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Today we have yet another addition to American Express' continually changing lineup of credit card benefits. As of March 28, 2024, The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is seeing a refresh — and the changes are a mixture of positive and negative. Here's what's going on.
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Amex Hilton Business Card Positive Changes
Customers have spent the last few years either loving or decrying Amex's addition of statement credits to its cards. If you can make use of them, they often outweigh your card's annual fee. If not, you generally end up paying an increased annual fee without realizing any of the benefits. Despite the mixed response, Amex has implemented this strategy across nearly all of its cards, and now it's the Hilton Business Card‘s turn. This is in addition to increased earnings on everyday purchases and rental car elite status.
Additions to the card include:
- Earn up to $240 in statement credits at Hilton properties each year ($60 per quarter).
- National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status.
- Earn 5x per $1 spent on the first $100,000 in purchases each year (3x per $1 thereafter).
These benefits complement the card's existing perks:
- Earn 12x per $1 spent at Hilton hotels.
- Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold elite status.
- The ability to earn Diamond status after spending $40,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.
Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.
It's nice that you'll be able to outspend the card's annual fee with statement credits. The usefulness of these credits, however, is hindered by the fact they're doled out quarterly. After all, are you supposed to make a quarterly trek out to a Hilton hotel to get your $60 in credits? If you're not located near one or don't have a lot of travel, it's easy to see that go to waste.
Amex Hilton Business Card Negative Changes
On the flip side, there are three negative changes and one that's a wash when it comes to this card:
- Annual fee is increasing from $95 to $195 per year (Rates & Fees).
- No more Priority Pass visits (was 10 per year).
- Ability to earn two free night certificates per year is gone (was one at $15,000 of spending and another at $60,000).
- 6x spending categories are going away in favor of earning 5x on the first $100,000 of annual spending on “other” purchases (then 3x after passing this limit).
The increased annual fee can be rationalized by those statement credits, but an increase of more than 100% is a bit stiff — even with new statement credits. And, again, not everyone will realize sufficient value from those credits.
The bonus categories for the Hilton Business Card are also disappearing in favor of an increase in everyday spending rates. While that may help those who rely on the card for non-bonused spending, the $100,000 cap and loss of 6x per $1 on eligible purchases is still a shame. This is especially true when you consider that the 6x categories included U.S. purchases of shipping, restaurants, gas stations, select travel, and cell phone plans.
Amex Hilton Business Card loses free night certificates
Losing out on two free night certificates is probably the biggest blow of all. While those with personal Hilton credit cards still have this option, the Hilton Business Card does not. This is especially a shame to small business owners for whom reaching $60,000 in annual spending isn't out of reach. Hilton's Free Night Rewards have no caps and can be used at its most expensive properties, even the ones that run upwards of $1,500 per night, with only a small list of excluded properties. That makes this a big deal in terms of value lost for the card.
The ability to earn free night certificates isn't disappearing. Instead, it'll be phased out gradually:
- Eligible purchases made on your card through June 30, 2024 will count towards the free night certificate benefit.
- If the total eligible purchases on your card reach $15,000 on or before June 30, 2024, you will receive a certificate. If you make an additional $45,000 in eligible purchases on or before June 30, 2024 (totaling $60,000 in cumulative spending), you will receive a second certificate.
- After June 30, 2024, this benefit will no longer be available on your card, and you'll no longer be able to earn a free night as a benefit on your card. Free Night Rewards expire one year after they're issued.
There's no mention of whether this applies only to existing cardholders or those who newly apply for the card. Thus, it looks like anyone who gets the mex Hilton Business Card now and manages to complete enough spending before June could still earn up to two free night certificates.
Amex Hilton Business Card loses Priority Pass
American Express already got rid of Priority Pass visits for Hilton's personal cards during their refresh last year, so it's no surprise to see it here. The writing was on the wall. However, it's absolutely a loss for travelers who relied on the card's sub-$100 fee to provide them lounge access. With this update, those wanting to enjoy an airport lounge during their travels need to look for other, more expensive, options.
Like the free night certificate, this benefit isn't disappearing immediately:
- If you enrolled for Priority Pass Select on or before June 30, 2023, your membership will continue through June 30, 2024. It will be canceled as of July 1, 2024.
- If you enrolled for Priority Pass Select between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024, your membership will continue through March 31, 2025 before cancelation on April 1, 2025.
- Any unused lounge visits will be forfeited at the time of cancellation.
Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.
Related: Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access
The Bottom Line
The Hilton Business Card is getting some big updates. Along with an increased annual fee, you'll get up to $240 in statement credits and rental car elite status. Pair this with elevated rates on the first $100,000 of everyday spending, and the card may make sense for some. However, the loss of free night certificates and Priority Pass visits really limit the overall value of the card for many travelers.
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card (Rates & Fees)
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