Is a Hilton Honors credit card worth it?

Yes, if you stay even a few times a year at Hilton properties, having a Hilton-branded credit card is worth it. With elevated earnings at Hilton properties, complimentary elite status, and free hotel nights, there is plenty of value to be realized for anyone who stays with Hilton. There’s also a card to match every Hilton fan, from a no annual fee card to a premium card with top elite status and airport lounge membership.

Is Hilton Honors elite status worth it?

If you stay frequently at Hilton properties, elite status is worth it. Even with entry-level Silver elite status, you will receive bonus points, the fifth award night free, no resort fees on award stays, late checkout, and complimentary bottled water. Gold elite status members enjoy additional benefits such as complimentary breakfast (or a food and beverage credit in the U.S.) and room upgrades when available. When you reach Diamond elite status (it also comes with the Hilton Aspire card), you’ll receive several additional benefits, including executive lounge access and suite upgrades, when available.

Can I transfer my Hilton points to airlines?

Yes, it is possible to transfer your Hilton Honors points to dozens of airline transfer partners. However, it is not the best value for your points. For example, 10,000 Hilton Honors points transferred to United Airlines results in just 1,000 United MileagePlus miles. Hilton Honors points generally receive the best value when they are used for reward hotel nights.

How many Hilton points do I need for a free hotel night?

While you can secure a free hotel night starting at just 5,000 Hilton Honors points, you can pay much more depending on the category of the hotel and whether it is peak or off-peak season. Additionally, Silver, Gold, and Diamond elite members qualify to receive the fifth consecutive award night free. For example, if you book 5 consecutive award nights at 20,000 points each night, you will pay just 80,000 points for the entire 5-night stay versus the full price of 100,000 points.

The 8 Best Credit Cards for Hilton Honors Loyalists [2023]

With 7,000+ properties in 120+ countries, Hilton has established itself as a premier hotel brand that is accessible to every type of traveler. Plus, it doesn’t matter if you’re just an occasional guest at Hilton properties or if Hilton hotel rooms have become your second home — you’re sure to appreciate the value of having the right Hilton credit card.

Whether it’s the special treatment you receive during your stay due to having Hilton Honors elite status, or enjoying the free hotel nights you’ve earned, there are benefits to be realized with a Hilton-branded card in your wallet.

If you’ve chosen Hilton as your preferred brand and still haven’t made the plunge to secure a Hilton-branded card, it’s your lucky day.

Our article today is focused on you, the Hilton loyalist, and contains information that can help you select the right card to enhance and maximize your existing Hilton relationship. We’ll also talk about the value a general travel rewards card could offer a Hilton fan.

Table of contents

The 8 Best Credit Cards for Hilton Loyalists — Summary

Before we expand on the benefits of Hilton-branded cards and how a travel rewards card can add value for a Hilton loyalist, let’s look at a summary of the cards we’ll be discussing in our article.

Rewards Card	Earnings	Hilton Benefits	Annual Fee
Hilton Honors American Express Card	7x points at Hilton hotels and resorts 5x points at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. restaurants 3x points on all other purchases	Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status Spend $20,000 in a calendar year to receive Hilton Honors Gold status	$0 (rates and fees)
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card	12x points at Hilton hotels and resorts 6x points at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. restaurants 3x points on all other purchases	Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status Top-tier Diamond status after spending $40,000 on the card in a calendar year Weekend Night Reward after spending $15,000 on the card in a calendar year	$95
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card	14x points at Hilton hotels and resorts 7x points on flights purchased directly from the airline or AmexTravel.com, car rentals booked directly with select companies, and at U.S. restaurants 3x points on all other purchases	Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status Weekend Night Reward each card anniversary year Additional Weekend Night Reward after spending $60,000 on the card in a calendar year Up to $250 statement credit each card anniversary year at Hilton Resorts Up to $100 property credit each card anniversary at Conrad and Waldorf Astoria properties	$450
The Platinum Card® from American Express	5x points on flights and prepaid hotels purchased via Amex Travel and flights purchased directly with the airline (up to $500,000 spent) 1x points on all other purchases	Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status upon enrollment Membership Rewards points transfer to Hilton Honors points at a 1:2 ratio	$695 (rates and fees)
American Express® Gold Card	4x points at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 in purchases each calendar year and at restaurants, including takeout and delivery 3x points on flights purchased directly with airlines or Amex Travel 1x points on all other purchases	Membership Rewards points transfer to Hilton Honors points at a 1:2 ratio	$250 (rates and fees)
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card	12x points at Hilton 6x points on select business and select travel purchases 3x points on all other purchases	Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status Free Reward Night after spending $15,000 in a calendar year on the card An additional Free Reward Night after spending a total of $60,000 on the card in a calendar year	$95 (rates and fees)
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express	5x points on flights and prepaid hotels purchased with Amex Travel and on flights purchased directly with the airline 1.5x points on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (spending cap applies) 1x points on all other purchases	Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status upon enrollment Membership Rewards points transfer to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio	$695 (rates and fees)
American Express® Business Gold Card	4x points on your highest 2 qualifying business expenses each statement period, up to $150,000 in purchases each calendar year 1x points all other purchases	Membership Rewards points transfer to Hilton Honors points at a 1:2 ratio	$295 (rates and fees)

