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If you’re an infrequent traveler and like earning Hilton points but don’t want to pay an annual fee, the Hilton Honors American Express Card is definitely worth considering. And for a limited time, it’s offering an elevated welcome bonus that makes it an even better deal.
Review: Is the Hilton Honors American Express the best credit card for you?
American Express issues four co-branded Hilton credit cards, but only one — the Hilton Honors American Express Card — has a Hilton Honors American Express Card annual fee. Usually, no-annual-fee credit cards come with a modest welcome bonus offer and few perks, but that’s not the case here.
For a limited time, the Hilton Honors American Express Card is offering 80,000 points after you spend at least $1,000 in your first 3 months of account opening.
The Hilton Honors American Express Card doesn’t usually offer an additional statement credit, and earning up to $100 toward Hilton purchases is great for a no-annual-fee card. If you have paid stays with Hilton coming up in the next year, taking advantage of this offer can save you money.
Insider considers Hilton points to be worth 0.5 cents each, on average. The points from this bonus, therefore, are worth around Hilton Honors American Express Card in Hilton hotel stays. And if you have plans to pay for a stay with Hilton at least once in the next year, the Hilton statement credit can save you a nice bit of cash.
You can also earn bonus points in everyday spending categories, whether you’re traveling or staying close to home. Along with 7 points per dollar on eligible Hilton purchases, Hilton Honors American Express Card cardholders earn 5 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at US restaurants, US supermarkets, and US gas stations, and 3 points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. That’s not as lucrative as the earning rates on the other Hilton cards, but the categories are useful and can help boost your Hilton points balance quickly.
You’ll receive automatic Hilton Honors Silver status, which is the brand’s lowest elite tier. It doesn’t offer a ton of benefits, but it does unlock one lucrative perk. Any Hilton elite status member (including Silver) qualifies for the fifth night free on award stays of five nights or more, so if you redeem points for longer stays, this can add up to significant savings.
Standard award nights at Hilton hotels start at 5,000 points and usually top out at 95,000 points for the most luxurious resorts (with a couple of exceptions) — so depending on where you redeem your rewards, the welcome bonus offer from the Hilton Honors American Express Card could be worth multiple nights at inexpensive brands, or fewer nights at upscale locations.
If you stay at Hilton hotels even a couple of times a year, be sure to compare the benefits you’ll receive from the other Hilton cards. For example, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card and The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card also have excellent welcome bonus offers and come with Hilton Gold status, which gets you free breakfast (currently awarded as a food and beverage credit at US hotels) and better perks.
We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
How to earn points with the American Express Hilton Honors card
The Hilton Honors American Express Card has a straightforward earning structure, and it’s good for earning points both at Hilton hotels and on your everyday purchases.
Cardholders earn:
7x points on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels5 points per dollar spent at eligible US restaurants, US supermarkets, and US gas stations3 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
The points you’ll earn at eligible Hilton hotels are in addition to what you’d normally earn for paid Hilton stays (10x points at most brands) and any elite status bonus points you qualify for.
For example, with Silver elite status (which comes automatically with the card), you’ll get a 20% bonus on base points for your stay, or a total of 12 points per dollar at most brands. Plus, when you use your Hilton Honors American Express Card to pay, you’ll earn an additional 7 points per dollar, for a total of 19x points at Hilton.
How to use Hilton points
The Hilton Honors program includes over 6,500 hotels in 119 countries, so it’s easy to redeem your points just about anywhere you go. You can earn and use Hilton points at the following brands:
Waldorf AstoriaLXRConradCanopySigniaHiltonCurio CollectionDoubleTreeTapestry CollectionEmbassy SuitesTempoMottoHilton Garden InnHamptonTruHomewood SuitesHome2 SuitesHilton Grand Vacations
You’ll usually get the best value from Hilton points by redeeming them for award nights, either for a completely free stay or by combining points and cash. Hilton doesn’t have a standard award chart; instead, the price of an award night at a particular hotel varies based on demand, cash price, and season.
Standard award nights start at 5,000 Hilton points and go all the way up to 150,000 points per night (though the cap for the vast majority of five-star hotels is 95,000 points). Premium awards (for better rooms, suites, or high-demand dates) can cost much more. Keep in mind the lowest-priced Hilton hotels are usually budget-friendly brands (like Tru by Hilton or Hampton Inn) located off the beaten path; upscale hotels in big cities or luxury resorts will cost more points.
For example, you can book an overwater villa at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island for 120,000 points a night instead of paying over $1,300 with cash. Or, you can stretch your points at hotels like the Hampton Inn Niagara Falls, which starts at 19,000 points per night. Always be sure to compare the cash price to the award rate, because sometimes the paid rate is so low it’s better to save your points for a higher-value redemption.
