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If you're a frequent traveler or business owner, Hilton credit cards are definitely worth considering. With Hilton credit cards, you can earn points that can be redeemed for free nights at Hilton hotels worldwide.
One of the most popular Hilton credit cards is the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express, which offers 150,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
American Express Options
The Hilton Honors American Express Card is a great choice for those who want to earn Hilton Honors points and boost their status level without a $0 annual fee. It offers a welcome bonus of 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $2,000 in purchases on the card in the first 6 months.
You can earn rewards on various purchases, including 7X points for eligible purchases charged on your card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio. The card also offers nice travel benefits, such as car rental and damage insurance, extended warranty protection, and purchase protection.
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card is a step up from the Hilton Honors Card, with a small annual fee of $150. It offers a bigger welcome bonus, higher rewards, and more perks, including complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status and a Free Night Reward.
Here are the key features of the Hilton Honors American Express cards:
Ultimately, the best Hilton Honors American Express card for you will depend on your individual needs and travel habits.
Amex Business Platinum
The Amex Business Platinum card has a $200 annual Hilton credit, but there's a catch - it's only available in $50 quarterly increments.
You can trigger this credit by purchasing a Hilton gift card using your Amex Business Platinum card. Eric Missett asked if this works for the Amex Hilton Honors Aspire card, but unfortunately, that's not covered in this article.
To use this strategy, you'll need to buy a Hilton gift card from https://www.buyhiltongiftcards.com/ and pay $1.95 to get it mailed to you. This makes the value of the benefit $48.05 per quarter or $192.20 annually if you only use the benefit towards Hilton gift cards.
The gift card purchase will show up as a "RBG Hilton Gift Card" and be listed as "Merchandise & Suppliers – Internet Purchase." But don't worry, it still worked for the author, who purchased the gift card on December 21st and received the credit on December 24th.
Lars Brauer asked if the author selected the business or consumer option on the website, but that's not specified in the article. If you're planning to try this, keep in mind that your mileage may vary, so be prepared for the worst-case scenario of being stuck with a $50 gift card that you won't be reimbursed for.
Here's a rough breakdown of the math:
- Purchase cost: $1.95 (gift card fee)
- Value of benefit: $48.05 per quarter or $192.20 annually
Amex Eligibility
You're considering applying for an American Express card, but you're not sure if you're eligible. Don't worry, it's pretty easy to get approved for a Hilton Honors Amex card.
Anecdotally, Hilton Honors Amex cards are considered to be relatively easy to get approved for. Each of these cards is considered a separate product, so you're eligible for the welcome offer on each card, within the typical "once in a lifetime" rule.
The standard American Express card application rules apply, including that you're generally limited to having five Amex credit cards at a given point. This doesn't include charge cards and hybrid cards.
For those with excellent credit, I find Amex credit cards to be among the easiest to be approved for. If you're worried about Chase's 5/24 rule, applying for the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card won't count as a further card toward that limit.
Here's a quick rundown of the eligibility rules:
- Each card is considered a separate product, so you can earn a welcome offer on each one.
- The standard American Express card application rules apply, including the five-card limit.
- Excellent credit can help you get approved for Amex credit cards.
- The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card won't count toward the 5/24 rule.
No Annual Fee
The Hilton Honors American Express Card stands out from the crowd with its no annual fee policy. This means you can enjoy the benefits of the card without worrying about an extra charge at the end of the year.
One card that takes advantage of this is the Hilton Honors American Express Card, which charges no annual fee. This is a significant perk, especially for frequent travelers.
With no annual fee, you can focus on earning rewards and enjoying the benefits of the card without breaking the bank.
Travel Benefits
You'll earn automatic Hilton Honors Gold Status with this card, and have a clear path to reaching Diamond status.
One of the benefits of this card is that you'll get up to $200 in annual Hilton statement credits, broken down into quarterly credits of up to $50 each.
Having automatic Hilton Honors Gold Status can make a big difference in your travel experiences, from free breakfast to room upgrades.
You'll also earn high non-bonus category earnings with this card, making it a great choice for everyday purchases.
IHG Rewards
IHG Rewards offers a range of benefits to its members, including the ability to earn points on hotel stays and redeem them for free nights or other rewards.
IHG Rewards members can earn points on stays at participating IHG hotels, such as InterContinental, Holiday Inn, and Crowne Plaza.
The points can be redeemed for free nights, starting at 10,000 points for a free night at a participating IHG hotel.
