Hilton Honors Program

Updated on 13 Nov, 2023 - Est. mins read

Hilton Honors Program

Hilton, one of the largest hotel chains in the world, encompasses 18 distinct brands and boasts over 6,500 properties worldwide.

Their vast presence ensures that the Hilton Honors rewards program appeals to a diverse range of travelers, from budget-conscious travelers to avid credit card enthusiasts and business owners seeking added comfort and luxury.

If you often travel or enjoy staying in comfortable accommodations without breaking the bank, the Hilton Honors program can be your ticket to significant savings and exclusive benefits.

It provides its loyal customers the opportunity to earn and redeem Hilton Honors points.

What is Hilton Honors?

Hilton Honors, the loyalty program for Hilton Hotels, offers its members a range of valuable benefits, including competitive room rates, complimentary Wi-Fi, room upgrades, and more. 

Points accumulate as you make reservations at Hilton properties or utilize Hilton credit cards, paving the way to elevated elite status levels, each offering additional perks. 

These points are versatile and redeemable for free nights at various Hilton brands, from budget-friendly options like Hampton by Hilton to opulent Waldorf Astoria Resorts. 

Joining the Hilton Honors program is a straightforward and cost-free process, ensuring you can enjoy these rewards without any registration fees. It just requires basic information in a form available on Hilton’s website.

 

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Hilton Brands

The Hilton Honors rewarding travel loyalty boasts a diverse portfolio of hotel brands catering to different travel styles and preferences.

There’s something for everyone within the Hilton family, with over a million hotel rooms worldwide across 18 brands. 

Here’s the list of Hilton Brands arranged from the most luxurious to the most budget-friendly options:

Brand Brief Description

1) Waldorf Astoria

A luxury brand with deluxe accommodations and personalized service across 30 hotels in 20+ destinations.

2) Conrad

Another rich Hilton brand offering top-notch accommodations and services.

3) LXR

A collection of independent luxury hotels with exceptional experiences.

4) Hilton Hotels and Resorts

Flagship brand, providing a full-service experience in 89 countries and territories.

5) Embassy Suites by Hilton

Preferred by business travelers for two-room accommodations, daily cooked-to-order breakfast, and evening receptions.

6) Curio Collection

Unique and upscale hotels with individual charm and personality.

7) Signia

Catering to large meetings and events with high-end amenities and technology.

8) Canopy

A boutique-style brand focusing on local experiences and modern design.

9) Hilton Grand Vacations

Vacation ownership properties for memorable getaways.

10) Doubletree by Hilton

Welcomes upscale business and leisure travelers with warm cookies, luxury linens, and high-end amenities.

11) Motto

Micro-hotels with smart design, prime locations, and affordability.

12) Tapestry Collection

Unique hotels with a distinct personality and local charm.

13) Tempo

A vibrant brand for modern, active travelers seeking great experiences.

14) Hampton by Hilton

Caters to all travelers, offering free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and a satisfaction guarantee. Largest brand within Hilton!

15) Hilton Garden Inn

Tailored for  business travelers, featuring fitness centers, made-to-order breakfast, and free printing services.

16) Homewood Suites by Hilton

An extended-stay brand with a full kitchen, complimentary breakfast, and evening drinks and snacks.

17) Home2 Suites

Prolonged-stay hotels with a focus on comfort and convenience.

18) Tru

Budget-friendly and chic hotels designed for youthful and social travelers.

 

Hilton Honors Elite Status

Hilton Honors Rewards Program typically has three elite status tiers: Silver, Gold, and Diamond.

Having Hilton Honors elite status can pay off not only with the bonus points on each stay but also with the perk you get when staying at Hilton hotels.

The program has some of the most generous benefits for elite members. 

And do you know the best part? Earning Hilton elite status is as easy as obtaining a Hilton-branded credit card.

Here is a look at the different Hilton elite status tiers, their requirements, and benefits.

Status Level Requirements

Member

Sign up for Hilton Honors Program

Silver

10 nights, 4 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

1. Member

This initial membership status is achieved simply by signing up for the Hilton loyalty program.