Hilton points are worth, on average, 0.5 cents apiece based on Insider’s points and miles valuations — but the exact value you’ll get depends on where and when you redeem your rewards.
The Silver elite status you automatically receive with the Hilton Honors American Express Card qualifies you for the fifth night free on award stays of five nights or more. This is another great way to stretch your points if you want to make them last.
Transfer Hilton points to airlines
Hilton Honors partners with 26 airlines, and you can transfer points at varying ratios depending on the program. This typically won’t result in the best value, but if you won’t be using points for stays it’s an option for other types of travel.
Redeem Hilton points for experiences, events, merchandise, and more
Other options for redeeming Hilton points also won’t get you the highest value, but they could be helpful in certain circumstances:
Hilton experiences — Use points for exclusive events, dining, and toursUse Hilton points for event credits — Starting at 25,000 points for a $50 creditRedeem Hilton points at Amazon — A poor value; you’ll get just 0.2 cents per pointDonate Hilton points to charity — For every 10,000 points you donate, Hilton will send $25 to a charity of your choiceUse Hilton points toward Lyft rides — Again, not the best value; you’ll typically get around 0.2 cents per pointPool or transfer Hilton points to a friend — Send up to 2 million points per year to friends or family with no fee, or pool your points with up to 11 people to save for a redemption
Hilton points normally expire if there’s no activity in your account for 24 months, but due to the pandemic, the chain has paused points expiration until December 31, 2022. Spending on a Hilton credit card like the Hilton Honors American Express Card is an easy way to keep your points from expiring until you’re ready to travel.
Benefits and features
The Hilton Honors American Express Card comes with a handful of useful perks that can improve your travel experience and save you money.
Automatic Hilton Silver elite status
Cardholders receive Hilton Silver status as long as their card is open and in good standing. As Hilton’s lowest elite tier, Silver status isn’t exceptional, but it does come with a few handy perks:
Fifth night free on award stays of five nights or more20% points bonus on paid staysFree bottled water Elite rollover nights
However, if you spend $20,000 or more on eligible purchases in a calendar year with your Hilton Honors American Express Card, you’ll get upgraded to Hilton Gold elite status through the end of the following calendar year. Hilton Gold status is much more valuable and includes benefits like free breakfast at Hilton hotels (currently awarded as a food and beverage credit at US hotels), an 80% points bonus on paid stays, room upgrades when available, and milestone bonuses.
Car rental loss and damage insurance
When you pay for your car rental with the Hilton Honors American Express Card and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental counter, you can get secondary coverage for damage to or theft of the vehicle. Some countries and vehicle types are excluded, so be sure to read the terms and conditions before you rent and note that liability insurance isn’t included.
Secondary insurance will only cover amounts left over after your primary (personal) car insurance pays out. Some credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, offer primary car rental insurance, which doesn’t require you to file a claim with your personal policy to get reimbursed.
Extended warranty
American Express cards are well known for offering excellent purchase protections, and the Hilton Honors American Express Card is no exception.
When you use the card to pay for an eligible purchase, Amex will extend the manufacturer’s warranty up to one additional year on original manufacturer’s warranties of five years or less. You’re covered for up to $10,000 per eligible purchase and up to $50,000 per account, per calendar year.
Purchase protection
If you pay for an eligible item with your Hilton Honors American Express Card and it’s stolen or accidentally damaged within 90 days of purchase, you could be covered for up to $1,000 per item and up to $50,000 per account, per calendar year.
Global Assist Hotline
Hilton Honors American Express Card members can access Amex’s Global Assist Hotline when they’re traveling 100 or more miles from home.
This service can provide help with issues like lost passport replacement, translation services, missing luggage assistance, and emergency legal and medical referrals, but you’ll be responsible for any third-party costs incurred.
Amex Offers
Like other American Express cards, the Hilton Honors American Express Card includes targeted discounts and bonus rewards at participating merchants through Amex Offers**.
Fees and costs
The Hilton Honors American Express Card has no annual fee, so it’s free to keep without incurring a yearly cost. Because your credit score is partly determined by the average age of your accounts, keeping a no-annual-fee card open for the long term could potentially increase your credit score. Plus, the card doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee, which makes it a good option for international purchases.
As with most other cards, there are fees for late payments, returned payments, and cash advances.
