How To Get Hilton Honors Elite Status [Benefits, How To Qualify, and Free Nights]

The benefits of Hilton Honors hotel elite status are many. That upgraded room can be luxurious, the free breakfast buffet expansive, and the hotel executive lounge a quiet retreat for complimentary cocktails and culinary delights.

To qualify for hotel elite status and receive these luxury benefits, however, you may have to stay a lot of nights each year. Hotel loyalty programs in general can require 50, 60, or even more nights spent at their hotel properties on an annual basis to qualify.

If you’ve wondered what it takes to claim your own level of elite hotel benefits with Hilton, we’ve got all the information you need right here. Here are the traditional way of qualifying for elite status, but also information about a faster path to elite status with Hilton Honors branded credit cards.

Let’s get started and find out how you can qualify for Hilton Honors rewards elite status and start reaping the benefits.

The Benefits of Elite Status With Hilton

Hilton has 3 levels of elite status, each offering a progressively impressive collection of benefits and perks.

When you sign up as a Hilton Honors loyalty program member, you are immediately eligible for benefits. Meet the annual requirements and you’ll qualify for higher elite status and even greater benefits.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at each level as a Hilton Honors reward program member.

Member Level Benefits

• Up to 10 points/$1 spent at most Hilton Properties (Tru and Home2 earn 5 points/$1)
• Discounted room rate
• Earn Hilton Honors bonus points
• No resort fees on award stays
• Free standard Wi-Fi
• Late check out
• Digital check in with room selection
• Second guest stays free
• Points pooling

Silver Hilton Honors Level Benefits

As a Silver Hilton Honors member, you will receive all Member benefits plus these additional Silver level benefits:

• Earn 12 points/$1 spent at most Hilton properties (6 points/$1 spent at Tru and Home2)
• Book 4 consecutive award nights and receive the 5th standard award night free
• 2 bottles of water
• Elite tier rollover nights

Gold Hilton Honors Level Benefits

Gold Hilton Honors members receive all Member and Silver level benefits plus these additional benefits:

• Earn 18 points/$1 at most Hilton Properties (9 points/$1 at Tru and Home2)
• Upgrade to an executive-level room (based on availability)
• Complimentary breakfast at all hotels
• Earn milestone bonus points after staying 30+ nights
• Eligible for early upgrade 72 hours in advance

Diamond Hilton Honors Level Benefits

In addition to all Member, Silver, and Gold level benefits, Diamond members receive the following:

• Earn 20 points/$1 spent at most Hilton properties (10 points/$1 at Tru and Home2)
• Room upgrade as high as a 1-bedroom suite (based on availability)
• Executive lounge access
• Diamond status extension
• 48-hour room guarantee
• Elite status gifting
• Eligible for early upgrade 72 hours in advance

Elite status is earned on a calendar year basis and provides benefits immediately on qualification through the remaining calendar year and the entire following calendar year. For example, if you qualify for status in June of 2022, you will retain that elite status for the remainder of 2022 (the year in which you qualified) and throughout 2023.

Bottom Line: If you stay even 1 night at Hilton properties, you should sign up as a member of the Hilton Honors loyalty program. Members receive benefits such as late checkout, free Wi-Fi, room rate discounts, and the ability to earn Hilton Honors rewards points which can be redeemed for free hotel nights and more.  

How To Qualify for Elite Status — The Traditional Way

Qualifying for Hilton Honors elite status is simple. Stay the required number of hotel stays, hotel nights, or earn the required amount of base points each calendar year and you will immediately qualify for the corresponding elite level.

• Member (non-elite) — no annual stay or earning requirement
• Silver — 4 stays, 10 nights, or 10,000 Hilton Honors base points
• Gold — 20 stays, 40 nights, or 75,000 Hilton Honors base points
• Diamond — 30 stays, 60 nights, or 120,000 Hilton Honors base points

In addition to annual elite status, members can earn lifetime Diamond status by completing 1,000 award/paid nights or have earned 2,000,000 base points. Having been Diamond for at least 10 years (does not have to be consecutive years) is an additional requirement of lifetime Diamond status.

Enrolling in the Hilton Honors rewards loyalty program is free and there are no annual requirements to receive base member benefits.

Hot Tip: Silver level elite status requires just 4 stays per calendar year. A significant benefit of Silver elite status is receiving the fifth award night free when booking 4 consecutive award nights. 

A Faster Path to Hilton Honors Elite Status

It is possible to receive complimentary hotel elite status, even top status, without the requirement of staying even 1 night at a Hilton property.

