Credit Cards for Pet Travelers 💳
The right credit card can get you 2-5 free hotel nights just from the sign-up bonus. Here’s how to pick the best one for traveling with your dog.
🎯 Not Sure Where to Start?
Take the quiz — it matches you with the right card based on your dog’s size, travel frequency, and budget:
Take the Quiz: Which Hotel Credit Card Is Right for You?
7 questions, personalized recommendation
📊 Card Comparisons
Full breakdowns of every card worth considering:
- Best Credit Cards for Pet Travelers (2025) — Complete comparison of Hilton, IHG, Marriott, and Chase cards
- Best Credit Card Bonuses (December 2025) — This month’s best sign-up offers
- Hotel Card Bonuses Expiring Soon — Hilton, IHG, Marriott & Chase bonuses compared
💎 Hilton Cards
Hilton has the best credit card lineup for pet travelers:
- Hilton Credit Card Quiz — Find your perfect Hilton card
- Hilton Diamond Status Guide — How cards can get you top-tier status
- Why Hilton for Pet Travelers — Why Hilton cards are worth it
The Hilton lineup:
| Card | Annual Fee | Sign-Up Bonus | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Honors (No Fee) | $0 | 100,000 pts | Beginners |
| Hilton Surpass | $150 | 155,000 pts | Most travelers |
| Hilton Aspire | $550 | 175,000 pts | Frequent travelers |
🏨 IHG Cards (For Kimpton)
If you have a large dog, IHG cards get you free stays at Kimpton — the only major chain with no weight limits:
- How to Book Kimpton Free with Points — Includes IHG card breakdown
The IHG lineup:
| Card | Annual Fee | Sign-Up Bonus | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| IHG Traveler | $0 | 80,000 pts | No commitment |
| IHG Premier | $99 | 140,000 pts | Regular Kimpton stays |
🔄 Flexible Points (Chase)
Want flexibility across multiple hotel chains? Chase points transfer to IHG, Hyatt, Marriott, and airlines:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred — $95/year, 60,000 point bonus, transfers 1:1 to IHG
🏢 Marriott Cards
Marriott has the best sign-up bonus — 3 free nights right out of the gate:
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless — $95/year, 3 free nights (up to 50K points each)
Note: Marriott pet policies vary more by property than Hilton. Always call ahead.
📅 Monthly Bonus Updates
Sign-up bonuses change frequently. I track the best current offers:
- Best Credit Card Bonuses (December 2025) — Updated monthly
❓ Common Questions
Which card should I get first? If you’re new to points, start with the no-annual-fee Hilton card. Zero risk, 100,000 points, and you can upgrade later.
Are annual fees worth it? Usually yes. The Hilton Surpass costs $150/year but gives you $200 in Hilton credits — you come out ahead before counting the points.
Do I need good credit? Most travel cards require good to excellent credit (700+). If you’re building credit, start with a regular cash-back card first.
Have questions about which card is right for you? Reach out — happy to help.