While this entry-level status may not offer as many perks as the higher tiers, it still provides benefits such as member-exclusive rates, free standard Wi-Fi, the ability to earn and redeem Hilton Honors points for stays, etc.

2. Silver

You can achieve Hilton Silver status with only 10 nights, four stays, or by accumulating 25,000 base points.

Alternatively, getting the Hilton Honors American Express Card is an instant shortcut available to attain Silver status. 

Once you’ve reached Silver status, you can enjoy perks like a 20% bonus on points, complimentary bottled water, a fifth night free on award stays, and the benefit of elite rollover nights, enriching your Hilton experience.

3. Gold

After achieving 40 nights, 20 stays, or earning 75,000 base points in a calendar year, you attain the Gold Elite Status.

A fast track to Hilton Gold is possible with the Hilton Honors Amex Surpass and Hilton Honors Business Card.

They both grant instant Gold status, and you can work your way to the top-tier Diamond status after spending $40,000 on the respective card in a calendar year.

Gold members enjoy all Silver benefits with a host of other privileges like an 80% bonus on base points, room upgrades, complimentary breakfast at most Hilton hotels, and more.

Furthermore, The Platinum Card from American Express also offers cardholders complimentary Gold status.

4. Diamond

Hilton Honors extends its top-tier status not just to those who fulfill the required stay criteria but also to specific credit cardholders.

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers automatic Diamond status for as long as you hold the card.

This highest tier is earned after 60 nights, 30 stays, or 120,000 base points.

It provides all Gold benefits plus many other exceptional perks such as a 100% bonus on base points, executive lounge access, a 48-hour room guarantee, the ability to gift Gold status and even Diamond status after specific requirements, premium tier reward, etc.

 

Pros and Cons of the Hilton Honors Rewards Program

The Hilton Honors program comes with numerous advantages, making it a highly appealing loyalty initiative for travelers. With a vast global footprint and a diverse portfolio of hotel brands, Hilton Honors offers members exclusive perks, ranging from discounted room rates to complimentary Wi-Fi.

Below are a few Hilton Honors Benefits. Although this free-to-join program is an excellent choice for those seeking an enriching and cost-effective travel experience, it does have some drawbacks.

Pros

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    Hilton’s diverse portfolio encompassing a wide range of brands offers something for every traveler, as it caters to each individual’s budget and preferences.

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    It provides achievable elite status with meaningful perks through a simple process, often by just holding a Hilton co-branded credit card.

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    The Hilton Honors points can be earned easily by not just staying at their affiliated properties, but also with Hilton credit cards and partners.

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    The program has flexible redemption with various ways to redeem points, including free nights and experiences.

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    Hilton Members can enjoy Hilton Honors Experiences with access to exclusive events and opportunities for unique experiences.

Cons

  • The point values are variable as they fluctuate based on demand.

  • Hilton Rewards Program has limited Transfer Partners, offering only a few airline partners for point transfers.

  • Your valuable points expire after 24 months of inactivity.

 

How much are Hilton Honors points worth?

The value of Hilton Honors points can vary significantly, but on average, they are worth around 0.5 to 1 cent per point.

The value depends on factors like the specific property, location, and time of booking.

 

How do Hilton honors points work?

Hilton Honors points serve as the currency of Hilton’s loyalty program, offering several benefits.

Members accrue points through hotel stays, dining, and by using a Hilton credit card.

These points can be redeemed for free nights across Hilton’s diverse brand portfolio, covering budget to luxury options.

 

How to sign up for Hilton Honors?

Signing up for the Hilton Honors Program is a free and easy process.

It’s the first step toward enjoying the program’s benefits, including earning and redeeming points for free nights and other rewards.

  1. Visit the Hilton Honors official website and click on “Join Hilton Honors.” You’ll typically find this option on the homepage or in the “Join” or “Sign Up” section.

  2. Fill out the registration form with the necessary information, including your name, contact details, and email address. You’ll also need to create a username and password for your Hilton Honors account.

  3. Then, review the application and agree to the terms and conditions.

  4. Once you’ve filled out the form, confirm your registration. You should receive a confirmation email shortly. You can now start earning Hilton Honors points.

