Hilton Honors American Express Card Review

Hilton Honors American Express Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Card is an exceptional credit card designed for frequent travelers and loyal Hilton hotel guests. With its exclusive benefits and rewards program, this card offers a wide range of perks that enhance the travel experience and provide exceptional value. Cardholders can enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status, including benefits like room upgrades, late check-out, and exclusive offers.

The Card offers generous rewards on everyday purchases, allowing cardholders to earn Hilton Honors Bonus Points redeemed for free hotel stays, airline miles, and more.

With its impressive benefits and robust rewards program, the Hilton Honors American Express Card is the complete companion for those seeking to maximize their travel experiences and enjoy Hilton’s finest hospitality.

Quick Highlights of Hilton Honors American Express Card 

• The Hilton Honors American Express Card offers several enticing highlights for cardholders. Firstly, new cardholders can earn a generous bonus of 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first three months of Card Membership (offer ends 4/17/24).
• Cardholders can also earn rewards on their everyday spending, with 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points earned for each dollar spent directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.  5X Points per dollar can be earned on purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations. For all other eligible purchases, cardholders earn 3X points.
• Another standout feature is the complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status with the card. This status provides benefits like room upgrades, late check-out, and exclusive offers. Cardholders who spend $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold status, which offers even more perks.
• The Hilton Honors American Express Card is also a great travel companion. It has no foreign transaction fees, allowing cardholders to purchase abroad without additional charges. This card comes with no annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice for frequent travelers and Hilton enthusiasts.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Rewards and Benefits of Hilton Honors American Express Card 

Rewards

• Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• Get 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations.
• Receive 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
• Complimentary Hilton HonorsTM Silver Status: Enjoy additional perks as a Hilton Honors Silver member, including a 20% bonus on all base points earned during every stay, helping you earn free nights sooner.

Earning Powerhouse for Hilton Stays

This card shines for frequent Hilton guests. You can accumulate points quickly with 7 points per dollar spent at Hilton properties. Plus, Hilton Honors Silver status, included with the card, gives you a 20% bonus on points earned during stays. Let’s look at an example:

• A typical family spends $2,015 annually on hotels. At Hilton properties, this translates to 14,105 points with the base rate and an extra 4,030 points, thanks to Silver status, for 18,135 points in a year.

Solid Bonus Categories for Everyday Spending

Beyond hotels, the card offers a strong return on everyday purchases in specific categories:

• Groceries, restaurants, and gas stations earn 5 points per dollar, allowing you to rack up points on essential spending.

Strategic Spending for Maximum Points

While other purchases earn 3 points per dollar, consider using a different card for those categories to maximize points. However, if you’re focused on Hilton stays, you might strategically shift some additional spending to this card.

Example: Reaching Award Stays Faster

Imagine a family wanting to score a free 5-night stay using the “fifth fifth-night benefit (available for Silver members). Assuming hotels cost up to 50,000 points per night, they’d need 250,000 points. They can reach that goal faster by strategically spending more on the card.

Redeeming Rewards

The Hilton Honors American Express Card lets you rack up points in various ways. You can earn 7 points per dollar spent at Hilton properties and 5 points per dollar at US restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations. All other purchases earn 3 points per dollar.

On top of that, holding the card automatically grants you Hilton Honors Silver Status, which gives you a 20% bonus on points earned during stays.

Spend $20,000 a year, and you’ll be upgraded to Gold Status, unlocking benefits like complimentary breakfast and room upgrades. Let’s delve into how to redeem these points for free stays and other valuable rewards.

Benefits of Hilton Honors American Express Card 

1 Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: When you use your card to pay for a rental vehicle and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental counter, you may receive secondary auto coverage in an eligible territory. Please note that terms and conditions apply. ¹

2 Global Assist Hotline:  Travel confidently, knowing you have access to the Global Assist Hotline 24/7. If you encounter any issues while traveling more than 100 miles from home, you can rely on this service for assistance. ²

3 Additional Cards: You can add supplementary cards for individuals 13 years of age or older. This increases your potential to earn Hilton Honors points and allows your family members or authorized users to contribute to your rewards.

4 American Express Offers: As a cardholder, you can use American Express Offers, which provide targeted discounts or additional point-earning opportunities. These offers can help you save on purchases or earn extra points on eligible transactions.

