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Hilton Honors Loyalty Program Review

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Alex Miller
Alex Miller's image

Alex Miller

Founder & CEO

298 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 34U.S. States Visited: 29

Founder and CEO of Upgraded Points, Alex is a leader in the industry and has earned and redeemed millions of points and miles. He frequently discusses the award travel industry with CNBC, Fox Business...
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Hilton Honors Overview

Hilton has branded its loyalty program as Hilton Honors (formerly Hilton HHonors).

Hilton Honors offers an array of customizable points earning and hotel benefits that let you choose what is important to you for each stay.

Joining Hilton Honors

Register online for a free Hilton Honors account.

How to Sign in to Your Hilton Honors Account

Sign in on the hilton.com homepage. You’ll need to enter your username (or Hilton Honors account number) and password.

Viewing Your Account Activity

Your Hilton Honors account overview page shows points activity, elite status progress, and special offers.

MyWay Hotel Benefits

if you have Gold or Diamond status, you can select MyWay Hotel Benefits.

Benefits vary by brand and elite status. Some are automatic, and some require you to make a selection. You need to make this selection prior to checking in for a stay, but you can always change your preference for the next stay.

Hot Tip: MyWay Hotel Benefits could include a choice between bonus points, complimentary continental breakfast, and a space-available room upgrade. If you won’t be eating at the hotel, consider changing to points ahead of your stay. Then change back for the next stay if you plan to eat.

Points Expiration

Hilton Honors points expire after 24 months of inactivity. Any account activity that earns or redeems points extends point expiration by 1 year.

Hilton Honors Rewards Program

Hilton Honors Elite Status

Hilton honors diamond status
Image Credit: Hilton

Let’s review the benefits of Hilton Honors elite status.

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Benefits

Member

0-9 nights/year

Silver

10-39 nights/year

Gold

40-59 nights/year

Diamond

60-74 nights/year

No resort fees on award stays

X

X

X

X

Late check-out

X

X

X

X

Free Wi-Fi

X

X

X

X

Fifth standard rewards night free

 

X

X

X

2 free bottles of water

 

X

X

X

Elite rollover nights

 

X

X

Elite tier bonus points

 

20%

80%

100%

Space available room upgrade

 

 

Up to Executive room type

Up to 1-Bedroom Suite room type

Complimentary breakfast

 

 

X

X

Milestone bonuses

 

 

X

X

Executive lounge access

 

 

 

X

Diamond status extension

 

 

 

X

48-hour room guarantee

 

 

 

X

Elite status gifting

 

 

 

X

Value of Hilton Honors Elite Status

Hilton Honors Silver confers minimal hotel stay benefits, but it opens up the fifth-night free benefit on award stays (which can save lots of points!).

Hilton Honors Gold is considered a “status sweet spot” because it offers the prized benefit of complimentary breakfast at most full-service properties. The breakfast benefit is only for continental breakfast, but some hotels generously choose to extend that to a full hot breakfast. Make sure to choose this benefit by brand in your MyWay Hotel Benefits in your online profile.

Those hotels with Executive Lounges sometimes upgrade Gold members to the Executive floor where they can enjoy breakfast and often evening drinks and snacks. Lounge access is not guaranteed, and Gold members must receive a room upgrade, which is subject to availability and decision by the specific hotel.

Hot Tip: If you have Executive Lounge access, many Hilton hotels will allow you the alternate option of complimentary breakfast in the hotel restaurant, which may have a wider food selection than the Executive Lounge.

Hilton Honors Diamond mainly improves upon Gold through guaranteed Executive Lounge access. This may not be important if you don’t frequent hotels with these lounges. Other improvements upon Gold include better room upgrades and better points earning.

Earning Hilton Honors Elite Status

Hilton Honors elite status is earned per calendar year. You can earn through stays, nights, or base points. Base-point qualification is useful for those travelers with fewer high-priced stays.

