Curated Picks|Updated October 2026

Best Hotel Credit Cards (October 2026)

Hotel credit cards earn loyalty points with chains like Marriott Bonvoy and ITC. These points can unlock free nights, room upgrades, and elite status benefits.

Quick answer

Our top pick for hotel credit cards is the Emeralde Credit Card from ICICI (₹12,000 fee, airport lounge access). Best lifetime-free option: FIRST Wealth Credit Card (IDFC First). Best premium pick: Emeralde Private Metal (ICICI, ₹12,499 fee). Ranked from 156 Indian credit cards Vyaya tracks, with fees and earn rates re-verified against issuer terms (October 2026).

How to Choose

Match the card to the hotel chain you stay at most
Marriott Bonvoy HDFC is India's primary hotel co-branded card
General travel cards with strong point value can also work for hotel redemptions
Check if the card offers complimentary nights or automatic elite status

Top 12 Cards for Hotel

Emeralde Credit Card

4.8

ICICI · ₹12,000 annual fee · 0.25% rewards

Emeralde Private Metal

4.8

ICICI · ₹12,499 annual fee · 1.2% rewards

HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Edition

4.8

HDFC · ₹10,000 annual fee · 1% rewards

Infinia Metal Edition

4.8

HDFC · ₹12,500 annual fee · 1% rewards

Mayura Credit Card

4.8

IDFC First · ₹5,999 annual fee · 0.83% rewards

FIRST Wealth Credit Card

4.5

IDFC First · No annual fee · 0.38% rewards

ICICI MakeMyTrip Signature

4.5

ICICI · No annual fee · 0.62% rewards

IndusInd Platinum Aura Edge

4.5

IndusInd · No annual fee · 0.2% rewards

Regalia Gold Credit Card

4.5

HDFC · ₹2,500 annual fee · 0.5% rewards

#10

Taj Credit Card

4.2

HSBC · ₹1,10,000 annual fee · 1% rewards

#11

Ashva

IDFC First · ₹2,999 annual fee · 0.83% rewards

#12

Sapphiro

ICICI · ₹3,500 annual fee · 0.5% rewards

Frequently Asked Questions

Which credit card gives hotel benefits in India?

Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card offers direct Marriott points. HDFC Infinia and Diners Club Black points can be transferred to hotel loyalty programs for free nights.