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Hotel elite status can make travel noticeably better — upgrades, late checkout, bonus points, and perks like breakfast or a welcome amenity. To unlock these perks, travelers typically need to invest significant time and money to meet elite status requirements. Fortunately, savvy travelers can earn hotel elite status through shortcuts such as credit card perks, status matches, or challenges.
In this guide, we outline the most practical ways to earn hotel elite status for free (or close to it), organized by loyalty program. For each one, we’ll cover the easiest path, what you actually get at that tier, and the key caveats to know before you build your strategy around it.
Page Contents
Hilton Honors
Hilton is one of the largest hotel companies worldwide. Its Hilton Honors program includes more than 9,000 properties around the world, including iconic brands like Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, Hilton, Curio, and DoubleTree.
Elite status tiers
Hilton Honors received an overhaul in 2026. There are now four levels of elite status above the basic Member level, each earned based on your activity with Hilton. There is a lot to love about the Hilton Honors program, and elite status comes with a host of perks.
Status tier levels include:
- Silver
- Gold
- Diamond
- Diamond Reserve
| Status Tier | Requirements | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Member | Sign up for Hilton Honors | Hilton Honors Discount Rate Earn points toward free nights & more No resort fees on reward stays Digital Check-in option and Digital Key Free WiFi |
| Silver Elite | 10 nights OR 4 stays OR $2,500 in annual spending | All Member benefits plus... 20% Bonus Points on stays (12 Honors points per $1 spent) Fifth night free on reward stays Two free bottles of water per stay |
| Gold Elite | 25 nights OR 15 stays OR $6,000 in annual spending | All Silver benefits plus... 80% Bonus Points on stays (18 Honors points per $1 spent) Space-available room upgrades, up to rooms on the executive level (at property discretion) Daily food and beverage credit or continental breakfast at select brands (varies by hotel) Milestone Bonuses |
| Diamond Elite | 50 nights OR 25 stays OR 11,500 in annual spending | All Gold benefits plus... 100% Bonus Points on stays (20 Honors points per $1 spent) Space-available room upgrades, up to standard suites (at property discretion) Executive lounge access Diamond status extension Premium WiFi 48-hour room guarantee Elite status gifting |
| Diamond Reserve Elite | 80 nights OR 40 stays, AND $18,000 in annual spending | All Diamond benefits plus... 120% Bonus Points on stays (22 Honors points per $1 spent) 4:00 p.m. guaranteed late checkout Confirmable upgrade reward Exclusive customer service Premium club access |
Credit cards
Hilton offers four co-branded cards that provide elite status.
- Hilton Honors™ Diamond status via Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
- Hilton Honors™ Gold status via Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card or The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
- Hilton Honors™ Silver status via Hilton Honors American Express Card
Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.
In addition to the Hilton co-branded cards, American Express Platinum Card® or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express cardmembers can enroll for Hilton Honors™ Gold status as one of the many benefits provided with each card.
In total, six credit cards offer complimentary Hilton Honors elite status. While most of these cards carry an annual fee, the value of elite perks can easily outweigh the cost for frequent Hilton guests.
$550Rates & Fees
(Terms apply)
- 14X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio
- 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly through select rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants
- 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card
$150Rates & Fees
(Terms Apply)
- 12X bonus points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio
- 6X bonus points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your card at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations
- 4X bonus points on U.S online retail purchases
- 3X bonus points for all other eligible purchases on your card
$0Rates & Fees
(Terms apply)
- Earn 7X Points per dollar on eligible purchases charged directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Honors portfolio of brands
- Earn 5X Points per dollar on eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations
- Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
Related: Which Hilton Honors Credit Card Is Right for You?
Elite status match
Hilton Honors offers a status match that grants Gold status on a 90-day trial, with a fast track to Diamond.
You'll need to provide proof of elite status with another hotel loyalty program and evidence of at least one qualifying stay within the past 12 months. If you have elite status through another program's credit card, you must complete at least one stay before requesting a status match with Hilton.
Once approved, you’ll have 90 days to complete six paid nights to retain Gold status through March 31, 2028. Completing 12 paid nights during the trial period upgrades you to Diamond status through the same date.
Elite status gifting
Do you know a Diamond (or Diamond Reserve) member?
Hilton Honors Diamond members can gift status to other Hilton Honors members. Top-tier members who stay 60 nights in a calendar year can gift Gold status to someone. After 100 nights, members can gift Diamond status to a friend or family member. This may be the fastest free route to status if you know the right people.