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Elite Tier

# of Stays

# of Nights

Base Points

Status Bonus

Silver

4 stays

10 nights

25,000

20% — 12x per $1

Gold

20 stays

40 nights

75,000

80% — 18x per $1

Diamond

30 stays

60 nights

120,000

100% — 20x per $1

For 2022, the qualification requirements have been adjusted by half:

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Elite Tier

# of Stays

# of Nights

Base Points

Status Bonus

Silver

2 stays

5 nights

12,500

20% — 12x per $1

Gold

10 stays

20 nights

37,500

80% — 18x per $1

Diamond

15 stays

30 nights

60,000

100% — 20x per $1

Hilton Honors offers Silver, Gold, and Diamond members the option to rollover elite nights to the next year, so if you stay 70 nights, 60 will earn you Diamond this year, and 10 will go toward your count to requalify next year.

Update: See how Hilton Honors has adjusted 2022 points and status expiration, elite qualification, free night awards, and more in our article: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Hotel Elite Status Extensions, Changes, and Updates.

Several American Express credit cards offer Hilton elite status as well:

  • Hilton Honors card: Silver (spend $20,000 in a calendar year for Gold)
  • Amex Platinum card: Gold (activate on your American Express card benefits page)
  • Hilton Surpass card and Hilton Business Amex card: Gold (spend $40,000 in a calendar year for Diamond)
  • Hilton Aspire card: Diamond

Once you have earned elite status, it is valid for the remainder of the current calendar year and through the end of the next one.

How To Earn Honors Points

There are many ways to earn Hilton Honors points, starting with hotel stays.

Earning Points on Stays

Base Points: All Hilton Honors members earn 10 base points per dollar spent for most rooms (some will only apply this to the room rate and not taxes). At Home2 Suites by Hilton and Tru by Hilton, you earn 5 points per dollar.

Elite Status Bonus: You will earn additional bonus points based on elite status — a 20%, 80%, or 100% bonus for Silver, Gold, or Diamond members respectively.

Milestone Bonuses:

Hilton Honors Milestone Bonus
Image Credit: Hilton
  • 10,000 points for every 10 nights per year, starting at 40 nights
  • Extra 30,000 points for reaching 60 nights per year

Promotions: Hilton Honors typically has a promotion every quarter for bonuses such as double points on stays. Watch your email or visit the My Offers page and make sure to register before your upcoming stays.

Earning Points With Partners

Beyond hotel stays, there are many other options to earn Hilton Honors points:

See our post on how to earn Hilton Honors points for more ideas.

Transfer Points Between Accounts

Hilton Honors offers free points transfers subject to the following limits:

  • Transfer a maximum of 500,000 points per calendar year per account
  • Receive a maximum of 2,000,000 points per calendar year per account
  • Maximum of 6 free transfer transactions per calendar year per account

Hot Tip: Free transfers are a great way to pool points for a fifth-night free award!

Branded and Partnered Credit Cards

Hilton Honors Credit Cards

American Express issues several Hilton co-branded cards.

Hilton Honors American Express CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status, plus great earnings at Hilton, U.S. gas stations, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. restaurants!
Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership
80,000 points
Up to $400
$0
19.99%-28.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

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.

To enjoy a host of great benefits, you may want to apply for the Hilton Honors American Express Card.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 7x points per $1 on Hilton stays
  • 5x points per $1 at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations
  • 3x points per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
  • Not great for those who want multiple redemption options
  • Offers the least benefits of all Hilton cards
Card Highlights
  • Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
  • Earn 5X Points per dollar on 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.
  • 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.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
  • No 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.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Hilton Honors Loyalty Program

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 up to $200 in Hilton credits every year.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

An excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and up to $200 in Hilton credits every year.
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership
130,000 points
Up to $650
$150
19.99%-28.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

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 up to $200 in Hilton credits every year, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card can be a great fit for Hilton loyalists looking to up their travel game.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 12x points per $1 at Hilton hotels
  • 6x points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. restaurants
  • 4x points per $1 at U.S. online retail purchases
Cons
Card Highlights
  • Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • 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 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 Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
  • Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases.
  • Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
  • Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
  • Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® 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.
  • As a Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card Member, you can enroll to receive complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status through the link on your American Express online account. After you're enrolled, you can reserve a rental car by calling National Car Rental directly, using your travel service, or by booking online or through the National Car Rental mobile app. Terms apply.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
  • $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.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Hilton Honors

