Points & Miles • 2025 Guide
How to Use Credit Card Points to Book Free Hotels
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In 2025, hotel nights from points are easier than ever if you understand how to earn, where to transfer, and when to redeem. This guide breaks down flexible bank points, direct‑earn hotel points, and OTA portals—then gives you step‑by‑step playbooks and sweet spots you can use right now.
How to earn points fast
- Welcome bonuses: The fastest boost. Apply only if you can meet minimum spend responsibly.
- Category multipliers: Use cards with 2–5× on travel, dining, groceries.
- Hotel promotions: Register for double points or extra night credits.
- Shopping portals & partners: Track limited‑time multipliers before big purchases.
Redemption paths: transfer vs. portals
| Path | How it works | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer to hotel program | Move bank points to partners (e.g., Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton) then book award nights | High value on sweet spots; elite credit sometimes honored | Award space needed; value varies by date | Peak resorts, high cash rates |
| Book through bank portal | Redeem points at a fixed value (e.g., 1.0–1.5¢/pt) like cash | Any hotel with availability; simple | No elite credit in many cases; fixed value caps upside | Cheap cash rates, independent hotels |
| Pay‑with‑points via OTA | Use points or gift cards in OTA checkout | Stack coupons, bundles | Complex terms; refund rules vary | Packages and sales events |
Transfer can exceed 2.0¢/pt on peak dates; portals shine when cash rates are low.
2025 sweet spots by program
World of Hyatt
- Strong value at many Category 1–4 city hotels and select resorts.
- Free Night Certificates (Cat 1–4) combine well with points top‑ups.
Marriott Bonvoy
- Huge footprint. Use points + cash to stretch balances.
- Look for off‑peak pricing and 5th night benefit on awards.
Hilton Honors
- Fifth‑night‑free for elites amplifies value on longer stays.
- Dynamic pricing—hunt for low‑demand dates.
IHG One Rewards
- Points & Cash often beats all‑points on midscale properties.
- Milestone rewards yield lounge passes or upgrades.
Step‑by‑step: book a free night
- Pick your target hotel and date. Note peak vs off‑peak cash prices.
- Check award space. Search the hotel program site for points required.
- Compare value. Divide cash price by points. Aim ≥1.5–2.0¢/pt for transfers.
- Transfer points only when ready. Many transfers are one‑way and instant; confirm award space first.
- Book and screenshot. Keep a copy of the confirmation and points deduction.
- Request perks. Add membership number and ask about breakfast/late checkout.
Stack with promos, cards, and insurance
- Promos: Register for double points or reduced award nights.
- Credit card perks: Annual hotel credits, elite status, or free‑night certificates offset taxes/fees.
- Insurance: Use cards with trip interruption/delay coverage; consider standalone travel insurance for non‑refundable awards.
- OTAs: If value is similar, book direct for elite credit; use OTA only when a bundle clearly wins.
Protect your trip
Compare travel insurance covering hotel cancellations and interruptions.
FAQ
Do award stays earn elite credit?
Varies by program. Many count award nights toward status, but check brand rules.
Can I combine points and cash?
Yes. Most programs allow points + cash; value depends on date.
Are transfers reversible?
Usually no. Transfer only when ready to book.
Programs and valuations change. Always confirm points pricing, taxes, and benefits on the checkout page before redeeming.
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