Related: 16 Airlines and Hotels That Let You Share Elite Status
IHG One Rewards
Compared to other major hotel loyalty programs, IHG One Rewards doesn’t hold quite the appeal for rewards travelers chasing top-tier elite perks. Still, the program offers broad appeal thanks to its wide-ranging portfolio — spanning aspirational stays at brands like InterContinental, Six Senses, Kimpton, and Mr & Mrs Smith, alongside more affordable options such as Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites.
That mix makes IHG One Rewards a solid fit for budget-conscious travelers who value simplicity and consistency, allowing them to earn and redeem within a single program across a range of price points.
Elite status tiers
There are four tiers to IHG One Rewards elite status:
- Silver Elite
- Gold Elite
- Platinum Elite
- Diamond Elite
| Benefit | Club Member | Silver Elite | Gold Elite | Platinum Elite | Diamond Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free internet | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bonus points | N/A | 20% | 40% | 60% | 100% |
| Points don't expire | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rollover nights for next year's status | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Rewards night promotional discounts | Yes | Yes | |||
| Guaranteed room availability | 72 hours | 72 hours | |||
| Complimentary upgrades, based on availability at check-in | Yes | Yes | |||
| Welcome amenity at check-in | Yes | Yes | |||
| Early check-in, based on availability | Yes | Yes | |||
| Late checkout, based on availability | 2 p.m. | 2 p.m. | 2 p.m. | 2 p.m. | 2 p.m. |
| Dedicated Diamond support line | Yes | ||||
| Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® Status | Five Star | Five Star | President's Circle |
Credit cards
The easiest way to secure elite status through IHG is to open an IHG credit card. IHG currently has three different credit cards that offer elite status:
- Silver Elite status through the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
- Platinum Elite status through the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card or the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
In addition, IHG One Rewards Traveler Card cardholders can earn Gold Elite status with $20,000 in eligible spending each calendar year. Premier cardholders (both the business and the personal card) can earn top-tier IHG Rewards Diamond Elite status with $40,000 spent on qualifying purchases in a calendar year.
The United Club℠ Card provides all cardholders with complimentary Platinum Elite status in IHG One Rewards.
Finally, if you're a heavy spender on your Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Sapphire Reserve for Business℠, you can earn IHG Diamond Elite. Sapphire Reserve cardholders must spend $75,000 on their card to reach Diamond status, while Sapphire Reserve Business need to spend $120,000 each year.
- Earn up to 17X points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
- 3X points per $1 spent on dining, utilities, select streaming services, and at gas stations
- 2X points per $1 spent on all other purchases
The earning for spending at IHG hotels breaks down as follows:
- Earn 5X points for being a IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Cardmember
- Earn up to 2X points from IHG® with Silver Elite Status, a benefit of this Card
- Earn up to 10X points from IHG® for being an IHG® Rewards Club Member (Being a cardholder is not required to earn this bonus for participating in the IHG® loyalty program)
$99Rates & Fees
- Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
- 5X points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants
- 3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases
The earning for spending at IHG hotels breaks down as follows:
- Earn 10X points for being a IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card member
- Earn up to 6X points from IHG® with Platinum Elite Status, a benefit of having this card
- Earn up to 10X points from IHG® for being an IHG® One Rewards member (Being a cardholder is not required to earn this bonus for participating in the IHG® loyalty program)
$695Rates & Fees
- Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining
- Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
Elite status match
IHG sometimes offers status match opportunities, especially toward the end of a calendar year. It's typically a targeted offer that requires you to spend a certain number of qualifying nights at an IHG property to earn status for the following year.
Related: Hotel Elite Status Made Easy: Status Matches, Fast Tracks, and Credit Card Perks
Marriott Bonvoy®
With three dozen brands and 9,600 properties around the world, Marriott International has a huge global footprint. Whether you prefer to stay at luxury brands like the Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis, boutique hotels, or budget-friendly options with Moxy or TownePlace Suites, there's something for everyone.
