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The only thing better than getting a free hotel night is, well, getting more than one free hotel night. With this set of offers from Hilton and American Express, you can potentially snag a weekend (or longer) away at some amazing properties all over the world.

American Express offers a portfolio of four Hilton credit cards. Each one comes with solid benefits that can deliver long-term value to Hilton Honors members.

If you’ve been considering applying, now’s a great time. Given that welcome offers of up to 150,000 points are available on these cards, now is a great time to explore each card and see if applying makes sense.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Welcome Bonus Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Welcome Bonus Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee:$550
Show moreWhy We Like ItHighlightsEarning Rates
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card adds a huge amount of value for Hilton fans. The cards standout feature is complimentary Hilton Honors™ Diamond status in the Hilton Honors program, offering top-tier benefits like room upgrades and bonus points. Cardholders also enjoy an annual Free Night Reward, up to $400 in Hilton resort statement credits, and up to $200 flight credits each year. This card also includes 14X points on eligible Hilton purchases, making it highly rewarding for hotel stays. The generous benefits and earning rates make this card a compelling choice if you regularly stay at Hilton properties.
  • Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Enjoy an Annual Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors in your first year of Card Membership and every year upon Card renewal.
  • Earn 14X Hilton Honors Bonus Points when you make eligible purchases on your Card at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton Portfolio.
  • Card Members can earn 7X Points on purchases of flights booked directly with airlines or flights booked through American Express Travel, car rentals purchased directly from select car rental companies, and purchases at U.S. Restaurants.
  • Card Members can earn 3X Points on all other eligible purchases.
  • $400 Hilton Resort Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually for eligible purchases made directly with participating Hilton Resorts on your Hilton Honors Aspire Card. That's up to $400 back annually.
  • $200 Flight Credit: Get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter, for a total of up to $200 back each year, on flight purchases made directly with an airline, through AmexTravel.com, or through the Amex Travel App™ using your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.
  • CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster at 55+ airports nationwide. Receive up to $219 per calendar year in statement credits when you pay for your membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the Hilton Honors Aspire Card.
  • Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
  • $100 Property Credit: Receive up to a $100 credit for qualifying charges at Waldorf Astoria® Hotels & Resorts and Conrad® Hotels & Resorts properties when you book a 2 night minimum stay with your Card at HiltonHonorsAspireCard.com and select the Aspire Card Benefit rate option on the booking page, or call Hilton Honors at 855-292-5757 with the proper booking reference.
  • Hilton Honors Aspire Card Members can enjoy complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status, including perks like Executive Area Access (for full-size reservations and above) in the USA and Canada. Card Members must enroll in the National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status through their American Express online account using their Card. Terms apply.
  • Whenever you travel more than 100 miles from home, Premium Global Assist® Hotline is available for 24/7 emergency assistance and coordination services, including medical, legal, and financial referrals. Emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost only if approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline. Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.
  • $550 annual fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
  • 14X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio
  • 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly through select rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants
  • 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card

Hilton Credit Card Offers Overview

The offers on Hilton's lineup of credit cards rival some of the best offers in the history of these cards, so your attention is deserved. Here's an overview of the offers available now:

  • Hilton Honors American Express Card: Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Card after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Limited Time Offer: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $8,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card in the first six months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/13/2027.
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Welcome Bonus Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Card after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee

$0

Credit Score

Excellent, Good

  • Earn 7X Points per dollar on eligible purchases charged directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Honors portfolio of brands
  • Earn 5X Points per dollar on eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations
  • Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Welcome Bonus Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee

$150
(Terms Apply)

Credit Score

Excellent, Good

  • 12X bonus points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio
  • 6X bonus points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your card at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations
  • 4X bonus points on U.S online retail purchases
  • 3X bonus points for all other eligible purchases on your card
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Welcome Bonus Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee

$550

Credit Score

Excellent, Good

  • 14X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio
  • 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly through select rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants
  • 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card

What are these Hilton card offers worth?

On average, AwardWallet users redeem Hilton points for 0.62¢ apiece. Based on that valuation, here’s what each offer is worth:

It goes without saying that these are excellent offers. Hilton points can stretch pretty far, whether you’re booking a couple of nights at a high-end luxury property or covering several nights at more budget-friendly hotels.

