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With 18 hotel brands and 7,000+ properties in 122 countries and territories, it’s no wonder so many travelers are fans of Hilton. You’re sure to find a property that fits your style and budget, no matter where you travel.
The Hilton Honors loyalty program, one of the industry’s best, focuses successfully on rewarding Hilton loyalists and is complemented nicely by the collection of Hilton Honors credit card offerings that also support brand loyalty.
And just as the Hilton brand has a property for every type of traveler, its branded credit cards follow suit with several tailored card options. American Express has created Hilton Honors-branded cards that match your spending patterns, the frequency with which you stay at Hilton, and the level of benefits you desire.
If you stay at Hilton properties, even occasionally, you can benefit from free hotel nights, elite-status perks, and even worldwide lounge access simply by having a Hilton Honors-branded credit card.
With several Hilton Honors cards to choose from, join us as we explore the benefits of each Hilton Honors card to seek out which one is best for you.
The Best Hilton Honors Credit Cards — Overview
Hilton co-branded credit cards have it all — a welcome offer worth several free hotel nights, accelerated Hilton Honors points earnings, and complimentary elite status. But that’s not all. You’ll find cards with worldwide airport lounge access, statement credits for specific purchases, and additional travel benefits.
Before we get into more of the key benefits of each Hilton co-branded card, let’s take a look at a high-level comparison of welcome offers, annual fees, and Hilton Honors-specific benefits.
6x points at U.S. restaurants and U.S. gas stations
Free annual hotel night certificate after spending $15,000 on the card
Second free hotel night certificate for spending $60,000
Complimentary Gold elite status
Spend $40,000 for Diamond elite status
Now that we have a good foundation of how the cards compare in these key categories, let’s look closer at some of the additional benefits offered by each of these Hilton co-branded American Express cards.
The Hilton Honors American Express Card
If you’re seeking a no-annual-fee card that offers elite benefits, accelerated earnings when staying at Hilton properties, and additional earnings on everyday spending, the Hilton Honors card may work well for you.
Top Reasons To Get the Hilton Honors Card
7x points at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio
5x points at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations
The perfect cardholder will value the exceptional earning power of the Hilton Honors card and use it for everyday purchases such as groceries, gas, and dining out, so points add up fast.
They may also have a family who looks forward to an annual vacation. Hilton Honors members receive the fifth consecutive award night free, making those points you’ve earned on your Hilton Honors card go much further.
Bottom Line: If Hilton is your brand of choice, you want accelerated earnings, and you value base-level elite benefits but don’t want to pay an annual fee, the Hilton Honors card could be a solid fit.
Earning free nights is easy with a Hilton Honors-branded credit card. Arctic Club Seattle – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Image Credit: Hilton
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
The Hilton Surpass card is popular because it kicks things up a notch over the Hilton Honors card with several additional benefits and greater earnings — and all without a high annual fee.
Top Reasons To Get the Hilton Surpass Card
12x points at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio
6x points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations
Ability to earn Diamond elite status after spending $40,000 in a calendar year
The Perfect Cardholder
The perfect cardholder is comfortable paying a relatively low annual fee to reap the associated benefits of higher earnings, complimentary airport lounge access, and Hilton Honors Gold elite status.
The cardholder is a traveler but not necessarily a frequent one as they can maximize the value of the card with just a few trips each year. Using the complimentary lounge access passes even 2 times with a guest will deliver enough value to offset the annual fee.
Add the value of earning 12x points at Hilton hotels and resorts, plus 6x points on everyday spending, and the card becomes worthy for the traveler who stays, even occasionally, at Hilton.
Bottom Line: The Hilton Surpass card delivers great value for a relatively low annual fee. The complimentary elite status, worldwide airport lounge access, and higher earnings all create value worth more than the annual fee.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
The Hilton Aspire card offers great benefits and shines as a premium travel rewards card. The card offers extraordinary earnings, complimentary top-level Hilton Honors elite status, worldwide airport lounge access, statement credits for select purchases, and free hotel nights.