Elite status tiers
Marriott's Bonvoy program offers five elite tiers:
- Silver Elite
- Gold Elite
- Platinum Elite
- Titanium Elite
- Ambassador Elite
| Benefits | Silver Elite | Gold Elite | Platinum Elite | Titanium Elite | Ambassador Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonus points | 10% | 25% | 50% | 75% | 75% |
| Late checkout | Priority late checkout | 2:00 p.m. | 4:00 p.m. | 4:00 p.m. | 4:00 p.m. |
| Guaranteed welcome gift | Points | Points, Breakfast Offering, or Amenity | Points, Breakfast Offering, or Amenity | Points, Breakfast Offering, or Amenity | Points, Breakfast Offering, or Amenity |
| Enhanced Room Upgrade | Yes | Yes, including suites | Yes, including suites | Yes, including suites | |
| Dedicated elite support | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Annual choice benefit | Stay 50 Qualifying Nights | Stay 75 Qualifying Nights | |||
| 48-hour room guarantee | Yes | Yes | |||
| Your24™: Choose your check-in time and keep your room until that same time on your day of departure | Yes | ||||
| Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® | Fast track to Five Star | Five Star | President's Circle | ||
| United MileagePlus Benefits | Premier Silver status | Premier Silver status |
Credit cards
Marriott has several credit cards available, issued through Chase and American Express, offering the following status perks:
- Silver Elite status through the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card, plus receive five elite night credits each calendar year.
- Silver Elite status through the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, plus receive 15 elite night credits each calendar year and earn 1 elite night credit for every $5,000 of spending on your card. Spend your way to Gold Elite status by making $35,000 in purchases in an account year.
- Gold Elite status through the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card, Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card, or Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, plus receive 15 elite night credits each calendar year.
- Gold Elite status through American Express Platinum Card® or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express after enrolling for this benefit.
- Platinum Elite status through the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, plus receive 25 elite night credits each calendar year.
If you hold both a business and personal Marriott co-branded card, you can receive up to 40 elite night credits each year. That boost should get any cardholder well on their way to maintaining and possibly elevating status each year.
$95Rates & Fees
- 6X points for every $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®
- 3X points for every $1 spent on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases annually on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
- 2X points on all other eligible purchases
$250Rates & Fees
(Terms Apply)
- 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
- 4X points on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets
- 2X points on all other eligible purchases
$650Rates & Fees
(Terms Apply)
- 6X points on purchases at Marriott Properties
- 3X points at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery
- 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines
- 2X points on all other eligible purchases
Elite status challenge
Marriott Bonvoy does not publish a formal status match, but it does offer an unpublished status challenge. Interested members must call Marriott directly at 800-627-7468 to confirm availability and terms.
Challenges typically must be completed within three months in the same calendar year, and only paid stays count toward the requirement.
If I start on January 1, 2027, I have three months to complete the challenge. However, if I were to start the challenge on November 1, 2026, I would need to complete the challenge by the end of December 2026 — only two months to make it happen.
RewardsPlus: United MileagePlus partnership
Marriott Bonvoy partners with United MileagePlus to allow for reciprocal earning and shared elite benefits. Titanium Elite and Ambassador Elite members can receive United MileagePlus Premier Silver elite status. Those with United Premier Gold status or higher can secure Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.
Elite status gifting
Marriott Ambassador Elites may receive an Annual Choice benefit based on their Bonvoy account activity. These members can gift Silver Elite status upon achieving 50 elite night credits or Gold Elite status upon achieving 75 elite night credits.
MGM Rewards tier matching
Marriott and MGM have a partnership where MGM elites can match to Bonvoy elite status, as follows:
- MGM Rewards Pearl: Match to Bonvoy Silver Elite
- MGM Rewards Gold: Match to Bonvoy Gold Elite
- MGM Rewards Platinum: Match to Bonvoy Gold Elite
- MGM Rewards NOIR: Match to Bonvoy Ambassador Elite
You can link your accounts by signing into MGM Rewards and visiting the “My Rewards” page.
World of Hyatt Elite Status
World of Hyatt remains a favorite among frequent travelers thanks to strong top-tier benefits. While entry-level perks are modest, Globalist status delivers some of the most valuable benefits of any hotel program.
Credit cards
Chase is World of Hyatt’s exclusive U.S. credit card issuer, and Hyatt and Chase have indicated plans to further expand their partnership in 2026. While no additional products have been officially announced, future updates could introduce new pathways to elite status.
The World of Hyatt Credit Card is one way to fast-track your progress to World of Hyatt elite status. Cardholders automatically receive World of Hyatt Discoverist status (the lowest tier). Cardholders also get five elite night credits each year, plus earn two qualifying nights for every $5,000 spent on the card in a calendar year.
- Earn up to 5 free nights. Earn 3 free nights after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, 2 free nights after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 6 months. Free nights can be redeemed at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort worldwide.
- Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
- Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
- Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
- Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
- Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
- Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays - 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
- Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
- Member FDIC
- Up to 9X points total per $1 spent at Hyatt - 4X points per $1 when you use your card at Hyatt hotels & 5X points per $1 you can earn as a World of Hyatt member
- 2X points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airlines tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
- 1X point per $1 everywhere else
If you have a small business, you can apply for the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card to get Discoverist status for yourself and up to five employees. Plus, earn five tier-qualifying night credits for every $10,000 you spend in a calendar year.
Starting mid-2026, you'll be able to spend your way to World of Hyatt Explorist status if you are a cardholder of the Sapphire Reserve or Sapphire Reserve Business. If you have the personal version, spend $75,000 on your card in a calendar year to earn Explorist, while business cardholders must spend $120,000 a year.
Elite status match
American Airlines AAdvantage and World of Hyatt launched a partnership in 2019 that provides reciprocal benefits for elite members of both programs.
Unfortunately, you can no longer earn Hyatt Globalist status through American Airlines. However, when you earn 100,000 Loyalty Points, you'll receive Hyatt Discoverist status. At 175,000 Loyalty Points and 250,000 Loyalty Points, you can choose World of Hyatt Explorist status as a benefit.
If you don't have the highest levels of elite status with either program, all is not lost. This partnership offers periodic fast-track opportunities for elite members to match between programs. The most recently available (now closed) offer allowed AAdvantage elite members to challenge for Explorist or Globalist status by earning just 10 or 20 qualifying nights over a 90-day period.
While this offer closed on October 31, 2025, it's worth keeping an eye out for future iterations.
Meetings and events
You’ll earn two elite night credits for every $5,000 spent on qualifying meetings or events, up to $150,000 in annual spend. That cap allows members to earn up to 60 qualifying nights — the number required for top-tier Globalist status.
Best Western
Best Western may not be the most popular hotel loyalty program, but it might be the simplest for earning elite status. With more than 4,300 Best Western Hotels in over 100 countries worldwide, it also has a bigger footprint than you'd expect.
Elite status tiers
Best Western has four tiers of elite status beyond the basic member level:
- Gold
- Platinum
- Diamond
- Diamond Select
You only need five qualifying nights at a Best Western hotel to reach Gold status, but it'll take a little longer to reach top-tier Diamond Select, which requires 25 nights.
Credit cards
Elite status is a perk of being a co-branded cardholder. The no-annual-fee Best Western Rewards® Visa Signature® Card offers complimentary Gold status. For an $89 annual fee, the Best Western Rewards® Premium Visa Signature® Card provides automatic Platinum status.
Elite status match
By using Best Western's Status Match … No Catch® program, anyone with elite status in another hotel loyalty program can request a match by email.
Provide Best Western with the following information:
- Full Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Best Western Rewards® Member number
- Proof of elite status in another hotel program, using a screenshot or a copy of your other program's loyalty card or account statement, which must include your full name
Best Western will review the submission and match you within its rewards program up to Diamond Select Elite status.
North American members should send their information to: statusmatch@bestwestern.com. Members outside North America should send their information to: bwr.service@bestwestern.com.
Related: Best Western Rewards Elite Status Requirements
Choice Privileges
Choice Privileges includes 22 different brands with more than 7,400 properties worldwide. This includes the Radisson Hotels Americas brands brought into the program in the summer of 2023.
Elite status tiers
Choice Privileges underwent an overhaul in 2026 and now includes four levels of status:
- Gold
- Platinum
- Diamond
- Titanium
Luckily, there are some quick ways to nab elite status for those looking to take advantage of benefits like late checkout or earning bonus points on upcoming stays.
Credit cards
Choice Privileges has two credit cards that each provide elite status as a core benefit.
The no-annual-fee Choice Privileges® Mastercard® provides complimentary Gold status.
Travelers looking for a higher tier can secure Platinum status with the Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard®, which charges an annual fee of $95. For those who can use the card’s benefits, that fee places it firmly in the “almost free” category.
Both cards offer a fast track path to higher elite status through credit card spending.
$0On Wells Fargo's website
Rates & Fees
- 5x points on stays at participating Choice Hotels® properties plus on Choice Privileges point purchases
- 3x points on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and on phone plan services
- 1x points on other purchases
$95On Wells Fargo's website
Rates & Fees
- 10x points on stays at participating Choice Hotels® properties plus on Choice Privileges point purchases
- 5x points on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and on phone plan services
- 1x points on other purchases
Elite status match
If you have elite status with another hotel chain, it's simple to secure a status match with Choice Privileges. Simply create a free Choice Privileges member account. Once you have a member number, submit that along with your full name and proof of elite status with another hotel program via its online form or appropriate email (depending on your country of residence).