Now, let’s move on and take a look closer at each of our featured cards to determine the level of benefits each one can provide the Hilton devotee.

Bottom Line: Hilton-branded cards may deliver the best value for Hilton loyalists. A travel rewards card could be a better choice for those who only stay at Hilton properties occasionally or if Hilton is not their preferred hotel brand.

The 3 Best Hilton-branded Credit Cards for Hilton Loyalists

Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort Spa Pool — Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort. Image Credit: Hilton

American Express offers 3 personal Hilton Honors-branded cards, all of which come with complimentary elite status, elevated earnings at Hilton properties, and bonus-earning categories that help your points stash add up quickly.

1. Hilton Honors American Express Card

If you prefer not to pay an annual fee but are still interested in elevated points earnings and elite status with Hilton Honors, the entry-level Hilton Honors card deserves your attention.

Why We Like the Card for Hilton Loyalists

Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status with an opportunity to earn Gold status by spending $20,000 on the card in a calendar year
7x points on purchases charged directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio
5x points at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. restaurants
3x points on all other purchases
Travel/shopping benefits and protections

We like that the card offers elevated rewards at Hilton properties but also offers 3x points on everyday purchases. Earning points on purchases you’re already making and securing reward Hilton hotel nights in the process is a win-win.

2. The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

The Hilton Surpass card kicks the earnings up a notch and gives complimentary airport lounge access, Hilton Honors elite status, and the opportunity to earn free hotel night certificates.

Why We Like the Card for Hilton Loyalists

Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status
Hilton Honors Diamond status after spending $40,000 on the card in a calendar year
Weekend Night Reward after spending $15,000 on the card in a calendar year
10 single-visit passes to Priority Pass lounges worldwide each year
12x points at hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio
6x points at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. restaurants
3x points all other purchases

The Hilton Surpass card strikes a nice balance between annual fee outlay and corresponding benefits. It also provides strong bonus category earnings that make it easy to accumulate Hilton Honors points that can be redeemed for additional reward hotel nights.

3. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

The Hilton Aspire card packs in a ton of value for the traveler who favors the Hilton brand. With complimentary top elite status, hundreds of dollars in statement credits, free hotel nights, worldwide airport lounge access, and elevated earnings, it’s a card that pays for itself in value delivered.

Why We Like the Card for Hilton Loyalists

Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond top elite status
Priority Pass Select membership that grants access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
Free Night Reward after opening the card and at subsequent card anniversary upon renewal
Additional free hotel night certificate after spending a total of $60,000 in a calendar year
Up to $250 Hilton Resort statement credit
Up to $100 Conrad or Waldorf Astoria property credit
Up to $250 airline incidental fees statement credit
14x points at participating Hilton hotels and resorts
7x points on flights purchased directly with the airlines and Amex Travel, select car rentals, and U.S. restaurants
3x points on all other purchases

Learn more about earning Hilton Honors points and maximizing your points at redemption time.

