Buzz
For frequent travelers looking to earn plenty of Hilton Honors points, now’s your perfect opportunity.
According to The Points Guy, American Express and Hilton are soon reducing the welcome bonuses for three of their co-branded credit cards. To take advantage, apply for the Hilton Honors Card from American Express, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card, or the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card before August 28.
The Hilton Honors Card gives 90,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 in the first three months. The Surpass card offers 130,000 bonus points plus a free weekend night if you spend $4,000 within the first four months. The Business card provides the same 130,000 bonus points and a free weekend night, but requires $5,000 in spending during the first four months (think of it as an investment for your business).
According to The Points Guy's latest assessments, each of these points holds a value of 0.6 cents.
Alongside these limited-time bonus offers, each of the Amex/Hilton cards brings its own set of benefits. The Hilton Honors Card provides 7 points per dollar on Hilton purchases (covering Hilton hotels and other properties in the Hilton network, from DoubleTree to Waldorf Astoria); 5 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations; 3 points per dollar on all other purchases; and includes complimentary Hilton Honors Silver Status.
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card boosts those earnings to 12 points per dollar on Hilton purchases, 6 points per dollar on U.S. restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations, and 3 points per dollar on all other purchases. In addition, you’ll get complimentary Gold Status, the chance to earn a free weekend night after spending $15,000 in a year, and a Priority Pass Select membership, which includes 10 free lounge visits annually. Unlike the Hilton Honors Card, the Surpass card has a $95 annual fee.
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card also charges a $95 annual fee and offers 12 points per dollar on Hilton purchases, 6 points per dollar on select business and travel expenses, and 3 points per dollar on all other purchases. You'll enjoy complimentary Gold Status, the chance to earn a free weekend night after spending $15,000 in a year, as well as Priority Pass Select membership with 10 free lounge visits per year.
If you're looking to maximize your Hilton points and benefits, now could be the perfect time to apply for one of these three Hilton credit cards. But be cautious—don't redeem the rewards just to churn through them, as the fine print reveals that if you cancel or downgrade your card within 12 months, you'll forfeit your welcome bonus.
