Is the Hilton Business Amex worth it?
Editor's Note
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a great pick for small-business owners loyal to Hilton. It offers complimentary Hilton Gold elite status and several business management tools for a $0 introudcutory annual fee for the first year, then a $195 annual fee (see rates and fees).
This card's benefits and the welcome offer can provide decent value to cardmembers looking to book Hilton stays for their business. However, this card isn't for everyone.
Let's take a closer look at the Hilton Business card to see if it's a fit for you.
Welcome offer
Right now, new Hilton Amex Business cardmembers can 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.
TPG's April 2026 valuations value this welcome offer at $520.
Keep in mind that Hilton uses dynamic pricing for hotel redemption bookings. These bonus points may sound like a lot, but in reality, they might cover just two nights at a top-tier property.
That said, this is still a great way to get some real value out of your business's routine spending.
Related: 7 ways to redeem points with the Hilton Honors program
Earning points
The Hilton Business Amex earns a decent 12 points per dollar at Hilton hotels and resorts. Plus, you'll earn 5 points per dollar on all other purchases up to $100,000 per calendar year (3 points per dollar on purchases thereafter).
That's a solid rate for Hilton purchases but average for other spending. The Hilton Business Amex is not the best card for earning rewards on non-Hilton spending.
This card's rates equate to a 4.8% return at Hilton properties and a 2% return on other spending up to $100,000 (then 1.2% on all non-Hilton purchases afterward), per TPG's April 2026 valuations.
Keep in mind that you'll receive extra points per dollar on your Hilton bookings through this card's complimentary Gold elite status. Since this status level provides an 80% bonus on points earned, you'll receive another 18 points per dollar on top of the 12 points per dollar this card earns. That amounts to an impressive 30 points per dollar.
Other Hilton cards, such as the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, offer better value in bonus-earning categories.
Related: The best Hilton credit cards
Redeeming points
Your Hilton Honors points can be redeemed for hotel nights, Hilton event credits, Hilton Honors Experiences, Amazon purchases and with airlines. We recommend using your points for hotel nights for the best value (by far).
Hilton Honors uses a dynamic pricing system, so you might want to use its Points Explorer tool to show you the award night price range for a specific property over the next month.
Thanks to the Hilton Business Amex's complimentary Gold status, you'll receive your fifth night free. That means you only have to pay for four nights, which is a great way to save on lengthier award stays.
Card benefits
The Amex Hilton Honors Business includes a few useful benefits for a mid-tier card:
- Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold elite status: With Gold status, you'll enjoy an 80% points bonus on Hilton stays, the fifth night free on award redemptions, elite tier rollover nights, complimentary breakfast or food and beverage credits at all hotels and room upgrades.
- Upgrade to Diamond status: You can upgrade to Diamond Elite status through the end of the next calendar year when you spend $40,000 with your card in a calendar year. With Diamond status, you'll get access to superior upgrades, executive lounges and more.
- Up to $60 quarterly Hilton statement credit: You'll earn up to $240 per calendar year in statement credits, split into up to $60 each quarter on eligible Hilton purchases. Purchases can include room reservations at any Hilton property and incidental charges.
- Rental car elite status: Complimentary National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status that provides guaranteed upgrades, no second drive fees and the ability to earn faster free rental days. Terms apply.
- Travel protections: Baggage insurance*, secondary car rental loss and damage insurance**, access to the Global Assist Hotline***, extended warranty* and purchase protection* are available to cardmembers.
- Expense management tools: Lastly, you'll have access to the American Express Business app, QuickBooks integration, Vendor Pay and more.
Enrollment is required for select benefits.
*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
**Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
***Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.
Related: Your complete guide to shopping protections on American Express cards
Bottom line
The Hilton Amex Business offers some value when used during Hilton stays, thanks to Gold elite status and quarterly up to $60 Hilton statement credits for a moderate annual fee.
Where the card falls short is the lack of bonus-earning categories tailored to businesses, no free night certificates and a cap on earning 5 points per dollar on everyday purchases (on the first $100,000 spent each calendar year, then 3 points per dollar).
While there is value to be had, prospective cardmembers will probably be better off with the better-value Hilton Surpass or Hilton Aspire cards or another business card.
To learn more, check out our full review of the Hilton Amex Business.
Apply here: Hilton Honors Amex Business
For rates and fees of the Amex Hilton 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.