Best Mid-Tier Hotel Elite Status And How To Get It (Even Without Stays) Best Mid-Tier Hotel Elite Status And How To Get It (Even Without Stays)

Best Mid-Tier Hotel Elite Status And How To Get It (Even Without Stays)

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While the most eye-catching hotel perks come with top-tier elite status, that’s often not where the best value lies. Mid-tier hotel elite status frequently delivers the most practical, everyday benefits — such as free breakfast, bonus points, late checkout, and room upgrades — without requiring dozens of nights on the road.

Even better, you don’t always have to earn mid-tier status the hard way. Many hotel programs make these tiers surprisingly easy to access through credit cards, status matches, and promotions, letting you unlock meaningful benefits with little or no additional hotel stays.

Below, we break down the hotel programs where mid-tier elite status offers the most substantial value and the easiest ways to earn it.

Page Contents

Best Western Rewards Platinum

Best Western elite status is fairly easy to attain. Even top-tier Diamond Select requires just 25 nights to earn. That's around the same threshold as mid-tier elite status in other programs on this list. Even if Best Western isn't your go-to hotel chain, earning Best Western's mid-tier Platinum status is still worth considering.

the pool and lounge chairs at the Squire Resort at the Grand Canyon Best Western Signature Collection
Squire Resort at the Grand Canyon Best Western Signature Collection. Credit: Best Western

Best Western Platinum benefits

  • Early check-in
  • Late checkout
  • Complimentary water on arrival
  • 500 bonus points on arrival

How to earn Best Western Platinum from stays

To earn Best Western Platinum status through stays, you'll need seven qualifying nights, including award nights.

Cards that award Best Western Platinum as a benefit

The Best Western Rewards® Premium Visa Signature® Card comes with automatic Platinum elite status in exchange for an $89 annual fee.

Other ways to earn Best Western elite status

The no-annual-fee Best Western Rewards® Visa Signature® Card grants automatic Gold elite status.

Best Western offers a status match to elite members of competitor programs. All you need to do is email Best Western with your information and proof of status in another hotel program, and you can keep your status through at least the following program year (although we've noticed this matched status typically sticks around indefinitely).

Choice Privileges Platinum

Choice Privileges is known for its budget-focused hotels, but it does have some premium offerings, such as Cambria and the Ascend Hotel Collection. Plus, Choice completed its integration with Radisson Rewards Americas in 2023, adding even more valuable options for hotel stays. If you haven't previously considered the benefits of Choice elite status, now is a good time to do so.

a Comfort Inn & Suites hotel with logo above the entrance
Credit: Choice Hotels

Choice Privileges Platinum benefits

  • 25% bonus points on stays
  • Elite rollover nights
  • Early check-in and late checkout
  • Welcome gift of bonus points or a snack and beverage
  • Space-available room upgrades at Cambria and Ascend Hotel Collection brands worldwide and Radisson, Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, Radisson Collection, Radisson Individuals, and Park Plaza brands in North America, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean

Beginning in 2026, you'll also earn milestone rewards for every five qualifying nights you stay.

How to earn Choice Privileges Platinum from stays

Through the end of 2025, Choice Privileges Platinum requires 20 elite night credits. However, the Choice Privileges program is getting an overhaul in 2026. As part of the transformation, you'll need just 15 elite night credits to achieve Platinum elite status.

Cards that award Choice Privileges Platinum as a benefit

Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® (Rates & Fees) offers Platinum status as a built-in benefit.

Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard®
Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard®

On Wells Fargo's website
Rates & Fees
Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard®
Annual Fee$95
Welcome Bonus Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - enough to redeem for up to 7 reward nights at select Choice Hotels® properties. Additional fees may apply.
Earn 10x points on Choice Hotels stays, 5x at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and on phone plan services, plus 1x on other purchases. Enjoy 20 Elite Night Credits annually, qualifying for at least Platinum level status, $800 cell phone protection (with a $25 deductible), no foreign transaction fees, and robust travel rewards—all for a $95 annual fee. Perfect for frequent Choice Hotels travelers.
  • 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

Other ways to earn Choice Privileges elite status

Those with the $0-annual-fee Choice Privileges® Mastercard® (Rates & Fees) automatically receive Gold status.

Choice Privileges also has a status match program and will match you up to Platinum with proof of your elite status in another hotel rewards program.

