Which Radisson Credit Card Do I Choose?

Editor's note: Radisson is now part of the Choice Privileges loyalty program. This content is being updated to reflect this change. In the meantime, read more about this news here.

Radisson Rewards is the hotel loyalty program of Radisson Hotel Group, which includes more than 1,100 hotels globally — mainly in the U.S., Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Despite the size of its portfolio, Radisson may have the most underrated hotel loyalty program.

Although NerdWallet's valuation of Radisson Rewards points is 0.8 cent each, they’re easy to earn, especially with one of the co-branded Radisson Rewards credit cards. If Radisson Rewards is the program for you, these are the co-branded credit cards to consider:

• Radisson Rewards Premier Visa Signature® Card.

• Radisson Rewards™ Platinum Visa® Card.

• Radisson Rewards™ Visa® Card.

The tough question is, which do you choose? That answer depends on a few factors.

» Learn more: Why Radisson’s Rewards program is underrated

Radisson credit cards, compared

The Radisson Rewards credit cards are offered through U.S. Bank, and the key differences dial down to annual fee, point accrual and welcome bonuses.

In June 2021, Radisson split its program into two separate loyalty programs, and since the credit cards are targeted to the U.S. market, the points earned from the credit cards will go into your Radisson Rewards Americas account. However, you can easily transfer the points to your Radisson Rewards account to book award stays in Europe, Asia and the Middle East as long as the first name and email address is the same for both loyalty programs.

Other perks of Radisson credit cards

The surprise value in credit cards often comes from perks such as auto rental collision damage waiver and travel and emergency assistance. Both of these benefits are offered by all three Radisson Rewards credit cards.

However, the Radisson Rewards Premier Visa Signature® Card is above and beyond the winner in terms of side benefits, including lost luggage reimbursement and travel accident insurance up to $1 million.

» Learn more: Radisson Rewards: The complete guide

Which Radisson credit card should you choose?

For the best value and fastest route to consistent Radisson Rewards, choose the Radisson Rewards Premier Visa Signature® Card. With this card, you can earn the following welcome bonus: None

Regardless if you’re redeeming points through Radisson Rewards or Radisson Rewards Americas, standard rooms at Radisson properties start at 15,000 points per night for a Category 1 hotel and range to 75,000 for a Category 5 hotel. The 85,000 bonus points from the sign-up bonus will net you at least one free night at a Radisson property, which would easily compensate for the $75 annual fee.

As well, automatically jumping to Radisson Rewards Gold further escalates the speed with which you earn points for more stays. You’ll earn 25 points per $1 spent at Radisson properties, on top of the points you accrue by using your credit card.

Those who don't qualify for the Radisson Rewards Premier Visa Signature® Card are automatically considered for the Radisson Rewards™ Platinum Visa® Card. This is a great option that can earn you a decent welcome bonus at a lower annual fee. You’ll also receive a 25,000 point renewal bonus each anniversary after you pay the annual fee.

For a no-fee entry into Radisson credit cards, try the Radisson Rewards™ Visa® Card. You won’t earn nearly as many points as the Radisson Rewards Premier Visa Signature® Card, but you'll get 3 points per $1 earned on Radisson stays, along with this welcome bonus: None Even with no annual fee, the welcome offer alone is good enough for two nights at a Category 1 property or one night at a Category 2 property.