5 Smart Ways I’m Using Expiring Amex Hilton Statement Credits

We’ve all been there. It’s nearing the end of the quarter, and you have unused Hilton statement credits that are about to expire. There’s no time to book an extended vacation, and letting the credits go to waste feels painful.

There’s no guaranteed solution in every situation, but there are creative ways to use these credits when time is running out. This article focuses specifically on American Express Hilton statement credits, which apply to purchases made at Hilton properties.

While you must use your eligible card at a Hilton property to trigger the credit, a hotel stay isn’t always required. Here are several practical ideas to use the credit instead of losing it.

Cards With Hilton Statement Credits

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express offers up to $200 in Hilton statement credits, split into $50 quarterly credits. Enroll your card, and then use it to make purchases at a Hilton property to receive the credit. The card also includes Hilton Honors Gold elite status (enrollment required).

ELEVATED WELCOME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

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 card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 200,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

150,000 200,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $4,400

Annual Fee

$895

APR

17.74% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

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 card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Amex Business Platinum Card is a premium travel rewards card tailored for business owners who are frequent travelers with high annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers, like the best airport lounge access at over 1,550 lounges and numerous annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on eligible travel purchases like flights, prepaid hotels, and prepaid short-term rentals booked through AmexTravel.com
• Access to over 1,550 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Earn 2x Membership Rewards points on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million per calendar year)

Cons

• High annual fee of $895 (rates & fees)
• Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Elevated Welcome Offer: Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Business Platinum Card^® within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card company on the market as of 07/2025.
• See how you can unlock over $3,500 in business and travel value annually after meeting qualifying spend thresholds on the Business Platinum Card. Terms apply.
• Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using the Business Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• No Preset Spending Limit: The spending limit on the Business Platinum Card is flexible, so unlike a traditional credit card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment and credit history.
• Make the Business Platinum Card^® work even harder for you. Hilton for Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Gift cards are not an eligible purchase. Benefit enrollment required.
• Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
• Use the Business Platinum Card and get up to $209 back per calendar year on your CLEAR^® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal).
• Maximize your time away with Fine Hotels + Resorts through Amex Travel™.
• Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits on U.S purchases directly with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card and an additional $1,000 statement credit after you spend $5,000 or more on that same Card per calendar year.
• Enroll and get a $250 statement credit after you spend $600 or more on U.S. purchases directly with Adobe per calendar year on the Business Platinum Card.
• Get up to $90 in statement credits quarterly for purchases with Indeed on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $360 back per year. Enrollment required.
• Get up to $10 in statement credits per month for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $120 back per year. Enrollment required.
• Enhanced! 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
• 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
• 1X points on other eligible purchases
• $895 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 17.74% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card includes up to $200 in annual Hilton statement credits, issued as $50 per quarter for purchases at Hilton properties.

The card also provides Hilton Honors Gold elite status and a free night award after $15,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year.

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card

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.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card

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.

Welcome Offer

Earn 130,000 Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 4/15/2026.

130,000 points + 1 Free Night Reward

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $650

Annual Fee

$150

APR

19.49%-28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

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 card application.

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

• $150 (rates & fees)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 130,000 Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 4/15/2026.
• Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold status with your Card. Plus, spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year. Terms and Limitations apply.
• Get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with a property in the Hilton portfolio on your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card. That’s up to $200 in statement credits annually.
• Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
• Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• Earn 6X 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.
• 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.
• Whenever you travel more than 100 miles from home, Global Assist^® Hotline is available for 24/7 emergency assistance and coordination services, including medical and legal referrals, emergency cash wires, and missing luggage assistance. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Other terms and conditions apply.
• Pay It Plan It^®: Pay It^® lets you tap in the American Express^® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It^® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
• Points don’t expire while your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card is active and in good standing.
• $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: 19.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Hilton Honors

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card includes up to $240 annually in statement credits, issued as up to $60 per quarter. The card earns 12x Hilton Honors points on Hilton purchases and includes complimentary Hilton Honors Gold elite status.

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

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)

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

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 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $8,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card in the first six months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/15/2026.

