Last-minute strategies for earning Hilton Honors elite status
With less than two months left in 2025, now is a good time for Hilton Honors members to determine what they need to do to qualify (or requalify) for elite status.
If you spend a considerable amount of time on the road, you may have seen how valuable hotel elite status can be. From premium early check-in and late checkout to room upgrades, there are benefits to having elite status with hotel chains. And as you’d expect, Hilton is no exception.
Fortunately, there are numerous ways to earn Hilton Honors status, including staying at hotels, using promotions and status matches, and holding certain credit cards. Here’s what you can do before the end of the year to reach your Hilton status goals in 2026.
What is Hilton Honors status?
The Hilton Honors loyalty program has a base-level member tier when you join, but then you can earn Hilton elite status by reaching specific thresholds for nights, stays or base points each calendar year.
There are three tiers in the program: Silver, Gold and Diamond.
Here’s a look at how many nights, stays or base points you typically need for each Hilton status tier:
- Silver: 10 nights, four stays or 25,000 base points
- Gold: 40 nights, 20 stays or 75,000 base points
- Diamond: 60 nights, 30 stays or 120,000 base points
Basic members earn Hilton base points at a rate of 10 points per dollar spent at most Hilton hotels, and you can earn base points on up to four rooms per stay. Stays booked with points or free night rewards also count toward elite qualification.
Hilton uses a calendar year as its qualification period, so you have from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 each year to qualify for your desired elite membership tier. Your status is then valid through the end of the following calendar year.
Earn status with Hilton promotions
Hilton frequently offers promotions that may help you earn or get closer to elite status.
In past years, Hilton has run a "Double Your Nights" promotion, allowing you to earn double elite qualifying nights when you stay in the last three months of the calendar year. Every night would count as two nights toward milestone bonuses and rollover nights as well, so these promotions would also help you qualify for Hilton status for the following year.
These offers served as a handy shortcut for members close to qualifying or requalifying for status.
Hilton has also been known to send out targeted status offers to some members. For instance, travel writer Rachel Craft received the following offer as a shortcut to Silver status.
If you're looking to earn last-minute Hilton Honors status this year, keep an eye out for useful Hilton promotions like these.
Related: Deal alert: The latest points and miles travel deals
Use a status match
You can also request a status match if you are currently an entry-level Hilton member or have Silver status.
All you need to do is submit proof of a recent stay and proof of elite status in a competitor’s loyalty program through Hilton’s status match page. If Hilton approves your status match, it will upgrade your status to Gold for 90 days.
You can keep Gold status through March 31, 2027, if you stay eight nights within your 90-day trial period — or you can snag top-tier Diamond status through March 31, 2027, if you stay 14 nights within your 90-day trial period.
This is a great way to quickly earn Gold or Diamond status with Hilton if you have planned upcoming travel and aren’t already planning to sign up for a Hilton credit card that provides elite status as a perk.
However, reward stays do not count toward achieving the status match requirements. And you can only do a status match with Hilton once in a lifetime — so be sure to time your status match carefully.
Get elite status with credit cards
The right Hilton Honors credit card can make earning status a breeze. Here’s a quick look at some of your options.
Diamond status
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is spectacular because you can snag top-tier Hilton Diamond status just by having the card.
Sure, you have to pay the $550 annual fee (see rates and fees), but that’s significantly less than paying for 60 nights or 30 stays outright. It also comes with several other perks that can easily offset that out-of-pocket cost, including up to $400 per year in Hilton property credits (up to $200 in statement credits semiannually), up to $200 in credits for flight purchases (up to $50 in statement credits each quarter), car rental elite status and cellphone protection.*
*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Hilton Diamond status offers valuable perks like suite upgrades, a daily food-and-beverage credit (or continental breakfast outside the U.S.) for you and a guest, and executive lounge access at eligible properties.
Related: How to get Hilton Honors lifetime Diamond status
Gold status
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card and The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card offer complimentary Gold status as a cardmember perk.
Both cards also let you spend your way to Diamond status with $40,000 in eligible purchases on the card in a calendar year. However, we recommend getting the Hilton Aspire Card instead if your goal is Diamond status.
It’s also worth noting that cardholders of the American Express Platinum Card® and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express get complimentary Hilton Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status as cardmember perks (enrollment is required).
Related: 5 reasons to get the Hilton Honors Amex Surpass Card
Silver status
Lastly, you could apply for the Hilton Honors American Express Card if you want Hilton Silver status, though this does not come with nearly as many benefits as Hilton Diamond or Hilton Gold status. Still, Silver members are eligible for the fifth night free on award stays.
Related: The best Hilton hotels in the US, from luxury to budget stays
Bottom line
With the end of the year approaching, now is a good time to check your Hilton Honors account and finalize your elite status plans. After all, having elite status with Hilton is generally quite valuable, especially internationally.
Although you can stay your way to Hilton Honors status — and there's still time for a mattress run — opening a credit card that provides Hilton status is usually faster and easier. Best of all, you can maintain Hilton status as long as you hold the card without needing to requalify each year.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Aspire Card, click here.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
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 $6,000 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.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
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 $6,000 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.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.