However, what makes each card stand out is its list of benefits. Complimentary Hilton Honors status, credits, and more are only the tip of the iceberg.

Aerial view of the villas at the SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton.
SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton. Credit: Hilton

Which Hotels Are On Our Radar?

The Hilton Aspire would yield 150,000 points after hitting the minimum spend required. When you spend the minimum requirement to hit the bonus, you're going to earn at least 18,000 points. If some of that spending is on travel or dining, you're earning even more.

So, what can around 150,000 Hilton points get you?

  • A weekend in Times Square can be had at multiple hotels for 75,000-95,000 points a night
  • A long weekend in Spain: The Arima Hotel and Spa, an SLH hotel in San Sebastian, Spain is only 70,000 points a night. Nearly enough for a 3-night long weekend.
  • A weekend in Cabo: Spend two nights at the Hilton Los Cabos resort, perfect for a relaxing sun-soaked weekend
  • The Conrad in Washington, DC comes in at 190,000 points for two nights. This hotel has one of the amazing Premium Clubs — the Sakura Club — available to Hilton Diamond Reserve members.
  • Five nights down under: Spend five nights in Melbourne, Australia at The Next Hotel, a Curio Collection for 188,000 points thanks to the Hilton Fifth Night Free benefit
Melbourne-188j
Fifth Night Free for Melbourne Next Curio Collection Hotel. Screenshot of Hilton.

Which Hilton Credit Card Should You Get?

Depending on your travel habits (and whether you run a business), some Hilton cards will easily make more sense than others. Here's a quick summary of each card to help you decide which is right for you.

Hilton Amex

It's hard to overlook the offer on the Hilton Honors American Express Card. The no annual fee comes with a mix of reasonable perks considering its price point. Some examples include complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver Status, enhanced earnings on Hilton purchases, and a fifth night free on award stays. Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.

And if you apply now, you can earn 80,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Hilton Honors American Express Card
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Welcome Bonus Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Card after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Welcome Bonus Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Card after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee:$0
Show moreWhy We Like ItHighlightsEarning Rates
The Hilton Honors American Express Card is a rewarding option if you only spend a few nights with Hilton each year, with no annual fee. It offers 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on purchases at hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio. Cardholders also earn 5X points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, and 3X points on all other eligible purchases. A major perk is the complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status, which provides a 20% bonus on all Base Points earned during stays, accelerating the journey to free nights. Enrollment required for select American Express benefits.
  • Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Card after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • No Annual Fee.
  • Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
  • Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card: at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, at U.S. gas stations.
  • Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
  • Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Silver Status with benefits like a 20% Bonus on Base Points earned on stays, fifth night free on standard room reward stays with 100% Points, and more.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
  • Whenever you travel more than 100 miles from home, Global Assist® Hotline is available for 24/7 emergency assistance and coordination services, including medical and legal referrals, emergency cash wires, and missing luggage assistance. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Other terms and conditions apply.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
  • Earn 7X Points per dollar on eligible purchases charged directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Honors portfolio of brands
  • Earn 5X Points per dollar on eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations
  • Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.

Hilton Surpass

If you're willing to pay an annual fee, this is one of the best Hilton cards you can add to your wallet. For what you get — complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status, up to $200 back each year on eligible Hilton purchases, free National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status, and more — the $150 seems like a bargain. Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.

Plus, if you spend $15,000 on your Hilton Surpass in a calendar year, you'll unlock a free night reward.

Interested? New applicants can earn 130,000 Hilton Honors points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

