The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Credit cards
At The Points Guy, our goal is to help you maximize your travel experiences while minimizing spending. While we do receive compensation through our credit card application links, ads and clearly indicated sponsored content, our editorial content, points valuations and card analyses are entirely our own. Learn more about our advertising policy and product review methodology.
Limited-Time Offer
If you're a fan of Hilton properties, you'll be thrilled to know that you have a wide range of options for selecting the perfect Hilton credit card. Hilton boasts an impressive portfolio of almost 8,000 hotels and resorts across over 125 countries and territories worldwide. Whether you prefer a local staycation or an exotic getaway, Hilton has something to offer everyone.
As a Hilton Honors member, you can choose from an array of properties, ranging from luxurious brands like LXR and Waldorf Astoria to more affordable choices such as Hampton Inn and Embassy Suites. With the flexibility to use Hilton points across properties at various price points, the only task remaining is to decide which credit card suits you best. Here, we present our top recommendations for the finest Hilton credit cards in collaboration with our partners.
We included cards with large welcome bonuses so that you can use them towards your next Hilton stay.
Our best Hilton credit cards feature both no annual fee cards and higher annual fee cards that are accompanied with more premium perks.
We chose Hilton cards that feature high earnings rates so that you can maximize your spending and earning.
Our best Hilton cards come with a variety of redemption options, including free nights at a Hilton property.
In addition to free nights, our best Hilton cards offer perks like travel insurance and shopping protection.
When choosing the best Hilton Honors credit card, evaluating which benefits best align with your preferences is essential. Consider whether you prioritize Hilton-specific perks such as earning free night certificates or prefer the flexibility of transferable points. Additionally, consider the type of rewards you will accrue with the chosen card. Cobranded Hilton Honors credit cards like the Hilton Surpass card earn Hilton Honors points, which are exclusively redeemable within the Hilton Honors program. Conversely, more versatile travel rewards cards like the American Express® Business Gold Card provide transferable points that can be utilized for a broader range of travel options, offering greater value.
Here are some of the main points to consider when choosing a Hilton credit card:
Our best Hilton credit cards feature generous sign-up offers with a variety of required spending so that you can earn your bonus with any budget. It is important to choose a card that you can easily reach the minimum spend threshold of since a large part of a card’s value is its sign-up bonus.
We chose cards with no annual fees that offer solid benefits and cards with lofty annual fees that offer premium perks so that any consumer can find the best Hilton card for their wallet.
The best Hilton credit cards feature a variety of bonus categories and choosing one that best aligns with your spending habit will help you earn even more points towards your next stay.
Learn about redeeming points and gaining status in Hilton's loyalty program
The ideal Hilton Honors credit card choice depends on your specific requirements. The no-annual-fee Hilton Honors American Express Card is great for beginners (see rates and fees), while those looking for more benefits should explore the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card and The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card.
Obtaining a Hilton Honors card can be advantageous if its benefits outweigh the annual fee. It’s ultimately up to you to review the perks and benefits of each card and decide if the annual fee is worth it for you.
You can apply for Hilton Honors cards by clicking the hyperlinked card names on our page.
You'll typically need good credit — a credit score of at least 670 — to be approved for a Hilton Honors credit card.
Hilton Honors Points expire after 24 consecutive months of inactivity.
Yes, all Hilton credit cards that are open to new applicants are issued by American Express.
Stephanie Stevens is an associate writer with TPG's credit cards team. She focuses on creating timely credit cards content for TPG readers.
Gabrielle Bernardini is the senior points and miles editor at TPG. Joining the team in 2023, she focuses on helping people utilize their credit card rewards to travel for less.
Nick Ewen is TPG's editor-in-chief and helps readers leverage credit cards (he has more than 25 of them) and loyalty programs to travel more for less. He's been at TPG for over 11 years.
| Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Limited-Time Offer Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card | occasional Hilton travelers | Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Points + a Free Night Reward | 3 - 12X points | $150 | at American Express's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
Limited-Time Offer  Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card | Best hotel card for Hilton loyalists | Earn 200,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points | 3 - 14X points | $550 | at American Express's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
Limited-Time Offer  Hilton Honors American Express Card | no annual fee | Earn 70,000 Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward | 3 - 7X points | $0 | at American Express's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
 American Express Platinum Card® | premium travel perks and digital entertainment | As High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. | 5X points | $895 | at American Express's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
 The Business Platinum Card® from American Express | business owners who prioritize premium travel perks | As High As 300,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. | 1 - 5X points | $895 | at American Express's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
Limited-Time Offer  The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card | small business owners | 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward | 3 - 12X points | $195 | at American Express's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
 American Express® Gold Card | dining at restaurants | As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. | 1 - 5X points | $325 | at American Express's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
 American Express® Business Gold Card | flexible rewards earning | As High As 200,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. | 1 - 4X points | $375 | at American Express's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
 Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | beginner travelers | 75,000 bonus points. | 1 - 5X points | $95 | at Chase's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
 Chase Sapphire Reserve® | travel and dining combined | 100,000 bonus points. | 1 - 8X points | $795 | at Chase's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
Best for occasional Hilton travelers
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 12X | Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio. |
| 6X | Earn 6X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of U.S. Online Retail purchases. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card. |
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Points + a Free Night Reward
$150
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Good to Excellent
The Hilton Honors Surpass Card stands out in the crowded mid-tier category of cobranded hotel credit cards. It comes with elite-like perks at a reasonable annual fee. Read our full review of the Hilton Honors Surpass Card.
The Hilton Honors Surpass Card stands out in the crowded mid-tier category of cobranded hotel credit cards. It comes with elite-like perks at a reasonable annual fee. Read our full review of the Hilton Honors Surpass Card.
Best for occasional Hilton travelers
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Points + a Free Night Reward
$150
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Good to Excellent
The Hilton Honors Surpass Card stands out in the crowded mid-tier category of cobranded hotel credit cards. It comes with elite-like perks at a reasonable annual fee. Read our full review of the Hilton Honors Surpass Card.
Best for Best hotel card for Hilton loyalists
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 14X | Earn 14X Hilton Honors Bonus Points when you make eligible purchases on your Card at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton Portfolio. |
| 7X | Card Members can earn 7X Points on purchases of Flights booked directly with airlines or flights booked through American Express Travel, Car rentals purchased directly from select car rental companies, and purchases at U.S. Restaurants. |
| 3X | Card Members can earn 3X Points on all other eligible purchases. |
Earn 200,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points
$550
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Good to Excellent
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers unparalleled value for frequent Hilton loyalists. It offers automatic Diamond status, up to $400 in annual Hilton resort statement credits (up to $200 biannually) and a Free Night Reward every year. Its rich suite of benefits easily offsets the annual fee for those who stay at Hilton properties even a few times per year.
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers unparalleled value for frequent Hilton loyalists. It offers automatic Diamond status, up to $400 in annual Hilton resort statement credits (up to $200 biannually) and a Free Night Reward every year. Its rich suite of benefits easily offsets the annual fee for those who stay at Hilton properties even a few times per year.
Best for Best hotel card for Hilton loyalists
Earn 200,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points
$550
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Good to Excellent
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers unparalleled value for frequent Hilton loyalists. It offers automatic Diamond status, up to $400 in annual Hilton resort statement credits (up to $200 biannually) and a Free Night Reward every year. Its rich suite of benefits easily offsets the annual fee for those who stay at Hilton properties even a few times per year.
Best for no annual fee
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 7X | Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio. |
| 5X | Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card: at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, at U.S. gas stations. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card. |
Earn 70,000 Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward
$0
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Excellent to Good
The Hilton Honors Amex Card is a decent entry-level hotel card with no annual fee. It’s a card that is ideal for beginners and offers an array of perks for those loyal to the Hilton brand. Read our review of the Hilton Honors Amex Card.
The Hilton Honors Amex Card is a decent entry-level hotel card with no annual fee. It’s a card that is ideal for beginners and offers an array of perks for those loyal to the Hilton brand. Read our review of the Hilton Honors Amex Card.
Best for no annual fee
Earn 70,000 Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward
$0
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Excellent to Good
The Hilton Honors Amex Card is a decent entry-level hotel card with no annual fee. It’s a card that is ideal for beginners and offers an array of perks for those loyal to the Hilton brand. Read our review of the Hilton Honors Amex Card.
Best for premium travel perks and digital entertainment
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 5X | Earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. |
As High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
$895
See Pay Over Time APR
Good to Excellent
The American Express Platinum Card® has a high annual fee but remains one of the best cards on the market for those who prioritize premium travel experiences. A combination of updated and new statement credits makes the refreshed Amex Platinum an ideal card for frequent travelers and digital entertainment enthusiasts alike.
