Best Hilton credit cards of April 2024
If you're a fan of Hilton properties, you'll be thrilled to know that you have a wide range of options for selecting the perfect Hilton credit card. Hilton boasts an impressive portfolio of almost 8,000 hotels and resorts across over 125 countries and territories worldwide. Whether you prefer a local staycation or an exotic getaway, Hilton has something to offer everyone.
As a Hilton Honors member, you can choose from an array of properties, ranging from luxurious brands like LXR and Waldorf Astoria to more affordable choices such as Hampton Inn and Embassy Suites. With the flexibility to use Hilton points across properties at various price points, the only task remaining is to decide which credit card suits you best. Here, we present our top recommendations for the finest Hilton credit cards in collaboration with our partners.
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Best for occasional Hilton travelers
- Hilton Honors American Express Card: Best for no annual fee
- The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Best for small business owners
| 12X | 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. |
| 6X | 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. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card. |
The Hilton Honors Surpass Card stands out in the crowded mid-tier category of cobranded hotel credit cards. It comes with elite-like perks at a reasonable annual fee. Read our full review of the Hilton Honors Surpass Card.
Pros
- High earning rate
- Large welcome offer
- Automatic Hilton Gold status
Cons
- Free anniversary night requires high spend
- Annual fee
- Earn 130,000 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.
- 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.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
| 7X | 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. |
| 5X | Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card. |
The Hilton Honors Amex Card is a decent entry-level hotel card with no annual fee. It’s a card that is ideal for beginners and offers an array of perks for those loyal to the Hilton brand. Read our review of the Hilton Honors Amex Card.
Pros
- No annual fee card
- Automatic Hilton Honors Silver status
- Shopping and travel protections
Cons
- Limited redemption options
- Low-tier elite status
- No free night award
- Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- 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.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
| 12X | Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible Hilton purchases. |
| 5X | 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 | 3X on all other eligible purchases. Terms & Limitations Apply. |
For business travelers who stay with Hilton, there is a lot to love about the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card. You’re getting a solid return when you use the card on eligible Hilton purchases, and it comes with a nice array of perks. Read our full review of the Hilton Honors Amex Business Card.
Pros
- Hilton Gold status
- Up to $240 statement credit each year for eligible purchases directly with Hilton
- Complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status (Emerald Club® program is required; enrollment is required)
Cons
- Less useful for non-Hilton loyalist
- 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 6/5.
- Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible Hilton purchases.
- Enhanced: 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.
- New: Enjoy up to $240 back each year for eligible purchases made directly with Hilton.
- 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 if the total eligible purchases on your Card Account during a calendar year reach $40,000 or more.
- New: Enjoy complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status. Enrollment in the complimentary Emerald Club® program is required.
- Terms apply.
Comparing the best credit cards
Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at American Express's secure site | occasional Hilton travelers | Earn 130,000 points Open Intro bonus Earn 130,000 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. | 3 - 12X points | $150 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at American Express's secure site | no annual fee | Earn 80,000 points Open Intro bonus Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. | 3 - 7X points | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at American Express's secure site | small business owners | Earn 175,000 Bonus Points Open Intro bonus 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 6/5. | 3 - 12X points | $195 |
More details on the best credit cards
With the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, you can enjoy substantial rewards when staying at Hilton properties, along with the added benefit of automatic Hilton Gold elite status. This status grants you complimentary breakfast or a daily food and beverage credit at some Hilton brands, enhanced earnings and the possibility of space-available upgrades during your Hilton stays at select brands. Considering its valuable perks, the card’s $150 annual fee (see rates and fees) becomes easily justifiable.
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass card is an excellent choice for those seeking to accumulate and utilize Hilton points. This card offers attractive benefits for individuals aspiring to become loyal Hilton guests. Cardholders enjoy the privilege of complimentary Hilton Gold status, entailing a daily food and beverage credit at U.S. hotels or a continental breakfast at non-U.S. hotels. Additionally, they can take advantage of the fifth night free when booking with points, an 80% bonus on earnings during stays and the possibility of room upgrades to standard suites, subject to availability at select brands. The Hilton Honors Amex Surpass card also includes a complimentary night reward, no foreign transaction fees and the opportunity to attain top-tier Diamond status by spending $40,000 in a calendar year.
“Even if you only stay with Hilton a few times each year, having the Hilton Surpass Card can be worth it. It offers solid earnings at Hilton properties and automatic Hilton Gold elite status — all for a $95 annual fee. Hilton Gold is one of my favorite mid-tier hotel statuses as it gets you complimentary breakfast or food and beverage credits and space-available room upgrades.” — Benji Stawski, former senior reporter
The American Express Hilton Honors Aspire card is Hilton’s premier offering, granting automatic top-tier Diamond status as a valuable perk. Despite its annual fee of $550 (see rates and fees), the significant benefits of Diamond status, valued at over $3,000 annually by TPG, make this fee worthwhile. Cardholders are rewarded with a complimentary night on each account anniversary, and they have the opportunity to earn two additional free nights by spending $30,000 and $60,000 on their card during a calendar year. Additionally, the card provides statement credits for various expenses, including up to $200 in airline fees per year, up to $400 in Hilton resort credits and up to $100 in Hilton on-property credits. For a comprehensive analysis of the Amex Hilton Aspire card, refer to our detailed review.