Top Reasons To Get the Hilton Aspire Card
14x points at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio
7x points on flights via Amex Travel or directly with airlines, rental cars, and at U.S. restaurants
The perfect cardholder is a frequent traveler. In addition to staying frequently at Hilton properties, they also value luxury travel perks such as airport lounge access, and the benefits of top-tier elite status.
The cardholder who might realize the most value may already be paying for an airline lounge membership and could save money by having this card.
Own a business and stay at Hilton properties? The Hilton Business Amex card ensures you’ll be enjoying airport lounge access, complimentary hotel nights, and elite status while you travel.
Top Reasons To Get the Hilton Business Amex Card
12x points at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio
6x points at U.S. restaurants and U.S. gas stations, flights, and rental cars
6x points on shipping and at wireless phone service providers
3x points spent on all other eligible purchases
Free Night Reward after spending $15,000 on the card in a calendar year, and a second Free Night Reward after spending $60,000 more
10 free airport one-time lounge passes each year once enrolled in complimentary Priority Pass Select membership
Hilton Honors Gold elite status
Ability to earn Diamond elite status after spending $40,000 on the card in a calendar year
The Perfect Cardholder
The frequent business traveler who appreciates luxury travel benefits, spends a lot on travel, and chooses Hilton as their brand of choice is the perfect cardholder. They’re also savvy and understand the value they’ll receive for such a low annual fee.
If you’re a small business owner or head of a much larger enterprise, you’ll experience elevated earnings on purchases business travelers make most often and accumulate points quickly.
Enjoy complimentary lounge access with Hilton Honors’ top elite status. Conrad Hong Kong. Image Credit: Hilton
Complimentary Elite Status With Hilton Honors Credit Cards
The Value of Hilton Honors Elite Status
Prior to securing a Hilton Honors card, you’ll want to sign up for the Hilton Honors rewards program. Just for signing up, you’ll receive perks such as member discounts, free Wi-Fi, and late checkout.
The benefits of elite status are many and grow increasingly more valuable the higher you climb on the elite-status ladder.
Benefits
Member
0 to 9 nights/year
Silver
10 to 39 nights/year
Gold
40 to 59 nights/year
Diamond
60 to 74 nights/year
Guaranteed Member Discount
X
X
X
X
Points Towards Free Nights
X
20%
80%
100%
No Resort Fees on Award Stays
X
X
X
X
Digital Check-in and Choose Your Room
X
X
X
X
Digital Key
X
X
X
X
In-room and Lobby Wi-Fi
Standard
Standard
Standard
Premium
Second Guest Stays Free
X
X
X
X
Late Checkout
X
X
X
X
Free Transfer of Points and Points Pooling
X
X
X
X
Fifth Standard Rewards Night Free
X
X
X
2 Bottles of Water
X
X
X
Elite Tier Rollover Nights
X
X
X
Space-available Room Upgrade
Up to Executive Room Type
Up to 1-Bedroom Suite Room Type
Complimentary Breakfast at all hotels
X
X
Unlimited Milestone Bonuses
X
X
72-Hour Early Upgrade
X
X
Executive Lounge Access
X
Diamond Status Extension
X
48-Hour Room Guarantee
X
Elite Status Gifting
X
Hilton Honors-branded Cards Provide a Faster Path to Elite Status
Normally you’d need to have 4 stays or 10 nights per year to reach Silver elite status, 20 stays or 40 nights for Gold, and 30 stays or 60 nights for Diamond. You can also reach these elite levels when earning 10,000, 75,000, and 120,000 base points, respectively, by spending at Hilton properties.
If you want complimentary Hilton Honors elite status without having to worry about the number of stays, nights, or amount you spend at Hilton each year, holding a Hilton Honors credit card can solve that dilemma.
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Hilton Honors Card
Comes With:
Spend Your Way To:
Hilton Honors card
Silver
Gold after spending $20,000 on the card in a calendar year
Hilton Surpass card Hilton Business Amex card
Gold
Platinum after spending $40,000 on the card in a calendar year
Bottom Line: For complimentary Hilton Honors elite status, there’s no faster or easier way to acquire it than having a Hilton Honors-branded credit card.