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

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 after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership
150,000 points
$750
$550
19.99% - 28.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

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


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 & Cons
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 eligible purchases
Cons
    • High annual fee of $550
Card Highlights
  • 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
  • Earn 14x Hilton Honors Bonus Points when you make eligible purchases on your card at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton portfolio
  • Earn 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for eligible travel purchases: on flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies
  • Earn 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on dining at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery
  • Earn 3x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for other eligible purchases on your card
  • Enjoy up to $400 in Hilton Resort Credits (up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually) on your card each anniversary year when you stay at participating resorts within the Hilton portfolio
  • Enjoy complimentary Diamond status
  • $550 annual fee
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.99% - 28.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
The Hilton Honors American Express Business CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)
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 $6,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership.

130,000 points
Up to $650
$195
19.99% - 28.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

For frequent business travelers who regularly stay in Hilton hotels, The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a great option.

Not only will the card help you earn more points on all of your Hilton stays, but you’ll also receive automatic elite status and travel protections.

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 & Cons
Pros
  • Earn 12x points per $1 on eligible Hilton purchases
  • Earn 5x points on other purchases made for the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year, 3x points thereafter.
  • Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, and the ability to spend your way to Diamond status
Cons
Card Highlights
  • Welcome Offer: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible Hilton purchases.
  • Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on other purchases made using the Hilton Honors Business Card on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year, 3X points thereafter.
  • Get 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 an 80% Bonus on all Base Points you earn on every stay.
  • You may receive an upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the calendar year if the total eligible purchases on your Card Account during a calendar year reach $40,000 or more.
  • As a Hilton Honors American Express Business Card Member, you can enroll to receive complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status through the link on your American Express online account. After you’re enrolled, you can reserve a rental car by calling National Car Rental directly, using your travel service, or by booking online or through the National Car Rental mobile app. Terms apply.
  • Terms apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.99% - 28.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Hilton Honors loyalty program

Hot Tip: Check out our comparison of the benefits and perks of each Hilton Honors credit card as well as our recommended cards for Hilton Honors loyalists for more details.

American Express Membership Rewards Credit Cards

Hilton is an Amex hotel partner at a ratio of 1,000:2,000. This is not a great use of Membership Rewards points, so only do this if you’re close to having enough Hilton Honors points for an award.

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS
The Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
80,000 points
Up to $1,760
$695
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

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 & Cons
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 (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
  • 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
Cons
  • $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
  • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
Card Highlights
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • 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 through American Express Travel using 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, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • With American Express Global Lounge Collection® you can enjoy access to over 1,400 airport lounges globally, including The Centurion® Lounge, Unlimited Delta Sky Club® Access when flying an eligible Delta flight, Escape Lounges, Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Group, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass™ Select Lounges, & Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges subject to visit limitations. Lounges may have their own rules, like additional access rules and guest fees, and for Priority Pass Select, you need to enroll and there are unlimited airport lounge visits for Card Members. With Delta Sky Club Access, Card Members will receive 10 Visits to the Delta Sky Club to be used from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access by spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their Card in a calendar year. To find a lounge, visit the membership section in the American Express® App or visit http://www.americanexpress.com/findalounge#/loungefinder.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
  • $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: Platinum Card® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
  • $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
  • Receive either a $120 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.
  • 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.
  • $695 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.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

BEST FOR DINING
American Express® Gold CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
60,000 points
Up to $1,200
$325
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The American Express® Gold Card is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
  • 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
  • 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com
Cons
Card Highlights
  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $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. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. 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, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • 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.
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Business owners can also choose from a variety of Amex business credit cards.

How To Redeem Honors Points

Redeeming Hilton Honors points is very important! You want to make sure you get the best value for your points, and this can be confusing to figure out.

Your Hilton Honors points can be redeemed in a number of ways, including experiences, Lyft rides, online shopping, and rental cars, though the primary way to redeem points is for free nights.

