Best time to apply for Hilton American Express cards based on offer history
Editor's Note
The Hilton Honors cards from American Express offer multiple benefits for travelers seeking additional perks with Hilton. These cards also come with generous welcome bonuses that can include large sums of Hilton Honors points or even free nights.
Since welcome offers can vary, the timing of your application matters.
Lucky for you, we've collected a history of welcome bonuses on the Hilton American Express cards. This guide will review the best welcome offers we've seen on Hilton Amex cards and when we think it's best to apply to earn a bonus that exceeds the standard offer.
Note: We will only discuss publicly available welcome offers. However, you might receive targeted offers with more bonus points or cash back. Keep in mind that offers may change at any time, and some of the offers mentioned below may not be available at this time.
Best Hilton American Express welcome offers
Below is a list of every Hilton American Express card, the best welcome offer we've seen on each and our guidance on when you should apply.
American Express only allows you to earn one bonus for each of its cards in a lifetime, so make sure to wait for the best time to apply.
| Card | Best welcome offer we've seen | When to apply |
|---|---|---|
Earn up to 130,000 bonus points: 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $5,000 in the first six months of card membership. | If the offer is at least 80,000 points or at least 70,000 points and a free night reward | |
Earn up to 180,000 bonus points: 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $10,000 in the first six months of card membership. | If the offer is at least 155,000 points, at least 130,000 points and a free night reward or at least 130,000 points and a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 each year thereafter. | |
Earn 180,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | If the offer is at least 175,000 points | |
Earn up to 180,000 bonus points: 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $10,000 in the first six months of card membership. | If the offer is at least 175,000 points |
Hilton Honors American Express Card
If you're new to points or miles or only occasionally stay with Hilton, the basic Hilton Honors Amex is a solid starting point. This card has no annual fee (see rates and fees).
Here are the offers we have seen on the Hilton Honors Amex:
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
May 2026 to now | Earn 100,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $500, including the statement credit |
April to May 2026 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $320 |
February to April 2026 | Earn 70,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $280 plus the value of a free night reward |
January to February 2026 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $320 |
October 2025 to January 2026 | Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $400 |
August to October 2025 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $320 |
June to August 2025 | Earn 100,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit after spending $2,000 in the first six months of card membership. | $500, including the statement credit |
April to June 2025 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $320 |
February to April 2025 | Earn 70,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $280 plus the value of a free night reward |
January to February 2025 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $320 |
September 2024 to January 2025 | Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $400 |
August to September 2024 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $320 |
May to August 2024 | Earn 70,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $280 plus the value of a free night reward |
April to May 2024 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $320 |
March to April 2024 | Earn up to 130,000 bonus points: 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $5,000 in the first six months of card membership. | Up to $520 |
January to March 2024 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $320 |
October 2023 to January 2024 | Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $400 |
July to October 2023 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. | $320 |
May to July 2023 | Earn 70,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. | $280 plus the value of a free night reward |
April to May 2023 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. | $320 |
February to April 2023 | Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $400 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's April 2026 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
Highest welcome offer
The highest offer we have seen on the Hilton Honors Amex allowed new applicants to earn up to 130,000 bonus points: 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $5,000 in the first six months of card membership (offer no longer available).
When you should apply
If the offer provides at least 80,000 bonus points or at least 70,000 bonus points and a free night reward, it could be a good time to apply.
To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Honors Amex.
Learn more: Hilton Honors American Express Card
Hilton Honors Surpass
The Hilton Surpass is a solid mid-tier option for those who are loyal to Hilton or find the card's perks — such as automatic Hilton Gold status — especially beneficial. This card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then a $150 annual fee (see rates and fees).
