What's the difference between hotel credit card points and loyalty program status points?

Most hotel chains have their own loyalty programs. They are free to join and enable customers to progress toward free nights and other perks by earning points with each reservation. For example, members in Hilton’s rewards program earn Hilton Honors points. Getting a hotel’s credit card is simply a more exclusive way to earn more of those points at a faster clip.

Now, here’s where things get a bit confusing. Some hotels also have different “status” points, which are based on the number of nights you stay per year and dictate what benefits you receive. Such status points aren’t directly redeemable for free nights, like a program’s standard rewards points. But spending more on a hotel’s credit card can help you earn them and thus reach a higher rung on the status ladder faster.