The information for the Hilton Amex Aspire credit card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The Hilton Honors American Express Card serves as Hilton's introductory product, offering a no-annual-fee option (see rates and fees). With its attractive benefits of earning 7 points per dollar on eligible Hilton purchases and complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status, this card presents a reliable choice for new cardholders who are devoted to the hotel brand or prefer to avoid annual fees. However, it is worth noting that other travel cards provide greater flexibility in earning and redeeming points, along with more substantial perks.
With the Hilton Honors American Express card, you receive complimentary Silver elite status, which can be upgraded to Gold by spending $20,000 or more on the card in a calendar year. Additionally, you have the opportunity to earn bonus points not only on Hilton hotel stays but also on essential everyday purchases. These accumulated Hilton Honors points can then be redeemed for complimentary nights at your preferred properties, allowing you to make the most of your rewards.
“Long considered to be the best no annual fee hotel cobranded credit card, you can use Hilton Silver elite status to unlock the fifth night free on standard Hilton award stays. It’s one of the only ways to unlock elite status no annual fee. You can also earn bonus points on popular categories like Hilton hotels, U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets and at U.S. gas stations.” — Kyle Olsen, former points and miles reporter
By using the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, you can enjoy a generous earning rate of 12 points per dollar on eligible purchases spent at Hilton hotels. As an added benefit, the card grants automatic Gold status, providing you with valuable perks. Moreover, by making $15,000 worth of purchases in a calendar year, you have the opportunity to earn a complimentary night reward. The card also offers up to $200 in statement credits annually towards Hilton purchases, up to $50 per quarter. Despite these remarkable features, the card maintains a modest annual fee of $150 (see rates and fees).
Considered one of the most advantageous hotel business cards available, the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card offers exceptional value. With its valuable mid-tier Hilton Gold elite status, this card provides a range of premium benefits while maintaining a reasonable $195 annual fee (see rates and fees). If Hilton is the preferred hotel chain for your company, adding this card to your wallet is a highly recommended choice.
The Hilton Honors American Express Business card provides an excellent balance of benefits while maintaining a low annual fee. Cardholders can enjoy various perks, including complimentary Gold Elite status, free night rewards and valuable travel protections. It's worth noting that the card offers the highest earning potential for points on Hilton purchases, as is common with cobranded cards. Please keep in mind that enrollment may be required for certain benefits.
“With generous perks like Gold status, a path to two standard free night awards and the ability to unlock top-tier Diamond status with $40,000 of spend in a calendar year, the Hilton Honors Business Card is all about giving you perks beyond your money’s worth with a reasonable annual fee.” — Kyle Olsen, former points and miles reporter.
Unlike some other cards, the American Express® Business Gold Card does not provide hotel status. However, it offers the advantage of earning American Express Membership Rewards points, which can be transferred to Hilton or utilized with a wide range of hotel and airline partners. This flexibility allows cardholders to maximize their rewards by choosing with diverse options beyond just Hilton.
Maximizing Hilton credit cards
Decide what benefits are important
When choosing a credit card, evaluating the benefits that align with your lifestyle is crucial. If you prioritize exclusive perks when staying at Hilton Honors properties, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is the perfect fit. It offers a complimentary night award and immediate Diamond status, which enhances your travel experiences. If you prefer a more affordable annual fee, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card presents an excellent alternative with similar advantages and a path to Diamond status.
The information for the Hilton Amex Aspire credit card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
However, if your hotel preferences extend beyond Hilton Honors properties, it may be more advantageous to consider a card with transferable points, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express. This card provides access to various airport lounges through Priority Pass membership and offers the flexibility to transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Hilton Honors and other loyalty programs. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a wide range of options. Furthermore, the card includes Hilton Honors Gold status (enrollment required), adding an extra layer of benefits to the card.
Choose the rewards you want to earn
The previously mentioned highlighted cards exclusively earn Hilton Honors points, which hold significant value but are limited to redemption within the Hilton Honors program.
On the other hand, certain cards provide transferable rewards that offer more flexibility in redemption. For instance, The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express allow cardholders to earn American Express Membership Rewards points. These points are highly versatile and are typically most beneficial when redeemed for travel through the Amex travel portal or by transferring them to Amex's extensive network of partners. This versatility allows cardholders to explore various options and maximize the value of their rewards.
