How to earn Hilton Honors points: From hotel stays to credit card spending
Editor's Note
Earning Hilton Honors points has become easier over the years. The hotel chain partners with American Express to offer cobranded Hilton credit cards and periodically runs lucrative hotel promotions.
Even though Hilton Honors points aren’t as valuable as some other hotel points, you can still get substantial value if you know how to maximize your Hilton redemptions.
With so many ways to earn these points, it can be hard to remember all your options. We’ll highlight some of the best ways to earn Hilton Honors points as you work toward planning your next award trip.
Earn Hilton points through hotel stays
Hilton Honors is a hotel loyalty program. So, as you’d expect, you can earn Hilton Honors points when you stay at Hilton properties worldwide. Your earning rate depends on several factors, including:
- The brand of the property
- The price of your stay
- Your Hilton Honors elite status
- Any promotions you’ve registered for
At most Hilton properties, you’ll earn 10 points per dollar spent on room rates and other eligible charges (excluding taxes and fees). However, you’ll only earn 5 points per dollar spent at Home2 Suites by Hilton and Tru by Hilton.
Hilton Honors elite members also earn a points bonus on each stay. The higher your status tier, the more points you’ll earn:
- Silver: 20% bonus
- Gold: 80% bonus
- Diamond: 100% bonus
Hilton Honors MyWay benefits
Gold and Diamond members can earn additional bonuses at certain brands with the program’s MyWay benefits. The MyWay benefit varies by brand, and mid- and upper-level elite members must choose between earning extra points and other welcome amenities when staying with some brands.
The potential bonus earnings are minor for some brands. For example, as a Diamond member, you can choose 100 bonus points per stay or one bottle of water and one snack item at Home2 Suites.
However, the earnings are more significant for other brands. For example, a Diamond member would earn 1,000 bonus points per stay at brands like DoubleTree, Curio Collection and Conrad. At these brands, the bonus points are on top of other MyWay perks like room upgrades and daily food-and-beverage credits at U.S. hotels or continental breakfast at non-U.S. hotels.
If you are a Gold or Diamond member, you can see (and select) your MyWay benefits on Hilton’s website.
Related: Which hotel has the best free breakfast? TPG ate 10 meals to find the winner
Earn bonus points through Hilton promotions
Like most hotel programs, Hilton Honors frequently runs promotions that award bonus points to its members. These offers make it even easier to earn points on paid stays.
For example, this 2025 promotion offers members 5,000 bonus Hilton Honors points per stay of three or more nights at select newly opened properties.
Keep an eye on Hilton’s promotions page for an up-to-date list of offers. You can also visit your promotion page on Hilton’s website to see any targeted offers, verify your registration and track your progress. We recommend enrolling in all of them — after all, you never know when you may need a last-minute stay at a Hilton property.
Earn Hilton points with credit cards
American Express currently offers several cobranded Hilton Honors cards: three personal cards and one business card. These cards are excellent ways to earn Hilton Honors points on travel and everyday purchases.
New cardmembers may be eligible to earn a welcome bonus. Here’s a look at the current offers:
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Earn 155,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership ($150 annual fee; see rates and fees).
- Hilton Honors American Express Card: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership (no annual fee; see rates and fees).
- The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership ($195 annual fee; see rates and fees).
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership ($550 annual fee; rates and fees).
Related: Choosing the best Hilton Honors credit card for you
Transfer points from American Express Membership Rewards
You can transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio. In other words, you can turn 1,000 Membership Rewards points into 2,000 Hilton Honors points. But we don’t necessarily recommend transferring your hard-earned Membership Rewards points to Hilton Honors unless you have a particular high-value redemption in mind.
Our reasoning is simple: TPG values Membership Rewards points at 2 cents each in our July 2025 valuations, while Hilton Honors points are worth just 0.5 cents each. This means that you’re effectively losing 1 cent per point in value, not to mention missing out on some terrific sweet spots with the Membership Rewards program.
If you book an expensive hotel with Hilton Honors points, you might want to take advantage of a Membership Rewards transfer bonus.
That’s why TPG contributor Sarah Hostetler transferred 225,000 American Express Membership Rewards points to Hilton Honors to top off her account to book the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. By doing so, Sarah booked a $2,200 overwater bungalow on points, getting a value of 3.8 cents per Amex point. That’s 90% higher than TPG’s July 2025 valuation of 2 cents per point.
