What the Booking.com Credit Card Is

The Booking.com credit card is a co-branded card issued by Booking.com and a bank partner that rewards you for travel purchases, especially bookings made through Booking.com itself. You earn points on hotels, flights, rental cars, and other travel expenses. Those points convert into discounts or free nights on future Booking.com reservations.

The card is designed for people who book travel regularly through the platform and want to stack rewards on top of Booking.com's existing loyalty program. It is not a separate account from Booking.com — it connects to your existing Booking.com profile and your points accumulate in the same wallet you already use.

Like any credit card, you receive a physical card, set a credit limit, and pay a monthly bill. The card issuer (the bank) handles the credit line and payment processing. Booking.com handles the rewards program and point redemption.

Key Takeaways

  • The Booking.com credit card earns points on travel purchases both through Booking.com and at other merchants, with higher earning rates on Booking.com bookings.
  • Points redeem as discounts or free nights on Booking.com properties, not as cash back or transfers to airline programs.
  • The card may carry an annual fee, which varies by card version and issuer — check the specific terms before you open the account.
  • You need an existing Booking.com account and a credit history strong enough to meet the issuer's approval standards.
  • Points earned through the card stack with points from Booking.com's free loyalty program, so your rewards accumulate faster.

How Points Earn and What They're Worth

You earn points on every purchase made with the card. The earning rate depends on what you buy: Booking.com bookings typically earn at a higher rate (often 3 to 5 points per dollar, though this varies by card version), while other purchases earn at a lower rate (often 1 point per dollar). Some cards offer bonus categories like dining or gas, each with its own earning rate.

Points do not convert to cash. Instead, they reduce the price of future Booking.com reservations. A booking that normally costs $500 might cost $450 if you redeem 500 points toward it. The exact value of each point depends on the property and the booking — Booking.com does not publish a fixed cents-per-point rate, so the value can shift.

Points never expire as long as your account remains active and you use your Booking.com account at least once every 18 months. If your account closes or goes inactive, Booking.com may cancel your points.

Annual Fees and Other Costs

Most Booking.com credit cards charge an annual fee, typically ranging from $95 to $150, though some versions may be lower or higher. The fee posts to your account each year on your card anniversary. Some cards waive the first-year fee or offer a fee waiver if you meet a spending threshold in your first year.

Beyond the annual fee, you pay interest on any balance you carry month to month. The interest rate (APR) is set by the issuing bank based on your credit score and credit history. You also pay late fees if your payment arrives after the due date, and foreign transaction fees if you use the card outside the United States (typically 2 to 3 percent of the purchase amount).

If you use the card for a cash advance, you pay a separate cash advance fee plus a higher APR. Booking.com credit cards are designed for purchases, not cash withdrawals.

How to Open an Account

Start by visiting the official Booking.com website or the issuing bank's website — do not use a third-party comparison site to explore, as those links sometimes route you through affiliate programs that may not reflect the card's true terms. Look for the credit card offer in the Booking.com menu or search for "Booking.com credit card" on the bank's site.

Click the link to open an account. You will be asked for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, income, and employment information. The bank uses this data to check your credit and decide whether to approve you. The entire process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes online.

You will receive a decision within minutes to a few business days. If approved, your card ships within 7 to 14 business days. Once it arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or using the issuer's mobile app, then link it to your Booking.com account in your profile settings so points post automatically.

Approval Requirements and Credit Limits

The issuing bank sets its own approval standards, but most Booking.com credit cards require a credit score of 670 or higher. A higher score (750+) improves your odds of approval and often results in a higher credit limit and lower APR. If your score is below 670, you may still be approved, but it is less likely.

The bank also looks at your income, existing debt, and payment history. If you have recent late payments, collections, or a bankruptcy, approval becomes harder. You do not need to be a Booking.com member before you explore, but you will need to create or link an account after approval to earn points.

Your credit limit is the maximum amount you can charge to the card. The bank sets this based on your credit profile. You can request a higher limit after you have held the card for a few months and made on-time payments.

Comparing This Card to Other Travel Cards

The Booking.com card is most useful if you book most of your travel through Booking.com specifically. If you split bookings between Booking.com, Expedia, Kayak, and airline websites, a general travel card (which earns points on all travel purchases) or an airline card (which earns miles toward a specific airline) may give you more value.

Booking.com points are locked to Booking.com redemptions, so you cannot transfer them to airline programs or use them for non-travel purchases. Other travel cards offer more flexibility. However, if you are already a Booking.com Genius member or book through Booking.com frequently, the higher earning rate on those bookings can offset the annual fee.

Calculate your expected annual spending on Booking.com bookings, multiply it by the earning rate, and compare the total points value to the annual fee. If the points are worth more than the fee, the card pays for itself.

Protecting Your Account and Disputing Charges

Once your card is active, monitor your account regularly through your online banking portal or the issuer's app. Check for unauthorized charges at least once a month. If you see a charge you did not make, contact the card issuer's fraud department when ready — the number is on the back of your card or in your account settings.

Report the charge within 60 days of the statement date. The issuer will investigate and typically issue a temporary credit while they verify. If the charge is confirmed as fraudulent, it is removed permanently and you are not liable for it.

Booking.com bookings appear on your credit card statement under the merchant name "Booking.com" or the issuer's processing name, not under the hotel name. If you dispute a booking itself (for example, the hotel did not honor your reservation), contact Booking.com customer service, not your credit card company. The card issuer handles payment disputes; Booking.com handles booking disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use Booking.com to get the card?

You do not need an existing Booking.com account to open the card, but you will need to create one after approval to earn and redeem points. The card is only useful if you plan to book travel through Booking.com, since points only work on that platform.

Can I use the card for non-travel purchases?

Yes. You can use the card anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted. Non-Booking.com purchases earn points at a lower rate than travel bookings, typically 1 point per dollar. Those points still redeem on Booking.com reservations.

What happens to my points if I close the card?

Your points remain in your Booking.com account as long as your Booking.com profile stays active. Closing the credit card does not delete your points. However, if your Booking.com account becomes inactive for 18 months, Booking.com may remove the points.

Can I transfer points to someone else?

Booking.com does not allow point transfers between accounts. Points are tied to the account that earned them. You can use your points to book travel for other people, but the reservation must be under your Booking.com account.

What if I miss a payment?

A missed payment triggers a late fee (typically $25 to $40) and a higher APR on your balance. It also appears on your credit report and can lower your credit score. If you miss a payment, pay as soon as possible. If you know you will miss a due date, contact the issuer before the date to discuss options.