 

Best Hilton Honors credit cards

To supercharge your points earning potential, consider one of Hilton’s co-branded credit cards. These cards offer bonus points on Hilton stays and various other benefits.

  1. Hilton Honors American Express Card - No-annual fee with Maximum Rewards

    Cardholders get complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status, which includes many enticing benefits that make your stay more memorable.

    By spending $20,000 on eligible purchases in a year, you can elevate your status to Hilton Honors Gold.

    The Hilton Honors credit card is a fantastic choice for travelers and Hilton enthusiasts.

    Sign-up Bonus Rewards Rate Annual Fee

    Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of opening the account.

    – 7X points for each dollar spent at hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio

    – 5X points for each dollar spent at restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and gas stations.

    – 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases

    $0

    Other standout features of this card include- foreign transaction fees, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Purchase Protection, and access to the Global Assist Hotline for added peace of mind.

    You can also savor exclusive access to ticket presales and member-only events through American Express Experiences.

  2. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card - Perfect for Casual Travelers

    It comes with complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, which bestows an array of privileges.

    Additionally, by spending $40,000 within a calendar year, you can attain the Hilton Honors Diamond status- to further enhance your Hilton experience!

    The Hilton Honors Surpass Card offers a $200 Hilton Credit, offering $50 in statement credits each quarter.

    Sign-up Bonus Rewards Rate Annual Fee

    Earn 170,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points once you spend $3,000 in purchases in the first six months of Card Membership.

    – 12X points for each dollar of eligible purchases spent at a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio

    – 6X points for each dollar spent on dining, groceries, and U.S. gas stations

    – 4X points in the U.S. Online Retail Purchases

    – 3X points for all other eligible purchases

    $150

    Beyond this, cardholders can earn a Free Night Reward after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in a year, enjoy no foreign transaction fees, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty, and access to American Express Experiences.

  3. Hilton Honors American Express Business Card - Ideal for Business Travel

    This is an exceptional choice for frequent travelers who can fully utilize its airport lounge access and other Hilton traveling benefits.

    The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card provides opportunities to earn Free Night Rewards by spending $15,000 on eligible purchases.

    Cardholders enjoy Priority Pass Select Membership with 10 complimentary visits to over 1,200 airport lounges every year.

    Sign-up Bonus Rewards Rate Annual Fee

    Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points on spending $3,000 in purchases within the first three months of Card Membership.

    – 12X points per dollar made directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio

    – 6X at U.S. gas stations, shipping providers, and wireless telephone services purchased directly from service providers

    – 6X points on flights booked with Amex Travel, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants

    – 3X points on all other eligible purchases

    $95

    With no foreign transaction fees and complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status, this card is a valuable companion for business travelers who value luxury and convenience.

    The Hilton Honors Business Card also offers the chance to upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond Status by spending $40,000 within a calendar year.

  4. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card - Best Travel Companion for Luxury Perks

    One of its standout perks is the complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond Status, granting you a 100% Bonus on Base Points for stays and lots more!

    The Hilton Honors Aspire Card is a luxury traveler’s dream with a generous $400 Hilton Resort Credit, a $200 Flight Credit for direct airline purchases, and a $189 CLEAR Plus Credit.

    Sign-up Bonus Rewards Rate Annual Fee

    Earn 180,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in purchases within your first six months of Card Membership.

    – 14X points on eligible purchases at hotels or resorts in the Hilton Portfolio

    – 7X points for flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com and car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies

    – 7X points at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery

    – 3X points for all other eligible purchases

    $550

    Additionally, it provides a $100 Property Credit for a 2-night minimum stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts.

    The card includes National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive Status, no foreign transaction fees, and an array of insurance protections such as Trip Delay, Trip Cancellation, and Purchase Protection.

Credit card
Uthrive rating
Intro offer Rewards rate Annual fee Learn more
card_name
card_name

Terms Apply

Rating

4.6/5
Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points

Intro Offer

bonus_miles

Reward Rates

3x-7x Points per dollar

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

Terms Apply

Rating

4.5/5
A fantastic choice for travelers and Hilton enthusiasts.

