Best Credit Cards With Hotel Free Night Certificates of April 2026
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Written by
Adam Frankel
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Edited by
Jasmin Baron, CCC™
If you’re looking for travel credit cards with hotel free nights, few perks are as straightforward — or as valuable — as an annual free night certificate. Unlike points, which can fluctuate in value or require strategy to maximize, these certificates can be redeemed for a full night’s stay, often with minimal effort.
The best credit cards with annual free nights typically award a certificate each year on your account anniversary, though some also offer additional free nights for hitting spending thresholds or provide anniversary points that can be redeemed for stays. Whether you’re loyal to a specific hotel brand or just want an easy way to offset travel costs, these cards can deliver outsized value year after year.
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Quick Overview: Best Credit Cards for Free Night Certificates
| Our Choice For | Credit Range | Annual Fee | Highlights | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Marriott Loyalists |
Good – Excellent
670 – 850*
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$95 |
Free night award every year after your account anniversary worth up to 35,000 points (certain hotels have resort fees).
Full Review
More Details
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Marriott Bonvoy Loyalists Who Want Premium Perks |
Good – Excellent
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$650 |
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status and annual dining credit
Full Review
More Details
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Hilton Honors Loyalists Who Want Upscale Benefits |
Good – Excellent
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$550 |
Automatic Hilton Honors Diamond status and annual Hilton Resort credit
Full Review
More Details
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IHG Loyalists |
Good – Excellent
670 – 850*
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$99 |
Free anniversary night up to 40,000 points and Platinum elite status.
Full Review
More Details
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Hyatt Loyalists |
Good – Excellent
670 – 850*
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$95 |
Discoverist elite status and an annual free night at a Category 1 to 4 Hyatt after your card anniversary.
Full Review
More Details
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Detailed Overview: Best Credit Cards With Free Hotel Nights
Top Feature
Earn 3 Free Night Awards after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening, and an additional 1 Free Night Award after spending $4,000 total on eligible purchases within 4 months of account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. Redeem your Free Night Awards for a one-night stay at properties with a redemption level up to 50,000 points per night, a total value of 200,000 points. Certain hotels have resort fees. 2026 Exclusive Offer: Get up to $100 in statement credits after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually.
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
19.24% – 27.74% Variable
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Rewards
Card Details From Issuer
- Earn up to 4 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
- 2026 Exclusive Offer: Get up to $100 in statement credits after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually.
- Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases annually on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
- Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
- 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
- Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.
- Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don’t expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
- Member FDIC
Top Feature
Earn 200,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 5/13/2026.
Purchase APR
19.49%-28.49% Variable
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Rewards
3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines.
2X points on all other eligible purchases.
Card Details From Issuer
- Earn 200,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 5/13/2026.
- Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
- Earn 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines.
- Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
- Earn up to 21X Marriott Bonvoy® points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Earn 6X points with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Earn up to 10X points from Marriott Bonvoy for being a Marriott Bonvoy member. Earn up to 5X points from Marriott Bonvoy with the 50% Bonus Points on Stays, a benefit available with your complimentary Platinum Elite status.
- $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
- A Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite member will earn 50% more points on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy for each U.S. dollar or the currency equivalent that is incurred and paid for by the member.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®, such as Le Metropolitan, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Paris. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Brilliant Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
- $100 Marriott Bonvoy® Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward 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.
- With your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you can enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, with an unlimited number of visits to over 1,200 airport lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks and internet access in a comfortable location.
- Trip Cancelled or Interrupted? If you purchase a round-trip entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason cancels or interrupts your trip, we may be able to help. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
- $650 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.
Top Feature
Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Purchase APR
19.49%-28.49% Variable
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Rewards
Card Members can earn 7X Points on purchases of Flights booked directly with airlines or flights booked through American Express Travel, Car rentals purchased directly from select car rental companies, and purchases at U.S. Restaurants.
Card Members can earn 3X Points on all other eligible purchases.
Card Details From Issuer
- Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Enjoy an Annual Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors in your first year of Card Membership and every year upon Card renewal.
- Card Members can earn 14X Points on purchases made directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
- Card Members can earn 7X Points on purchases of Flights booked directly with airlines or flights booked through American Express Travel, Car rentals purchased directly from select car rental companies, and purchases at U.S. Restaurants.
- Card Members can earn 3X Points on all other eligible purchases.
- $400 Hilton Resort Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually for eligible purchases made directly with participating Hilton Resorts on your Hilton Honors Aspire Card. That’s up to $400 back annually.
- $200 Flight Credit: Get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter, for a total of up to $200 back each year, on flight purchases made directly with airlines or via AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ using your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.
- $209 CLEAR+ Credit: You can receive up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you sign up and pay for a CLEAR+ Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your eligible Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.
- Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you can earn an additional Free Night Reward from Hilton after you spend an additional $30,000 (for a total of $60,000) in purchases on your Card in the same calendar year.
