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3. Hilton Honors American Express Card review: Swim in rewards with no annual fee

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99

reviews

3.3

Rating: 3.3 out of 5.

Great for Hilton rewards with no annual fee

Annual Fee: $0

This content is curated by Intuit Credit Karma’s Editorial team using data from members who were approved for this card or similar cards, or who self-matched this card or similar cards. Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse this content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their Hilton Honors American Express Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit limit range

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $14,104, with $1,000 being the most common.

Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their Hilton Honors American Express Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit score range

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 716, with 810 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.

Member stats

Updated daily

24.7%

Average credit utilization (or what percent of the card’s credit limit is being used) of members who matched with this card or similar cards.

46 years

Average age of members who matched this card or similar cards.

$110,125

Average annual income of members who matched this card or similar cards. Note: Income may be estimated for some members by Credit Karma and may differ from members’ actual incomes.

Pros and cons

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Solid welcome offer with low spending requirement

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More points for Hilton stays

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Automatic Hilton Honors complimentary Silver status

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Low estimated point value (based on our estimated point valuations), which reduces redemption power

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Silver status doesn’t include complimentary room upgrades, breakfast or lounge access

4 things to know about the Hilton Honors American Express Card

1. Huge welcome offer for a card with no annual fee

The Hilton Honors American Express Card welcome offer features 80,000 points after you spend $2,000 on purchases during the first 6 months after account opening.

Sure, you might be able to get a bigger welcome offer with another Hilton credit card that charges an annual fee, but this is one of the largest sign-up bonuses we’ve seen among credit cards with no annual fee.

2. Don’t be fooled by all the points Hilton throws your way

The Hilton Honors American Express Card can have you swimming in points in no time.

Beyond the welcome offer, the card offers seven points for every $1 you spend on eligible purchases at Hilton (three base points and four bonus points for purchases made directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio).

The Hilton Honors American Express Card also offers five points for every $1 spent at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations and U.S. supermarkets.

That might sound like a lot, but a single Hilton Honors point isn’t worth much. According to Credit Karma’s estimated point valuations, each point is worth less 1 cent. It’s important to take that estimated value into account when you consider how many points you could earn with the Hilton Honors American Express Card.

If you find yourself with plenty of points but no opportunity to redeem for a hotel stay, you’ve got some other options. You can also redeem points for things like flights, Lyft rides, car rentals, Amazon purchases, music concerts, sporting events and shopping.

3. Sweet hotel perks for a card with no annual fee

The Hilton Honors American Express Card includes complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status with Hilton. And if you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases with the card in a calendar year, you’ll also earn Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.

Of course, if you want more hotel perks, you might need one of Hilton’s more expensive credit cards that comes with complimentary Hilton status.

4. Makes a good backup card when you travel internationally

Like many travel credit cards, the Hilton Honors American Express Card doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees.

That could come in handy when you’re traveling overseas. You won’t have to worry about paying these unnecessary fees when you swipe your card.

Unfortunately, if you’re traveling outside the country, you won’t earn bonus points when you go out to eat, shop for groceries or fill up your tank at the gas station, since only U.S. purchases in those categories qualify. So if points are your priority, you might be able to get more value overseas with another travel card that charges no foreign transaction fees.

Who this card is good for

The Hilton Honors American Express Card is best suited to travelers who enjoy staying at Hilton hotels a few times per year.

There’s no annual fee, so you won’t feel pressured to spend more than you can afford to repay. Plus, if you qualify for the welcome offer, you’ll earn enough points to book a few hotel awards nights, which could save you from paying for a room on your next trip.

On the other hand, a Hilton credit card that charges an annual fee might be better for especially frequent Hilton guests. Those cards come with more status upgrades and perks.

Not sure this card is right for you? Consider these alternatives.

If you’re not sold on the Hilton Honors American Express Card, you might want to consider another travel rewards credit card.

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card:
This card could be a good option for people who stay at many different types of hotels.
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card:
This card may be ideal for frequent travelers who stay at Hilton on a regular basis.
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card:
If you’re looking for an especially luxurious Hilton stay, this could be the card for you.