Hilton Honors Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
The Hilton Honors Amex card can be a great entry point into the points and miles hobby if you prefer Hilton and want a card with no annual fee. However, it offers few benefits beyond spending multipliers and complimentary Silver status. Its regular 80,000 (current special 100,000)-point sign-up bonus is significantly smaller than the 130,000-point sign-up bonus on the mid-tier Hilton Surpass card. If you don't expect to keep the Surpass long term, it may be worth paying the $150 annual fee for the larger welcome offer and then downgrading later to this no-annual-fee Hilton Honors card.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
This is the only personal Hilton-branded card with no annual fee, making it an attractive option for those just getting started with Hilton Honors.
- Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 (current special 100,000) points after spending $2,000 (currently $2,000) in the first six months. While Hilton points are not as valuable as those from programs like Hyatt, the bonus can still provide a few free nights depending on where and when you travel.
- Bonus earning categories: Earn 7x points on Hilton purchases, 5x points at restaurants and supermarkets, and 3x points on all other purchases.
- Complimentary Hilton Silver status: Receive Hilton's entry-level elite status along with a handful of travel and purchase protections.
Unless you plan to put significant spending on this card, the primary reason to get it is the welcome offer and the ability to earn Hilton points without paying an annual fee.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
Here are some exceptions where the card might not be good for you:
- You want more generous Hilton benefits and don’t mind paying an annual fee to get them.
What to Know About Hilton Honors
Quality hotels but points go fast with high per night point cost.
- Amex’s one-card-per-lifetime rule makes it difficult to accrue Hilton points using Hilton cards exclusively.
- Hilton is part of the Amex partner reward system and at 1:2 is a decent transfer value.
- Hilton has high quality hotels and excellent coverage both in the US and internationally.
- We recommend this system as more of a filler. Either as a specific destination or an upscale IHG when no Hyatt stays are available.
How The Hilton Honors Credit Card Fits In The Hilton Honors Ecosystem
The Hilton Honors Amex card is Hilton's entry-level option and the only personal Hilton card with no annual fee. While it's a reasonable way to earn Hilton points, most travelers will find more value in one of Hilton's higher-tier cards.
- Hilton Honors Surpass: Our favorite Hilton card for most travelers. Its $150 annual fee unlocks a higher 130,000-point welcome offer, complimentary Gold status, and additional ongoing benefits.
- Hilton Honors Aspire: Hilton's premium card, offering 150,000 points, complimentary Diamond status, an annual free night award, and a variety of travel credits. It's best suited for travelers who stay at Hilton properties several times per year and will make use of the all the perks to justify its high $550 annual fee.
- Hilton Honors Amex Business: A strong alternative for business owners, especially those managing their 5/24 status. It offers benefits similar to the Surpass without taking up a Chase slot.
My Experience, No Filter
I normally go for IHG cards because you can find so many hotels that cost very few points per night, but the flip side is that sometimes you end up with a pretty sketchy hotel room. With Hilton, you’re almost always getting class. With no annual fee and a nice sign up bonus, those were good reasons to grab this card, but what really sold me was the free night certificate.
The certificate can be used at any Hilton hotel as long as you book a “standard room reward.” When I stayed at an almost $1,000-per-night luxury hotel in Santa Monica and didn’t pay anything out of pocket, I almost felt like I was somehow cheating.
My advice is to get this card if they are offering the free night reward. It does need to be used within a year, but it’s a great way to enjoy a night of luxury.
Card Information
Bonus Extra
Differentiating Perks
Historical Card Offers
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Estimated Next Offer
Hilton Honors Application Rules
You'll be declined if you apply for a third Amex card in 90 days
Amex will decline your application if you already have 5 credit cards (not charge) and apply for a sixth
Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule
Amex allows only 1 bonus per specific card every 7 years (yours or that version of the card)
After you apply, Amex may show a pop-up saying you're ineligible for the welcome bonus