With the Hilton Honors American Express Card, you can reach Hilton Honors Gold Status by spending $20,000 in a calendar year on eligible purchases. This upgrade lasts through the end of the next calendar year, giving you extra perks to enjoy on your stays. Here’s a quick rundown of the benefits that come with Gold Status:

Travel Perks

• No foreign transaction fees: Use your card abroad without incurring additional charges.
• Car rental loss and damage insurance: Enjoy peace of mind with coverage for rental car damage.
• Global Assist Hotline: Access assistance with lost luggage, medical emergencies, and more during your travels.

Rates and Fee of Hilton Honors American Express Card 

Rates of Hilton Honors American Express Card 

• APR (Annual Percentage Rate): The interest rate you’ll be charged on your revolving balance (remaining unpaid balance) after the grace period. Depending on your creditworthiness, it can vary between 20.99% and 29.99%. The rate may also fluctuate with the market based on the Prime Rate.
• Cash Advance APR: Cash advances (taking money out with your card) incur a flat 29.99% APR, which can also change based on the Prime Rate.
• Penalty APR: If you make a late payment by your bank, a penalty APR of 29.99% may be applied to your account. This penalty APR can also vary depending on the market. The penalty APR will stay in effect for at least six months of on-time payments before being reviewed for removal.
• Grace Period: You won’t be charged interest on purchases if you pay your entire balance by the due date (at least 25 days after the closing of your billing period).
• Fixed Fee: The fee is a fixed percentage (up to 1.23%) of the amount you move to a plan, so you’ll know exactly what you’ll be charged upfront

Fees

• Annual Fee: There is no annual fee for this card.
• Cash Advance Fee: You’ll be charged either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None. This card doesn’t charge extra fees for using it internationally.
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40 for late payments.
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40 for returned payments.
• Overlimit Fee: There is no overlimit fee for exceeding your credit limit.

Eligibility Criteria

The Hilton Honors American Express Card is a great option for frequent travelers who want to earn rewards for Hilton stays. However, before you apply, it’s important to understand the eligibility criteria to increase your chances of approval. Here’s a breakdown of what American Express typically looks for:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
• Social Security number or ITIN: You’ll need a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to apply.
• U.S. residency: You must have a legal U.S. address to hold this card.
• Creditworthiness: This is the most crucial factor. While American Express doesn’t publish a specific credit score requirement, a good to excellent credit score (around 670- 850 good to excellent) is generally recommended for approval.

Approval Process

The approval process for the Hilton Honors American Express Card is typically straightforward. You can apply online or by phone. Once you submit your application, American Express will review your credit history, income, and other factors to determine your eligibility. You’ll usually receive a decision within a few minutes.

Here are some additional tips to improve your chances of getting approved:

• Check your credit score: Before applying, include a copy of your credit report and your recommended credit score. Address any errors you find and work on improving your score if needed.
• Minimize credit inquiries: Avoid applying for multiple credit cards quickly, which can negatively impact your credit score.
• Show a good history of managing credit: If you have existing credit cards, ensure a good history of making timely payments and keeping your balances low.
• Have a steady income: American Express will consider your income source to ensure you can afford the card’s potential charges.

How to Apply

1. Head to the Hilton Honors American Express website: You can find the application by searching online for “Hilton Honors American Express Card” or visiting [a website about Hilton Honors American Express card].
2. Review the Card details:  Before applying, take some time to browse the website and understand the card’s benefits, rewards structure, and annual fee.

Click “Apply Now.” Once you are ready to proceed, locate the application button Honors American Express Card Review

1. Fill out the application form: The application will ask for your personal information, employment details, and income. Ensure your Social Security number is handy, as a credit check is usually required.
2. Review and submit: Carefully review your application to ensure all the information is accurate. Once satisfied, apply electronically.
3. Await a decision: American Express will typically notify you of their decision within a few business days. You might receive an email or letter informing you of the approval or denial.

Customer Service/ Phone Number

United States: 1-800-528-2122 (available 24/7)

 Conclusion

The Hilton Honors American Express Card offers a compelling option for travelers who frequently stay at Hilton properties or want a card with a strong rewards program for everyday spending. There is no annual fee; you can enjoy points quickly on hotel stays, restaurants, gas stations, and supermarkets.

The complimentary Hilton Honors Silver Status grants bonus points and unlocks valuable benefits like the fifth-night-free on award stays. If you’re a high spender, reaching Gold Status with this card opens doors to even more perk like room upgrades and food & beverage credits.

While other cards might offer better rewards for non-category purchases, the Hilton Honors American Express Card shines for those who want to maximize their points for Hilton stays and benefit from its versatile earning structure. Consider your travel goals and spending habits to see if this card can be the key to unlocking valuable rewards on your next adventure.

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