175,000 points + 1 Free Night Reward

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $875

Annual Fee

$195

APR

19.49% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

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 card application.

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

• $195 annual fee (rates and fees)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $8,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card in the first six months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/15/2026.
• 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.
• Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible purchases made directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
• Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on other purchases made using the Hilton Honors Business Card on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year, 3X Points thereafter.
• You may receive an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status through the end of the next calendar year if the total eligible purchases that you spend on your Card Account during a calendar year reach $40,000 or more.
• Terms apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Hilton Honors loyalty program

Now, let’s look at some ways to use these Hilton statement credits before they expire.

1. Booking a Staycation

If you have a Hilton property nearby, a quick staycation is the most straightforward solution. Choose a property with amenities you’ll enjoy — a pool, a spa, or a lounge — and offset part of the cost with your statement credit.

You’ll also earn Hilton Honors points on eligible purchases during your stay. And, Hilton has several affordable brands for a staycation.

You could even book a room for visiting friends or family to put the credit to use.

2. Visiting the Hotel Bar for Happy Hour

One evening, near Chicago O’Hare, I visited a hotel bar at another Hilton property (where I wasn’t staying) and paid for a glass of wine with my Hilton Business Amex card, which later triggered the Hilton statement credit. 

I learned that you don’t necessarily need to stay at the property to receive the Hilton statement credit.

Enjoy happy hour at your local Hilton if your credits are about to expire, and test the process with a small purchase if you’re unsure about going all-in.

3. Making Pantry or Market Purchases

If you’ve ever tried to use up $160 worth of Hilton statement credits without a Hilton stay, you’ll understand this challenge. When I had several expiring credits across different Hilton Amex cards, I visited nearby Tru, Spark, and Hampton Inn properties and purchased items from their on-site markets.

Front desk staff typically process these purchases, increasing the likelihood that they code them properly for the credit.

Items that worked for me included:

• Dryer sheets, laundry soap, and aspirin
• Chips, nuts, and mints
• Local food items, including jams and cherry products
• Beverages, frozen meals, and yogurt

In each case, the credit is posted within a day after the transaction moves from pending to processed.

4. Dining at a Hilton Restaurant

You may be fortunate enough to have a nearby Hilton property with a restaurant. However, not every restaurant in a Hilton is owned by the hotel, so it’s wise to test with a small purchase first.

Since you won’t be charging the meal to a room, you’ll pay directly with your eligible card. Some cardholders have reported success at Starbucks locations inside Hilton hotels, including gift card purchases, though results vary by property.

I personally received the credit after purchasing a takeaway sandwich at a DoubleTree by Hilton.

5. Using the Spa, Gift Shop, and Golf Facilities

Many Hilton properties offer spas, gift shops, or golf facilities that are accessible without a hotel stay.

Purchases in these locations may trigger the Hilton statement credit, though ownership structure matters — some are operated by third parties and may not code as Hilton purchases. I’ve successfully triggered the credit with a post-checkout gift shop purchase using my Hilton Honors Business card.

Last Resort Options: Deposits and Property Gift Certificates

If none of the above works, there are still some last-resort options that may help you find a purchase to trigger the credit.

Prepaying a Deposit for a Future Stay

Some Hilton properties will accept a deposit toward an upcoming reservation, even if the stay occurs after your credit expires. 

For example, if you have an upcoming Hilton stay beyond the expiration date of your statement credit, you could call the hotel and ask them to accept a deposit to use during your stay. Some hotels will accommodate this request, but policies vary by property.

Purchasing Property-Specific Gift Certificates

Certain Hilton resorts sell gift certificates or vouchers (not gift cards) for use at a specific property or group of properties. Buying in person at the front desk increases the likelihood that the purchase codes correctly. Be cautious with online purchases, as third-party processors may prevent the charge from qualifying.

Final Thoughts

If you have expiring Amex Hilton statement credits, you still have options. Whether it’s a staycation, a pantry purchase, dining, spa services, or a strategic deposit, a little effort can save hundreds of dollars.

You may need to make a small test purchase first, but given the potential value of these credits, the effort can be worthwhile — and even with the trial and error, it can be fun.