Comparison: Hilton Honors Credit Card vs other Amex Hilton cards
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Annual fee
Hilton Honors American Express Card
$95
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Rewards rate
7 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels
5 points per dollar spent at eligible US restaurants, US supermarkets, and US gas stations
3 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
12 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels
6 points per dollar spent at eligible US restaurants, US supermarkets, and US gas stations
3 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
14 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels
7 points per eligible dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel, on car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies, and at eligible US restaurants
3 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
Welcome bonus offer
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Travel benefits
Hilton Silver elite status
Upgrade to Gold status after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year
Hilton Gold elite status
Upgrade to Diamond status after you spend $40,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year
Free weekend night certificate after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year
Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership** with 10 free visits per year
Hilton Diamond elite status
Free weekend night certificate each year on your card anniversary
Another free weekend night certificate after you spend a total of $60,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year
Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership
Up to $250 in airline incidental fee credits per calendar year**
Up to $250 in Hilton resort credits each cardmember year
Up to $100 in on-property credits for minimum stays of two nights at participating Waldorf Astoria and Conrad properties
Other card benefits
Secondary car rental insurance
Global Assist Hotline
Purchase protection
Extended warranty
Access to discounts and bonus points through Amex Offers**
No foreign transaction fees
Secondary car rental insurance
Baggage insurance plan
Global Assist Hotline
Purchase protection
Extended warranty
Access to discounts and bonus points through Amex Offers
No foreign transaction fees
Secondary car rental insurance
Baggage insurance plan
Premium Global Assist Hotline
American Express Concierge
Return protection
Purchase protection
Extended warranty
Access to discounts and bonus points through Amex Offers
No foreign transaction fees
Review
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass card review
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card review
Hilton Honors Credit Card vs other no-annual-fee hotel credit cards
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card
IHG® Rewards Club Traveler Credit Card
Annual fee
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card
IHG® Rewards Club Traveler Credit Card
Rewards rate
7 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels
5 points per dollar spent at eligible US restaurants, US supermarkets, and US gas stations
3 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
3x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
2x points on other travel purchases
1 point per dollar on everything else
5x points at IHG Hotels and Resorts
3x points on monthly bills, gas stations, and restaurants
2 point per dollar on everything else
Welcome bonus offer
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card
IHG® Rewards Club Traveler Credit Card
Travel benefits
Hilton Silver elite status
Upgrade to Gold status after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year
15 elite night credits each calendar year
Fourth reward night free on award stays of three or more nights
IHG Gold elite status when you spend $10,000 or more on purchases in a calendar year
Other card benefits
Secondary car rental insurance
Global Assist Hotline
Purchase protection
Extended warranty
Access to discounts and bonus points through Amex Offers
No foreign transaction fees
Lost luggage reimbursement
Baggage delay insurance
Trip delay reimbursement
Purchase protection
Visa Signature concierge
No foreign transaction fees
Car rental insurance (secondary in the US, primary otherwise)
Cell phone protection
Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
Travel accident insurance
Lost luggage reimbursement
Baggage delay insurance
Travel and emergency assistance services
Purchase protection
Extended warranty
20% discount on IHG point purchases with your card
No foreign transaction fees
Review
Marriott Bonvoy Bold card review
IHG Rewards Traveler card review
Hilton Honors card frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is the Hilton Honors American Express card worth it?
If you don’t stay with Hilton very often, the Hilton Honors American Express Card could be worth it for earning Hilton points on your everyday purchases. In the first year, the welcome bonus offer alone is incredibly valuable, and benefits like Hilton Silver status can get you a few extras when you stay with Hilton.
However, if you stay at Hilton hotels with any regularity, a card like the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card or The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a better choice. They offer better intro bonuses, and more benefits, including automatic Gold elite status and Priority Pass airport lounge access.
Is the Hilton Amex free?
The Hilton Honors American Express Card is the only one of the four Hilton credit cards that charges a Hilton Honors American Express Card annual fee. It’s free to keep year after year — though be sure to at least make a purchase or two with the card every six months to avoid American Express closing your account due to inactivity.
Does the Hilton Amex have foreign transaction fees?
The Hilton Honors American Express Card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. That makes it a great companion for overseas spending — and even domestic spending. If you’re reserving a hotel outside the US, you may sometimes be hit with a foreign transaction fee, even if you’re sitting in your living room in Kansas.
Is the Hilton Amex a good card for beginners?
The Hilton Honors American Express Card is a great card for those who are skeptical about the value of travel rewards credit cards. It incurs no annual fee, so there’s nothing to lose by giving it a try — and its welcome bonus offer is large enough that you’ll get to experience the thrill of booking hotels for absolutely zero dollars.
When does Hilton charge your card?
Hilton charges your card based on the rate you choose. If you book a prepaid rate (generally the cheapest), your card will be charged immediately. If you book a flexible rate, you often won’t be charged until your stay.
If you book with points, your card won’t be charged at all — unless there are taxes and fees associated with your stay. Points stays reap the benefits of flexible rates, as you can usually cancel them up to a few days before your stay for free. Just note that there are exceptions to this, and some hotels demand you cancel weeks in advance.