(Terms Apply)
Welcome Bonus Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Welcome Bonus Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee:$150
Show moreWhy We Like ItHighlightsEarning Rates
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is tailored for Hilton loyalists seeking valuable perks without a high annual fee. It delivers cardholders 12X Hilton Honors points on direct Hilton purchases, and 6X points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, enhancing everyday spending. A valuable feature is the complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold status in the Hilton Honors program, which includes access to room upgrades and bonus points. Additionally, spending $15,000 on purchases in a calendar year earns a free night reward, adding significant value to the card. This card balances robust rewards with a moderate annual fee, making it a strong contender for regular Hilton guests (Enrollment required for select American Express benefits).
  • Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status with benefits like an 80% Points earning Bonus on Stays, daily food & beverage credit or continental breakfast (varies by brand & region), space-available room upgrades at select properties, and more.
  • Get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with a property in the Hilton portfolio on your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card. That's up to $200 in statement credits annually.
  • Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
  • Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
  • Earn 6X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
  • Earn 4X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of U.S. Online Retail purchases.
  • Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
  • Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card Members can enjoy complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status, including perks like Executive Area Access (for full-size reservations and above) in the USA and Canada. Card Members must enroll in the National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status through their American Express online account using their Card. Terms apply.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
  • Whenever you travel more than 100 miles from home, Global Assist® Hotline is available for 24/7 emergency assistance and coordination services, including medical and legal referrals, emergency cash wires, and missing luggage assistance. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Other terms and conditions apply.
  • $150 annual fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
  • 12X bonus points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio
  • 6X bonus points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your card at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations
  • 4X bonus points on U.S online retail purchases
  • 3X bonus points for all other eligible purchases on your card

Hilton Aspire

The cream of the crop is, without a doubt, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. Although it commands a $550 annual fee, the Hilton Aspire is an elite travel card with the perks to match.

Cardmembers can leverage complimentary Hilton Honors™ Diamond status, an annual free night reward, up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually for eligible Hilton purchases, a $200 flight credit, a $219 CLEAR+ credit, and much more. And on top of that, the Hilton Aspire can help you earn 14X points per dollar on eligible Hilton purchases! Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.

New applicants for the Hilton Aspire can earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Welcome Bonus Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Welcome Bonus Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee:$550
Show moreWhy We Like ItHighlightsEarning Rates
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card adds a huge amount of value for Hilton fans. The cards standout feature is complimentary Hilton Honors™ Diamond status in the Hilton Honors program, offering top-tier benefits like room upgrades and bonus points. Cardholders also enjoy an annual Free Night Reward, up to $400 in Hilton resort statement credits, and up to $200 flight credits each year. This card also includes 14X points on eligible Hilton purchases, making it highly rewarding for hotel stays. The generous benefits and earning rates make this card a compelling choice if you regularly stay at Hilton properties.
  • Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Enjoy an Annual Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors in your first year of Card Membership and every year upon Card renewal.
  • Earn 14X Hilton Honors Bonus Points when you make eligible purchases on your Card at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton Portfolio.
  • Card Members can earn 7X Points on purchases of flights booked directly with airlines or flights booked through American Express Travel, car rentals purchased directly from select car rental companies, and purchases at U.S. Restaurants.
  • Card Members can earn 3X Points on all other eligible purchases.
  • $400 Hilton Resort Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually for eligible purchases made directly with participating Hilton Resorts on your Hilton Honors Aspire Card. That's up to $400 back annually.
  • $200 Flight Credit: Get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter, for a total of up to $200 back each year, on flight purchases made directly with an airline, through AmexTravel.com, or through the Amex Travel App™ using your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.
  • CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster at 55+ airports nationwide. Receive up to $219 per calendar year in statement credits when you pay for your membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the Hilton Honors Aspire Card.
  • Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
  • $100 Property Credit: Receive up to a $100 credit for qualifying charges at Waldorf Astoria® Hotels & Resorts and Conrad® Hotels & Resorts properties when you book a 2 night minimum stay with your Card at HiltonHonorsAspireCard.com and select the Aspire Card Benefit rate option on the booking page, or call Hilton Honors at 855-292-5757 with the proper booking reference.
  • Hilton Honors Aspire Card Members can enjoy complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status, including perks like Executive Area Access (for full-size reservations and above) in the USA and Canada. Card Members must enroll in the National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status through their American Express online account using their Card. Terms apply.
  • Whenever you travel more than 100 miles from home, Premium Global Assist® Hotline is available for 24/7 emergency assistance and coordination services, including medical, legal, and financial referrals. Emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost only if approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline. Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.
  • $550 annual fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
  • 14X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio
  • 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly through select rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants
  • 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card

Hilton Business Card

The Hilton Business Card doesn't get the same attention as the prior three cards, but it's nothing short of valuable if you run a business. Perhaps the best benefit of the card is that it can pay for itself.

