Apart from collecting points, you can also take advantage of the credit cards that many hotels offer together with rewards programs. Basically, using hotel card will accumulate the points in the same manner as regular rewards programs, explained earlier.

The only difference is that the hotels will probably award you with additional points as a way to show the appreciation for using their credit card.

Again, the Choice Hotels chain is in the spotlight. This chain offers a free Visa credit card. Why should you opt for one? Because after making the first purchase with it, you will get two free nights at a hotel from the Choice Hotel family.

The Choice Hotels Visa program is just one example of literarily hundreds of similar programs. Make sure to check if your favorite hotel offers similar programs. Other similar credit card programs include American Express Starwood Preferred Guest Card and the Chase Marriott Rewards Premier Visa.

The trick with hotel credit cards is not to spend money like crazy in order to pump up the points and earn free stays. On the contrary, you need to approach this carefully.

For example, you will earn a free stay at a Choice Hotel if you earn 6k points, that is, after you spend 600 dollars. So, in this case, the solution is to stick to this hotel chain until you reach the desired amount of points.