Hilton Honors American Express Card

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 22.49%-30.49% variable
• Rewards: 7X Hilton, 5X restaurants/supermarkets/gas, 3X everything else
• Bonus: 70,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after $2,000 in purchases in 3 months
• Best For: Casual Hilton guests who want hotel rewards without paying an annual fee
• Credit Needed: Good to Excellent (670+)

Overview

The Hilton Honors American Express Card is the no-annual-fee entry point into the Hilton co-branded lineup. It earns 7X Hilton Honors points on eligible purchases at hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5X at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, and 3X on all other eligible purchases. You also receive complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status, which unlocks a fifth-night-free perk on reward stays and priority check-in at select properties.

The 70,000-point welcome bonus after spending $2,000 in the first three months provides enough for one or two free nights at mid-tier Hilton properties. Although Hilton points are valued at roughly 0.5 to 0.6 cents each, the high earning rates compensate, especially in the bonus categories. There are no foreign transaction fees, so the card travels well internationally.

This card is ideal for someone who stays at Hilton hotels a few times per year but does not want to commit to an annual fee. It works well as a complementary card to a broader rewards strategy, earning solid points on everyday dining, grocery, and gas purchases that can be banked for occasional hotel stays.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: 22.49%-30.49% variable
• Balance Transfer APR: N/A
• Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable
• Penalty APR: None

Note: Your APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. American Express does not charge a penalty APR; however, a late-payment fee applies.

Benefits Overview

Hilton Honors Earning

• 7X points on eligible Hilton purchases
• 5X points at U.S. restaurants
• 5X points at U.S. supermarkets
• 5X points at U.S. gas stations
• 3X points on all other eligible purchases

Hilton Honors Status

• Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status
• Fifth-night-free on standard reward stays
• Priority check-in at select properties
• Free Wi-Fi at Hilton properties

Travel Perks

• No foreign transaction fees
• Access to Hilton Honors point pooling with family and friends
• Points never expire as long as the account is active

Rewards & Points

• 7X points on eligible Hilton hotel purchases
• 5X points at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations
• 3X points on all other eligible purchases

Hilton Honors points are valued at approximately 0.5 to 0.6 cents each. Points can be redeemed for free nights, experience packages, Amazon purchases, or transferred to airline partners. Silver status includes a fifth-night-free benefit on standard reward stays of five nights or more.

Welcome Bonus

Earn 70,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new card within the first 3 months of card membership. At average Hilton redemption values, this bonus is worth approximately $350 to $420 toward free hotel nights at mid-tier Hilton properties.

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $0
• Balance Transfer Fee: N/A
• Cash Advance Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount, whichever is greater
• Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40

Who This Card Is Best For

Ideal For

• Occasional Hilton guests who stay a few nights per year and want to earn free nights
• Everyday spenders who want strong earning rates at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas
• No-annual-fee seekers who want hotel rewards without a yearly cost
• International travelers who need a card with no foreign transaction fees

Not Good For

• Frequent Hilton guests who would benefit more from Gold or Diamond status on higher-tier cards
• Luxury travelers who want resort credits and premium lounge access
• Non-Hilton loyalists who prefer flexible travel points over hotel-specific rewards

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• No annual fee makes it risk-free to hold long term
• 7X earning rate at Hilton properties is among the highest co-branded rates
• 5X at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas covers major everyday categories
• 3X base rate on all other spending beats most no-annual-fee cards
• 70,000-point welcome bonus is generous for a no-fee card
• No foreign transaction fees for international travel
• Complimentary Silver status with fifth-night-free benefit
• Hilton points never expire with active account
• Strong gateway card to the Hilton Honors ecosystem
• Easy $2,000 spending requirement for the welcome bonus

Cons

• Hilton points have lower per-point value than most hotel programs at 0.5 to 0.6 cents each
• Silver status provides limited elite benefits compared to Gold or Diamond
• No free night certificate or resort credits
• No balance transfer option available
• Points are locked into Hilton ecosystem unless transferred to airlines at poor rates
• No travel insurance or purchase protection benefits
• 5X categories limited to U.S. merchants only
• No statement credit perks or annual travel credits

Alternatives to Consider

How the Rewards Add Up

Example Annual Value

Total estimated first-year value: $944 including the welcome bonus valued at $350. Based on Hilton points at 0.6 cents each.

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Get It If...

• You stay at Hilton hotels a few times per year and want to accelerate free nights
• You spend regularly at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations
• You want a no-annual-fee hotel card that still earns competitive points
• You travel internationally and need a card with no foreign transaction fees
• You are building a Hilton Honors points balance for future stays
• You want a simple entry into the Hilton co-branded card lineup
• You value a low spending threshold for the welcome bonus

You Should Skip It If...

• You stay at Hilton frequently enough to justify an annual fee for Gold or Diamond status
• You prefer flexible travel points that can be used across multiple hotel brands
• You want premium perks like resort credits, lounge access, or companion certificates
• You rarely stay at hotels and would rather earn straight cash back
• You prefer higher per-point value programs like Hyatt or Capital One

Apply Now

Apply for Hilton Honors American Express Card

Information accurate as of May 2026. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.