Hilton Honors™ Gold

Hilton Honors Gold offers some of the best mid-tier status benefits — especially when combined with the global reach of the Hilton Honors program. Free breakfast from a mid-tier program is always a value winner. Plus, Hilton Honors elite status unlocks a fifth night free when redeeming Hilton points for your stay, which can drop the cost of redemptions by up to 20%.

The Hilton Honors program is getting a major overhaul in 2026, including a brand-new elite status tier, Diamond Reserve. The benefits of Hilton Honors Gold are changing slightly, but so are the number of nights required to earn it.

Enjoy mid-tier hotel elite status at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Credit: Hilton

Hilton Gold benefits

  • 80% bonus on all Hilton Honors base points
  • Receive every fifth night free on award stays
  • Daily food and beverage credit at U.S. hotels or continental breakfast at non-U.S. hotels
  • Space-available upgrades at Waldorf-Astoria, Conrad, Curio, Hilton, and DoubleTree

How to earn Hilton Gold from stays

Through the end of 2025, Hilton Gold requires 40 nights, 20 stays, or earning 75,000 Hilton Honors Base Points. Award stays count toward elite status.

Starting in 2026, you will only need 25 nights, 15 stays, or $6,000 in annual spending. This makes it substantially easier to earn the old-fashioned way.

Cards that award Hilton Gold as a benefit

Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Apply Now
Rates & Fees
(Terms Apply)
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Annual Fee$150
Welcome Offer Earn 155,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/14/2026.
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is tailored for Hilton loyalists seeking valuable perks without a high annual fee. It delivers cardholders 12X Hilton Honors points on direct Hilton purchases, and 6X points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, enhancing everyday spending. A valuable feature is the complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold status in the Hilton Honors program, which includes access to room upgrades and bonus points. Additionally, spending $15,000 on purchases in a calendar year earns a free night reward, adding significant value to the card. This card balances robust rewards with a moderate annual fee, making it a strong contender for regular Hilton guests (Enrollment required for select American Express benefits).
  • Earn 155,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/14/2026.
  • Get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with a property in the Hilton portfolio on your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card. That's up to $200 in statement credits annually.
  • Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
  • Earn 6X Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
  • Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases.
  • Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
  • Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
  • Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold status with your Card. Plus, spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year. Terms and Limitations apply.
  • As a Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card Member, you can enroll to receive complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status through the link on your American Express online account. After you're enrolled, you can reserve a rental car by calling National Car Rental directly, using your travel service, or by booking online or through the National Car Rental mobile app. Terms apply.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
  • $150 annual fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • 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

Related: Earn Elite Status in Multiple Programs With 1 Credit Card

Other ways to earn Hilton Honors elite status

The Hilton Honors American Express Card offers complimentary Hilton™ Silver status — or Gold if you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases with the card in a calendar year.

Both the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card and The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card reward cardmembers with Hilton™ Diamond elite status after spending $40,000 on purchases in a calendar year.

If you don't want to track your spending to a higher status, the $550-annual fee Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has complimentary Hilton Diamond as a cardholder benefit (Rates & Fees).

Hilton Honors also has a status match program and will match you up to Gold with proof of your qualifying elite status in another hotel rewards program. You will then have 90 days to complete the requirements to retain your Gold status or earn Diamond status.

It's unclear if there will be any status match or fast-track opportunities to reach the top-tier Diamond Reserve status when it launches in 2026.

Related: Do Any Credit Cards Provide Top-Tier Hotel Elite Status?

IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite

IHG One Rewards has a relatively easy points-earning structure, budget redemption options, and elite rollover credits. IHG also has some excellent premium brands, including Six Senses, Regent, and InterContinental. IHG Platinum Elite is the status sweet spot in IHG's program, offering all the perks to make your stays more rewarding.

Enjoy mid-tier hotel elite status at the Hotel Indigo Phuket
Credit: Hotel Indigo Phuket Patong

IHG Platinum Elite benefits

  • 60% point bonus
  • Elite rollover nights
  • Welcome amenity
  • Complimentary room upgrades (if available)
  • Points don't expire
  • Guaranteed room availability
  • Early check-in (subject to availability)
  • 2 p.m. late checkout (if available)
  • Hertz Five Star status
  • IHG reward night discounts

How to earn IHG Platinum Elite status from stays

IHG Platinum Elite requires 40 nights or earning 60,000 qualifying points. Award stays count toward elite status.