Some of the card's main benefits include up to $240 back each year for eligible purchases made directly with Hilton, complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status , free National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status, and a pathway to spend to Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status. Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.

If nothing else, the money back you'll get on eligible Hilton purchases outweighs the card's $195 annual fee (Rates & Fees). Thus, this card is a no-brainer if you run a business and regularly stay at Hilton properties.

And now's a great time to apply for it. New applicants can earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $8,000 in purchases in the first six months of Card Membership (offer ends 1/13/2027).

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Rates & Fees
(Terms apply)
Limited Time Offer: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $8,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card in the first six months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/13/2027.
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Limited Time Offer: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $8,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card in the first six months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/13/2027.
Annual Fee:$195
Show moreWhy We Like ItHighlightsEarning Rates
Benefits include up to $240 in statement credits on eligible purchases at Hilton Properties each year ($60 per quarter), complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status and the ability to earn Hilton Honors™ Diamond status by making $40,000 in eligible annual purchases. Cardholders also get complimentary elite status with National Car Rental. Enrollment is required for select American Express benefits.
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $8,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card in the first six months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/13/2027.
  • Earn up to $60 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with a property in the Hilton portfolio on your Hilton Honors American Express Business Card.
  • Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors Business Card. With Hilton Honors™ Gold Status, you can enjoy benefits at hotels and resorts within the Hilton Portfolio. As a Gold member, earn 80% Points earning Bonus on Stays with Hilton Honors™ Gold Status.
  • Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible purchases made directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
  • Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on other eligible purchases made using the Hilton Honors Business Card on the first $100,000 in eligible purchases each calendar year, 3X Points on eligible purchases thereafter.
  • You may receive an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status through the end of the next calendar year if the total eligible purchases that you spend on your Card during a calendar year reach $40,000 or more.
  • Terms apply.
  • 12X Hilton Honors points on eligible purchases made directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio
  • 5X Hilton Honors points on the first $100,000 spent per calendar year on other eligible purchases; 3X thereafter

Hilton Credit Card Application Restrictions

As with all of Amex’s rewards-earning credit cards, you can only receive a welcome bonus on a particular card product “once per lifetime”:

“You may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer if you have or have had this Card or previous versions of this Card. You also may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer based on various factors, such as your history with credit card balance transfers, your history as an American Express Card Member, the number of credit cards that you have opened and closed and other factors.

Hilton and Amex revamped their credit card portfolio a few years ago. When it did, the Hilton Aspire and The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card were considered new products. However, the Hilton Amex wasn't considered a new credit card product.

So, if you held an old version of the Hilton Amex, you likely won't be eligible to receive the welcome bonus on the revamped Hilton Amex.

Main pool area at the Shore House at The Del, Curio Collection by Hilton
Shore House at The Del, Curio Collection by Hilton. Credit: Hilton

However, if you held the old Citi Honors Visa, you'll be eligible for a welcome bonus on the new card, provided you canceled your card before it was converted to the new product.

Moreover, American Express typically limits customers to five Amex credit cards at a time. Also, you won't be approved for more than two Amex cards in a 90-day period.

Amex also uses a pop-up message to warn applicants if they aren't eligible for a card's welcome bonus. This gives you the opportunity to cancel your application before submitting it if you aren't interested in getting the card without the welcome bonus.

Related: Understanding Rewards Credit Card Application Rules and Restrictions

Final Thoughts

The Hilton Amex is a top card for occasional travelers and those who can’t justify paying an annual fee for Hilton’s premium Amex offerings. The card comes with a high-value welcome offer, imposes no foreign transaction fees, and charges no annual fee while offering complimentary Silver status.

The Hilton Surpass is ideal for those wanting a few more benefits on their Hilton stays via complimentary Gold status.

Or, if you're after something a little more powerful, don't overlook the Hilton Aspire. And if you run a business, consider the Hilton Business Card, too. With a little effort, either card will quickly pay for itself.

The only question left to ask yourself is where are you going to head off to on your next Hilton vacation?

