Other cards may offer more valuable points, but this card is the right pick if you enjoy staying at Best Western on your travels
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For many travelers, Best Western properties strike the right balance between quality and affordability. Perhaps you’re one of those travelers — and if that’s the case, the Best Western Rewards Mastercard is a great choice. The card’s introductory bonus is readily attainable, and you can enjoy consistent perks like hotel discounts, a $0 annual fee, and free access to your FICO score.| Product Name | Best Western Rewards® Mastercard |
|---|---|
| Balance Transfer Rate (not intro) | 19.74% to 23.74% variable |
| APR for Purchases ( Purchase Rate ) | 19.74% to 23.74% variable |
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Cash Advance Rate | 26.24% variable |
| Card Type | Mastercard |
| Interest Free Period The interest-free period on purchases is the period or number of days you do not have to pay interest on your card purchases. You will be charged interest either from the day you make a purchase or from the statement date, unless you pay the closing balance in full by the due date (or within the interest-free period) on your statement. | Up to 21 days |
| Returned Payment Fee | $35 |
| Minimum Interest | $1.75 |
| Minimum Credit Score | Good (700-739) |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years of age |
| Annual fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Returned Payment Fee | $35 |
| Over The Credit Line Fee | $25 |
| Late Payment Fee | $37 |
| Cash Advance Fee | $15 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater |
Product details, application requirements and fees
Product details
- APR for purchases (purchase rate): 19.74% to 23.74% variable (based on creditworthiness; varies based on prime rate)
- Balance transfer rate: Same as purchase APR
- Cash advance rate: 26.24% variable (varies based on prime rate)
- Annual fee: None
- Card type: Mastercard
- Interest-free period: Up to 21 days
- Minimum interest: $1.75
- Returned payment fee: Up to 35.00
- Late payment fee: Up to $37
Application requirements
- Minimum credit score: Excellent (720+)
- Minimum age: 18 years of age
Fees and payments
- Annual fee: None
- Returned payment fee: Up to 35.00
- Late payment fee: Up to $37
- Balance transfer fee: of the amount of each transfer, $10 or 5 (whichever is greater)
- Cash advance fee: $15 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Foreign transaction fee: None
Best Western Rewards Mastercard review
The Best Western Rewards Mastercard is optimal for someone who travels often and feels at home in Best Western’s 4,000 locations worldwide. To reward that loyalty, the card offers automatic Gold Elite Status and a hefty 13 points per dollar spent at Best Western. Points aren’t worth as much as those from, say, the Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card or the Hyatt Credit Card, but you’ll accumulate them quickly while getting a 10% discount when you select the Best Western Rewards Rate at bwrcarddiscount.com.
One attractive feature of the Best Western card is its introductory bonus: 32,000 bonus points for easy spending targets. You’ll earn the first 16,000 points after just one purchase, and you’ll earn the next 16,000 points after staying one night at Best Western. Together, those points bonuses are enough for 2 free Best Western nights.
You’ll receive 2 points per dollar spent on all other purchases. As mentioned previously, points are worth less than those of other hotel credit cards; that said, it’s recommended you apply for the Best Western Rewards card only if you’re a regular at Best Western hotels.
If you are a regular, however, and you become a Best Western Rewards cardholder, then you’ll be further rewarded with a few more solid perks. There’s no annual fee to worry about, you’ll receive a 10% discount on Best Western bookings, and as a cardholder you can view your FICO score for free. Furthermore, you’ll get helpful extras like travel accident insurance, auto rental insurance, extended warranties, purchase protection, and fraud protection.
The perks
- Introductory offer of 32,000 bonus points. Once you make your first purchase, you’ll receive 16,000 bonus points. Also, after your first Best Western stay, you’ll earn an additional 16,000 bonus points. In total, 32,000 points can be redeemed for 2 free nights at Best Western properties.
- Complimentary Gold Elite Status. The Best Western Rewards Mastercard will award you automatic Gold Elite Status in the Best Western Rewards program. Gold Elite Status offers 10% bonus points per stay and an exclusive reservations line.
- 13x points at Best Western. In total, you’ll earn 13 points per dollar spent on Best Western stays. This comes from the Best Western Rewards Mastercard’s bonus of 3 points per dollar spent, and the Best Western Reward program’s bonus of 10 points per dollar spent.
- 2x points on everything else. For all other purchases, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar spent.
- 10% discount on eligible rooms. When you book rooms at the Best Western Rewards Rate, you’ll receive a 10% discount.
- No annual fee. Enjoy your card without a yearly fee.
- Free FICO score. As a cardholder, you’ll have free access to your FICO credit score.
- Travel accident insurance. The Best Western card includes insurance for accidental death or dismemberment.
- Auto rental insurance. You’ll receive rental car coverage for collisions and theft.
- Extended warranties on purchases. For every item you purchase with your card, your warranty on the purchase will be extended for another year.
- Purchase protection. Each eligible purchase will be covered for 90 days (up to $1,000) for replacements and repairs.
- Fraud protection. You will not be responsible for unauthorized transactions to your account.
The nuts and bolts
- Two tiers of purchase and balance transfer APRs. You’ll receive a purchase and balance transfer APR of either 19.74% to 23.74% variable, depending on your creditworthiness.
- Higher interest rate for cash advances. If you plan on taking out a cash advance, keep in mind that the interest rate is 26.24% variable. You’ll also be assessed a cash advance fee of $15 or 5% of the transaction amount, whichever is greater.
How to apply for the Best Western Rewards Mastercard
Always consider your options and your financial situation before you apply for a credit card.
Eligibility criteria
- You are at least 18 years of age (19 in Alabama and Nebraska)
Required documents & information
- Your name, residential status and residential address
- Your Social Security number
- Your email address, phone number and date of birth
- Financial information like your annual salary and wages