Cards that award IHG Platinum Elite as a benefit

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Annual Fee$99
Welcome Bonus Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is packed with benefits for IHG fans, and we rate it one of the best co-brand hotel cards you can have in your wallet. Cardholders earn up to 26X points per $1 at IHG properties (including points multipliers from your elite status), 5X points on travel, dining, and at gas stations, and 3X points on all other purchases. An attractive feature is the automatic upgrade to Platinum Elite status, enhancing your hotel stay experience. The card also offers a valuable Anniversary Free Night each year, and a fourth Reward Night free when redeeming points for a stay of four or more nights. Additional perks include a 20% discount on point purchases, no foreign transaction fees, comprehensive travel and purchase protections, and a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS credit every four years.
  • Earn 140,000 Bonus Points
  • Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
  • Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
  • Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
  • Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
  • IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
  • Member FDIC
  • 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)

Other ways to earn IHG One Rewards elite status

If you have the IHG One Rewards Premier Card or IHG One Rewards Business Card, you can earn Diamond Elite status after spending $40,000 or more on eligible purchases on your card in a calendar year.

With the $0-annual-fee IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card (Rates & Fees), you automatically get Silver Elite status and can earn Gold Elite status by spending $20,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.

IHG also sometimes offers status challenges or fast-track promotions to earn status. For instance, IHG currently has a targeted offer to earn Platinum Elite after five qualifying nights and Diamond Elite after 10 qualifying nights through December 31, 2025. If earned, you'll keep your status through 2026.

Related: How to Get Hotel Elite Status for Free (or Almost Free)

Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite

Gold Elite is the second tier of Marriott Bonvoy elite status. While not quite as valuable as Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold Elite still offers plenty of benefits that you'll appreciate during your next stay.

Enjoy mid-tier hotel elite status at the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort
JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa. Credit: Marriott

Marriott Gold Elite benefits

  • 25% bonus points
  • Enhanced room upgrade (based on availability)
  • 2 p.m. priority late checkout (based on availability)
  • Welcome gift of points
  • Complimentary enhanced in-room internet
  • Ultimate reservation guarantee

How to earn Marriott Gold Elite from stays

Marriott Gold Elite requires 25 elite night credits in a calendar year. Award stays count toward elite status.

Related: Last-Minute Strategies To Reach Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status

Cards that award Marriott Gold Elite as a benefit

Luckily, there are several credit cards that grant Marriott Gold Elite status as a benefit, including:

Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card
Apply Now
Rates & Fees
(Terms Apply)
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card
Annual Fee$250
Welcome Bonus Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card delivers a Free Night Award after spending $15,000 in a calendar year, applicable for one night at hotels in the Marriott Bonvoy program (up to 50,000 points), and receive complimentary Gold Elite status. Enrollment required for select American Express benefits.
  • Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.
  • Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
  • Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Marriott Bonvoy® 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.
  • Earn up to 18.5X Marriott Bonvoy® points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Earn 6X points with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card. Earn up to 10X points from Marriott Bonvoy for being a Marriott Bonvoy member. Earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy with the 25% Bonus Points on Stays, a benefit available with your complimentary Gold Elite status.
  • With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite Status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit.
  • Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at a participating hotel. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year, receive 15 Elite Night Credits towards the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy® member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
  • Booking the trip is easy. Avoiding delays is next to impossible. If a round-trip is paid for entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason delays your trip more than 12 hours, Trip Delay Insurance can help reimburse certain additional expenses purchased on the same Eligible Card, up to $300 per trip, maximum 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
  • Plan It® is a payment option that lets you split up large purchases into monthly installments with a fixed fee. A fixed monthly fee is shown upfront so you'll know exactly how much you'll pay. Plus, you'll still earn rewards for the purchases you plan the way you usually do.
  • $250 Annual Fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • 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

Other ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy elite status

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card gives cardholders automatic Platinum Elite status and 25 elite night credits each year — the only Marriott credit card to do so.

Not only do the Marriott Bountiful, Marriott Bonvoy Business Card, and Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Card each offer complimentary Gold status, you'll also receive 15 elite night credits towards the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status each year.

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card gives you automatic Silver elite status each year, along with the same 15 extra elite night credits. You can also earn 1 elite night credit for every $5,000 you spend on the Marriott Boundless.

