These two well-known hotel brands have a global presence and loyalty programs with strong followings, even more so when understanding their credit cards’ perks for travelers.

But which chain, loyalty program and credit card is right for you and how you travel? If you have wondered, “Which is better, Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy?,” this guide will show you the way.

Let’s compare the two hotel programs, Marriott versus Hilton credit cards, geographic footprints and the necessary travel considerations for all customers.

Where can you find Hilton and Marriott?

Winner for hotel availability: Marriott

Hilton trails Marriott in availability, both in terms of the number of properties and the number of destination options. Marriott is in 139 countries and territories, while Hilton is in 123 countries and territories.

Hilton

Hilton has more than 7,000 hotels worldwide that participate in Hilton Honors and its 18 brands. Hilton’s brands range from luxury, such as the Waldorf Astoria, to value-oriented, such as the Hampton by Hilton.

Hilton brands

Canopy by Hilton.

Conrad Hotels & Resorts.

Curio Collection by Hilton.

DoubleTree by Hilton.

Embassy Suites by Hilton.

Hampton by Hilton.

Hilton Garden Inn.

Hilton Grand Vacations.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

Home2 Suites by Hilton.

Homewood Suites by Hilton.

LXR Hotels & Resorts.

Motto by Hilton.

Signia by Hilton.

Spark by Hilton.

Tapestry Collection by Hilton.

Tempo by Hilton.

Tru by Hilton.

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts.

Marriott

As one of the largest hotel chains in the world, the Marriott hotel group features more than 8,000 properties in 139 different countries and territories. Its brands range from ultra-luxurious, like the St. Regis, to value-focused, like Fairfield. With 30 Marriott brands, you’re sure to find something that suits your style.

Marriott brands

AC Hotels.

Aloft Hotels.

Autograph Collection Hotels.

Courtyard Hotels.

Delta Hotels.

Design Hotels.

EDITION.

Element.

Fairfield Inn & Suites.

Four Points.

Gaylord Hotels.

Homes & Villas by Marriott International.

JW Marriott.

Le MERIDIEN.

Marriott Executive Apartments.

Marriott Hotels.

Marriott Vacation Club.

Moxy Hotels.

Protea Hotels.

Renaissance Hotels.

Residence Inn.

Sheraton.

SpringHill Suites.

St. Regis.

The Luxury Collection.

The Ritz-Carlton.

Ritz-Carlton Reserve

TownePlace Suites.

Tribute Portfolio.

W Hotels.

Westin.

Hotel loyalty programs

Winner for ease of points: Marriott

Marriott and Hilton could be better regarding redeeming points, but Marriott has more properties and brands. In 2022, it removed the minimum and maximum number of points needed for a redemption. This can muddy the waters when it comes to knowing how many points you’ll need to save for a trip since it can vary based on the date. Still, according to NerdWallet data, there is a slightly higher rate of return when it comes to the value of points from Marriott.

Hilton Honors

Hilton has done away with its award chart, which severely hampers your ability to plan how many points you’ll need to save before planning a trip. Yes, you can redeem rooms for as little as 5,000 points per night, but you’ll need to find standard room rewards to do so.

Beyond standard room rewards, Hilton offers premium room rewards — and those rates can run you into the hundreds of thousands (if not more) of points per night. Because of this, and other reasons, NerdWallet values Hilton Honors points at 0.5 cent each.

You can earn points with hotel stays, credit card spending, by dining and many other ways. Chase points don’t transfer to Hilton, but AmEx points do, at a ratio of 1:2.

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott has done away with its fixed award chart. This means that awards rates are now tied to demand and will vary depending on when you book. NerdWallet currently values Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cent each.

You can use various methods to increase your Marriott points stash, including credit cards, hotel stays and dining. You can also choose to transfer points to Marriott from either American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards® at a 1:1 ratio.

Hotel credit card availability

Winner for best hotel credit card: Hilton

When it comes to hotel credit cards, Hilton beats all competition — not just Marriott. This is thanks to the industry-leading benefits offered by the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card (namely Hilton Honors’ highest elite status for the $550 annual fee), though the large welcome bonuses offered by all its cards don't hurt.

HILTON CREDIT CARDS

Some benefits of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card include:

Complimentary top-tier Diamond elite status.

An annual free night certificate.

14 points per dollar spent on Hilton properties.

$250 airline fee credit.

$250 annual resort credit.

Terms apply.

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card does come with a $550 annual fee, but it’s worth it, especially if you can earn the following welcome bonus: Earn180,000Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.Offer Ends 1/17/2024.

Here's an overview of Hilton credit card offerings:

Hilton Honors American Express Card

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on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

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on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

NerdWallet Rating

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The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

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on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

Annual fee

$0

$150

$550

$95

Earning rates

• 7 Hilton Honors bonus points per dollar spent on eligible purchases with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.

• 5 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations.

• 3 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

• 12 Hilton Honors bonus points per dollar spent on eligible purchases with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.

• 6 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations.

• 4 points per dollar on U.S. online retail purchases.

• 3 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

• 14 Hilton Honors bonus points per dollar spent on eligible purchases with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.

• 7 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies.

• 7 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants.

• 3 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

• 12 Hilton Honors bonus points per dollar spent on eligible purchases with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.

• 6 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants and U.S. gas stations.

• 6 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies.

• 6 points per dollar on wireless telephone services directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping purchases.

• 3 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

Welcome offer

Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

Earn 170,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

Earn180,000Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.Offer Ends 1/17/2024.

Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first three months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

Learn more

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To view rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, see this page. All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is no longer available through NerdWallet. To view rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, see this page.