Status matches approved between January and June are valid for the remainder of the calendar year. Matches approved between July and December are valid for the rest of the current year and the entire following year.
Leading Hotels of the World Leaders Club
Leading Hotels of the World may not be the first place you look for your hotel stay, but it should be on your radar. It's a collection of independent hotels, many of which are upscale or luxury properties. Notable hotels include Capella Bangkok (voted the 3rd best hotel in the world), Royal Mansour Marrakech (voted the best hotel in Africa), and Chablé Yucatán (voted the best hotel in North America).
Elite status tiers
Leaders Club has just one elite tier above the base level:
- Leaders Club Sterling Elite: Benefits include upgrade priority, daily continental breakfast for two, prearrival upgrades, and a 5% stay bonus. While Sterling status typically requires $5,000 in annual spend, cardholders can earn it automatically.
Credit cards
As part of the refresh of the American Express Platinum Card® in 2025, cardholders can now enjoy complimentary Sterling status. The Platinum Card® is the only credit card that grants automatic Leaders Club elite status. If you enjoy staying at luxury hotels, it can pay off to have this card in your wallet.
Related: Buy Leading Hotels of the World Leaders Club Points
Sonesta Travel Pass
Sonesta Travel Pass is an often-unheralded program, but its footprint has grown significantly in recent years. Plus, attaining elite status for free in this program is relatively simple.
Elite status tiers
Sonesta has three tiers to its elite status program:
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum
All three tiers receive perks like an exclusive reservations line, early check-in and late checkout, a welcome gift, and complimentary room upgrades. Gold and Platinum members receive exclusive perks like a complimentary daily continental breakfast and preferred self-parking.
Credit cards
The Sonesta World Mastercard® previously offered automatic Gold status, but the card is being discontinued on February 13, 2026. Existing cardholders are expected to be converted to the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card, which does not include Sonesta elite status benefits.
Elite status match
Sonesta Travel Pass offers a generous status match from multiple programs. You can match to Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum status, depending on what status you hold in another program. Simply email travelpass@sonesta.com with your Travel Pass membership number and proof of status in another hotel program.
Wyndham Rewards
Wyndham Rewards is one of the largest hotel loyalty programs worldwide, covering more than 9,100 hotels across 95 countries. Its partnership with Caesars Rewards adds additional value for travelers who use both programs.
Elite status tiers
Wyndham offers three elite tiers, each with multiple pathways to earning status quickly:
- Gold
- Platinum
- Diamond
Credit cards
Wyndham Rewards offers three co-branded credit cards that include automatic elite status:
- The no-annual-fee Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card provides holders with Gold-level elite status automatically.
- For those looking for Platinum status, the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card offers it while charging a $75 annual fee.
- Diamond level status comes with the Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Business Card. With an annual fee of only $95, that's a pretty efficient route to top-tier status.
$0
- 5X points on Hotels by Wyndham and gas purchases
- 2X points on eligible dining and grocery purchases (excluding Target® and Walmart®)
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases (excluding Wyndham timeshare down payments)
$75
- 6X points on Hotels by Wyndham and gas purchases
- 4X points on eligible dining and grocery purchases (excluding Target® and Walmart®)
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases (excluding Wyndham timeshare down payments)
$95
- 8X points on Hotels by Wyndham and gas purchases
- 5X points on marketing, advertising, and utility purchases
- 1X on all other purchases (excluding Wyndham timeshare down payments)
Elite status match
We noted earlier that Wyndham Rewards and Caesars have a status-matching relationship. In addition to this, Wyndham regularly offers status matching with a host of other hotel loyalty programs, as you can see in the chart below.
