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Credit Cards

10 Best Hilton Credit Cards of October 2026

UpdatedSeptember 21, 2026

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

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

  • Intro offerEarn 130,000 Hilton Honors Points + a Free Night Reward
  • Annual fee$150
  • You'll earn3-12x
  • Regular APR19.74%-28.74% Variable
at American Express's secure site.
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.

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.

Comparing the best Hilton credit cards

MoreDetails

“More details on the best Hilton credit cards”

How we rate cards

Our TPG staffers considered various factors and categories when it came to rating our best Hilton credit cards. Travel is a large part at TPG and our team frequently travels and stays at hotels around the world - some of which are Hilton properties. To learn more about how TPG evaluates and chooses cards for our roundups, check out our methodology here.
  • Welcome bonus

    We included cards with large welcome bonuses so that you can use them towards your next Hilton stay.

  • Annual fee

    Our best Hilton credit cards feature both no annual fee cards and higher annual fee cards that are accompanied with more premium perks.

  • Earning rates

    We chose Hilton cards that feature high earnings rates so that you can maximize your spending and earning.

  • Redemption options

    Our best Hilton cards come with a variety of redemption options, including free nights at a Hilton property.

  • Added benefits

    In addition to free nights, our best Hilton cards offer perks like travel insurance and shopping protection.

How to choose the best Hilton credit card

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:

  • 1
    Welcome offer

    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.

  • 2
    Annual fee

    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.

  • 3
    Bonus categories

    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.

Background Wave Pattern

Hilton Honors guide for award travelers - The Points Guy

Learn about redeeming points and gaining status in Hilton's loyalty program

Pros + cons of Hilton credit cards

  • Pros

    • Using a Hilton credit card can help you earn points towards your next stay
    • Many Hilton credit card features additional perks like travel and shopping protection
    • Some Hilton credit cards feature premium perks like automatic elite status and free night certificates
  • Cons

    • Irresponsible usage of Hilton credit cards can negatively impact your credit score
    • Hilton uses a dynamic pricing model for point redemption which makes it difficult to pre-plan points needed for a trip
    • Most Hilton cards are only worthwhile if you regularly stay at Hilton properties

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the best Hilton Honors credit card?

    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.

  • Is a Hilton credit card worth it?

    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.

  • Can I upgrade my Hilton credit card?

    You can apply for Hilton Honors cards by clicking the hyperlinked card names on our page.

  • What credit score do you need for a Hilton credit card?

    You'll typically need good credit — a credit score of at least 670 — to be approved for a Hilton Honors credit card.

  • When do Hilton points expire?

    Hilton Honors Points expire after 24 consecutive months of inactivity.

  • Are all Hilton credit cards from American Express?

    Yes, all Hilton credit cards that are open to new applicants are issued by American Express.