Rewards Rate
The IHG Rewards program offers a generous rewards rate on various purchases. You can earn 12X points on eligible purchases at participating InterContinental hotels or resorts.
IHG Rewards members earn 6X points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, making it a great option for frequent diners and shoppers.
Earning 4X points on U.S. online retail purchases is a great perk for those who shop online frequently.
All other eligible purchases earn 3X points, making it a solid option for everyday spending.
IHG Rewards Traveler
As an IHG Rewards Traveler, you'll appreciate the benefits of earning points and enjoying travel perks.
You can earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.
With the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card, you can accelerate your earning by getting 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in your top three spend categories each quarter.
Make the most of your business spending by focusing on your top three categories, and watch your points add up quickly.
Travel benefits are also a highlight, offering a range of perks to enhance your travel experience.
Applying and Offers
If you're a fan of Hilton-branded hotels and travel often, signing up for one of its credit cards could be wise. Figuring out which Hilton credit card is best is dependent on your travel and spending habits.
Occasional travelers would probably enjoy the Hilton Honors American Express Card.
Frequent travelers who indulge in luxury amenities will likely prefer the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.
To get started, you can earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 6 months.
Credit Card Details
The Hilton Honors Surpass Card and Aspire Card have some key differences in terms of annual fees, with the Surpass Card having a $150 annual fee and the Aspire Card having a $550 annual fee.
The Hilton Honors Surpass Card offers a welcome offer of 130,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $3,000 within the first six months, while the Aspire Card offers 150,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $6,000 within the first six months.
Here are the key benefits of each card:
Drawbacks
The Hilton Honors credit cards have some drawbacks to consider. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has a $550 annual fee.
Some Hilton credit cards require you to spend a certain amount to earn a welcome offer. The Hilton Honors Bonus Points offer requires spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months to earn 130,000 points.
The points earned on these cards may not be as valuable as those from other credit cards. Hilton Honors points are considered low-value points.
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has a higher annual fee, $550, and a welcome offer that requires spending $6,000 within the first six months to earn 150,000 points.
Free night rewards on these cards often come with spending requirements. The Hilton Aspire Card offers a free night reward, but you must spend $30,000 on the card in a year to earn a second one.
No Foreign Transaction Fee
The Hilton Honors American Express Card is a great travel companion, and one of its standout features is the lack of foreign transaction fees. This means you can use your card to make purchases or book stays abroad without incurring any extra charges.
The card's designers clearly understood the importance of not overcharging travelers for international transactions.
One of the benefits of not having foreign transaction fees is that you can shop or stay in multiple countries without worrying about surprise fees on your bill.
Annual Fee
The annual fee is a significant aspect of any credit card. The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has a $150 annual fee, while the Hilton Honors Business Card has a $195 annual fee, and the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has a whopping $550 annual fee.
If you're considering applying for one of these cards, it's essential to weigh the benefits against the cost. The Hilton Honors American Express Amex Card, on the other hand, has no annual fee, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Here's a breakdown of the annual fees for each card:
It's worth noting that the annual fees for these cards can be offset by the benefits and rewards they offer, such as Hilton Honors points and credits. However, it's crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions to ensure the card aligns with your spending habits and financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is 175000 Hilton points worth?
The 175,000-point welcome bonus is worth over $1,000 in value. This generous bonus can help you save on travel expenses and enjoy more rewards.
What bank is Hilton credit card?
The Hilton Honors American Express Card is issued by American Express, a leading global payments and financial services company. This partnership offers cardholders exclusive benefits and rewards.
What credit score is needed for a Hilton Honors card?
To qualify for a Hilton Honors card, you typically need a credit score of 700 or higher. However, other factors like credit history and income also play a role in the approval decision.
What credit score do I need for a Hilton credit card?
To be eligible for a Hilton credit card, aim for a credit score between 690-850. While a good score improves your chances, it's not a guarantee of approval.
How much is 120000 Hilton points worth?
According to NerdWallet's valuation, 120,000 Hilton points are worth approximately $720. This calculation is based on a point value of 0.6 cents per point.
Sources
- https://joshtrips.com/2024/12/24/confirmed-gift-cards-trigger-new-200-hilton-annual-credit-on-amex-business-platinum/
- https://financebuzz.com/which-hilton-credit-card-is-best
- https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/reviews/hilton-honors-american-express-card-benefits-guide/
- https://onemileatatime.com/deals/hilton-amex-card-bonus/
- https://creditcards.chase.com/hotel-credit-cards
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