Related: Redeeming American Express Membership Rewards points for maximum value
Pool Hilton points
Hilton Honors allows you to freely share points with up to 10 people. This is useful if you combine points for a family vacation and want the balance in one place.
Your spouse might have enough points for a two-night award stay, while you may only have enough for one night. Combining balances to book stays under a single reservation is very useful.
Earn Hilton points with Hilton Honors Dining
With Hilton Honors Dining, you can earn extra points at participating restaurants.
Sign up for a Hilton Honors Dining account and link your favorite credit cards for restaurant purchases to earn points. Then, when you swipe one of those cards at a participating restaurant, you’ll automatically earn extra Hilton Honors points. These points are in addition to the regular points or miles you’d earn with your credit card, so make sure you link a card that earns bonuses on dining purchases for the highest points earned on eating out.
After signing up for Hilton Honors Dining, opt in to email notifications. Doing so will give you “select member” status and let you earn 5 Hilton points per dollar spent at participating restaurants. If you opt out of receiving emails, your earning rate will drop to 2 points per dollar spent. While your privacy is important, giving your email address is a small price for earning an extra 3 points per dollar spent, especially if you dine out a lot.
Hilton Honors Dining also lets you order online and earn bonus points for takeout or delivery.
Finally, if you dine with Hilton Honors Dining 11 times a year, you’ll be upgraded to the service’s VIP status tier. This boosts your earning rate to 8 points per dollar spent at participating restaurants. You can keep VIP status indefinitely by dining with the program 11 or more times yearly.
Related: The most generous airline and hotel dining rewards programs
Earn Hilton points through travel partners
Like most loyalty programs, Hilton Honors has a suite of partners that you can use to earn even more points. You can use these partners to boost your Hilton account balance on everyday activities. Here’s a look at some additional ways to earn Hilton points.
Earn Hilton points with Hilton Events
Planning a wedding, corporate function or other event at a Hilton hotel? Add your Hilton Honors number to your event, and you’ll earn 2 Hilton points per dollar spent on events, on up to $100,000. Not all hotels participate.
This may not sound like much, but it can give you huge returns if you plan an expensive multiday corporate event.
Earn bonus points with Lyft
You can earn 3 Hilton points per dollar spent whenever you hail a Lyft in the United States and Canada.
These earnings are capped at $10,000 in total Lyft spending every year, and they’re in addition to the points you’d earn with a credit card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees), which offer extra points on Lyft purchases through September 2027.
You can link your Hilton and Lyft accounts on hiltonhonorslyft.com.
Book a rental car
You can also earn Hilton Honors points when renting a car through Alamo, Enterprise or National. When you book your rental through the Hilton portal, you’ll receive 500 Hilton Honors base points per rental plus 500 bonus points daily, up to 5,000 points in total — not bad if you’re already renting a car.
You may not earn car rental rewards when booking through the Hilton Honors portal. Further, you can’t use corporate codes when renting cars through Hilton. So shop around to ensure you find the best deal.
Transfer Virgin Atlantic points to Hilton
By contacting the Flying Club loyalty program, you can transfer Virgin Atlantic points to Hilton Honors at a 2:3 ratio. You can only transfer in increments of 10,000 Virgin Atlantic points.
This means you can convert 10,000 Virgin Atlantic points into 15,000 Hilton points.
Buy Hilton points
Another way to boost your Hilton Honors balance is by purchasing points. Generally speaking, buying points or miles is often a poor value proposition, as you usually need to pay an excessive amount. However, it could make sense with certain programs and circumstances.
For example, Hilton has previously run a promotion with a 100% bonus on purchased points, which lowered the price to 0.5 cents apiece, right at TPG’s July 2025 valuation. At a rate like that, it may make sense to purchase the points outright for a specific redemption, especially if the cash rate is sky-high.
Bottom line
Hilton Honors points are some of the easiest hotel points to earn. Not only can you rack up a nice stash of points from hotel stays and promotions, but the extensive suite of cobranded credit cards provides valuable earning opportunities.
Use a combination of the methods above to rack up points for your next hotel stay at any of over 7,000 worldwide properties across all Hilton brands.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Business 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.