Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
- Annual fee
- $550
- Recommended credit
- Excellent
- Card network
- American Express
- Regular purchase APR
- 20.99% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
At a glance
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is a behemoth of a hotel card, offering new cardmembers the ability to earn a hefty Hilton Honors bonus points welcome offer after making $6,000 in eligible purchases on the card within the first three months of the account opening. This card also grants the ability to earn a whopping 14x Hilton Honors points per dollar spent on direct Hilton hotel and resort purchases.
Our review of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
If you’re looking for a credit card that offers essential Hilton Honors benefits and lucrative rewards, the Hilton Honors American Express Card is a great choice. With this card in your pocket, you can earn accelerated rewards that are sure to please.
How to Earn Rewards
The Hilton Honors Card is the entry-level card in the American Express/ Hilton Honors partnership, but don’t let that fool you. Cardholders can earn some impressive rewards, including:
- 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio
- 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations
- 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card
While these rewards are great for those who prioritize award nights, it’s important to note that hotel rewards points typically offer lower value than cash back. So, while the 5X on dining, gas, and groceries is appealing, it may not be as lucrative as other rewards programs.
How to Redeem Points
Redeeming Hilton Honors points is easy, especially when booking free night stays at participating Hilton properties. Most free nights usually cost between 30,000 and 40,000 points, depending on the hotel category, booking time, room type, and location.
In addition to free nights, you can also redeem points for shopping, sharing or pooling points with loved ones, points transfers to airline rewards programs, and more.
Complimentary Silver Status
As a Hilton Honors American Express Cardholder, you’ll receive complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status, with the opportunity to upgrade to Gold status after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year. Other benefits include no foreign transaction fees, Return Protection, and vehicle rental loss and damage insurance.
Hilton Credit Card Comparison
Hilton offers four co-branded credit cards with American Express, each with its own set of benefits and rewards. Here’s a comparison of the three personal credit card options:
| Card | Annual Fee | Rewards | Elite Status | Free Nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Honors Card | $0 | 7X points at Hilton properties, 5X points at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, 3X points on other eligible purchases | Silver | N/A |
| Hilton Honors Surpass | $150 | 12X points at Hilton properties, 6X points at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, 3X points on other eligible purchases | Gold | Spend $30k in a calendar year |
| Hilton Honors Aspire | $550 | 14X points at Hilton properties, 7X points on qualifying travel purchases, 7X points at U.S. restaurants, 3X points on other eligible purchases | Diamond | Account anniversary and/or after spending $60k in a calendar year |
Amex Benefits
In addition to Hilton Honors benefits, cardholders also get access to various American Express benefits, including:
- Extended Warranty
- Return Protection
- Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance
- Amex Concierge
- Purchase Protection
- Zero Fraud Liability
- Trip Delay Insurance
- Amex Offers
American Express also offers two different options for paying down your balance, as well as free 2-day shipping with Shoprunner and exclusive ticket presales through Entertainment Access.
With its combination of Hilton Honors benefits, lucrative rewards, and American Express perks, the Hilton Honors American Express Card is a solid choice for those who frequent Hilton properties.
Card features
Benefits as listed on the original card page. They can change; confirm details with the issuer.
- 14X points for Hilton hotels and resorts
- 7X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com, ca
- 7X points on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies
- 7X points at U.S. restaurants
- 3X points on all other purchases
- Complimentary Diamond Status in the Hilton Honors rewards program
- Anniversary bonus of one weekend night
- Earn additional weekend night reward after spending $60,000 within calendar year
- $400 Hilton resort statement credit
Who this card may suit
- You're capable and willing to spend $6,000 within the first three months of opening an account to receive the card’s welcome offer of bonus Hilton Honors points
- You wantCLEAR security fast pass
- You book stays at Hilton Resorts at least once per year
- You will make $60,000 in purchases per year
Rates, fees and terms
| Annual Fee | $550 |
|---|---|
| Regular Purchase APR | 20.99% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate |
| Cash Advance APR | 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate |
| Cash Advance Transaction Fee | Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater |
| Penalty APR | 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate |
| Late Payment Penalty Fee | Up to $40 |
| Return Payment Penalty Fee | Up to $40 |
Confirm before you apply: rates, fees and offers change often. The figures above are the ones listed on the original card page, not a current quote from the issuer. APRs are typically variable, and the rate you receive depends on your creditworthiness. Recommended credit: Excellent Credit.
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