Hilton is now the master of the co-branded hotel credit card domain. Back in January, Hilton began teaming up with American Express to offer co-branded credit cards. Many Hilton loyalists were excited by this transition away from Citibank to American Express because it increased the Hilton co-branded card offerings, which equated to more opportunities to earn Hilton points. And now, all four Hilton Honors American Express cards are offering elevated bonuses.

These are the best offers Hilton has had since these cards became part of the American Express Hilton portfolio of cards.

Recently a reader asked me what the different benefits were on the four co-branded Hilton American Express cards. Good question!

Benefits and Elevated Offers on the Hilton Honors Cards 

HILTON HONORS AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD : Earn 75,000 Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months

• No annual fee
• Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status. Earn Gold status after spending $20,000 in purchases on the card in a calendar year.
• 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio worldwide
• 5x Hilton Honors Bonus Points at U.S. grocery stores, restaurants and gas stations
• 3x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on all other eligible purchases

HILTON HONORS AMERICAN EXPRESS ASCEND CARD : Earn 125,000 Points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months

• $95 annual fee
• Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status. Earn Diamond status after spending $40,000 in purchases on the card in a calendar year.
• 10 free Priority Pass Lounge passes
• One Weekend Night Reward at a hotel or resort in the Hilton portfolio after spending $15,000 in purchases on the card in a calendar year
• 12x Hilton Honor Bonus Points at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio worldwide
• 6x Hilton Honor Bonus Points at U.S. grocery stores, restaurants and gas stations
• 3x Hilton Honor Bonus Points on all other eligible purchases

HILTON HONORS AMERICAN EXPRESS ASPIRE CARD : Earn 150,000 Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months

• $450 annual fee
• Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status
• $250 Airline incidental fee statement credit
• $250 Hilton Resort credit
• $100 on-property credit at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts when booking the exclusive Aspire Card package through their site
• One Weekend Night Reward at a hotel or resort in the Hilton portfolio with your new card and each year of card Membership
• An additional Weekend Night Reward at a hotel or resort in the Hilton portfolio after spending $60,000 in purchases on the card in a calendar year
• Unlimited Priority Pass Lounge passes
• Access to 24/7 American Express concierge
• 14x Hilton Honors Bonus Points at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio worldwide
• 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies and at U.S. restaurants
• 3x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on other purchases

HILTON HONORS AMERICAN EXPRESS BUSINESS CARD : Earn 125,000 Points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months

• $95 annual fee
• Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status. Earn Diamond status after spending $40,000 in purchases on the card in a calendar year.
• One Weekend Night Reward at a hotel or resort in the Hilton portfolio after spending $15,000 in purchases on the card in a calendar year
• A second Weekend Night Reward at a hotel or resort in the Hilton portfolio after spending $60,000 in purchases on the card in a calendar year
• 10 free Priority Pass Lounge passes
• 12x Hilton Honors Bonus Points at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio
• 6x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. purchases for shipping
• 6x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on U.S. restaurants, flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel, and car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies
• 3x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on all other eligible purchases.

What Can All These Hilton Honors Points Get You?

The Hilton hotel point reward rates are variable, and award nights at the most desirable Hilton properties can cost up to 95,000 Hilton Honors points per night. For instance, the top bonus offer on these cards, 150,000 Hilton Honors points, would get you an award night at one of their best properties, such as the Conrad Maldives.

The Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund requires 80,000 Hilton Honors points for a one night award stay.

I had a wonderful stay at The London Hilton Park Lane. Loved the hotel and the location. It requires 80,000 Hilton Honors points for a one night award stay.

However, if you want to stretch out your award points for as many nights as you can, depending on your destination hotel choices and even what time of year you travel, there are Hilton properties that only require 10,000 Hilton Honors points for an award night. That would stretch these 150,000 points into 15 nights.

Bottom Line

Turns out I don’t have three of these cards. And going forward I’m looking to stay more often at Hilton properties. If you’re like me and are looking to explore the Hilton hotel portfolio, this is a great time to see if these cards add value for you. And if you’re already a Hilton fan, then these elevated bonuses should make you happy! I hope this helps you figure out which card is best for you. And don’t forget to make sure that all those Hilton points you’ll accrue don’t expire!