Best Hilton Credit Cards of July 2022
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The 6 best Hilton credit cards of July 2022
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If you stay at Hilton hotels often, it makes a lot of sense to carry a Hilton co-branded credit card to boost your points-earning potential and enjoy benefits such as elite status and award stays every year. You can also get good value from non-Hilton cards that earn points and offer perks you can enjoy on stays.
Hilton's co-branded credit cards come in a wide variety, from a simple everyday earner without an annual fee, all the way up to a premium card that confers perks like top-tier Diamond elite status and up to $250 per year in statement credits toward airline incidental fees. And the current Hilton credit card bonuses are incredibly valuable. If you play your cards right, you could receive $1,000+ in value from each of these bonuses.
Hilton Honors points are worth, on average, 0.5 cents apiece based on Insider's points and miles valuations — but the exact value you'll get varies depending on where and when you redeem your points.
Here's a detailed overview of the best cards for travelers who stay with Hilton, and which one might be the best for you.
We're focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won't be worth it if you're paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it's important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
Best for everyday earning and stays: Hilton Honors Surpass card
- High welcome bonus
- Complimentary Hilton Gold elite status
- Generous bonus categories for earning points
- Weekend night reward requires spending $15,000 on the card in a year
- Not much in the way of complimentary benefits beyond Hilton Gold status
- The information related to the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card has been collected by Business Insider and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.
- Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, you can earn up to $130 in Statement Credits on eligible purchases made on the Card at any of the Hilton family hotels in the first 12 months of Membership.
- Earn a Weekend Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
- Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
- Earn 6X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
- Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your 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.
- $95 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Best for occasional Hilton travelers: Hilton Honors Amex
- High welcome bonus
- No annual fee
- Complimentary Silver elite status with Hilton
- Limited benefits beyond earning Hilton points
- Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, you can earn up to $100 in Statement Credits on eligible purchases made on the Card at any of the Hilton family hotels in the first 12 months of Membership.
- Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
- Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
- Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- 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 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Best for luxury benefits: Hilton Honors Aspire card
- Complimentary top-tier Hilton elite status
- Get a weekend night reward each year after you renew your card
- High welcome bonus
- Valuable annual statement credit for eligible Hilton purchases
- High annual fee
- The information related to the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected by Business Insider and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.
- Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases on the card within your first 3 months of card membership
- 14X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio
- 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, and on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies
- 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your card at U.S. restaurants
- 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your card
Best for business travelers who prefer Hilton: Hilton Honors Business card
- Comes with complimentary Hilton Gold elite status
- Strong welcome bonus
- Earns bonus points on a wide variety of purchases
- You have to spend at least $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year to earn a reward night
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, you can earn up to $130 in Statement Credits on eligible purchases made on the Card at any of the Hilton family hotels in the first 12 months of Membership. Offer expires 7/6/2022.
- Earn Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card: 12X at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, 6X at US gas stations, on US purchases for shipping, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from US service providers, on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and at US restaurants, 3X on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status with your Hilton Honors Business Card.
- Earn a Weekend Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
- Earn another Weekend Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend an additional $45,000 in purchases on your Card in the same calendar year.
- Terms apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Best for non-loyalists who want Hilton elite status: Amex Platinum
- Long list of travel benefits, including airport lounge access and complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required)
- Annual statement credits with Saks and Uber
- Bonus categories leave something to be desired
- One of the highest annual fees among premium travel cards
- Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. And if you fly, you can receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year after you select a qualifying airline and incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups are excluded.
- American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. There are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
- $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $25 back each month on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
- $189 CLEAR® Credit: Use your Card and get up to $189 back per year on your CLEAR® membership. CLEAR® is available at select airports and stadiums.
- $695 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Best for flexibility and redeeming points: Amex Gold card
- Great rewards for dining and for shopping at US supermarkets
- Monthly statement credit for eligible dining purchases recoups some of the annual fee
- Underwhelming welcome bonus
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- Updated $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Comparing the best Hilton credit cards
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card (jump to Hilton Honors Surpass card details »)
The Hilton Honors Surpass® Card represents the best of all worlds — a card with a moderate annual fee that comes with supercharged earning capacity and mid-range elite status. You can currently earn an elevated welcome bonus offer of 130,000 points after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases on the card in the first 3 months of card membership, and up to $130 in statement credits on eligible Hilton family hotel purchases in the first 12 months.
Insider estimates that Hilton points are worth 0.5 cents each, on average. So this bonus is worth around $650 in Hilton hotel stays.