- $100 Property Credit: Receive up to a $100 credit for qualifying charges at Waldorf Astoria® Hotels & Resorts and Conrad® Hotels & Resorts properties when you book a 2 night minimum stay with your Card at HiltonHonorsAspireCard.com and select the Aspire Card Benefit rate option on the booking page, or call Hilton Honors at 855-292-5757 with the proper booking reference.
- Hilton Honors Aspire Card Members can enjoy complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status, including perks like Executive Area Access (for full-size reservations and above) in the USA and Canada. Card Members must enroll in the National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status through their American Express online account using their Card. Terms apply.
- Whenever you travel more than 100 miles from home, Global Assist® Hotline is available for 24/7 emergency assistance and coordination services, including medical and legal referrals, emergency cash wires, and missing luggage assistance. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Other terms and conditions apply.
- Points don’t expire while your Hilton Honors American Express Card is active and in good standing.
- $550 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.
Top Feature
Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
19.24% – 27.74% Variable
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Rewards
Card Details From Issuer
- 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, Hotel Indigo® & Holiday Inn®
- Member FDIC
Top Feature
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.
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
19.24% – 27.74% Variable
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Rewards
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
Card Details From Issuer
- 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
How Do Hotel Credit Card Free Night Certificates Work?
Hotel credit card free night certificates are typically issued once per year after you pay your annual fee. These certificates are usually capped at a certain redemption level — often tied to a points value or category — but they can still unlock stays that would otherwise cost hundreds of dollars per night.
Each card structures its certificates a bit differently. Some allow you to “top off” a certificate with points to book a more expensive property, while others have stricter limits. Understanding these nuances and the value of the card’s hotel loyalty program is key to getting maximum value.
Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott offers some of the most flexible free night certificates, with options typically ranging from 35,000 to 85,000 points depending on the card (certain hotels have resort fees). One major advantage is the ability to top off certificates with additional points, making it easier to book higher-end properties.
Cards that come with an annual free night certificate after your card anniversary include:
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Worth up to 35,000 Bonvoy points on its own, can top off with up to an additional 25,000 points
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Worth up to 85,000 Bonvoy points on its own, can top off with up to an additional 25,000 points
I hold both a Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Card (no longer accepting applications) and the Marriott Bonvoy Business® Credit Card, each of which comes with a free night certificate worth up to 35,000 points. For me, the modest annual fee on each of these cards ($95 for the personal card and $125 for the business card) is far outweighed by the two free night awards I get every year.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a hotel room in the U.S. for under $125 these days, and I’ve been able to use these on a college tour for my son this past fall, a visit to Asheville, N.C., last year, and two nights in Denver in 2024 to extend a ski vacation. The cash price for the rooms in all of these cases was over $200, which meant I got a hefty discount on those stays even after subtracting the annual fee.
Hilton Honors
Hilton free night rewards are especially valuable because they’re often uncapped in terms of point value, meaning you can redeem them for standard rooms at ultra-luxury properties if availability exists. Several cards also offer additional free nights through spending, in addition to the one that comes with the card just for being an account holder.
The only Hilton co-branded card that offers an automatic free hotel night certificate is the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card — new cardholders receive one after account opening, and then one each year after their card anniversary.
My wife and I each have this card and using the free nights plus points earned from the welcome offer allowed us to take an off-the-charts luxury stay at the all-inclusive Calala Island Resort off the coast of Nicaragua.
Rooms here can cost as much as $5,000 a night or more. At the time we went, the price for a room was 150,000 Hilton Honors points, so we were able to use the two free night certificates plus 300,000 points for a four-night stay.
World of Hyatt
The World of Hyatt Credit Card comes with a free hotel night award each year, good for Category 1–4 properties, but Hyatt’s award chart is known for offering strong value.
IHG One Rewards
IHG anniversary free night certificates are capped at a set value, but, like Marriott, they often allow you to add points if your desired property exceeds that limit.
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is a standout for travelers seeking consistent value, as it comes with an annual free night certificate worth up to 40,000 IHG One Rewards points, which can be topped off with unlimited points from your account.
Best Uses of Hotel Credit Card Anniversary Free Nights
Free night certificates are more versatile than many travelers realize. With a little planning, you can use them in ways that maximize both convenience and value.
One of the most practical uses is booking a one-night stay before or after a flight, especially near an airport. This can reduce travel stress and eliminate the need for early morning commutes. A free night certificate is also ideal for road trips, where a single free night can break up a long drive without taxing your budget.
For more aspirational travelers, free night certificates can be used at higher-end properties during off-peak dates, delivering significant value compared to the card’s annual fee. They also work well for staycations or last-minute trips, when cash prices tend to spike.
Mistakes To Avoid When Using a Credit Card With Free Hotel Nights
While free night certificates are valuable, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. First, many certificates come with expiration dates, typically one year from issuance, so failing to use them in time means losing the benefit entirely.
Another common oversight is overlooking additional costs. Even when your room is covered, you may still be responsible for resort fees, parking, or taxes, depending on the property.
