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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.
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Which credit card should you use for Hilton stays?
Augusta Stone is a credit cards writer for TPG. She joined the TPG team in 2023 and is excited to take points and miles beginners with her on a journey toward maximizing rewards.
Credit card writer Danyal Ahmed is an avid traveler, averaging about 100,000 aeronautical miles per year. He regularly applies that knowledge and his expertise in credit cards to his role as a credit card writer at TPG.
also contributed to this story
December 2, 2025 • 9 min read
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Quick summary
Several credit cards offer strong value for Hilton stays, with some providing high rewards at Hilton properties and complimentary elite status.
Travelers can choose between cards that maximize Hilton points or those that earn flexible rewards, which may offer greater long-term value.
Elite status benefits are linked to your Hilton profile and apply to direct bookings, regardless of which card is used for payment.
Booking through third-party travel portals may result in loss of elite status perks at Hilton hotels.
What to consider
Hilton points are valued at 0.5 cents each as of November 2025 per TPG's valuations, which is lower than some transferable rewards currencies.
Some cards provide statement credits or free night certificates for Hilton stays, often tied to specific spending or enrollment requirements.
To maximize elite benefits and rewards, ensure bookings are made directly with Hilton rather than through external travel portals.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of card options and strategies to balance Hilton-specific perks with the flexibility of transferable rewards.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
If you're a Hilton loyalist looking for the best card to use on your next stay, you have plenty of options.
Cobranded American Express cards are a fantastic place to start. These cards offer high earning rates on Hilton bookings and complimentary elite status to use during your trip.
But you may want to earn a transferable rewards currency or leverage another loyalty program. Luckily for you, we've collected a list of seven credit cards worth considering for your next Hilton stay.
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 within the first three months from account opening.
4 points per dollar booked directly (or 8 points per dollar spent if booked through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit)
8.2 cents (or 16.4 cents)
None (unless you book a Hilton stay through The Edit portfolio, which provides premium benefits such as complimentary breakfast and a $100 property credit)
Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening.
3 points per dollar (or 10 points per dollar if booked via cititravel.com)
5.7 cents (or 19 cents)
None
$95
* Value of rewards is based on TPG's November 2025 valuations and not the card issuer ** Enrollment is required for select benefits
The information for the American Express Classic Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Which card should you use?
Now that you've been introduced to the cards we recommend for Hilton bookings, it's time to break down the factors you should weigh.
The two primary considerations here:
Hilton-related benefits to enjoy during your stay
How many points you'll earn on your booking
Let's break these two aspects down further.
Benefits
Here's a key consideration: If you have a Hilton cobranded Amex card, you'll enjoy elite status benefits regardless of whether or not you pay with that specific card.
DAISY HERNANDEZ/THE POINTS GUY
For instance, you don't have to pay with the Hilton Aspire to enjoy Diamond status benefits. Your status is attached to your Hilton profile regardless of the payment method when you book directly with Hilton.
Two notable exceptions are if you choose to book through an issuer's travel portal, such as using the Sapphire Reserve through Chase Travel or the Strata Premier through the Citi Travel portal. These generally count as third-party bookings — not direct bookings — and you won't receive your elite status perks.
Earning rates
At first glance, it's obvious that the cobranded Amex cards earn the most points for your Hilton stays. That said, this doesn't mean you're getting the most value.
TPG's November 2025 valuations deem Hilton Honors points to be worth 0.5 cents apiece, which is relatively low. This is especially true when you compare this currency to the potential value of transferable rewards points.
NICK POTTS/PA IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES
Transferable rewards are more flexible and hold higher potential value as a result. Chase Ultimate Rewards points that you'd earn with the Sapphire Reserve, for instance, are worth 2.05 cents per point, per TPG's November 2025 valuations. TPG's November 2025 valuations also estimate that American Express Membership Rewards points are worth 2 cents each, which is what you'd earn for paying with the Amex Classic Green.
Of course, if you'd rather keep it simple and earn as many Hilton points as possible, the sky-high earning rates on cobranded cards are the way to go.
Still, you have to consider which currency you'd like to earn and how many points you'll earn. Think through your upcoming trips and which points are the most useful for booking them. You might pay with a Hilton card if you're planning a stay at a Hilton property. Meanwhile, you're better off paying with a card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points if you want to book a business-class flight.
Other considerations
There are other factors to consider when you're choosing a card for your next Hilton booking.
If you're working toward a welcome bonus on a particular card, you'll want to put most of your expenses on that card to avoid missing out on the offer.
We also recommend checking your Amex Offers and Chase Offers to see if you have any relevant discounts or deals on Hilton stays. You'll need to enroll in your targeted offer and use the relevant card if that's the option you choose.
AMERICAN EXPRESS
Finally, don't forget to use your Hilton statement credits on some cobranded Amex cards. Since many of these perks are earned quarterly or biannually, keep track of which card offers a Hilton discount so you can maximize the full value of your card's benefits. Some Hilton cards also offer annual spending bonuses that give you a higher elite status tier or additional free night certificates.
Any decision comes with pros and cons. If you're a Hilton loyalist, picking up a cobranded card and paying with it is generally the way to go.
However, if you value transferable rewards and want to add to your balance, there are flexible options out there with some of our favorite travel rewards cards.
As long as you're using your card benefits and earning rewards that you'll redeem, you're coming out ahead.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Aspire Amex, click here. For rates and fees of the Hilton Surpass Amex, click here. For rates and fees of the Hilton Business Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Amex, click here.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