Bottom Line: There’s a Hilton-branded card for every level of Hilton guest. Plus, each card comes with elevated earnings at Hilton brands, additional bonus spending categories, complimentary Hilton Honors elite status, and travel/shopping benefits.

The 2 Best Alternative Personal Cards for Hilton Loyalists

American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong - Tendered Bar — Travel rewards credit cards come with additional premium benefits such as earning flexible rewards points and worldwide lounge access. Hong Kong Centurion Lounge. Image Credit: Greg Stone

The best travel rewards cards can also provide Hilton benefits. Here are 2 of the cards we like best for earning rewards that allow you to secure free hotel nights with Hilton in addition to many other travel benefits.

1. The Platinum Card® from American Express

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 150,000 points with the Amex Platinum card! (The current public offer is 80,000 points.)

The Amex Platinum card is considered royalty among travel rewards cards. The card is built for the frequent traveler who values premium travel perks such as worldwide airport lounge access, elevated rewards earning on flight purchases, and complimentary hotel elite status. Note that some benefits require enrollment, so be sure to explore your American Express account to get the most out of your card.

Why We Like the Card for Hilton Loyalists

The card earns Membership Rewards points that transfer to Hilton Honors points at a 1:2 ratio
Upon enrollment, you’ll get complimentary elite status with hotels and rental car agencies, including Hilton Honors Gold status
5x points on flights (up to $500,000 per year) or prepaid hotels (including Hilton) via Amex Travel
Complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement
Discounted airfare for premium flights via the Amex International Airline Program

This is just a sampling of the core benefits that come with the Amex Platinum card.

It’s important to note that prepaid Hilton reservations made through Amex Travel could result in a forfeit of any elite benefits associated with your Hilton Honors status.

2. American Express® Gold Card

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 90,000 points with the Amex Gold card! (The current public offer is 60,000 points.)

The Amex Gold card earns valuable Membership Rewards points on everyday purchases, and you’ll find it easy to turn those rewards into reward Hilton hotel nights.

Spending $25,000 on the Amex Gold card in 4x points-earning categories each year can translate into 100,000 Membership Rewards points.

You’ll also find that Membership Rewards points earned on the card can be transferred to airline partners where you can receive even greater value by booking award flight tickets.

Why We Like the Card for Hilton Loyalists

The card earns Membership Rewards points that transfer to Hilton Honors points at a 1:2 ratio
4x points at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 spent in a calendar year (1x thereafter)
4x points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
3x points on flights purchased directly with the airlines or on Amex Travel

Bottom Line: If you stay at Hilton just occasionally and are not a Hilton loyalist, a travel rewards card could be an alternative that offers the opportunity to secure reward Hilton hotel nights and even Hilton Honors elite status while not locking you into the program.

The 3 Best Business Credit Cards for Hilton Loyalists

Hilton Honors points earned on your business credit card can be used for a special luxury getaway. Susona Bodrum, LXR Hotels and Resorts. Image Credit: Hilton

If you own a business, it makes economic sense to earn rewards on every purchase you make. If you’re a business owner who frequents Hilton properties, a Hilton-branded card supplemented by a general travel rewards card could be a wise combination.

You could receive complimentary elite status, elevated earnings, reward hotel nights, and much more.

Here are our choices for the best business credit cards for Hilton fans.

1. The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

The frequent business traveler who stays at Hilton properties will appreciate the perks of the Hilton Business Amex card. Paying your business expenses with the card can result in elevated elite status and additional free hotel night certificates.

The card also has a much lower annual fee than comparable business credit cards with similar benefits.

Why We Like the Card for Hilton Loyalists

10 complimentary single-use Priority Pass lounge passes that give access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status
Opportunity to earn top Hilton Honors Diamond status after spending $40,000 on the card in a calendar year
Free Night Reward after spending $15,000 on the card in a calendar year
An additional Free Night Reward after spending a total of $60,000 in a calendar year
12x points at Hilton hotels and resorts
6x points on select business and select travel purchases
3x points on all other eligible purchases

2. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome bonus offer of up to 150,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum card! (The current public offer is 120,000 points.)

The Amex Business Platinum card heavily rewards the business owner who spends a lot on flights, wants the extra perks of elite status, and values worldwide lounge access.

