What Best Western Membership Gives You
Best Western membership is a free loyalty program that tracks your stays and gives you points toward free nights. You earn one point per dollar spent on room rate (not taxes or fees), and points never expire as long as you stay active in the program. The main benefit is that points convert directly to free night certificates you can use at any of the roughly 4,000 Best Western properties worldwide.
Beyond points, members get a may provide room rate that is typically lower than the public price on the same night, a late checkout option (usually until 2 p.m. instead of 11 a.m.), and a small discount on food and beverage at hotel restaurants. Some properties also offer members a free breakfast or room upgrade, though these perks vary by location and are not may provide.
Key Takeaways
- Best Western membership is free to join and earns one point per dollar on room charges, with points never expiring as long as you book at least once every two years.
- You need roughly 10 nights at average rates to earn one free night certificate, though the exact number depends on the nightly rate at each property.
- Member rates are usually 10 to 20 percent lower than walk-up rates, so the savings start on your first stay even before you accumulate points.
- Free night certificates have blackout dates and typically expire one year after issue, so you must plan ahead to use them.
- A Best Western credit card earns points faster (3 points per dollar on hotel stays) but carries an annual fee and is only worth it if you stay frequently.
How Points and Free Night Certificates Work
The conversion from points to free nights is not fixed — it depends on the nightly rate of the property where you want to redeem. A free night certificate covers the room rate up to a certain dollar amount, which Best Western calls the "certificate value." Most certificates cover up to $100 to $150 per night, though some premium properties have higher values.
If you stay at a property where the member rate is $80 per night, your certificate covers the full cost. If the rate is $120, you pay the difference out of pocket. This means a free night certificate is worth more at budget properties than at upscale ones. You can check the certificate value for any property before you book, so you know exactly what you are getting.
Points accumulate in your account and never expire as long as you book at least one stay every two years. If your account goes inactive, Best Western will close it and you lose the points. You can redeem points online through your account, and the certificate arrives by email within a few days.
Member Rates and Other Perks
The may provide member rate is often the biggest practical benefit, especially if you travel regularly. Best Western publishes a member rate for each property on any given night, and that rate is locked in when you book — you will not find it cheaper elsewhere. Member rates typically run 10 to 20 percent below the public rate, though the gap varies by location and season.
Late checkout is automatic for members at most properties, though you should confirm when you check in since some locations have different policies. Free breakfast is offered at some Best Western locations but not all — check the property details before you book if breakfast matters to you. Room upgrades are at the hotel's discretion and are not may provide, so do not count on them.
The Best Western Credit Card: When It Makes Sense
Best Western offers a co-branded credit card through a bank partner that earns 3 points per dollar on hotel stays (versus 1 point per dollar for free members), plus 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. The card carries an annual fee of roughly $95, though the exact amount changes periodically and varies by the card issuer.
The card is worth considering only if you stay at Best Western properties at least 10 to 15 nights per year. At that volume, the extra 2 points per dollar on hotel stays will earn you an additional free night or two annually, which can offset the annual fee. If you stay fewer than 10 nights per year, the free membership earns you enough points without paying the fee.
The card also comes with a free night certificate just for opening the account, which arrives after your first statement closes. This one-time bonus can be valuable if you plan to use it, but it should not be the only reason to open the card.
Blackout Dates and Certificate Expiration
Free night certificates come with restrictions that matter for planning. Most certificates have blackout dates — typically around holidays and peak travel seasons — when you cannot use them. The blackout calendar is specific to each property and is published in your account when you receive the certificate.
Certificates expire one year from the date of issue, so you have a 12-month window to book and stay. If you do not use the certificate by the expiration date, it is gone. Best Western does not extend expiration dates, so mark the date on your calendar and book well in advance if you are planning a trip.
You can check blackout dates and certificate values for any property before you book, so there are no surprises. Some members plan their travel around certificate expiration dates to make sure they do not waste them.
How to Join and Track Your Account
Joining Best Western is free and takes about five minutes on their website. You provide your name, email, and phone number, and you receive a membership number when ready. You can start earning points on your next stay as soon as you give the hotel your membership number at check-in or include it when you book online.
Your account dashboard shows your current point balance, pending points from recent stays, and any certificates you have earned. You can redeem certificates directly from the dashboard or call the member service line. Most people redeem online because it is faster and you see the certificate value for each property before you commit.
If you do not stay at a Best Western property for two consecutive years, your account becomes inactive and your points are forfeited. You can reactivate by booking another stay, but you will not recover the old points.
Comparing Best Western to Other Hotel Loyalty Programs
Best Western membership is simpler than many competitors because there are no elite tiers to chase and no spending thresholds to maintain status. You earn the same points rate whether you are on your first stay or your hundredth. Other major chains like Marriott Bonvoy and IHG One Rewards use tiered systems where frequent travelers earn bonus points and unlock perks like free breakfast or room upgrades.
The trade-off is that Best Western's base earning rate (1 point per dollar) is lower than some competitors, and free night certificates have expiration dates and blackout dates that other programs do not always enforce as strictly. If you stay at a mix of hotel brands, a general travel credit card might earn you more value than any single hotel loyalty program.
Best Western works best for travelers who stay at their properties regularly and want a straightforward program without complexity. If you stay at many different brands or only travel occasionally, the simplicity may not outweigh the lower earning rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay anything to join Best Western membership?
No, the basic membership is completely free. You only pay if you choose to open the co-branded credit card, which has an annual fee. The free membership earns points on every stay and gives you access to member rates.
What happens to my points if I do not stay for two years?
Your account becomes inactive and your points are deleted. You can reactivate by booking another stay, but the old points are gone. To keep your account active, you need at least one stay every two years.
Can I use a free night certificate at any Best Western property?
Yes, but the certificate has a maximum dollar value (usually $100 to $150 per night) and blackout dates that vary by property. If the room rate exceeds the certificate value, you pay the difference. Check the property details and blackout calendar before you book.
How long does it take to earn a free night?
It depends on the nightly rate. At a $100-per-night property, you need 10 nights to earn a $100 certificate. At a $50-per-night property, you need 20 nights. The exact number varies because points convert based on the dollar amount you spend, not the number of nights.
Is the Best Western credit card worth the annual fee?
Only if you stay at Best Western properties at least 10 to 15 nights per year. The extra 2 points per dollar on hotel stays will earn you roughly one additional free night annually, which can cover the fee. If you stay fewer than 10 nights per year, the free membership is sufficient.