Your Long-Term Hilton Strategy
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EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE:
Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
*Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.It is no secret that I love the Hilton Honors program. ❤️ With a huge portfolio, generous loyalty program, and bucket list dreamy resorts….what’s not to love?
If you’re looking to build up a long term hotel points strategy, it might be time to dive into the world of Hilton and see what they have to offer!
Credit Card Options
American Express offers four cobranded Hilton Honors credit cards (one business and three personal). In my opinion, these are some of the best hotel cards you can have in your wallet!
Hilton Honors American Express Card
*All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Card has been collected independently by Packed with Points. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
*All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card has been collected independently by Packed with Points. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
*All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Packed with Points. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
*All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card has been collected independently by Packed with Points. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
So which card is right for me?
When looking at this family of credit cards, keep in mind the long term benefits that each card offers and how that will work with your travel goals and budget.
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire card comes with quite a few perks that help offset that $550 annual fee (rates & fees). Most notably, you’ll receive an annual free night reward on your card member anniversary each year.👌🏼 It also gives you complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status, up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually on eligible Hilton purchases, a $209 CLEAR+ credit, and MORE. This card is perfect for the Hilton loyalists.
The Surpass is a great go-to for a mid-tier hotel card with a manageable annual fee. It has great earning rates on everyday spending, complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, up to $50 in quarterly Hilton credits for eligible purchases, and you have the opportunity to earn a Free Night Reward after spending $15,000 on the card in a calendar year!
If you’re looking to break into the world of Hilton points, but you don't want to spend a lot on an annual fee, the Hilton Honors American Express Card is a no-brainer. Especially if you wait to open one of these cards when there is an elevated offer with a free night reward, you can get HUGE value out of a no annual fee card! 🤯
My husband and I have both opened the business card and it is one that I recommend to everyone! I love that this card won’t count toward 5/24, it comes with complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, and you’ll get up to $60 in quarterly credits toward eligible purchases at a Hilton hotel.
How to use Hilton Free Night Rewards
Hilton Free Night Rewards are by far the most valuable free night offered by any hotel due to the fact that these rewards are uncapped. What this means is that you are able to redeem these Free Night Rewards for any Standard Room Reward. Like you see below above the “Select Dates” button:
Many people open these cards to plan that once in a lifetime dream trip since these free nights can score you an ultra luxurious room for literally $0.
Like the Conrad Maldives for instance, this free night could easily save you $1,000+ on ONE NIGHT. 👇🏼
A few things to keep in mind:
These free nights expire one year after issuance so they must be used by that date.
You will need to call or chat with Hilton to redeem them for a stay.
They cannot be transferred to another Hilton Honors account.
These cannot be combined with Hilton’s 5th Night Free offer.
Ideas for using these free nights
Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
Grand Wailea
Waldorf Astoria Park City
Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas
Canopy by Hilton Paris Eiffel Tower
And honestly, soooo many more good options out there thanks to their huge portfolio!
Your long term strategy
I’ve been a big fan of Hilton for years, and I love when others find amazing value in their loyalty program and book some of those bucket list properties they have been dreaming of!
One thing to note about planning your hotel points strategy, is that you CAN hold all four of these credit cards. 👏🏻💳 You are also able to upgrade or downgrade between personal cards if you come to a point where you want to pay a lower annual fee for instance, or maybe you’re ready for more premium benefits.
The line up of cobranded credit cards make it easy to acquire elite status, so when considering your upcoming Hilton stays, status is a great thing to have for potential room upgrades, hotel benefits, or even welcome gifts in your room! We have had Hilton Honors Gold status for years, and we have been very lucky to have been given some wonderful upgrades, and welcome gifts at most of the properties we visit!
🌟These cards are great long-term keeper cards, and in my opinion, the best family of hotel credit cards out there. I will absolutely be looking to open another Hilton card in the near future to continue to earn these valuable rewards!
EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