Intro Offer

Earn 170,000 points

Reward Rates

3x-12x Points for each dollar

Annual Fees

$150

card_name
card_name

Terms Apply

Rating

4.5/5
An exceptional choice for frequent travelers

Intro Offer

bonus_miles

Reward Rates

3x - 12x

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Terms Apply

Rating

4.5/5
A luxury traveler’s dream

Intro Offer

Earn 180,000 bonus points.

Reward Rates

3x-14x Points

Annual Fees

$550

 

How to earn Hilton Honors points

Earning Hilton Honors points is a straightforward and rewarding process. These points can be accumulated through various means, including hotel stays, Hilton Honors credit card spending, and more, providing travelers with valuable incentives for their loyalty.

By Staying at Hilton Hotels

The primary method of accumulating Hilton Honors points is hotel stays with Hilton.

You can earn 10 base Hilton Honors points for every dollar spent on your room rate and eligible other charges. 

Your spending at Hilton properties can earn you anywhere from 10 to 20 points per dollar spent, depending on your hotel stay and loyalty status.

Elevating your membership status also provides bonus points on your stays, such as Silver members receive a 20% bonus and Gold members an 80% bonus.

Remember that third-party bookings do not qualify for points. 

It’s best to book directly through Hilton’s official channels, including their website, phone reservations, or mobile app, to earn points.

Joining Hilton Honors Program

Signing up for the Hilton Honors program is totally free! As soon as you become a member, you become eligible to earn points right from your initial stay.

And the more you stay, the higher your membership tier, bringing additional points per dollar spent. You can then track your points through your Hilton Honors account, where you’ll also find exclusive member-only rates for your stays.

Hilton Credit Cards

One of the easiest ways to accrue Hilton Honors points involves utilizing Hilton has a selection of credit cards in partnership with American Express. 

The range of co-branded credit cards with various benefits includes accelerated point earning on everyday purchases, elite status upgrades, and even welcome bonuses.

These cards consist of three personal and one business options.

The top-tier Diamond status is a coveted perk of the Hilton Honors Aspire Card, while the Hilton Surpass Card & Hilton Honors Business Card enjoys automatic Gold status. 

The Hilton Honors cardholders can accumulate points from everyday expenses like groceries.

Car Rentals and Lyft Rideshare

When you rent a car with Hilton’s partner agencies, such as Alamo, Enterprise, and National, you can earn Hilton Honors points. 

Additionally, when you link your Hilton and Lyft accounts, you’ll earn points for every Lyft ride you take in the United States and Canada.

Reserving an economy, luxury, or extra seat allows you to accumulate 3 points for every dollar spent on Lyft rides. 

Plus, opting for shared Lyft rides enables you to earn 2 points for each dollar spent, making it a versatile way to enhance your Hilton Honors points balance.

Buying Hilton Honors Points

Hilton allows you to purchase additional points, when you need more points for a specific redemption.

It can be especially useful for topping off your balance to reach a reward goal. 

The program offers Hilton Honors points for sale at 1 cent per point, with a maximum annual purchase limit of 80,000 points. 

The minimum purchase threshold is 1,000 Hilton Honors points. Keep an eye out for promotions where Hilton offers discounts on purchased points to boost your points balance for rewards, making it more cost-effective to acquire points for future stays or experiences.

 

How to redeem Hilton Honors points

The value of your Hilton Honors points can vary depending on the redemption method and property. It’s advisable to assess the value of your points for each specific redemption to make the most of your rewards.

  1. Free Nights at Hilton Properties

    Redeeming your Hilton Honors points for free nights at Hilton properties is one of the most common and rewarding ways to utilize your points. 

    Hilton operates a vast network of hotels and resorts worldwide, offering the flexibility of no blackout dates, allowing you to redeem points for multiple accommodations.

    Use the Hilton website or mobile app to search for available hotels and book your desired stay using your points.

    The point requirements for each night’s stay typically range from 5,000 to 95,000 points, varying by location. The points pricing is based on location, room type, and destination.

  2. Transfer Points to Partners

    Hilton Honors offers the versatility to transfer your points to various airline loyalty programs, enabling you to convert your hotel points into miles. 