Unfortunately, you can only earn 15 total elite night credits (or 25 in the case of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card) from personal cards, even if you hold more than one. If you have both a business and a personal card, it's possible to earn a total of 30 nights toward status qualification (or 40 in the case of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card).

Another way of earning Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy is the reciprocal agreement with United MileagePlus through RewardsPlus. United members who have earned Premier Gold status can register for Marriott Gold Elite status as one of the benefits.

Finally, you can potentially ask Marriott directly for a status challenge. If approved, you can earn Marriott Gold after eight paid nights or Marriott Platinum after 16 paid nights.

Related: Start the Year With up to 40 Marriott Elite Night Credits

Radisson Rewards Premium

While the Radisson Rewards Americas program has been acquired by and integrated into Choice Hotels, the international Radisson Rewards program is still around. Thanks to some devaluations over the years, Radisson Rewards isn't nearly as strong as it used to be. However, having mid-tier Premium status may still be worth considering — particularly if you travel frequently to Europe or the Middle East.

the Radisson Blu hotel in Tbilisi, Georgia
Radisson Blu in Tbilisi, Georgia. Credit: Radisson

Radisson Premium benefits

  • Earn 27 points per dollar spent on stays (13.5 points per $1 on Prize by Radisson stays)
  • Discount Booster option to receive up to 20% discount on bookings
  • Early check-in and late checkout (if available)
  • Complimentary room upgrade to the next category (if available)
  • 10% discount on food and beverages
  • My Favorite Hotel benefits: get your favorite room assigned to you, access luggage storage, and other exclusive benefits

How to earn Radisson Premium status from stays

Radisson Rewards Premium elite status only requires five nights or three stays. Stays booked with points or a combination of points and cash count toward elite status.

Cards that award Radisson Premium as a benefit

None. All Radisson credit cards were discontinued in 2022.

Other ways to earn Radisson Rewards elite status

Radisson Rewards has a status match program and will match you up to its Premium tier with proof of your elite status in another hotel rewards program. You are eligible as long as you have not received a status match within the last five years. Status matches can be requested by using the online contact form. If granted, the status match will be valid for the current program year only.

Related: All Hotel Elite Status Match & Fast Track Opportunities

World of Hyatt Explorist

World of Hyatt offers arguably the most valuable top-tier status at its Globalist level. Unfortunately, Hyatt doesn’t offer the same level of benefits for its mid-tier status: Explorist.

World of Hyatt Explorist status is challenging to earn, as it doesn't come complimentary on any credit card (at least not yet). In addition, the benefits fall behind the competition — Hyatt doesn't offer a fourth- or fifth-night-free benefit like other hotel programs. All things considered, Hyatt still lags behind the competition in mid-tier elite status.

Hyatt Union Square front door
Hyatt Union Square. Credit: Hyatt

World of Hyatt Explorist benefits

  • 20% bonus earnings on paid stays
  • Complimentary premium internet
  • Upgraded room — excluding club-level rooms and suites (based on availability)
  • 2 p.m. late check-out (as available)
  • Earn Hyatt points from American Airlines flights
  • 72-hour room guarantee

Plus, if you earn Explorist by staying 30 nights at Hyatt, you'll have earned two Hyatt Milestone Rewards — one at 20 elite nights and one at 30 elite nights. That means you'll receive a free night award for a Category 1-4 hotel, and your choice of two additional rewards, from options like a 2K next stay award, two club lounge access awards, and 2 preferred seat coupons on American Airlines.

How to earn Hyatt Explorist from stays

World of Hyatt Explorist elite status requires one of the following:

  • Staying 30 nights — including award stays
  • Earning 50,000 Base Points

Cards that award Hyatt Explorist as a benefit

No World of Hyatt credit cards offer Hyatt Explorist as a direct, complimentary benefit. Occasionally, these cards may offer elite status or elite night credits as part of a new-cardmember bonus after meeting a minimum spending requirement.