Several Hilton branded credit cards grant complimentary elite status that is valid as long as you hold the card and no minimum annual hotel stays or point-earning requirements are required.

Complimentary Elite Status With Hilton Branded Credit Cards

Bottom Line: The fastest and easiest way to acquire Hilton Honors elite status is to secure a Hilton Honors branded credit card. 

Hot Tip: Elite status matches and challenges are another non-traditional way to earn elite status.

How Hilton Branded Credit Cards Enhance Elite Status

In addition to complimentary elite status, Hilton branded credit cards come with benefits that can make having elite status even better.  The cards offer free hotel nights, elevated earnings, and other travel benefits — having one of them in your wallet is a must if you frequent Hilton hotels often.

Free Hotel Nights

In addition to receiving your 5th consecutive award night free and the ability to redeem points for free hotel nights, these Hilton Honors cards offer more Free Night Reward benefits.

• Hilton Surpass Card — Free Night Reward after spending $15,000 in a calendar year.
• Hilton Aspire — Free Night Reward shortly after card approval, additional Free Night Reward after spending $30,000 on the card in a calendar year, additional Free Night Reward after spending $60,000 on the card in a calendar year.

Accelerated Earnings

Having Hilton Honors elite status means you’ll earn more points when staying at Hilton properties. In addition to the points earned for your stay, when you pay with your Hilton Honors branded card you’ll earn even more points.

In fact, you could earn up to 34 Hilton Honors points for every dollar spent at Hilton properties when you pay with your Hilton Honors credit card.

• Hilton Honors Card — 7 points/$1 spent
• Hilton Surpass — 12 points/$1 spent
• Hilton Business American Express — 12 points/$1 spent
• Hilton Aspire — 14 points/$1 spent

Keep in mind that these points are in addition to the points you earn based on your status tier. So if you’re a Hilton Aspire cardholder, you’re earning 20 points per dollar for your Diamond status, but then another 14 points per dollar for the Aspire card; this totals 34 points per dollar spent!

Additional Benefits

Hilton Honors branded cards are loaded with complimentary additional benefits.

• Travel and Shopping Protections/Benefits – Hilton Honors branded cards come with secondary car rental insurance, roadside assistance, travel accident insurance, baggage insurance, extended warranty, purchase protection, and much more. Terms, conditions, and coverage limits vary by card.

Everything Else You Need to Know

Here are the most current offers for these popular Hilton Honors branded cards.

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Hilton Honors American Express Card

U.P. Rating 

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!

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 Card

Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status, plus great earnings at Hilton, U.S. gas stations, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. restaurants!

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025.

100,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$500

Annual Fee

$0

APR

20.24%-29.24% 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 cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

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

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025.
• 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: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Hilton Honors Loyalty Program

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 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 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 165,000 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. Offer ends 1/8/2025.

165,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$825

Annual Fee

$150

APR

20.24%-29.24% 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 cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

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

• Annual fee of $150 (rates & fees)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 165,000 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. Offer ends 1/8/2025.
• Get up to $200 back each year on eligible Hilton purchases after you use your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card.
• 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.
• Enjoy complimentary National Car Rental^® Emerald Club Executive^® status. Enrollment in the complimentary Emerald Club^® program is required. 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: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Hilton Honors

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

U.P. Rating 

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.

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.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

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.

Welcome Offer

Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership

175,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$875

Annual Fee

$550

APR

20.99% - 29.99% 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 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.

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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

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 175,000 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: 20.99% - 29.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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 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.

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

Limited Time Offer: Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025.

175,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$875

Annual Fee

$195

APR

20.24% - 29.24% 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 cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

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

• Limited Time Offer: Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 1/8/2025.
• 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 getting you to free nights faster.
• 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: 20.24% - 29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Hilton Honors loyalty program

For more information on earning Hilton Honors points, learn all the ways to earn lots of Hilton Honors points.

Final Thoughts

There is no doubt that even the infrequent Hilton hotel fan could benefit from elite status with Hilton Honors. Just signing up as a Hilton Honors member brings benefits you can use, but elite status kicks it up a notch with those upgraded rooms, fifth night free, elevated earnings, complimentary breakfast, and even lounge access.

Whether the elite status is worthwhile for you will depend on how frequently you stay at Hilton properties. If you are a Hilton loyalist, your experience may be enhanced, your earnings greater, and you could potentially save travel dollars by securing elite status.

For those whose primary brand of choice is Hilton, securing a Hilton Honors branded credit card with complimentary elite status also ensures you’ll have the status you want without the worry of having to re-earn it each calendar year.