What the Hilton Honors Credit Card does
The Hilton Honors credit card is a co-branded card issued by American Express that earns points on purchases, which you can redeem for Hilton hotel stays, room upgrades, and other travel rewards. You earn points on every dollar spent, with bonus earning rates on hotel stays and dining. The card also comes with perks like a free night certificate each year, room upgrades, and late checkout at Hilton properties.
This card is designed for people who stay at Hilton hotels regularly or want to build toward free stays. Unlike some hotel cards that require you to reach a spending threshold to unlock benefits, the Hilton Honors card gives you the free night certificate automatically after you meet the annual spending requirement — typically $15,000 in the first year, though this varies by card version.
Hilton Honors is the loyalty program that backs the card. When you use the card at Hilton properties, your points count toward elite status in the program, which unlocks additional perks like room upgrades and complimentary breakfast.
Key Takeaways
- You earn Hilton Honors points on every purchase, with higher earning rates on hotel stays and restaurant dining.
- The card includes an annual free night certificate that you can use at most Hilton properties once you meet the annual spending requirement.
- Cardholders receive automatic elite status in the Hilton Honors program, which grants room upgrades and other perks at check-in.
- The card charges an annual fee, which is offset by the value of the free night certificate for most users.
- Points do not expire as long as your account remains active and you earn or redeem points at least once every 12 months.
How to open a Hilton Honors credit card account
You can open an account online through American Express or through the Hilton website. The process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. American Express will check your credit report during this process.
After you submit the process, you will receive a decision within minutes in most cases. If approved, your card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Some applications are flagged for manual review, which can take a few days longer.
Once your card arrives, you will need to set up it before you can use it. American Express sends set up instructions with the card, or you can set up it through the American Express website or mobile app by entering the card number and expiration date.
What happens after you set up the card
Your Hilton Honors account is automatically linked to your new credit card. If you already had a Hilton Honors account before opening the card, your existing points and elite status transfer to the card account when ready. If you are new to Hilton Honors, a new account is created for you.
You can start earning points right away on any purchase. Points post to your account within one to three business days of the transaction. When you use the card at a Hilton property, make sure to provide your Hilton Honors membership number at check-in so the stay is credited to your account and counts toward your annual spending requirement for the free night certificate.
The annual fee posts to your account on the card anniversary date each year. You can view your current points balance, redeem points, and manage your account through the Hilton Honors website or mobile app.
Understanding the free night certificate and how to use it
The free night certificate is awarded once you spend the required amount in your first year — typically $15,000, though some versions of the card have different thresholds. The certificate is good for one free night at most Hilton properties worldwide, up to a certain point value. The exact point value limit depends on which version of the card you hold.
You can use the free night certificate for any stay, including weekend nights, holidays, and peak seasons. The certificate covers the room rate only — taxes and resort fees still explore. You must use the certificate within one year of receiving it, or it expires.
To redeem the certificate, log into your Hilton Honors account, search for available hotels, and select the certificate as your payment method at checkout. You can also call Hilton Honors customer service to book over the phone. Some properties have blackout dates, though these are rare.
After your first year, you receive a new free night certificate each year on your card anniversary, as long as your account remains open and in good standing.
Earning and redeeming Hilton Honors points
You earn points at different rates depending on where you spend. On hotel stays at Hilton properties, you earn 10 points per dollar spent. On dining and other purchases, you earn 3 points per dollar. On all other purchases, you earn 1 point per dollar. Some categories, like gas stations and groceries, may earn at a lower rate depending on the specific card version.
Points can be redeemed for hotel nights, room upgrades, airline miles, gift cards, and other rewards through the Hilton Honors website. A free night typically costs between 5,000 and 50,000 points depending on the hotel category and location. You can also transfer points to airline partners, though the conversion rate is usually not favorable unless you have a specific redemption in mind.
Points do not expire as long as you earn or redeem at least once every 12 months. If your account goes inactive for 12 months with no earning or redemption activity, points may be forfeited. You can keep your account active by making a small purchase on the card or logging into your Hilton Honors account once per year.
Managing your account and paying your bill
You can pay your bill online through the American Express website or mobile app, by phone, or by mail. Payments are due by the statement due date shown on your bill. If you pay after the due date, you will be charged a late fee and interest on the unpaid balance.
You can set up automatic payments to pay your full balance, a minimum payment, or a fixed amount each month. Automatic payments reduce the risk of missing a payment and help you avoid late fees and interest charges.
Your monthly statement shows all purchases, points earned, fees, and interest charges. You can view your statement online anytime or request a paper statement by mail. If you notice an unauthorized charge, contact American Express when ready to dispute it.
Annual fees and when they are charged
The Hilton Honors credit card charges an annual fee, which varies by card version. The fee is charged on your card anniversary date each year. American Express will notify you before the fee is charged, and you can view the exact amount in your account settings.
The annual fee is offset by the value of the free night certificate, which most users can redeem for a stay worth more than the fee itself. However, if you do not plan to use the free night certificate or stay at Hilton hotels regularly, the annual fee may not be worth the cost.
If you want to close your account to avoid the annual fee, you can do so by calling American Express customer service. Any remaining points will remain in your Hilton Honors account for up to 12 months after the card is closed, as long as you do not close your Hilton Honors membership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Hilton Honors points at hotels other than Hilton?
No, Hilton Honors points can only be redeemed at Hilton-branded properties, which include Hilton, DoubleTree, Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, Canopy, and other brands under the Hilton umbrella. You can transfer points to airline partners, but the conversion rate is typically poor unless you have a specific travel goal in mind.
What happens to my points if I close the credit card?
Your points remain in your Hilton Honors account even after you close the credit card. As long as your Hilton Honors membership stays active and you earn or redeem points at least once every 12 months, your points will not expire. You can still redeem them for hotel stays or other rewards through the Hilton Honors website.
Do I earn points on the annual fee?
No, the annual fee itself does not earn points. However, you earn points on all other purchases made with the card, including hotel stays, dining, and everyday shopping.
Can I use the free night certificate at any Hilton property?
The free night certificate can be used at most Hilton properties, but it has a point value cap that limits which properties are available. Luxury properties like Conrad and Waldorf Astoria may exceed the certificate's value limit. You can search available properties on the Hilton Honors website before booking to confirm your desired hotel accepts the certificate.
How long does it take to earn enough points for a free hotel night?
The time depends on your spending. If you spend $15,000 in the first year to earn the free night certificate, that typically takes three to six months for regular travelers. After that, you earn points on every purchase, and a typical free night costs between 5,000 and 50,000 points depending on the hotel category. Most cardholders can earn enough for one free night every one to two years through regular card use.