Where Your Hilton Honors Points Can Take You
A welcome offer on a Hilton Honors-branded card can exceed 100,000 Hilton Honors points. A free hotel night can range from 5,000 points per night at the very low end, however, you’re likely to spend as much as 95,000 or more — per night — for a luxury resort property.
Here are just a couple of redemption examples:
Conrad Bali (Indonesia)
If you’re looking for a luxurious free hotel night, the Conrad Bali has it, and it’s a good value for your points. Image Credit: Hilton
The recently renovated Conrad Bali is a luxurious beachfront resort; its Balinese-inspired rooms offer private balconies or terraces, flat-screen TVs, and granite bathrooms.
There are 3 restaurants to choose from, featuring Asian and seafood cuisine, as well as a poolside bar and a lobby lounge. The resort also has lagoon-style swimming pools, a spa, gym, Kura-Kura Kids Club, and cultural activities on offer.
We found standard room rates for 42,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur can be booked for as few as 14,000 Honors points per night. Image Credit: Hilton
One of Hilton’s best-value hotels, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur is a 5-star property located in The Intermark shopping complex (which offers plenty of retailers and restaurants).
Rooms feature space to work, a minibar, a flat-screen TV, and an open-concept marble bathroom with a separate walk-in rain shower.
There are 4 eateries, as well as an outdoor saltwater pool, executive lounge, and 24-hour fitness center.
To stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur, you’ll need to redeem just 20,000 Hilton Honors points per night for a standard room. You could also secure a Hilton Garden Inn nearby for as few as 7,000 points.
Prices were accurate at the time of writing. Be sure to check current pricing prior to booking.
All Hilton Honors-branded cards come with additional travel/shopping benefits and protections. Let’s take a look.
Travel Benefits and Protections
Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: Pay for your rental car in full with your eligible card and receive secondary rental car coverage if the car is damaged or stolen. You’ll also have the option to purchase Premium Protection for one low fee that covers the entire rental period ($12.95 to $24.95). Limits apply
Baggage Insurance Plan: Receive up to $3,000 for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen baggage with the Hilton Aspire card and up to $1,250 with all other Hilton Honors cards.
Premium Global Assist: 24/7 worldwide assistance for legal, financial, and medical emergency referral services.
Shopping Benefits and Protections
Purchase Protection: Receive coverage for up to 90 days from the date of purchase for eligible items purchased with your card. The maximum limit for coverage is $1,000 per incident on all Hilton Honors cards with the exception of the Hilton Aspire card which has a $10,000 limit.
Extended Warranty: Eligible items purchased with your card that have manufacturer’s warranties of 5 years or less receive 1 additional year. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per item.
Please note that this is not a complete list of card benefits and that the coverage descriptions are abbreviated. You can find a list of all associated benefits by accessing the specific card’s Guide to Benefits.
Final Thoughts
Just as there’s a Hilton property suited for every type of traveler, there’s a Hilton Honors card that matches up with the needs of every type of Hilton traveler.
The Hilton Honors card offers good earning potential, complimentary elite status, and has no annual fee.
The Hilton Surpass card has a low annual fee but comes with accelerated earnings, 10 airport lounge passes, and Gold elite status.
For the frequent traveler who wants it all, the premium Hilton Aspire card wraps up top-tier elite status, airport lounge membership, high earning potential, free hotel nights, and hundreds of dollars in statement credits.
For the business owner, the Hilton Business Amex card delivers elevated earnings, luxury benefits, and the ability to earn additional free hotel nights through spending.
There truly is a Hilton Honors card for every type of Hilton traveler.
For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, and Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the commercial car rental company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, and Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card, baggage insurance plan coverage can be in effect for covered persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen baggage during their travel on a common carrier vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible account. Coverage can be provided for up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus). For New York State residents, there is a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all covered persons per covered trip. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the extended warranty and purchase protection benefits of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, and Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card, when an American Express® card member charges a covered purchase to an eligible card, extended warranty can provide up to one extra year added to the original manufacturer’s warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the Global Assist Hotline benefit of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, and Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card, you can rely on Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.