This card earns 12 Hilton points per dollar on eligible Hilton purchases and 6 points per eligible dollar spent in a variety of categories, including U.S. supermarkets, U.S. restaurants, and U.S. gas stations, and 3 points per eligible dollar spent on everything else. That means you can rack up thousands of points simply by using your card for everyday purchases.
If you spend $15,000 or more on purchases with your card in a calendar year, you'll score a free weekend night reward that you can use at almost any Hilton property worldwide. Cardholders automatically get Hilton Honors Gold status — which comes with perks like room upgrades, bonus earning on stays, and complimentary breakfast (currently awarded as a food and beverage credit in the US) — but can bump up to Diamond status with $40,000 in card spending in a calendar year.
Here's our Amex Hilton Honors Surpass card review to help you decide if this card is the right fit for your travel style. And be sure to read our guide to earning and redeeming Hilton points to find out the best ways to maximize your hard-earned rewards.
Hilton Honors American Express Card (jump to Amex Hilton Honors card details »)
While you don't normally get tons of extra perks from a no-annual-fee card, the Hilton Honors American Express Card makes up for fewer benefits with a hefty bonus. Right now, new applicants can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases on the card in the first 3 months of card membership, and up to $100 in statement credits on eligible Hilton family hotel purchases in the first 12 months.
Again, Insider estimates that Hilton points are worth 0.5 cents each — making this points bonus worth $500 in Hilton stays, on average. You can read more in our Hilton Honors American Express card review.
The Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 7 Hilton points per dollar on eligible Hilton purchases and 5 points per eligible dollar spent at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations.
Like other Hilton co-branded cards, it earns 3 points per eligible dollar spent on everything else. Cardholders receive entry-level Silver elite status but can spend their way up to Gold with $20,000 in purchases on the card in a calendar year.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card (jump to Hilton Aspire card details »)
The Hilton Honors Aspire Card charges a $450 annual fee — but it also confers benefits unmatched by other hotel credit cards. It also offers a substantial welcome bonus: 150,000 points after you spend at least $4,000 in your first 3 months of account opening.
Cardholders receive up to $250 in statement credits each account year for purchases made at participating Hilton Resorts, and up to another $250 in airline fee credits each calendar year for things like checked bags and seat assignments on your selected airline.
When you book a qualifying two-night stay at participating Waldorf Astoria or Conrad properties, you'll get up to a $100 credit for eligible charges. Cardholders enjoy automatic top-tier Diamond status, with benefits like the best chance at room upgrades, club lounge access, complimentary breakfast (currently awarded as a food and beverage credit in the US), and double the points a regular member earns on stays.
Hilton Aspire cardmembers get a free Weekend Night Reward when they open the account and reach their account anniversary and renew (it's not part of the bonus), and can earn an additional one after spending $60,000 on the card in a calendar year. They can also enroll in Priority Pass membership for access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
Note: Weekend Night Rewards are usually only valid for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night stays. However, because of the pandemic, any Weekend Night Rewards earned through 2022 can be used for any day of the week.
The earning is pretty extraordinary, too — 14 Hilton points per dollar on eligible Hilton purchases, 7 points per dollar at eligible U.S. restaurants, on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and on eligible car rentals, and 3 points per eligible dollar spent on everything else.
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card (jump to Amex Hilton Business card details »)
If you're a small-business owner and prefer a business credit card that can help you maximize expenses both at home and on the road, The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card checks all the boxes. Cardholders automatically receive Hilton Honors Gold status, which makes stays better thanks to perks like free breakfast and welcome amenities. And when you spend $40,000 on purchases with the card in a calendar year, you'll receive Diamond status.
Right now, the The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is offering a bonus of 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in purchases on the card in the first 3 months of card membership, and up to $130 in statement credits on eligible Hilton family hotel purchases in the first 12 months (offer expires 7/6/22). This bonus is identical to the Amex Hilton Surpass but with a slightly higher spending requirement.
It's also an exceptional earner, offering 12 Hilton points per dollar on eligible Hilton purchases, and 6 points per eligible dollar spent at U.S. restaurants and U.S. gas stations, and on U.S. wireless services and shipping, flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and eligible car rentals. It earns 3 points per eligible dollar spent on everything else, which is decent for a card with just a $95 annual fee.
When you spend $15,000 on purchases with the card in a calendar year, you'll earn a free weekend night reward — and if you spend a total of $60,000 in the same year, you'll get a second weekend night reward. Check out our Hilton Honors American Express Business Card review for the full rundown.
