Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve seen a slew of elevated welcome bonuses on hotel credit cards. Both Hilton and Marriott are offering limited time bonuses. With Marriott’s co-branded cards, you can earn up to 185,000 points or 5 free nights at qualifying properties. You can read all the details here. However, not everyone travels as frequently to be in a position to use points and free night certificates. Compared to its more expensive peers, Amex thankfully also offers a no annual fee option with the Hilton Honors card.
HILTON HONORS CARD
I started dipping my toes into the world of miles and points in 2012. I had corporate travel each month, which meant that I had to stay at an Embassy Suites, given its proximity to my office. That’s when I first picked up a co-branded Hilton Honors card by American Express. If you’re looking to get started and want some points to book your Hilton stay, then the Hilton Honors card is a great option.
View from our room at the all inclusive property, Hilton Playa del Carmen, Mexico
The Hilton Honors card charges no annual fee. With this welcome bonus, you’ll earn 100,000 Hilton Honors points after you spend $2,000 in the first 6 months. This is really easy to attain as you only need to spend $334 per month.
APPLY NOW FOR THE 100,000 POINTS offer
EARNING POINTS
Views of downtown Bangkok at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, Thailand
With the Hilton Honors card, your points can add up fast. The card offers some really lucrative bonus categories.
- 7x points for every dollar you spend at Hotels in the Hilton portfolio
- 5x points for every dollar you spend on dining/takeout/delivery, grocery and gas in the US
- 3x points for every dollar you spend on all other purchases
Simply put, this is a great card to use for expenses that you would incur during the month. I really like the 5x points category as it’s pretty broad and covers most of the categories I spend on during the month. If you drive to work and eat out on the weekends, then you can really earn a ton of points simply on those expenses.
Let’s say you spend $3,000 in a month in the 5x category. You’ll earn 180,000 Hilton Honors points in a single year if you put all those expenses on your card.
ELITE STATUS
A villa in the mountains at Hilton Shillim, India
n addition to bonus points, the card grants you Silver Elite status. You’ll enjoy the following benefits:
- No resort fees on award stays
- Digital check-in and check-out
- Free Wifi
- 20% bonus points on stays
- Free bottled water
- 5th night free on reward stays
While it’s not as great as Gold or Diamond status, it’s a good option if you’re just getting started with the Hilton portfolio. However, you can be upgraded to Gold status if you spend $20,000 on your card in a calendar year.
OTHER OPTIONS
One of my favorite hotel stays – the stunning Conrad Koh Samui, Thailand
| Credit Card | Free Night Certificates | Welcome Bonus Offer | Apply Now |
| Hilton Aspire Card – Complimentary Diamond Status | Upon account opening and renewal, another after $30k spend, another after $60k spend in a calendar year | 175,000 Hilton Honors points + 1 free night certificate | Click Here |
| Hilton Surpass Card – Complimentary Gold Status | $15k spend in a calendar year | 155,000 Hilton Honors points | Click Here |
| Hilton Business Card – Complimentary Gold Status | $15k spend, another after $60k spend in a calendar year | 130,000 Hilton Honors points | Click Here |
Also Read: Hilton Surpass Card Review
Also Read: Hilton Aspire Card Review
THE PUNDIT’S MANTRA
Overall, the Hilton Honors card is a great option to get started with earning points in the Hilton portfolio. While I’d highly recommend the Hilton Aspire card, it may not be for everyone, depending on your frequency and style of travel.
If you simply want to rack up a ton of Hilton points, then the Hilton Honors card and the Hilton Surpass card make perfect sense.
Which is your favorite co-branded Hilton credit card? Tel us in the comments section.
Click here FOR THE 100,000 POINTS offer
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I have the surpass. Is it better to apply for the no annual fee card or just downgrade to the no annual fee card
If you downgrade to the no annual fee card, then you may not qualify for a welcome bonus, as Amex systems may flag you as a current cardholder. It’s better if you just apply for a new card, then decide which one you want to renew after a year.