Here are the offers we have seen on the Hilton Honors Surpass:
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
May 2026 to now | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Additionally, enjoy a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150. | $520 |
April to May 2026 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
February to April 2026 | Earn 130,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 plus the value of a free night reward |
January to February 2026 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
October 2025 to January 2026 | Earn 155,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $620 |
August to October 2025 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
June to August 2025 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Additionally, enjoy a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150. | $520 |
April to June 2025 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
February to April 2025 | Earn 130,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 plus the value of a free night reward |
January to February 2025 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
September 2024 to January 2025 | Earn 165,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $660 |
August to September 2024 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
May to August 2024 | Earn 130,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 plus the value of a free night reward |
April to May 2024 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
March to April 2024 | Earn up to 180,000 bonus points: 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $10,000 in the first six months of card membership. | Up to $720 |
January to March 2024 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
October 2023 to January 2024 | Earn 170,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $680 |
July to October 2023 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. | $520 |
May to July 2023 | Earn 130,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. | $520 plus the value of a free night reward |
April to May 2023 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. | $520 |
February to April 2023 | Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $600 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
Highest welcome offer
The best offer we've seen in the history of the Hilton Surpass was to earn up to 180,000 bonus points: 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $10,000 in the first six months of card membership (offer no longer available).
When you should apply
It's a good time to apply for this mid-tier card if the offer provides at least 155,000 points, at least 130,000 points and a free night reward or at least 130,000 points and a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 each year thereafter.
To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Surpass.
Learn more: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Hilton Honors Aspire
The top-tier Hilton Aspire card is the best option for Hilton loyalists who want to earn a lot of points within Hilton Honors and enjoy a host of premium perks when staying at Hilton properties. Despite its $550 annual fee (see rates and fees), its perks easily offset this significant cost.
Here are the offers we have seen on the Hilton Honors Aspire:
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
May 2026 to now | Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $700 |
April to May 2026 | Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $600 |
February to April 2026 | Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $700 |
January to February 2026 | Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $600 |
October 2025 to January 2026 | Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $700 |
August to October 2025 | Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $600 |
June to August 2025 | Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $700 |
April to June 2025 | Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $600 |
February to April 2025 | Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $700 |
August 2024 to February 2025 | Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $600 |
April to August 2024 | Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $700 |
March to April 2024 | Earn 180,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $720 |
January to March 2024 | Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $600 |
October 2023 to January 2024 | Earn 180,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $720 |
July to October 2023 | Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. | $600 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
Highest welcome offer
The best offer we've seen on this premium card was 180,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership (offer no longer available).
When you should apply
If the offer provides at least 175,000 points, it's a good time to apply.
To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Honors Aspire.
Learn more: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Hilton Honors Business
The Hilton Honors Amex Business is a great option for business owners looking to collect more Hilton points with their business spending. This card comes with a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then a $195 annual fee (see rates and fees).
Here are the offers we have seen on the Hilton Honors Business:
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
May 2026 to now | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Additionally, enjoy a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $195. | $520 |
April to May 2026 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
February to April 2026 | Earn 175,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $700 plus the value of a free night reward |
January to February 2026 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
October 2025 to January 2026 | Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $700 |
August to October 2025 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
June to August 2025 | Earn up to 175,000 bonus points: 150,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership, plus another 25,000 bonus points after spending a total of $10,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | Up to $700 |
April to June 2025 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
February to April 2025 | Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $700 |
January to February 2025 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
September 2024 to January 2025 | Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $700 |
June to September 2024 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
March to June 2024 | Earn up to 180,000 bonus points: 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $10,000 in the first six months of card membership. | Up to $720 |
July 2023 to March 2024 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. | $520 |
May to July 2023 | Earn 150,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. | $600 plus the value of a free night reward |
April to May 2023 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. | $520 |
February to April 2023 | Earn 165,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. | $660 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
Highest welcome offer
The best welcome offer we've seen was for up to 180,000 bonus points: 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $10,000 in the first six months of card membership (offer no longer available).
When you should apply
It's a good time to apply if the offer provides at least 175,000 points.
To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Honors Business.
Learn more: The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Bottom line
When you're ready to apply for a new credit card, waiting for an elevated welcome offer is one of the best ways to earn a bounty of bonus points quickly.
Most of a card's total value in the first year is found in that bonus, which you'll earn by simply meeting a minimum spending requirement.
Use this outline of Hilton Amex welcome bonuses to help you decide whether an offer is worth taking.
Related: Best welcome offers of the month
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Surpass Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Aspire Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Business Card, click here.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.