Why We Like the Card for Hilton Loyalists

Membership Rewards points earned on the card can be transferred to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio
Complimentary access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including Centurion Lounges
Upon enrollment, complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status and Marriott Bonvoy Gold status
5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on Amex Travel
1.5x points on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (cap applies)
35% rebate of points for premium flight redemptions
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement

3. American Express® Business Gold Card

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome bonus offer of up to 110,000 points with the Amex Business Gold card! (The current public offer is 70,000 points.)

The Amex Business Gold card rewards your 2 highest business spending categories each statement period with 4x points.

Why We Like the Card for Hilton Loyalists

Membership Rewards points earned on the card can be transferred to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio
Your highest qualifying business expenses receive 4x points, up to $150,000 in purchases each calendar year
- 4x bonus earning categories include flights purchased directly from the airline, U.S. advertising purchases in select media, U.S. computer hardware/software purchases, U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. shipping
Use points to redeem for flights through Amex Travel and receive 25% of your points back as a rebate

If you’re a business owner and spend a lot on flights, the earnings and redemption structure of the Amex Business Gold card could prove beneficial.

Bottom Line: A wise business owner can benefit greatly from a business credit card that earns rewards on every purchase. While we’ve mentioned a few cards that may be appropriate for Hilton loyalists, check out our article on additional business credit cards that would pair up quite nicely with a Hilton card.

Hilton Honors Elite Status

Hilton Northholme Seychelles — Earn free nights and enjoy elite benefits at the Hilton Northolme located in the Seychelles islands. Image Credit: Hilton

Every Hilton-branded card, the Amex Platinum card, and the Amex Business Platinum card come with complimentary Hilton Honors elite status. With all this conversation about elite status, however, it’s fair to wonder what the actual value of having status might be.

We’ve written several articles that describe the value of Hilton Honors elite status, but here’s a snapshot of what you can expect at each level.

Benefits start when you join the Hilton Honors loyalty program and increase as you make your way to top Diamond Elite status (which comes complimentary with the Hilton Aspire card).

Here are a few of the benefits compared:

Benefits	Member 0-9 nights/year	Silver Elite 10-39 nights/year	Gold Elite 40-59 nights/year	Diamond Elite 50-74 nights/year
Points Towards Free Nights	X	20%	80%	100%
No Resort Fees on Award Stays	X	X	X	X
Late Checkout	X	X	X	X
Fifth Standard Rewards Night Free	–	X	X	X
2 Bottles of Water	–	X	X	X
Elite Tier Rollover Nights	–	X	X	X
Space Available Room Upgrade	–	–	Up to Executive Room type	Up to 1-Bedroom Suite room type
Complimentary Breakfast at All Hotels (Or a Food and Beverage Credit in the U.S.)	–	–	X	X
Unlimited Milestone Bonuses	–	–	X	X
Executive Lounge Access	–	–	–	X
Diamond Status Extension	–	–	–	X
48-Hour Room Guarantee	–	–	–	X
Elite Status Gifting	–	–	–	X

Bottom Line: Every Hilton-branded card, the Amex Platinum card, and the Amex Business Platinum card, all offer complimentary Hilton Honors elite status; just make sure you’re enrolled through your American Express account.

Final Thoughts

If you frequent Hilton properties, by all means, consider a Hilton-branded card for the elevated rewards earnings, Hilton Honors elite status, free hotel nights, and related benefits. If you’re also a frequent traveler, adding a general travel rewards card to supplement a Hilton card can be a smart move.

As always, you’ll want to match reward structures with your spending mix, select a card with benefits you can use, and make sure the card offers redemption options that you find valuable.

Also worth noting is that we haven’t included any Chase personal or Chase business credit cards in this article due to the fact that Hilton is not a Chase transfer partner. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, however, are some of the best travel rewards cards available and worthy of consideration as a partner card for a Hilton-branded card.

To learn more about Hilton-branded cards and our picks for the best travel rewards cards, check out our related articles.

The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card, click here.

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The 8 Best Credit Cards for Hilton Honors Loyalists [2023]

The 8 Best Credit Cards for Hilton Loyalists — Summary