    This allows you to expand your options for award travel and take advantage of 30+ partner airlines, including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Qantas Airways, and Virgin Atlantic. 

    You can easily initiate transfers online by adding your frequent flier details to your Hilton account.

    However, this conversion is often deemed suboptimal due to the less favorable exchange rates. For example, transferring 10,000 Hilton points yields only 1,000 Delta SkyMiles.

  3. Hilton Honors Experiences

    The Hilton Honors program offers a platform where you can use your points to bid on unique experiences and events, such as VIP concert tickets, culinary adventures, or exclusive access to sporting events. 

    Hilton Honors Experiences allows you to use your points for memorable experiences beyond hotel stays through both fixed-rate redemptions and bidding options.

  4. Family Pooling

    This feature lets you combine points with up to 10 friends or family members who are also Hilton Honors members. 

    You can form a pool and transfer points to the designated account, making it easier to reach the required points for a reward, such as a free night’s stay. 

    The best part is that it’s free from any transaction fees.

    These pooled points of the Hilton Honors Rewards Program can be effectively utilized for booking accommodations, airfare, or exciting experiences, enhancing the possibilities for memorable journeys.

  5. Amazon Purchases

    Connecting your Hilton Honors account with Amazon grants you the flexibility to utilize your points to cover your Amazon expenses. 

    During the checkout process, you can select how many points you’d like to apply toward your Amazon order, giving you the choice to partially or fully redeem your points.

    It’s a great option to use points for non-travel expenses.

 

When do Hilton Honors points expire?

As per the new policy, Hilton Honors points will expire after 24 months of inactivity.

You can either earn or redeem them through eligible activities such as hotel stays, point purchases, or a co-branded credit card to keep your points active. 

 

Why track your Hilton Honors points with Uthrive?

It’s a smart move to track your Hilton Honors points with Uthrive, as it helps you maximize their rewards and savings. 

Uthrive simplifies the process by recommending the best credit card for each purchase, whether you’re booking Hilton stays, dining out, or shopping.

This personalized approach ensures you earn more Hilton Honors points, bringing you closer to free nights and exclusive rewards. 

 

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The Uthrive App also serves as a watchful credit card manager, sending alerts when you’re missing out on valuable points.

You can easily track your Hilton Honors points and cashback from multiple cards. 

Plus, this versatile app isn’t limited to Hilton; it supports all major credit cards and helps you boost savings and rewards across various airlines and hotels. Download the app today and optimize your credit card rewards for everyday purchases.

 

FAQs

How many Hilton points do you need for a free night?

The point requirements for each night’s stay typically range from 5,000 to 95,000 points, varying by location.

How much is 50,000 Hilton points worth?

The value of 50,000 Hilton Honors points can vary on factors like- the specific hotel property, its location, the time of year, and demand.

On average, Hilton Honors points are estimated to be worth around 0.5 cents per point.

Therefore, 50,000 Hilton points could be valued at approximately $250.

How much money is 5000 hilton points worth?

The monetary value of 5000 Hitton points would be around $25 as 1 point typically equals to 0.5 cent.

Can I convert my Hilton points to cash?

Yes, you can convert your Hilton points into cash by selling them in exchange for instant cash.

Several online miles brokers, such as SellMy Miles, buy Hilton Honors points at different rates.

Do Hilton points expire?

As per the new policy, Hilton Honors points will expire after 24 months of inactivity

How do I sign up for Hilton Honors?

Joining the Hilton Honors program is a straightforward and cost-free process, ensuring you can enjoy these rewards without any registration fees.

It just requires basic information in a form available on Hilton’s website.

Is it worth joining Hilton Honors?

If you often travel or enjoy staying in comfortable accommodations without breaking the bank, the Hilton Honors program can be your ticket to significant savings and exclusive benefits.

It provides its loyal customers the opportunity to earn and redeem Hilton Honors points.

Is it free to be a Hilton Honors member?

Yes! It’s absolutely free to become a Hilton Honors member.

What do you get for being a Hilton Honors member?

Hilton Honors members enjoy many benefits, such as exclusive room rates, free Wi-Fi, earning points for different expenses, elite status with perks, flexible payment options, and the ability to pool points. 

 

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