The American Express Platinum Card® has a high annual fee but remains one of the best cards on the market for those who prioritize premium travel experiences. A combination of updated and new statement credits makes the refreshed Amex Platinum an ideal card for frequent travelers and digital entertainment enthusiasts alike.
Best for premium travel perks and digital entertainment
As High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
$895
See Pay Over Time APR
Good to Excellent
The American Express Platinum Card® has a high annual fee but remains one of the best cards on the market for those who prioritize premium travel experiences. A combination of updated and new statement credits makes the refreshed Amex Platinum an ideal card for frequent travelers and digital entertainment enthusiasts alike.
Best for business owners who prioritize premium travel perks
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 5X | Earn 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers¹, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per Card account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus. ¹Effective February 17, 2027, select merchants only. See terms. |
| 1X | Earn 1X points on other eligible purchases. |
As High As 300,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
$895
17.99% - 28.74% Variable
Good to Excellent
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express continues its long-standing streak as one of the most valuable cards on the market for frequent business travelers. The Amex Business Platinum card offers perks like automatic Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status (enrollment required) and statement credits that can be used toward business-specific purchases.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express continues its long-standing streak as one of the most valuable cards on the market for frequent business travelers. The Amex Business Platinum card offers perks like automatic Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status (enrollment required) and statement credits that can be used toward business-specific purchases.
Best for business owners who prioritize premium travel perks
As High As 300,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
$895
17.99% - 28.74% Variable
Good to Excellent
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express continues its long-standing streak as one of the most valuable cards on the market for frequent business travelers. The Amex Business Platinum card offers perks like automatic Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status (enrollment required) and statement credits that can be used toward business-specific purchases.
Best for small business owners
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 12X | Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible purchases made directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio. |
| 5X | Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on other eligible purchases made using the Hilton Honors Business Card on the first $100,000 in eligible purchases each calendar year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Points thereafter. |
150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward
$195
19.74% - 28.74% Variable
Excellent to Good
For business travelers who stay with Hilton, there is a lot to love about the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card. You’re getting a solid return when you use the card on eligible Hilton purchases, and it comes with a nice array of perks. Read our full review of the Hilton Honors Amex Business Card.
For business travelers who stay with Hilton, there is a lot to love about the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card. You’re getting a solid return when you use the card on eligible Hilton purchases, and it comes with a nice array of perks. Read our full review of the Hilton Honors Amex Business Card.
Best for small business owners
150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward
$195
19.74% - 28.74% Variable
Excellent to Good
For business travelers who stay with Hilton, there is a lot to love about the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card. You’re getting a solid return when you use the card on eligible Hilton purchases, and it comes with a nice array of perks. Read our full review of the Hilton Honors Amex Business Card.
Best for dining at restaurants
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 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 | 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. |
As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
$325
See Pay Over Time APR
Excellent to Good
This isn’t just a card that’s nice to look at. It packs a real punch, offering 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar). There’s also an up to $120 annual dining statement credit, plus up to $120 annually ($10 per month) in Uber Cash, which can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. The card must be added to your Uber account and you can redeem with any Amex card. All this makes it a very strong contender for all food purchases, which has become a popular spending category. Enrollment required for select benefits. Read our full review of the American Express Gold Card.
This isn’t just a card that’s nice to look at. It packs a real punch, offering 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar). There’s also an up to $120 annual dining statement credit, plus up to $120 annually ($10 per month) in Uber Cash, which can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. The card must be added to your Uber account and you can redeem with any Amex card. All this makes it a very strong contender for all food purchases, which has become a popular spending category. Enrollment required for select benefits. Read our full review of the American Express Gold Card.
Best for dining at restaurants
As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
$325
See Pay Over Time APR
Excellent to Good
This isn’t just a card that’s nice to look at. It packs a real punch, offering 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar). There’s also an up to $120 annual dining statement credit, plus up to $120 annually ($10 per month) in Uber Cash, which can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. The card must be added to your Uber account and you can redeem with any Amex card. All this makes it a very strong contender for all food purchases, which has become a popular spending category. Enrollment required for select benefits. Read our full review of the American Express Gold Card.
Best for flexible rewards earning
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.* |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ using your Business Gold Card.* |
| 1X | Earn 1X on all other eligible purchases. |
As High As 200,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
$375
17.99% - 28.74% Variable
Excellent to Good
The Amex Business Gold card is a solid choice for high-spending small businesses with the flexibility to earn 4 points per dollar in the two categories where you spend the most each billing cycle. The card is ideal for businesses who value simplicity above all. Read our full review of the American Express Business Gold Card.
