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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.
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.
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
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.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status, plus great earnings at Hilton, U.S. gas stations, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. restaurants!
You can’t beat a comfy king-sized bed and room service. For many travelers, it’s the hotel that really makes or breaks an experience. If you’re one of those people, you’ve probably stayed at a Hilton hotel.
Whether your visits are for work or pleasure, the Hilton brand has you covered with more than 6,200 locations in 100 counties and territories.
Not great for those who want multiple redemption options
Offers the least benefits of all Hilton cards
Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership.
Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
<ul><li><a href="/credit-cards/american-express-hilton-honors-credit-cards/" target="_self" rel="follow" data-wpel-link="internal">Comparing American Express Hilton Credit Cards</a></li><li><a href="/credit-cards/best-credit-cards-for-hilton-loyalists/" target="_self" rel="follow" data-wpel-link="internal">Best Credit Cards for Hilton Honors Loyalists</a></li></ul>
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 rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
An excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and Priority Pass lounge access.
If you’re someone who loves traveling and loves staying in Hilton hotels, adding a co-branded Hilton hotel card to your wallet is almost a no-brainer. From automatic Hilton elite status, to airport lounge access, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card can be a great fit for Hilton loyalists looking to up their travel game.
Pros
12x points per $1 at Hilton hotels
6x points per $1 U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. restaurants
3x points per $1 on all other purchases
Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status
No foreign transaction fees
Cons
Annual fee of $95.
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
Earn a Weekend Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on 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 hotels and resorts 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 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year.
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
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.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.
Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.
Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Aspire card from American Express after you use your new card to make $4,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of card membership.
Paying hundreds of dollars for an annual fee on a co-branded hotel card might seem ridiculous, but you should know that the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is much more than your run-of-the-mill hotel credit card.
The Hilton Aspire card is not only a phenomenal card for Hilton Honors loyalists, but even those who visit Hilton hotels just a few times a year can still get excellent value out of all the benefits that are packed into this card.
So let’s have a look at what makes the card so valuable to travelers.
Pros
14x points per $1 on Hilton purchases
7x points per $1 on select travel and at U.S. restaurants
3x points per $1 on all other purchases
Complimentary Hilton Diamond status
$250 Hilton Resort statement credit
$250 airline fee credit
1 Free Weekend Night Award each cardmember anniversary
Priority Pass Select membership
$100 credit at Waldorf Astoria and Conrad properties
Cons
High annual fee of $450
Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Aspire card from American Express after you use your new card to make $4,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of card membership. Plus, enjoy a free Weekend Night Reward within your first year and every year after renewal.
Earn 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for eligible purchases: on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants.
Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your card.
Enjoy up to $250 in Hilton Resort Credits on your card each anniversary year when you stay at participating resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
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.
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
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.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
This card is undoubtedly the #1 card for luxury travel benefits. From the best lounge access (of any card) to statement credits, to complimentary elite status, you can’t go wrong.
This card is undoubtedly the #1 card for luxury travel benefits. From the best lounge access (of any card) to statement credits, to complimentary elite status, you can’t go wrong.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.
Pros
The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges,Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
5x points per $1 spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per year)
5x points per $1 spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR credit, and Equinox credit)
TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
$200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
$200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
$300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
$100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
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.
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.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
This is the go-to card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants and those who want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!
With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points atU.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x.
There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are a number of other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.
Pros
4x points per $1 at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
4x points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; and 1x thereafter
3x points per $1 on flights purchased directly from airlines or at Amex Travel
Up to $120 annual dining credit: up to $10 monthly statement credit when you pay with the Amex Gold card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations
Up to $120 in annual Uber Cash: get $10 monthly in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. when you add your Gold Card to your Uber account
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
$120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
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
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 rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
An excellent option for business owners and business travelers who stay at Hilton properties often and want perks like Hilton Honors elite status.
An excellent option for business owners and business travelers who stay at Hilton properties often and want perks like Hilton Honors elite status.
Welcome Offer: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first three months of Card Membership.
Not only will the card help you earn more points on all of your Hilton stays, but you’ll also receive automatic elite status, complimentary Priority Pass visits, travel protections, and the opportunity to earn free night certificates.
Here’s a detailed look at all the benefits this card offers so that you can determine if it’s a good fit for you.
Pros
12x points per $1 on Hilton purchases
6x points per $1 at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchases directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. purchases for shipping
6x points per $1 at U.S. restaurants, on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel, and on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies
3x points per $1 on all other purchases
Automatic Hilton Honors Gold status, and the ability to spend your way to Diamond status
10 complimentary Priority Pass visits
Free Weekend Night Reward after $15,000 in spend in a calendar year, and a second after you spend $60,000
Welcome Offer: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first three months of Card Membership.
Earn Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card: 12X directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, 6X at U.S. gas stations, on U.S. purchases for shipping, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants, 3X on all other eligible purchases.
Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors Business Card.
Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
Earn another Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend an additional $45,000 in purchases on your Card in the same calendar year.
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
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!
When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.
5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
Up to $200 annual airline fee credit on your selected qualifying airline
Statement credits on select purchases with your card
35% airline bonus when using Pay With Points (up to 1,000,000 bonus points per calendar year)
Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (cap applies)
Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags
Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
Unlock over $1,000 in annual statement credits on a curation of business purchases, including select purchases made with Dell Technologies, Indeed, Adobe, and U.S. wireless service providers.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by your one selected, qualifying airline to your Card.
$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Business Platinum Card®.
The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
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)
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).
Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).
Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership
The card earns a whopping 4x points per $1 in the 2 categories (from a list of 6) that your business spends the most money on each month. With no need to opt-in or preselect your categories, so you can focus on what matters most — running your business.
No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access or elite status
Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
MORE REWARDS: Get 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 select categories where your business spent the most each month. 1X is earned for other purchases.**
**4X points apply to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these 2 categories each calendar year.*
PAY OVER TIME OPTION: Decide whether you want to pay eligible purchases in full each month—or pay over time with interest.*
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
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
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.
The information regarding The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire 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 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 Hilton Honors American Express Business 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.
Featured Image Credit: Hilton
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.
Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments.
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This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.
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