select hotels.
- Award Nights at Any Property: Six of the top nine hotel rewards programs allow members to redeem points for award nights at all of their brands/properties. Marriott Bonvoy, Choice Privileges and IHG One Rewards are the exceptions.
- Rewards That Never Expire Are Rare: Best Western is the only major hotel chain whose points do not expire due to account inactivity.
- Best Hotel Credit Card: Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® is 2026’s best hotel credit card, according to WalletHub’s editors. It stands out because it can save the average person more than $4,000 over the course of two years.
“What can you do when summer travel is both nonnegotiable and unaffordable? You look high and low for ways to cut costs and save up. Joining a free hotel rewards program is one such savings opportunity that people often overlook. Members can save 6% to 14% thanks to perks such as discounted room rates and the ability to earn free nights. Pair that with the right hotel rewards credit card, and you’re looking at some serious savings. This strategy might not solve the puzzle of summer travel affordability all by itself, but it could be an important piece.”
– Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst
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