The Amex Business Gold card is a solid choice for high-spending small businesses with the flexibility to earn 4 points per dollar in the two categories where you spend the most each billing cycle. The card is ideal for businesses who value simplicity above all. Read our full review of the American Express Business Gold Card.
Best for flexible rewards earning
As High As 200,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
$375
17.99% - 28.74% Variable
Excellent to Good
The Amex Business Gold card is a solid choice for high-spending small businesses with the flexibility to earn 4 points per dollar in the two categories where you spend the most each billing cycle. The card is ideal for businesses who value simplicity above all. Read our full review of the American Express Business Gold Card.
Best for beginner travelers
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 5x | Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. |
| 3x | Earn 3x on dining, vacation homes at top brands, gas & EV charging, top streaming services and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs). |
| 2x | Earn 2x on all other travel purchases. |
| 1x | Earn 1x on all other purchases. |
75,000 bonus points.
$95
19.49% - 27.74% Variable
670-850
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card remains one of the easiest travel rewards cards to recommend because it has elevated rewards across everyday spending categories, valuable travel protections, useful statement credits and an approachable annual fee. Whether you're new to points and miles or already maximizing transfer partners, it offers a rare combination of flexibility and long-term value for both beginners and experienced travelers alike.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card remains one of the easiest travel rewards cards to recommend because it has elevated rewards across everyday spending categories, valuable travel protections, useful statement credits and an approachable annual fee. Whether you're new to points and miles or already maximizing transfer partners, it offers a rare combination of flexibility and long-term value for both beginners and experienced travelers alike.
Best for beginner travelers
75,000 bonus points.
$95
19.49% - 27.74% Variable
670-850
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card remains one of the easiest travel rewards cards to recommend because it has elevated rewards across everyday spending categories, valuable travel protections, useful statement credits and an approachable annual fee. Whether you're new to points and miles or already maximizing transfer partners, it offers a rare combination of flexibility and long-term value for both beginners and experienced travelers alike.
Best for travel and dining combined
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 8x | Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠. |
| 4x | Earn 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. |
| 3x | Earn 3x points on dining worldwide. |
| 1x | Earn 1x points on all other purchases. |
100,000 bonus points.
$795
19.74% - 28.24% Variable
740-850
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® remains one of the most rewarding travel credit cards thanks to its elevated earning rates on both Chase Travel℠ and direct hotel and airline purchases. Cardholders also gain access to more than $3,000 in potential annual value through premium perks like lounge access, hotel status, lifestyle credits and flexible travel credits.
With its strong earning structure and access to Chase’s airline and hotel partners, it’s a top choice for travelers seeking both luxury and long-term value.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® remains one of the most rewarding travel credit cards thanks to its elevated earning rates on both Chase Travel℠ and direct hotel and airline purchases. Cardholders also gain access to more than $3,000 in potential annual value through premium perks like lounge access, hotel status, lifestyle credits and flexible travel credits.
With its strong earning structure and access to Chase’s airline and hotel partners, it’s a top choice for travelers seeking both luxury and long-term value.
Best for travel and dining combined
100,000 bonus points.
$795
19.74% - 28.24% Variable
740-850
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® remains one of the most rewarding travel credit cards thanks to its elevated earning rates on both Chase Travel℠ and direct hotel and airline purchases. Cardholders also gain access to more than $3,000 in potential annual value through premium perks like lounge access, hotel status, lifestyle credits and flexible travel credits.
With its strong earning structure and access to Chase’s airline and hotel partners, it’s a top choice for travelers seeking both luxury and long-term value.
What's your favorite Hilton card — and why?
“I love that my Hilton Honors Amex has no annual fee and gives me automatic Silver elite status with Hilton, which lets me take advantage of their fifth-night-free perk.”
“It’s great to have complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status with this card (enrollment required). It helps you join the elite status race with an advantage. I love earning additional bonus points on my stays, along with the occasional room upgrade. It's one of the easiest benefits to maximize."
“I love getting maximum value by using this card on Hilton stays for up to $50 in credit each quarter up to $200 annually. I also earn 12 points per dollar on those charges and other Hilton charges by using my Surpass card and 6 points per dollar on groceries and gas.”