MARRIOTT CREDIT CARDS

Although Marriott has its share of co-branded credit cards, its top-tier card falls short compared with Hilton’s offerings (mostly because it offers only Marriott’s mid-elite status and not the top tier like Hilton’s Aspire card). The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card comes with:

$300 annual statement credit per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide.

A free night certificate worth up to 85,000 points is given every year after your card renewal month.

6X points per dollar spent at Marriott.

Complimentary Platinum elite status (which delivers an additional 15 points per dollar spent at Marriott).

Terms apply.

These and several other perks do come with a $650 annual fee. And the card has the following welcome bonus: Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card's lack of top-tier elite status puts it a step behind Hilton’s top card.

Here's an overview of Marriott's credit card lineup:

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

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on Chase's website

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

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Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card

NerdWallet Rating

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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

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on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

Annual fee

$0.

$95.

$250.

$650.

Rewards

• 3 points per $1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.*

• 2 points per $1 on other travel purchases (such as airfare, taxis and trains).

• 1 point per $1 on all other eligible purchases.

• 6 points per $1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.*

• 3 points per $1 on up to $6,000 a year in combined purchases on grocery stores, gas stations and dining.

• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.

• 6 points per $1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.*

• 4 points per $1 on up to $15,000 a year in combined purchases at grocery stores, at gas stations and on dining.

• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.**

• 6 points per $1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.*

• 3 points per $1 at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines.

• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.

• Terms apply

Other benefits

• 15 Elite Night Credits annually, qualifying you for Silver Elite Status

• Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.

• 15 Elite Night Credits annually, qualifying you for Silver Elite status, plus path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.

• 1 Elite Night Credit toward Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.

• Free Night Award (valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $15,000 in a calendar year.

• Automatic Gold Elite status, plus 15 Elite Night credits each year toward Platinum Elite status.

• 1,000 points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott Bonvoy at participating properties. Terms apply.

• Free Night Award (valued up to 85,000 points) every year after your account renewal month.

• Automatic Platinum Elite Status and 25 Elite Night credits per year.

• Fee credit for either Global Entry or TSA Precheck.

• Priority Pass Select lounge membership (enrollment required).

• Up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide.

• Terms apply.

New cardholder offer

Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card.

Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card.

Earn 85,000 Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.

Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

Learn more

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* Rewards earned by using one of these cards at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels come on top of the points you earn for being a member of the Bonvoy loyalty program. Taken together, paying with a Bonvoy card at a Bonvoy location can earn 14-17 points per dollar spent.

** There are two Marriott Bonvoy cards with substantially the same benefits but they come from different issuers. The Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card, described above, is from Chase. Its near-twin is the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, which you can read about here.

To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, see this page.

Family travel considerations

Best hotel for family travel: Hilton

Hilton

When it comes to family travel, there are multiple things you’ll want to take into consideration. One of those things? Food. Hilton offers five brands with complimentary breakfast:

Embassy Suites.

Hampton by Hilton.

Home2 Suites.

Homewood Suites

Tru.

Breakfast access at other Hilton properties is also available. At certain brands, you can get yourself and a registered guest complimentary breakfast if you have Hilton Gold status or higher, depending on the location (complimentary in non-U.S. hotels; U.S. hotels offer a food and beverage credit).

Additionally, if you have Diamon status (free with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card), you’ll have access to Hilton’s executive lounges in many places with food and drinks, including breakfast. Finally, Diamond elite status also entitles you to complimentary suite upgrades. While these aren’t guaranteed, having much more room for you and your family will certainly help. Otherwise, Hilton also has plenty of suite hotels among its brands. In addition, the Embassy Suites and Homewood Suites brands offer a complimentary evening snack spread, which includes alcoholic drinks.

Marriott

Marriott also has five brands that include free breakfast:

Residence Inn.

TownePlace Suites.

SpringHill Suites.

Fairfield by Marriott.

Element.

Unfortunately, outside of these properties, you’ll need to have at least Platinum elite status to score a complimentary breakfast. Guests with Platinum elite status or higher have access to select suite upgrades, and while upgrades are not guaranteed, they can be a nice perk. Marriott has several suite hotels in its brand portfolio. Since Hilton offers a breakfast benefit to those with mid-tier status (Marriott does not), it makes it easier for families to benefit.

Business travel considerations

Best hotel for business travel: Hilton

Hilton

Although Marriott has more properties than Hilton and thus a wider geographic footprint, the easy elite status afforded to Hilton Honors members means more. This is especially true for business travelers. Early check-in, late check-out, premium Wi-Fi, executive lounge access, suite upgrades and complimentary breakfast can make the difference between a comfortable stay and a not-so-favorable experience, especially on a tight turnaround.

Don’t forget Hilton Honors Gold elite status comes as a perk of The Platinum Card® from American Express, too. The card also offers Marriott Gold elite status, but with Marriott, the benefits are fewer. Since these benefits are readily available without acquiring any actual stays, business travelers can start enjoying these perks immediately with the The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Terms apply.

Marriott

Even though Marriott has more properties than Hilton, both hotel chains are massive, which means there will likely be one or more of each hotel no matter where you’re going. NerdWallet values Hilton Honors elite status as more valuable than Marriott Bonvoy status because of the perks that kick in at the second tier of elite status and beyond. This tips the scales in favor of Hilton.

If you’re choosing between Hilton and Marriott

Considering these criteria, Hilton is the clear winner in this showdown with Marriott. Although Marriott has more hotels and the transparency of using points there has been easier so far, it falls behind when it comes to practical travel.

This is due mainly to Hilton’s industry-leading credit cards and generous elite status benefits, which afford high-end perks to any traveler — especially those approved for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. Combined with a better ability to earn points and a more favorable transfer ratio, Hilton handily beats out Marriott in this competition.

All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.

Information related to the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.

To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, see this page.

To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, see this page.