Earn status through spending
By using the Hilton Honors American Express Card, you have the opportunity to attain Gold status by spending $20,000 on the card within a calendar year. Similarly, both the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card and The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card offer the chance to unlock Diamond status by spending $40,000 on either card during a calendar year. These tier upgrades provide enhanced benefits and privileges within the Hilton Honors program.
How we rate cards
What is Hilton?
Hilton, headquartered in McLean, VA, just outside Washington, D.C., is a renowned hospitality company with a global presence. Operating across six continents, Hilton boasts a portfolio of over 7,500 hotels encompassing various brands. From budget-friendly options like Tru and Hilton Garden Inn to the prestigious and luxurious Waldorf Astoria, Hilton offers various accommodations to cater to different preferences and guest wishes.
Hilton credit card benefits
The Hilton Honors credit cards with a cobranded partnership offer many advantages for travelers. Let's delve into the perks provided by these Hilton Honors credit cards mentioned earlier.
Hilton Honors points earning
All of the cobranded Hilton Honors credit cards earn Hilton points. Here’s a look at how many miles you’ll earn on purchases with some of the best Hilton credit cards:
- Hilton Honors American Express Card: Earn 7 points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5 points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets and at U.S. gas stations and 3 points other eligible purchases.
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Earn 12 points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 6 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets and at U.S. gas stations, 4 points per dollar on U.S. online retail purchases and 3 points for all other eligible purchases.
- The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Earn 12 points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5 points per dollar on other purchases made using the Hilton Honors Business Card on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year, and 3 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Hotel elite status
- Hilton Honors American Express Card: Includes Silver status — You have the opportunity to attain Gold status by spending $20,000 on the card within a calendar year.
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card and The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Includes Gold status — You have the opportunity to attain Diamond status by spending $40,000 on either card during a calendar year.
Anniversary nights and statement credits
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Earn a free night reward by spending $15,000 on purchases with the Hilton Surpass card in a calendar year
What is the Hilton Honors program?
The program is free to join and features a tiered status system; ranked from basic to premium, the tiers are:
- Member
- Silver
- Gold
- Diamond
As a Hilton Honors member, you can earn points with every hotel stay at a rate of 10 points earned per dollar spent at Hilton hotels, while Tru by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton properties earn 5 points per dollar spent. Notably, Hilton all-inclusive resorts also earn points you can use for future travel.
There are different ways to earn Hilton Honors status; besides racking up points with stays and on-property purchases, you can qualify for certain tiers by being a Hilton Honors credit cardholder. Points can be redeemed for free stays, Lyft rides, rental car reservations and can also be converted to airline miles.
Program members have the option to pool their points with other Hilton Honors members in addition to buying, gifting and transferring points.
TPG values Hilton points worth 0.6 cents apiece. This means that the welcome offers for the Hilton Honors Amex, Hilton Honors Amex Surpass and the Hilton Honors American Express Business card are worth $480, $780 and $1,050, respectively (as of April 18, 2024).
Being a Hilton Honors American Express cardholder can provide much value across the board, whether you're looking for a no annual fee cobranded card or willing to shell out a hefty annual fee for a more premium product.
How to choose the best Hilton credit card
- Our best Hilton credit cards feature generous sign-up offers with a variety of required spending so that you can earn your bonus with any budget. It is important to choose a card that you can easily reach the minimum spend threshold of since a large part of a card’s value is its sign-up bonus.1Sign-up bonus
- We chose cards with no annual fees that offer solid benefits and cards with lofty annual fees that offer premium perks so that any consumer can find the best Hilton card for their wallet.2Annual fee
- The best Hilton credit cards feature a variety of bonus categories and choosing one that best aligns with your spending habit will help you earn even more points towards your next stay.3Bonus categories
Ask our experts
What's your favorite Hilton card — and why?
Pros + cons of Hilton credit cards
Pros
- Using a Hilton credit card can help you earn points towards your next stay
- Many Hilton credit card features additional perks like travel and shopping protection
- Some Hilton credit cards feature premium perks like automatic elite status and free night certificates
Cons
- Irresponsible usage of Hilton credit cards can negatively impact your credit score
- Hilton uses a dynamic pricing model for point redemption which makes it difficult to pre-plan points needed for a trip
- Most Hilton cards are only worthwhile if you regularly stay at Hilton properties
Frequently asked questions
The ideal Hilton Honors credit card choice depends on your specific requirements. The no-annual-fee Hilton Honors American Express Card is great for beginners (see rates and fees), while those looking for more benefits should explore the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card and The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card.
Obtaining a Hilton Honors card can be advantageous if its benefits outweigh the annual fee. It’s ultimately up to you to review the perks and benefits of each card and decide if the annual fee is worth it for you.
You can apply for Hilton Honors cards by clicking the hyperlinked card names on our page.
You'll typically need good credit — a credit score of at least 670 — to be approved for a Hilton Honors credit card.
Hilton Honors Points expire after 24 consecutive months of inactivity.
Yes, all Hilton credit cards that are open to new applicants are issued by American Express.