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Annual Free Night Awards: Cards and Benefit Rules

Hotel co-brand cards that hand you a free night certificate every year, usually on your card anniversary. On the right redemption a single night can cover the annual fee several times over.

How Annual Free Night Awards Work

Confirm enrollment, eligible merchants, minimum spend, usage limits, and the exact reset or expiration rule. Displayed values are catalog face values and may not equal the amount every cardholder can use.

How Creddy reviews benefit information

Which Credit Cards Have Annual Free Night Awards?

  • Anniversary Free Night · Resets card anniversaryChecked Oct 9, 2026
  • Anniversary Free Night Award · Resets card anniversaryChecked Sep 3, 2026
  • Additional Free Night with $15,000 Spend · Resets calendar yearChecked Sep 14, 2026
  • Free Night Award Resort Fee WaiverChecked Sep 27, 2026
  • Annual Free Night Award via Spending · Resets calendar yearChecked Sep 14, 2026
  • Free Night Award Points Top-OffChecked Sep 28, 2026
Hilton Aspire credit card

American Express

Hilton Aspire

$550 / yr
  • Second Free Night Certificate for $30,000 Spend · Resets calendar yearChecked Sep 13, 2026
  • Annual Free Night Certificate · Resets card anniversaryChecked May 20, 2026
  • Third Free Night Certificate for $60,000 Spend · Resets calendar yearChecked Sep 13, 2026
  • Top-Off Free Night Certificate with PointsChecked May 22, 2026
  • Free Night Certificate Big Spend Bonus · Resets calendar yearChecked Sep 13, 2026
  • Anniversary Free Night Certificate · Resets card anniversaryChecked Sep 15, 2026
Marriott Bonvoy Business credit card

American Express

Marriott Bonvoy Business

$125 / yr
  • Annual Free Night Award · Resets card anniversaryChecked Sep 15, 2026
  • Second Annual Free Night Award (Spend-Based) · Resets calendar yearChecked Sep 13, 2026
Hilton Surpass credit card

American Express

Hilton Surpass

$150 / yr (waived year 1)
  • Free Night Award via Big Spend · Resets calendar yearChecked Sep 13, 2026

When Do Annual Free Night Awards Reset?

Of the 17 listed benefits with a reset date, 10 reset each calendar year and 7 on the card anniversary; 4 more are ongoing. Each card's entry shows its own reset rule.

How to Use Annual Free Night Awards Before They Expire

  • Enroll or activate first when a card's terms require it; some credits only count purchases made after enrollment.
  • Note the reset date on each card's entry and use the amount before then. Unused amounts generally do not roll over.
  • Check which merchants and purchase types qualify before you rely on the credit.
  • Track each benefit in Creddy to get a reminder before it resets. More in how to stop statement credits from expiring.

Are Annual Free Night Awards Worth the Annual Fee?

The cards listed here charge $0 to $695 a year in annual fees. Annual Free Night Awards are one part of a card's value: count only what you would use anyway, add the card's other credits and rewards, and compare the total with its fee on the card's page.

Related:Hotel Credits

Related credit card guides

Annual Free Night Awards FAQs

How do I use my annual free night award?

Check that the certificate has been issued in your hotel account, then book an eligible award night before its expiration under the program's rules. Confirm property, room, points-cap and stay-date restrictions; a free-night certificate is not a statement credit.

Which cards match Creddy's catalog category for an annual free night award?

14 active catalog cards matched this benefit category in the September 26, 2026 check, including Hilton Surpass, Hilton Aspire, IHG Premier, Wyndham Rewards Earner. Open each card for its actual benefit, enrollment and restrictions; category matches can include differently structured perks.

How often does the annual free night award reset?

The schedule varies by card and benefit, and some benefits are certificates or memberships rather than recurring credit allowances. Check the period and expiration in the issuer or program account; do not assume it follows the annual fee date.

What happens if I don't use my annual free night award before it resets?

Unused value or an unredeemed certificate may expire under the specific benefit terms. Check rollover, booking and stay deadlines with the issuer or program, and set a reminder early enough to satisfy those requirements.

Is a card with an annual free night award worth the annual fee?

Compare the annual fee with the benefit value you would actually use, plus realistic rewards and other perks. Discount restrictions and additional costs rather than valuing every advertised benefit at face value. Include interest and other charges if you carry a balance.