Both The World of Hyatt Credit Card (Rates & Fees) and World of Hyatt Business Credit Card (Rates & Fees) only offer entry-level Discoverist elite status. However, you can use your World of Hyatt credit cards to help you spend your way toward elite status.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card
The World of Hyatt Credit Card
Annual Fee$95
Welcome Bonus Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
Cardholders receive one free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort every year on account renewal, with an additional free night after $15,000 in annual spending​​. The card includes World of Hyatt Discoverist status, providing 5 qualifying night credits towards the next tier status each year, plus 2 additional credits for every $5,000 spent​​. There are no foreign transaction fees​​, and the card also offers comprehensive travel and purchase protections, including baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, purchase protection, and an auto rental collision damage waiver​​.
  • Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
  • 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

Those with The World of Hyatt Credit Card earn five elite qualifying nights each year as a benefit of holding the card. Plus, you'll receive two elite qualifying nights toward Explorist or Globalist status for every $5,000 you spend on the World of Hyatt Card in a calendar year.

Meanwhile, those with the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card earn five elite qualifying nights for every $10,000 spent annually. This card doesn't offer any complimentary night credits to start the year, however.

Other ways to earn World of Hyatt elite status

World of Hyatt members who also hold American Airlines AAdvantage elite status can fast-track their Hyatt elite status by participating in a challenge promotion. Plus, if you earn a certain number of Loyalty Points, you can choose Hyatt Discoverist or Hyatt Explorist as a benefit.

Related: How To Receive Elite Hotel Benefits Without Elite Status

Wyndham Rewards Platinum

Mid-tier Platinum status with Wyndham Rewards doesn't offer much to entice potential guests to switch their stays to its hotel program. Only Wyndham Diamond members receive the program's best status benefit: suite upgrades.

a pool and deck chairs at a hotel
Wyndham Garden Cancun Downtown. Credit: Wyndham

And while it's true that Wyndham Platinum members can match to Caesars Rewards Platinum, the Caesars match is most useful for Wyndham Diamond members. That's because you can match to Caesars Diamond to receive benefits such as waived resort fees, a $100 celebration dinner, and a complimentary stay at Atlantis in The Bahamas. Note that you can only match to Caesars if you've earned your Wyndham status, not if you've received it as a benefit through credit cards.

Wyndham Platinum benefits

  • 15% bonus points
  • Early check-in and late checkout (subject to availability)
  • Status match to Caesars Rewards Platinum tier
  • Avis and Budget car rental upgrades

How to earn Wyndham Platinum from stays

Wyndham Platinum requires 15 qualifying nights in a calendar year. Award stays count toward elite status.

Cards that award Wyndham Platinum as a benefit

The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card offers complimentary Platinum status. It also includes benefits like 10% off award nights and 7,500 bonus points.

Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card
Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card
Annual Fee$75
Welcome Bonus Earn 45,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.
  • 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)

Other ways to earn Wyndham Rewards elite status

The $0-annual-fee Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card offers complimentary Gold status just for having the card.

Want even higher elite status? The Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Business Card offers top-tier Diamond status as a complimentary benefit, which means you'll unlock suite upgrades. You'll also receive perks like 15,000 bonus points each anniversary year.

Wyndham Rewards also has a status match program and will match you up to Diamond with proof of your qualifying elite status in another hotel rewards program. You will then have 90 days to complete the requirements to retain your status. Keep in mind that if you receive Wyndham Platinum or Diamond through a status match, you will not be eligible to match to Caesars Rewards.

Related: Wyndham Debuts Wyndham Rewards Insider

Which Hotel Mid-Tier Elite Status Is Best?

The answer of which mid-tier hotel elite status is best likely won't be the same for everyone. But, we certainly have an opinion. For us, the first prize goes to Hilton Honors Gold as the best mid-tier hotel elite status among hotel chains. Runners-up are Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite and the much-improved IHG Platinum Elite status.

Free breakfast (or a food and beverage credit in the U.S.) and the fifth night free add tangible value to Hilton Honors Gold status. These benefits will save you money over the long term, as long as you use them. And with multiple card cards offering Hilton Gold status as a benefit, it's one of the most accessible elite tiers on the market.

As far as rewards cards go, if you are looking to get mid-tier hotel elite status across multiple programs, the Platinum Card® and Business Platinum Card are hands-down winners — offering Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Gold as a benefit via complimentary enrollment.

Related: 6 Cards That Get You Elite Status With Multiple Programs

What do you think is the best mid-tier hotel elite status? Let us know in the comments.

For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card (Rates & Fees), Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card (Rates & Fees), IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (Rates & Fees), IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card (Rates & Fees), Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card (Rates & Fees), The World of Hyatt Credit Card (Rates & Fees), and World of Hyatt Business Credit Card (Rates & Fees)

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