The Hilton Honors American Express Card offers a unique opportunity for travelers who prefer staying at Hilton properties and want to earn rewards without paying an annual fee. This card comes with a range of benefits, making it an attractive choice for Hilton enthusiasts looking to maximize their points and enjoy perks such as complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status.
While the Hilton Honors American Express Card may not provide the most extensive Hilton benefits, its generous welcome bonus, high point earning rates, and automatic Silver status deliver substantial value for those who frequent Hilton hotels. In this review, we’ll discuss the card’s features, rewards, and benefits to help you decide if this no-annual-fee option is right for you.
Card Features
The Hilton Honors American Express Card is a no-annual-fee credit card offering reward points and benefits for Hilton guests. As a cardholder, you receive complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status, with the opportunity to upgrade to Gold status by spending $20,000 on the card in a calendar year.
Earn rates for this card include 7x points per dollar spent on eligible Hilton purchases, 5x points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, and 3x points on all other eligible purchases. This makes it a solid option for those who frequently visit Hilton properties and want to maximize their rewards without paying an annual fee.
Some of the notable benefits and features of the Hilton Honors American Express Card are:
- No foreign transaction fees
- Car rental loss and damage insurance
- Global Assist Hotline for emergency assistance while traveling
- Purchase protection and extended warranty coverage
The card is designed for users with good to excellent credit, so it’s important to ensure you meet those qualifications before applying. This Hilton Honors Card offers competitive rewards and benefits, making it a strong contender for those seeking a hotel credit card without an annual fee.
Rewards and Earning Potential
The Hilton Honors American Express Card offers cardholders excellent earning potential through its reward structure. With this card, users can accumulate Hilton Honors points, which can be used for hotel stays, flight rewards, and more.
Cardholders earn the following reward rates:
- 7x Hilton Honors points for every dollar spent on Hilton portfolio hotel and resort purchases.
- 5x points for dining at U.S. restaurants, purchases at U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations.
- 3x points for all other eligible purchases.
In addition to these earning rates, new Hilton Honors American Express Card users can enjoy a generous welcome bonus. As of February 2023, the card offers a 100,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Another notable benefit of the Hilton Honors American Express Card is its automatic Hilton Honors Silver status. Cardholders receive this status without having to meet any specific stay requirements, and it includes perks like a fifth night free on award stays, late check-out, and complimentary access to fitness centers at participating Hilton properties.
Travel and Lifestyle Benefits
The Hilton Honors American Express Card offers a range of travel and lifestyle benefits that can enhance your hotel stays and overall travel experience. One of the key benefits of this card is the complimentary Silver status in the Hilton Honors program, which grants you perks such as late checkout, access to exclusive offers, and a 20% bonus on Hilton Honors Base Points earned during your stays.
Another advantage of this card is the absence of foreign transaction fees, making it a suitable option for international travelers who want to avoid the additional costs often associated with using credit cards abroad. This feature can help you save on expenses while earning valuable Hilton Honors points for your travels.
Besides the hotel-focused benefits, the Hilton Honors American Express Card also allows cardholders to earn points on everyday purchases. You can earn 7x points per dollar spent on eligible Hilton purchases, 5x points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, and 3x points on all other eligible purchases . This reward structure makes it easy to accumulate Hilton Honors points for future hotel stays while conveniently using the card for daily spending.
Fees and Rates
The Hilton Honors American Express Card is an attractive option for travelers, as it offers a solid rewards program without charging an annual fee. In this section, we will cover the card’s fees and rates.
One of the key aspects of this card is its $0 annual fee, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers looking for hotel rewards. Additionally, the card has no foreign transaction fees, which can save frequent international travelers a considerable amount of money.
As for interest rates, the Hilton Honors American Express Card has a variable APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for purchases and balance transfers. The APR varies depending on your creditworthiness but generally falls within a competitive range.
The card also carries fees for late payments and returned payments, which are standard for most credit cards. It is essential to make payments on time to avoid negatively affecting your credit score and incurring additional fees.
In summary, the Hilton Honors American Express Card offers compelling advantages in terms of fees and rates. With no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, this card can be a cost-effective choice for Hilton loyalists and travelers seeking hotel rewards.
Pros and Cons
The Hilton Honors American Express Card has several advantages and disadvantages worth considering before applying. In this section, we will discuss the main pros and cons of this card.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No annual fee | Limited point redemption options |
| High point earning rates | Points may have lower value compared to other rewards programs |
| Generous welcome bonus | Not ideal for those who aren’t loyal to Hilton hotels |
| Automatic Silver status | |
| Strong bonus rewards in popular categories |
One of the main attractions of the Hilton Honors American Express Card is that it has no annual fee, which is particularly appealing for a hotel rewards card. The card also offers high point earning rates and a generous welcome bonus that can provide significant value to cardholders, especially those who frequently stay at Hilton properties.
Additionally, the Hilton Honors American Express Card comes with automatic Silver elite status, which includes perks like the fifth night free on award stays. Cardholders can also benefit from bonus rewards in popular categories like dining, groceries, and gas.
On the downside, the card’s rewards program may have limited point redemption options and lower point values compared to other hotel rewards programs. Consequently, the card may not be the best option for those who do not frequently stay at Hilton hotels or those looking for greater flexibility in redeeming points.
How to Apply
To apply for the Hilton Honors American Express Card, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the American Express Hilton Honors Card application page.
- Click the “Apply Now” button to begin the online application process.
- Fill in your personal information, including your name, address, and Social Security number.
- Provide your financial information, such as your annual income and employment details.
- Review your application and submit it for review.
Generally, American Express provides an instant decision on your application. However, in some cases, they may require additional information or time to review your application. If approved, you’ll receive your card in the mail within a few weeks.
Before applying, keep in mind that American Express usually requires good to excellent credit for approval. It might be helpful to check your credit scores and review your credit report to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements.
Final Verdict
The Hilton Honors American Express Card offers a variety of benefits for travelers who frequently stay at Hilton properties. With its solid welcome bonus and complimentary Silver status, cardholders can enjoy perks like bonus points on Hilton stays and late check-out.
One of the main advantages of this card is there is no annual fee, making it accessible to travelers with varying budgets. Furthermore, the card has no foreign transaction fees, allowing you to use it internationally without worrying about extra charges.
The rewards structure of the card provides cardholders with multiple earning opportunities. However, it’s important to note that the card may not be the best fit for individuals who don’t frequently stay at Hilton hotels or those who are looking for more flexibility in redeeming rewards.
In summary, the Hilton Honors American Express Card can be a valuable addition to the wallet of avid Hilton guests who want to maximize their rewards and enjoy added perks during their stays.