| Hotel Loyalty Program | Hotel Loyalty Program Status | Awarded Wyndham Rewards Member Level (the “Awarded Member Level”) |
|---|---|---|
| Marriott Bonvoy | Rewards Member | GOLD |
| Silver Elite | PLATINUM | |
| Gold Elite Platinum Elite Titanium Elite Ambassador Elite | DIAMOND | |
| Hilton Honors | Member | GOLD |
| Silver | PLATINUM |
|
| Gold Diamond | DIAMOND | |
| Choice Privileges | Member | GOLD |
| Gold Platinum | PLATINUM | |
| Diamond | DIAMOND | |
| Best Western Rewards | Blue | GOLD |
| Gold Platinum Diamond | PLATINUM | |
| Diamond Select | DIAMOND | |
| World of Hyatt | Member | GOLD |
| Discoverist Explorist | PLATINUM | |
| Globalist | DIAMOND | |
| IHG One Rewards | Club Member | GOLD |
| Silver Elite Gold Elite | PLATINUM | |
| Platinum Elite Diamond Elite | DIAMOND | |
| Radisson Rewards | Club | GOLD |
| Premium | PLATINUM | |
| VIP | DIAMOND |
|
| Omni Select Guest | Gold | GOLD |
| Platinum | PLATINUM | |
| Black | DIAMOND |
When status matching is available, you can submit a request through their Wyndham Rewards account.
Elite status gifting
Wyndham Diamond members can gift one Gold-level membership each year.
Caesars Resorts
Love Las Vegas? Then Caesars Resorts might be the loyalty program for you. The program includes more than 50 properties worldwide and offers multiple ways to earn and use elite status.
Elite status tiers
Caesars Rewards has five tiers above entry-level Gold:
- Platinum
- Diamond
- Diamond Plus
- Diamond Elite
- Seven Stars
Seven Stars status is associated with earning 150,000 Tier Credits and is extended by invitation, but the investment can be worth it. Status includes things like an annual Retreat with airfare (up to $1,200), round-trip airport transportation, and a $500 folio credit (plus up to four complimentary nights, depending on the offer terms).
Although you'll struggle to reach top-tier status through credit card spending, you can easily reach mid-tier status by being a cardholder.
Credit cards
New cardholders of the Caesars Rewards Visa Signature® or the Caesars Rewards Prestige Visa Signature® can be upgraded to Platinum status after using your card within the first 90 days of approval. You'll keep the status for the remainder of the calendar year, so you'll want to time your card application wisely if you want Platinum status for as long as possible.
Both cards offer 2,500 Tier Credits after spending $5,000 in purchases in a calendar year. That gets you halfway to Platinum status, which requires 5,000 Tier Credits.
If you are a cardholder of the Caesars Rewards Prestige Visa Signature®, you can receive another 2,500 Tier Credits after spending $10,000 in a calendar year, and another 15,000 Tier Credits once you reach $50,000 in spending. That would easily get you to Diamond status, but it requires dedicating a lot of spending on a modestly rewarding card.
Elite status match
Caesars also has a reciprocal status match partnership with Wyndham Rewards. By linking your Wyndham Rewards and Caesars Rewards accounts, you can match elite status between the two programs.
Wyndham status earned solely through credit cards may not qualify for matching; Caesars requires that status be earned through qualifying activity.
MGM Rewards
While the MGM name may bring to mind the Vegas Strip, MGM Resorts has 30-plus properties around the world, and elite membership in its rewards program can make a stay at any of them more enjoyable.
MGM has five status tiers:
- Sapphire
- Pearl
- Gold
- Platinum
- NOIR (invitation-only)
Credit cards
The MGM Rewards™ World Elite Mastercard® has no annual fee and offers automatic Pearl status. This is only one rung up the elite ladder, but it's a start. Pearl members will enjoy perks such as free self-parking, a 10% discount at retail shops, and bonus slot dollars, among other benefits.
Elite status match
Unfortunately, although you can use your MGM status to match into Marriott Bonvoy, the benefits don't work the other way around. However, you can often find some MGM status match opportunities, especially if you hold elite status with a competitor.
Final Thoughts
Elite status makes hotel stays more enjoyable. You can receive early check-in, late checkout, upgraded rooms, complimentary food and drinks, and more. Earning status without being a road warrior can make these benefits seem even sweeter.
Many (but not all) of the credit cards mentioned above have an annual fee, so they are not technically free. However, take advantage of the airline, travel, TSA PreCheck credits, lounge access, free anniversary nights, and other benefits, and these cards can more than pay for themselves year after year.
It’s also worth checking StatusMatcher.com periodically. Many status match opportunities aren’t widely advertised, and the site tracks real-world match success rates and application tips.
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card (Rates & Fees), Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card (Rates & Fees), Hilton Honors American Express Card (Rates & Fees), IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card (Rates & Fees), IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (Rates & Fees), United Club℠ Card (Rates & Fees), Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (Rates & Fees), Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card (Rates & Fees), Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (Rates & Fees), and The World of Hyatt Credit Card (Rates & Fees)