You don't need to own a huge corporation to qualify for a small-business credit card — even if you have a side gig or do freelance work, you could be eligible. Here's our guide to the best small-business credit cards to learn more.
The Platinum Card® from American Express (jump to Amex Platinum card details »)
While the Hilton Honors Aspire Card comes with automatic Diamond status, if you're not a hardcore Hilton loyalist, you might want to consider a card that comes with elite status but earns points that transfer to other partners. The Platinum Card® from American Express fits the bill because cardholders can activate complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status (and Marriott Bonvoy Gold status, too).**
Hilton Gold status gets you a fair shot at room upgrades, 18 points per eligible dollar on stays instead of the normal 10, welcome amenities, and even complimentary continental breakfast at most properties.
With the Platinum card, you'll earn American Express Membership Rewards points which transfer to Hilton at a 1:2 ratio, so you're effectively earning double Hilton points on everyday spending. The card costs $695 per year, but it comes packed with other benefits that, if put to use, make the annual fee worthwhile.
It currently offers a welcome bonus of 100,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 in your first 6 months of card membership. Read our Amex Platinum card review to find out more.
American Express® Gold Card (jump to Amex Gold card details »)
You won't enjoy Hilton Honors elite status with the American Express® Gold Card, but you will earn a phenomenal number of points in several everyday spending categories that you can then transfer to your Hilton account.
Along with a welcome bonus offer of 60,000 points after you spend at least $4,000 in your first 6 months of card membership, this card earns 4 American Express Membership Rewards points per dollar at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, as well as on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1 point per dollar). It earns 3 points per dollar on airfare booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
Remember that 1 American Express Membership Rewards point converts to 2 Hilton points, so you're essentially doubling those earning rates if you plan to transfer your points to Hilton Honors. You'll also have the flexibility to transfer your points to other American Express Membership Rewards partners, like Delta, JetBlue, and Marriott.
You can read our American Express Gold Card review to learn why the card is a terrific choice for foodies, travelers, and even rewards beginners.
Hilton credit card frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the best Hilton credit card?
The Hilton credit card with the most valuable benefits is the Amex Hilton Aspire. It comes with $1,000+ in value each calendar year from perks such as:
- A free Weekend Night Reward upon account opening — and another reward after each account anniversary (and paying the annual fee)
- Another Weekend Night Reward after spending $60,000 on the card in a calendar year
- Priority Pass membership which offers access to 1,300+ airport lounges
- Up to a $250 annual resort credit valid at Hilton resorts
- Up to a $250 annual airline incidental credit
- Automatic Hilton Diamond status (Hilton's highest elite status)
If you travel regularly or stay at a fancy Hilton hotel once per year, these benefits could easily offset its $450 annual fee.
Can I use my points at Hilton Garden Inn?
You can use your Hilton points for stays at any Hilton brand. You may not even realize how many hotels belong to Hilton:
- Waldorf Astoria
- Conrad
- Canopy
- Signia
- Hilton
- Curio Collection
- DoubleTree
- Tapestry Collection
- Embassy Suites
- Tempo
- Motto
- Hilton Garden Inn
- Hampton
- Homewood Suites
- Home2 Suites
- Hilton Grand Vacations
At over a century old, Hilton is one of the largest hotel chains, and now comprises 18 brands with over 6,500 properties in 119 countries. Familiar labels like luxurious Waldorf Astoria, budget-friendly DoubleTree, and unique Curio Collection properties are all under Hilton's umbrella. The Hilton Honors loyalty program has over 100 million members, all of whom can earn and redeem their points around the world.
Is my Hilton Honors login the same as the Hilton credit card login?
Your credit card account and your hotel account are completely different. When you earn rewards with your Hilton credit card, they will automatically deposit into your Hilton account.
To log into your Hilton credit card account, you'll sign in to your American Express account. You will not go through the Hilton website. Your credentials will likely be completely different.
Is Hilton Honors Wi-Fi free with Hilton credit cards?
Hilton offers free standard Wi-Fi to regular members or those with Silver or Gold elite status, but only Diamond elite members receive free high-speed premium Wi-Fi. The only card that automatically gets you Diamond status is the Amex Hilton Aspire.
Top Offers From Our Partners
Additional 1.5% cash back on top of regular earning A tooltip
For rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, please click here.
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Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.
**Enrollment required.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Cell Phone Protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Global Assist Hotline Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, and Baggage Insurance Plan Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
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