Best Hilton credit cards of November 2024

With the Hilton Honors American Express card, you receive complimentary Silver elite status, which can be upgraded to Gold by spending $20,000 or more on the card in a calendar year. Additionally, you have the opportunity to earn bonus points not only on Hilton hotel stays but also on essential everyday purchases. These accumulated Hilton Honors points can then be redeemed for complimentary nights at your preferred properties, allowing you to make the most of your rewards.

“Long considered to be the best no annual fee hotel cobranded credit card, you can use Hilton Silver elite status to unlock the fifth night free on standard Hilton award stays. It’s one of the only ways to unlock elite status no annual fee. You can also earn bonus points on popular categories like Hilton hotels, U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets and at U.S. gas stations.” — Kyle Olsen, former points and miles reporter

By using the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, you can enjoy a generous earning rate of 12 points per dollar on eligible purchases spent at Hilton hotels. As an added benefit, the card grants automatic Gold status, providing you with valuable perks. Moreover, by making $15,000 worth of purchases in a calendar year, you have the opportunity to earn a complimentary night reward. The card also offers up to $200 in statement credits annually towards Hilton purchases, up to $50 per quarter. Despite these remarkable features, the card maintains a modest annual fee of $150 (see rates and fees). 

The Hilton Honors American Express Business card provides an excellent balance of benefits while maintaining a low annual fee. Cardholders can enjoy various perks, including  complimentary Gold Elite status and valuable travel protections. It's worth noting that the card offers the highest earning potential for points on Hilton purchases, as is common with cobranded cards. Please keep in mind that enrollment may be required for certain benefits.

“With generous perks like Gold status and the ability to unlock top-tier Diamond status with $40,000 of spend in a calendar year, the Hilton Honors Business Card is all about giving you perks beyond your money’s worth with a reasonable annual fee.” — Kyle Olsen, former points and miles reporter.

Unlike some other cards, the American Express® Business Gold Card does not provide hotel status. However, it offers the advantage of earning American Express Membership Rewards points, which can be transferred to Hilton or utilized with a wide range of hotel and airline partners. This flexibility allows cardholders to maximize their rewards by choosing with diverse options beyond just Hilton.

The Amex Platinum is ideal for someone looking for additional luxury on their travels, but the numerous lifestyle perks could make it a terrific choice for an even broader audience.

“Whilst this card has a high $695 annual fee (see rates and fees), it more than justifies itself for frequent travelers like me. The lounge access options that come with the Platinum are unrivaled by competitors. I put all of my flights — whether bought with cash or points — on this card to earn 5 points per dollar spent (on up to $500,000 in these purchases per year, then 1 point per dollar) and to enjoy various travel protections. I also make sure to take full advantage of the array of statement credits. And, honestly, pulling a Platinum card out of your wallet to pay for something does feel pretty fancy.” — Matt Moffitt, senior editor

For luxury perks at a much lower price point, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card could be a great option.

The Hilton Aspire is for travel enthusiasts who prioritize staying at Hilton properties over other hotel chains. These cardholders will get a ton of value from the card’s premium benefits, including its up to $400 annual property credit and up to $200 annual flight credit. In fact, those who maximize these two credits alone will offset the hefty $550 annual fee this card comes with — and that’s before you redeem your free night award.

“The Hilton Aspire card* carries a massive $550 annual fee, yet it is an easy choice for my husband and I to both have in our wallets. Even though Hilton isn’t either of our primary hotel loyalty programs, we get lots of value from using our annual free night reward on back-to-back nights at aspirational Hilton properties and find the semi-annual $200 Hilton Resort credits give us an excuse to visit Hilton resorts at least twice each year. Once you add in the statement credits each quarter for eligible flight purchases, it’s almost like the Hilton Aspire* is paying us to keep it.” – Katie Genter, senior points and miles writer

If you value Hilton perks but are not yet ready to commit to a high annual fee, consider the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, it comes with automatic Gold status and features a lower annual fee of $150 (see rates and fees).

This card is a great option for travelers who want to earn transferable Amex Membership Rewards points without a premium annual fee.

If you’re getting into the credit card rewards game, this could be a great starter card to help you get used to earning and redeeming Membership Rewards points — a valuable transferable currency.

If you are looking for a more premium travel card that is packed with travel perks and benefits, consider The Platinum Card® from American Express.