Hilton Honors American Express Card
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Welcome Bonus Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Card after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee

$0

Credit Score

Excellent, Good

  • Earn 7X Points per dollar on eligible purchases charged directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Honors portfolio of brands
  • Earn 5X Points per dollar on eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations
  • Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Welcome Bonus Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee

$150
(Terms Apply)

Credit Score

Excellent, Good

  • 12X bonus points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio
  • 6X bonus points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your card at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations
  • 4X bonus points on U.S online retail purchases
  • 3X bonus points for all other eligible purchases on your card
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Limited Time Offer: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $8,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card in the first six months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/13/2027.
Annual Fee

$195Rates & Fees
(Terms apply)

Credit Score

Excellent, Good

  • 12X Hilton Honors points on eligible purchases made directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio
  • 5X Hilton Honors points on the first $100,000 spent per calendar year on other eligible purchases; 3X thereafter

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)

Tip of The Day
Did you know you can order an AwardWallet OneCard with up to 30 of your loyalty accounts printed on it? The card is only $10 and is shipped free of charge anywhere in the world. Plus, you'll get a bonus Balance Watch credit when paying for your OneCard.
Screenshot showing how to order an AwardWallet OneCard through the AwardWallet dashboard

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Comments

  • Kenny says:

    I have a Hilton card which I use almost daily.

  • Fenspinbi says:

    I recently pulled the trigger on the Hilton Amex, since I met the SUB on my Amex Platinum (100k + 10x gas/groceries). Interestingly, Hilton emailed me once the card synced with my account, and in that welcome message, it told me in an upbeat way that although I already have Gold status, I can always fall back on Silver with the card. I’m looking forward to dipping my toes into the Hilton portfolio as travel resumes in the new normal.

  • Amy says:

    What’s the expiration timeline on these points? Thanks

    • Erik Paquet says:

      Hi Amy, Hilton has paused all expiration through 12/31/2021. (details here https://covid.hilton.com/) Normally, Hilton points expire after 15 months with no activity. However, the good news is that having a Hilton credit card makes it really easy to keep your points from ever expiring. Any time you use your card, you’ll earn points from everyday spending (which counts as “activity”), so those points will reset your expiration date 15 months in the future.

  • Karl says:

    I’ve like Hilton because Gold means a free breakfast, and in urban areas especially (think London, etc.) that can be significant. On the Marriott side, it seems like one needs a tax accountant to understand which properties give what at what level. That said, Marriott has a LOT of properties just about everywhere.

  • Mikey says:

    Great offers on some of the most generous hotel credit cards available from any financial institution….too bad AMEX isn’t as lenient with their approvals and bonus eligibility as they used to be….

  • Ed says:

    100k points on a no fee card is a great deal. I’ve stayed at some garden inn’s for 5k points too.

  • ECR says:

    These look like really good cards and this seems to be a very good offer. Unfortunately being based in Europe there is nothing that is anything close to as good as this.

  • Samantha says:

    I was just wondering if there’s any plans to extend these wonderful summaries to Canadian credit card offerings? I’m always jealous when I see all the great American offers pop up, haha.

  • P says:

    How long will this offer be active? Thanks.

    • JT Genter says:

      We don’t have an official end date from Amex on this offer (at least yet). We will be sure to share if/when we do!

  • BW says:

    The weekend certificate from Hilton is also truly a great deal!

  • Maryjane says:

    I wish I didn’t already have the no annual fee card because now is the time to get it! I don’t think I can justify another card with an annual fee however. Luckily, I am still earning Hilton points from my work stays…and no easy way to spend them right now. So I’ll have a bunch of Hilton points saved up for future vacations when it is again smart to do so.

  • arshi007 says:

    In terms of the Hilton benefits, i really like the Aspire benefits but the bonus offers on these cards are just too compelling. I’m already reaching the AmEx max cards limit, otherwise i would have jumped in on one of these offers.

  • Andrew says:

    15 nights at a lower end property is a great deal for a credit card sign up!

  • Jennifer says:

    This is tempting me to get the Hilton Amex card. I just hope that Hilton does not devalue them too soon as there are no uses of them for me as of now.

  • Ed says:

    I think I’m going to apply for the Hilton surpass credit card. I first have to meet the minimum spend on my united explorer credit card.

  • Darren says:

    Holy cow! I’m refinancing right now so I can’t get any new cards and I hold the Hilton Honors card, but wow. Once we refinance, I may sign up for the Surpass and have my wife sign up for the Honors.

