Hilton credit cards give you points on hotel stays and everyday purchases
Hilton credit cards let you earn points toward free nights and room upgrades at Hilton properties. You earn points when you use the card to pay for hotel stays, dining, shopping, and other purchases. The points accumulate in your Hilton Honors account and you can redeem them for rooms, flights through airline partners, or other travel rewards.
Hilton offers several versions of its card through American Express. Each version has different earning rates, annual fees, and welcome bonuses. The card you choose depends on how often you stay at Hilton hotels and how much you want to spend on the annual fee.
Key Takeaways
- Hilton credit cards earn points on every purchase, with higher earning rates at Hilton properties and partner merchants.
- Each card version has a different annual fee, ranging from no annual fee to several hundred dollars, and offers different welcome bonuses.
- You need a Hilton Honors account to use the card and redeem points, which you can open for free.
- Points can be redeemed for hotel nights, room upgrades, airline miles through partners, or other travel rewards.
- The card issuer is American Express, and approval depends on your credit history and current credit score.
The main Hilton card versions and what they cost
American Express offers three primary Hilton cards: the Hilton Honors American Express Card, the Hilton Honors Surpass American Express Card, and the Hilton Honors Aspire American Express Card. Each targets a different level of Hilton loyalty and spending.
The Hilton Honors card has no annual fee and is the entry point for most people. It earns 3 points per dollar at Hilton properties and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. The welcome bonus typically offers points after you spend a certain amount in the first few months, though the exact bonus changes periodically.
The Surpass card charges an annual fee and offers higher earning rates: 6 points per dollar at Hilton properties and 2 points per dollar on airline tickets and rental cars. It also includes benefits like free night certificates and room upgrades. The Aspire card has the highest annual fee and targets frequent luxury travelers, with premium benefits like annual resort credits and concierge service.
How points earning works on everyday purchases
When you use a Hilton card for any purchase, you earn points based on the earning rate for that category. At Hilton hotels, you earn the highest rate. On airline tickets, rental cars, and some dining and shopping partners, you earn a middle rate. On all other purchases, you earn the base rate, usually 1 point per dollar.
Points post to your Hilton Honors account within a few days of the transaction. You can track your balance anytime by logging into your Hilton Honors account online or through the Hilton app. There is no limit to how many points you can accumulate, and points do not expire as long as your account remains active.
Welcome bonuses and how to earn them
Each Hilton card offers a welcome bonus when you open the account and meet a spending requirement within a set timeframe, usually three to six months. The bonus is typically stated as a number of points, sometimes with an additional free night certificate or other benefit included.
To earn the welcome bonus, you must spend the required amount on the card during the may have access to period. Only purchases count toward the requirement; balance transfers, cash advances, and fees do not. Once you meet the spending threshold, the bonus posts to your account within one to two billing cycles.
The welcome bonus amount and spending requirement change throughout the year. You can check the current offer on American Express's website or by calling the number on the back of a Hilton card.
Redeeming points for hotel stays and other rewards
Points are redeemed through your Hilton Honors account. You can book a free night at any Hilton property by paying the required number of points instead of cash. The point cost varies by hotel and season; luxury properties and peak travel dates cost more points than budget properties and off-season dates.
You can also transfer points to airline partners, though the conversion rate is typically unfavorable compared to redeeming for hotel nights. Some cards include annual free night certificates that you can use without spending points. Room upgrades, dining credits, and spa services can also be purchased with points at some properties.
Annual fees and whether they make sense for you
The no-annual-fee Hilton Honors card costs nothing to keep open. The Surpass card charges an annual fee that varies but typically ranges from $150 to $250. The Aspire card charges a higher annual fee, often $450 or more, but includes benefits like annual resort credits and dining credits that can offset the cost if you use them.
Whether an annual fee makes sense depends on how often you stay at Hilton hotels and how much you spend on the card overall. If you stay at Hilton properties at least a few times per year and use the card for everyday purchases, the points you earn may cover the annual fee. If you rarely travel or stay at Hilton hotels, the no-annual-fee card is the better choice.
Credit requirements and how the process works
American Express reviews your credit history and credit score when you explore for a Hilton card. You typically need a good credit score to be approved, though the exact requirement is not published. If you have had late payments, high debt, or recent credit inquiries, your chances of approval are lower.
You can explore for a Hilton card online through American Express's website, by phone, or in person at some Hilton properties. The process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, income, and Social Security number. American Express usually makes a decision within minutes to a few days. If you are approved, the card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Hilton Honors account before I explore for the card?
No. You can open a Hilton Honors account for free at any time, and you can do it after you receive the card. When you set up the card, you link it to your Hilton Honors account so points post automatically. If you do not have an account yet, American Express will guide you through opening one during the card set up process.
Can I earn points on the annual fee itself?
No. Annual fees do not earn points. Only purchases you make with the card earn points. However, some cards include benefits like free night certificates or annual credits that can provide value equal to or greater than the annual fee.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Your points stay in your Hilton Honors account and do not disappear when you close the card. As long as your Hilton Honors account remains active, you can continue to redeem points for hotel stays and other rewards. Points expire only if your account is inactive for a long period, typically three years or more.
Can I get the welcome bonus more than once?
American Express has rules about how often you can receive a welcome bonus on the same card. Generally, you must wait a certain period, often 24 months, between bonuses on the same card product. The exact rules change, so check American Express's terms before explore again.
What if my process is denied?
If American Express denies your process, you can call the number provided in the denial letter to ask why and whether you can reapply. Common reasons include a low credit score, recent late payments, or too many recent credit inquiries. You may be able to reapply after addressing these issues, typically after waiting several months.