For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the commercial car rental company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, baggage insurance plan coverage can be in effect for covered persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen baggage during their travel on a common carrier vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per covered trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each covered person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all covered persons per covered trip. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the extended warranty and purchase protection benefits of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, when an American Express® card member charges a covered purchase to an eligible card, extended warranty can provide up to one extra year added to the original manufacturer’s warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the Premium Global Assist Hotline benefit of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, you can rely on the Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Plus, we may provide emergency medical transportation assistance and related services. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.
The information regarding The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, click here. For rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, click here.
The points you earn by spending on your Hilton Honors-branded card do not count toward elite status.
Base points that count toward elite status are earned by staying at Hilton properties.
You will, however, earn bonus points by using your Hilton branded card to pay for stays. Additionally, some Hilton Honors credit cards offer elevated elite status for reaching certain spending thresholds on your card each calendar year.
Hilton Honors points expire after 2 years of account inactivity. Activity is defined as either earning or redeeming points.
The Hilton Aspire card, Hilton Surpass card, and Hilton Business Amex card all offer free hotel night certificates. You can earn these free hotel nights as part of a promotional welcome bonus, as a benefit at account anniversary renewal, or after meeting certain spending thresholds on your card.
The free night certificate will be deposited in your account once it’s earned and will then be ready to use.
The free night can be used at any Hilton property with the exclusion of some high-end hotels or resorts.
Once you’ve earned your certificate, just call Hilton to use it.
Certificates do have an expiration date but you will not lose a certificate if you cancel your credit card as long as the certificate is in your account.
You can secure a free hotel night for as few as 5,000 Hilton Honors points for a standard room.
However, you may pay as much as 120,000 points for a free hotel night at a premium property during peak seasons.
Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.
Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments.
6 comments
Tim
May 15, 2019
Why no mention of the Aspire Card? It is well above the Ascend card that you call the “Premium” Amex card.
Hello Tim. You’re absolutely correct, the Hilton Honors Aspire is an excellent card for Hilton loyalists. We’ve since written about it separately. /hilton-honors-aspire-credit-card-benefits
Alejandro
September 29, 2021
Can I use my Hilton Points to pay for the AMEX annual fee?
Unfortunately, you cannot use your Hilton points to cover the annual fee for your card.
Christoph Bauer
September 17, 2023
Is it possible to get a Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, if you have no American address and no ITIN? I am a Hilton Honors Diamond member with a Hilton Honors Visa card.
Hi Christoph. Unfortunately, a U.S. address is one of the requirements listed for a Hilton Honors Aspire card. You might try calling the number on the back of your card to find out if there are other card options with your current card issuer.
Any thoughts or questions? Comment below!
Email needed if you'd like comment updates. It will NOT be published.
This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.
6 comments
Tim
May 15, 2019
Why no mention of the Aspire Card? It is well above the Ascend card that you call the “Premium” Amex card.
Christine Krzyszton
May 16, 2019
Hello Tim. You’re absolutely correct, the Hilton Honors Aspire is an excellent card for Hilton loyalists. We’ve since written about it separately. /hilton-honors-aspire-credit-card-benefits
Alejandro
September 29, 2021
Can I use my Hilton Points to pay for the AMEX annual fee?
Jarrod West
October 01, 2021
Hi Alejandro,
Unfortunately, you cannot use your Hilton points to cover the annual fee for your card.
Christoph Bauer
September 17, 2023
Is it possible to get a Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, if you have no American address and no ITIN? I am a Hilton Honors Diamond member with a Hilton Honors Visa card.
Christine Krzyszton
September 17, 2023
Hi Christoph. Unfortunately, a U.S. address is one of the requirements listed for a Hilton Honors Aspire card. You might try calling the number on the back of your card to find out if there are other card options with your current card issuer.
Any thoughts or questions? Comment below!
Email needed if you'd like comment updates. It will NOT be published.
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