    1) Any idea when this will end?
    2) If I refer my wife to the Honors, would that be for these same conditions?

    • JT Genter says:

      Definitely understand that you want to hold off until once the refinance is done! Unfortunately, Amex hasn’t shared an end date for these offers. So, make sure to check as soon as the refi is done!

      The Amex refer-a-friend can be all over the place. Sometimes it’s a better offer than what’s publicly available. Other times, it’s not as good. Checking my refer-a-friend links, it looks like the Surpass and no-annual-fee cards have the same offers. But, the Aspire card doesn’t offer a statement credit through a referral link.

  • Joe says:

    Thanks for heads up. Will consider this card together with our travel plan staying at Hilton.

  • jon b says:

    While it has been widely reported your “lifetime” with Amex is 7 years after cancelation there seems to be opportunity for early reincarnation – particularly on products where they have rebranded

    You should get a warning when you apply if your not eligible for signup bonus when applying online – but then still call before activating and get permission to record the conversation.

    It could be worth the small hit for a credit pull to see.

    My understanding it that the pulls does not count toward Chase 5/24 – only counts if they approve you

    Can someone confirm that?

    • JT Genter says:

      That’s all right! Indeed, I had an early reincarnation (LOL!) on the Amex Premier Rewards Gold Card / Amex Gold Card. I closed the Premier Rewards Gold in 2016 and was able to get the Amex Gold in 2020 and earn the welcome bonus. And yes, you should get a warning if you aren’t eligible.

  • AJ says:

    I like the no annual fee option, and you can still get 100K points

  • Kevin says:

    That’s a nice offer. Hopefully it’s still around in a couple of months when I’ll be well under 5/24 and ready to do an app-o-rama.

  • Louise says:

    After being loyal to Marriott, I was gifted Gold status in January 2021 and decided to try out the Hilton Brand and have been impressed so far. 150K signup seems pretty generous and I think I’ll be applying for this card.

  • martin orbach says:

    Great service. Thank you

  • Tom says:

    I have Surpass card and have no complaint about it at all so far.

  • Amy says:

    Excuse my ignorance: what is the difference between 10X Priority passes and 10 Priority passes?

    • JT Genter says:

      No difference! Both the Hilton Surpass Card and the Hilton Business Card offer cardmembers 10 complimentary visits to Priority Pass lounges each cardmember year (from when you sign up to a year after that)

  • Bo says:

    Can I get the bonus for biz card if I have had other hilton cards, but not a business card? thanks

  • lenin1991 says:

    Any idea when this offer will expire?

  • AJ Rankin says:

    I like the regular Amex Hilton offer better than the Aspire one, not annual fee and less spending needed. Lower bonus but easier to attain.

  • Sherry says:

    I have a surpass card and pretty happy with it.

  • m says:

    These being Amex cards the bonus on each card is only once in a lifetime, correct?

    • JT Genter says:

      That’s correct. Although, if it’s been a while since you’ve had the card, your “lifetime” might have reset.

      • Will says:

        That’s an excellent insider tip, thanks a lot 🙂

      • Jamie says:

        It’s just a matter of time until someone is declared clinically dead, ends up surviving, and then makes the argument that the lifetime restriction no longer applies. Hey, all is fair in the points and miles game, right?

        • JT Genter says:

          Oh LOL! That would be quite the story!

          But, much more realistically, Amex purges cardmember records after a while. There are some cardmembers that have been able to get another welcome bonus on the same card after closing it 5-7 years before. And, in my recent case, it was just ~3 years!

      • Darren says:

        I’ve not heard this before. Is there a time period that Amex considers a lifetime? Like apply again 10 years later and you’re good?

        • JT Genter says:

          There isn’t a set time. From what I understand, Amex will periodically purge its old records (likely for data protection reasons), and it’s at that point that you become re-eligible.

  • Alan g Schroeder says:

    The Hilton Honors American Express Card sounds like a great deal for my recently graduated son who is just starting to travel on his own.

    • Darren says:

      It’s free and is the highest ever bonus offer so you have nothing to lose. I signed up at 75,000 points but I’ve gotten more value out of it than the difference of the current higher offer. Go for it!

    • Karl says:

      Hopefully, he will be able to finally travel for real soon 🙂