Free Nights

A standard reward will start off at 5,000 points per night. However, as the caliber of property increases, so do the points… at the top tier, a room can cost up to 120,000 points per night!

A bonus offer may lower the amount needed for a stay at a particular hotel and category combination, although many bonus offers simply earn you additional points.

Using the Points & Money option, you can use a smaller number of points along with a lesser dollar amount to book a room. For instance, instead of paying 20,000 points for a room, you could pay 8,000 points and $30.

Premium room rewards are also available. However, we value these lower than other redemptions. Due to their complexity, you’ll simply have to calculate the value of your points for each reward.

Remember that you will have access to the fifth-night free option if you are a Silver member or above. When booking rewards for 5 nights, you will receive a discount based on the average room rate for the 5 nights. This makes saving your points for when you reach a higher status much more appealing!

Exchange Points

Another way to redeem points is by transferring them to one of over 30 airline or rail partners. Using these partners, you can earn a variety of miles depending on the individual exchange rate.


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Hilton Honors Loyalty Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the name of the Hilton rewards program?

The Hilton loyalty program is called Hilton Honors. Hilton includes brands such as DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, and more.

Should I join Hilton Honors? Is it worth it?

Joining Hilton Honors is free and provides access to a range of benefits.

You earn points with stays at Hilton’s many brands, spending with Hilton’s partners, and co-branded Hilton credit cards. Points in your Hilton Honors account can be redeemed for free nights, online shopping, or rewards with Hilton travel partners.

What are the Hilton Honors benefits and status tiers?

There are many benefits of the Hilton Honors program. You get the ability to check in digitally, enter room preferences, and receive free Wi-Fi just for signing up. As you advance in status tiers, you get more and more benefits.

Hilton Honors levels for elite status are Silver, Gold, and Diamond. Advancing up the tiers requires a certain amount of nights, stays, or base points. Once you have reached these levels, you instantly go up in status.

Status benefits include additional bonus points earned, welcome amenity gifts, complimentary upgrades, lounge access, and complimentary breakfast.

When do Hilton Honors points expire?

Your Hilton Honors points will expire after 1 year of inactivity. As long as you keep earning or redeeming points every year, you will keep all of your points active.

What are Hilton Honors base points and bonus points?

While both points are the same when redeeming them for free nights and other awards, they differ in that base points count toward your elite status.

You earn base points when you stay in hotels, and your bonus points are calculated based on them. Bonus points combine with base points for redemptions like free award nights.

Base points are calculated off the number of dollars you spend on the room (10 base points per dollar for most Hilton brands).

What are Hilton Honors points worth?

The value differs depending on your redemption, but it is typically lower than other points and starts at around 0.4 cents each.

How do I convert Hilton Honors points to miles/travel partners?

Sign in to your Honors account and then head over to the appropriate page to exchange points.

Sometimes, the Hilton Honors transfer ratio is less than 1:1, so make sure you check before transferring. For example, you can transfer 10,000 Honors points and receive 1,500 Amtrak Guest Rewards points.

What are all the Hilton Honors hotels?

Hotels in the Hilton portfolio include: Canopy by Hilton, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Curio Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hampton by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Grand Vacations, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Motto by Hilton, Signia by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Tempo by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, and Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts.

Who is Conrad Hilton?

Conrad Hilton was the founder of Hilton hotels. He bought his first hotel in 1919 and soon built it into an empire. He died in 1979.

Is there a Hilton Honors credit card?

American Express is the sole issuer of Hilton Honors credit cards in the U.S.

You can also transfer points from American Express Membership Rewards.

What are Hilton Grand Vacations?

These are Hilton’s timeshare properties. Similar to other timeshares, you buy in and earn a certain amount of points each year to spend on timeshare properties.

What is the Hilton Honors login?

The Hilton Honors sign in is here.

What is the phone number and email for Hilton Honors customer service?

The Hilton Honors phone number is 800-445-8667. You can email a service representative here.

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About Alex Miller

Founder and CEO of Upgraded Points, Alex is a leader in the industry and has earned and redeemed millions of points and miles. He frequently discusses the award travel industry with CNBC, Fox Business, The New York Times, and more.

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