In the world of travel rewards credit cards, the Hilton Honors American Express Card could be an interesting addition for Hilton Grand Vacations owners. This card offers some solid perks for frequent travelers, particularly those who prefer to stay at Hilton properties. If you’re considering adding this card to your wallet, here’s what you need to know.
Hilton Honors American Express Cards
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Card Benefit Overview
| Cardmember Benefit | Hilton Honors Card | Surpass Card | Aspire Card | Business Card |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | No Annual Fee | $95 | $450 | $95 |
| Bonus Points | Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership. |
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership. |
Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership. |
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership. |
| Annual Free Night Reward | Not offered | Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on purchases on your Card in a calendar year. | 1 Free Night Reward initially + 1 every year after renewal | Earn one Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after spending $15,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
Earn a second Free Night Reward after spending $60,000 in purchases on your Card in the same calendar year. |
| Select Category Purchases | 5X at U.S. restaurants – including dine in, takeout & deliveryat U.S. supermarketsat U.S. gas stations |
6X at U.S. restaurants – including dine in, takeout & deliveryat U.S. supermarketsat U.S. gas stations |
7X for flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travelon car rentals booked directly from select car rental companiesat U.S. restaurants – including dine in, takeout & delivery |
6X at U.S. gas stationson wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providerson U.S. purchases for shippingat U.S. restaurants – including dine in, takeout & delivery on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies |
| Hilton Purchases | 7X | 12X | 14X | 12X |
| Additional Benefits & Services | No Foreign Transaction Fees Global Assist® Hotline American Express Experiences Year-End Summary Pay It Plan It |
Get all the great benefits of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, plus:
Priority Pass™ Select – 10 Complimentary Visits |
Get all the great benefits of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, plus:
$250 Airline Fee Credit |
Get all the great benefits of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, plus:
Priority Pass™ Select — 10 Complimentary Visits |
Hilton Honors American Express Card Overview
While there are four types of this card, we will delve a little deeper into the most basic version that requires no annual fee in the sections below, as this will most likely be the most popular option for most people.
The Hilton Honors American Express Card is designed for individuals who frequently stay at Hilton hotels and resorts. The card offers generous rewards on Hilton purchases, as well as on everyday spending categories like dining, groceries, and gas.
Earning Points
With the Hilton Honors American Express Card, you’ll earn 7X Hilton Honors points for every dollar spent directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio. You can also earn 5X points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations. All other purchases will earn you 3X points per dollar. These rates make it easy to accumulate points quickly, especially if you use the card regularly.
Redeeming Points
When it comes to redeeming your points, you have several options. The most popular choice is to use points for free stays at Hilton properties. The number of points needed for a free night varies by hotel, room type, and booking date. However, you can also use points for experiences, car rentals, and online shopping.
Additional Benefits
Aside from earning points, the Hilton Honors American Express Card offers several additional benefits. For starters, you’ll receive complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status just for being a cardmember. This gives you perks like late check-out, complimentary Wi-Fi, and 5th night free on reward stays.
Additionally, if you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, you’ll be upgraded to Hilton Honors Gold status, which includes even more benefits like room upgrades and free breakfast at all hotels.
Fees & APR
The Hilton Honors American Express Card has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice for those who want to earn travel rewards without paying a yearly fee. However, keep in mind that there are foreign transaction fees, so it might not be the best choice if you frequently travel abroad.
As for the APR, it varies based on your creditworthiness and the prime rate, so make sure to review the terms and conditions carefully.
Conclusion
The Hilton Honors American Express Card could be a nice addition to the wallet of many frequent travelers, especially those loyal to the Hilton brand. Its generous rewards structure and additional benefits make it a competitive option in the travel rewards card market. However, as always, it’s important to consider your own spending habits and travel preferences before deciding if this card is the right fit for you.