Be aware that free night certificates usually can’t be combined with certain promotions, like “fourth or fifth night free” benefits. And in most cases, the free nights are non-transferable, meaning only the cardholder can use them.
Other Ways To Get Free Hotel Nights
Anniversary certificates are just one way to score free stays. Many travel cards offer large welcome bonuses that can be redeemed for multiple hotel nights, often exceeding the value of a single certificate.
You can also earn free nights by accumulating points through everyday spending, transferring points from flexible rewards programs, or hitting spending thresholds that trigger additional certificates. Some hotel loyalty programs even offer free nights as part of promotions or elite status benefits.
Alternatives to Hotel Credit Cards With Free Anniversary Nights
Not all hotel cards offer automatic anniversary certificates, but some still provide strong pathways to free nights. Some options to consider include:
- Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card and Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful® Credit Card: Each of these cards offers a free night award worth up to 50,000 points (some hotels have resort fees) after spending $15,000 in a calendar year.
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Spend $15,000 in a calendar year to earn the free night award.
- Hilton Aspire Card: In addition to the annual free night that comes with the card, spending $30,000 in a membership year earns another free night, and meeting $60,000 in spending earns an additional free night.
- World of Hyatt Card: In addition to the free night that comes with the card, you can get an additional free night after spending $15,000 in a calendar year.
- Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard®: With this card, you’ll earn 30,000 anniversary points each year, enough for up to three free nights.
- Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card: This card grants 7,500 Wyndham Rewards points every year on your card anniversary, enough for up to one free night.
- Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card: Spend $15,000 on purchases in a card anniversary year and earn 7,500 points, enough for up to one free night.
- One Key+™ Card: This card comes with $100 in OneKeyCash each year on your account anniversary, which you can use toward stays booked through Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: This premium travel card comes with an annual $300 Capital One travel credit that could cover the cost of one night or more in a hotel of your choosing.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: The up to $300 annual travel credit that comes with the Sapphire Reserve is highly flexible and can be used to book travel, including hotel nights, any way you’d like.
- American Express Platinum Card®: The Amex Platinum, an advertising partner, offers up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually (up to $600 per year) on prepaid Fine Hotels and Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel® (Hotel Collection bookings require a two-night stay). These bookings come with elite-like benefits, such as room upgrades when available, a $100 property credit and late checkout.
- Citi Strata Elite℠ Card: Each calendar year, the Citi Strata Elite, an advertising partner, offers cardholders up to $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more booked through Citi Travel.
Other Benefits of Credit Cards With Free Night Certificates
Beyond free nights, these hotel credit cards often come packed with additional travel perks. Many offer automatic elite status, which can unlock benefits such as room upgrades, late checkout and bonus points on stays.
Some premium cards include airport lounge access, statement credits, or travel protections such as trip cancellation insurance and baggage delay coverage. These extras can significantly enhance the overall value of the card, especially for frequent travelers.
Is a Hotel Card That Offers Free Night Certificates Worth It?
In many cases, yes — especially if you travel at least once per year. A single free night certificate can easily outweigh the annual fee if used strategically. For example, redeeming a certificate at a hotel that typically costs $250 per night on a card with a $95 annual fee delivers clear value.
Even more compelling is using a certificate at a higher-end property where nightly rates exceed $400. With the ability to top off points in some programs, you can stretch your certificate even further.
Ultimately, the value comes down to whether you’ll actually use the benefit. If you can consistently redeem your free night certificate each year, choosing the right hotel card to take advantage of a free night certificate can be highly rewarding.
The information related to the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, The World of Hyatt Credit Card, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card, Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful® Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Business® Credit Card, Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard®, Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card and Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card was collected by CardCritics™ and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardCritics™ does not receive a commission for this product.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hotel Credit Cards With Free Night Certificates
How do I use a credit card free hotel night certificate?
With most chains, your free night certificate will be added to your loyalty program account and can be used for online bookings, just like regular award stays. One exception is Hilton Honors, which requires you to call customer service at 800-446-6677 to book stays using a free night reward.
Can I combine a free night certificate with points to extend my hotel stay?
Yes, you can add extra nights using points to a free night certificate reservation, but you’ll usually have to call to make the booking (or make two separate reservations, then ask to combine them).
How much is a credit card free hotel night certificate worth?
The value of a free night certificate varies depending on where you redeem it. Most certificates are capped at a certain number of points (Hilton being an exception), so you typically won’t be able to redeem them at the fanciest properties. That said, if you’re strategic, you can get outsized value by redeeming certificates during peak season, popular events or for last-minute travel.
When will I receive my credit card anniversary free night?
Typically, you’ll receive your credit card’s anniversary free night certificate on or shortly after your account anniversary. You’ll often get an email or notification in your loyalty program account to let you know your new free night award is ready to redeem.
Do hotel credit card free night certificates expire?
Yes, free night certificates from hotel credit cards usually expire one year from the date of issue.
Can I give or sell my hotel free night certificate to someone else?
No, hotel credit card free night certificates are typically not transferable.
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