Right now, the Hilton Honors American Express Card is offering a huge welcome bonus—but it won’t last forever. When you apply and get approved, you can earn a large number of Hilton Honors points after spending a set amount within the first few months. The exact number of bonus points changes from time to time, but TheMilesAcademy always keeps tabs on the latest offers.
These points can go a long way. Whether you’re planning a beach vacation, a business trip, or a weekend staycation, this limited-time bonus can help cover your hotel nights without dipping into your wallet.
Zero Annual Fee: Keep It Forever Without Extra Cost
One of the biggest advantages of the Hilton Honors American Express Card is that it has no annual fee. You can keep it year after year without paying anything to maintain it. We think this makes it a perfect card to hold onto, especially if you’re looking to build long-term value without spending extra.
Having a credit card with no yearly fee means you’re not under pressure to use it constantly just to justify the cost. Even if you only use it occasionally, keeping it open still helps your credit profile. The longer your credit accounts stay active, the better your credit history looks. This can lead to stronger credit scores over time.
At TheMilesAcademy, we always recommend keeping no-annual-fee cards open, unless there’s a clear reason to close them. They don’t cost you anything, and they keep your credit lines healthy and stable. That stability can also improve your chances of getting approved for better cards later on.
The Hilton Honors Amex also earns points on everyday spending like groceries, gas, and dining. That means it’s still useful even when you’re not traveling. You can continue collecting Hilton Honors points on your normal purchases, and those points add up over time toward free hotel nights.
We see this credit card as a great starting point for beginners and a valuable part of any wallet for the long haul.
Maximize Your Points on Everyday Spending
The Hilton Honors American Express Card helps you earn points on more than just hotel stays. It rewards you for the things you already spend on every week. Here’s how the points break down:
- 7x points when you book directly with Hilton
- 5x points at U.S. restaurants, gas stations, and supermarkets
- 3x points on all other purchases
We suggest using this card regularly for food, fuel, and grocery shopping. These are everyday expenses that can earn you hundreds or even thousands of points each month. You don’t need to change your spending habits. Just put the right card on the right purchase.
Let’s say you spend $300 a month on groceries and $150 on gas. That alone would earn you 2,250 Hilton Honors points. Do the same with dining, and the numbers grow quickly. These points can be saved for free nights at Hilton hotels or used for upgrades and perks.
Even when you’re not traveling, you’re still earning. That’s why we at TheMilesAcademy like to call this a “set it and forget it” card. Use it for your normal spending and let the points build up in the background.
Use the Card Internationally with No Foreign Fees
The Hilton Honors American Express Card does not impose any foreign transaction fees when used abroad, according to American Express. That means every purchase overseas, whether at a hotel in Europe or a cafe in Asia—bills exactly what the merchant lists, no extra charges added.
Most credit cards tack on a 3 percent fee for international charges. For example, a $1,000 purchase would cost you an extra $30 in fees. Using this card means you keep that money in your travel budget instead of seeing it disappear .
Here are key benefits:
- Big savings, even if you travel once a year: Avoiding a 3 percent fee on several purchases per trip adds up quickly.
- Straightforward budgeting: You’ll see the exact cost on your statement, making it easier to plan spending.
- Points on overseas spending: Every international transaction still earns Hilton Honors points—exactly like those in the U.S.
We believe skipping foreign transaction fees is one of the easiest ways to stretch your travel funds. This card is ideal for anyone heading abroad, even occasionally. Just use it overseas, keep earning points, and say goodbye to surprise fees.
Extra Benefits That Add Real Value
The Hilton Honors American Express Card may not charge an annual fee, but it still delivers solid perks that travelers can use. We look at more than just points when evaluating cards. The extra features here give this one a clear edge.
First, you get automatic Hilton Honors Silver status just for having the card. That includes helpful benefits like late checkout, a 20 percent bonus on points earned during Hilton stays, and free bottled water at check-in.
If you spend $20,000 on the card within a calendar year, you’ll be upgraded to Hilton Honors Gold status. That unlocks even better perks like free breakfast, room upgrades when available, and even more bonus points on stays. For frequent travelers, this is an easy way to enjoy higher-tier hotel treatment without having to book dozens of nights.
Another benefit we value at TheMilesAcademy is access to Amex Offers. These are rotating deals across categories like retail, dining, and travel. Just log into your account, activate the offers you want, and use the card to earn cashback or discounts.
Who Should Get the Hilton Honors Amex Card?
The Hilton Honors American Express Card is a smart pick for travelers who want hotel perks without the cost. At TheMilesAcademy, we often recommend this card to people who stay at Hilton properties a few times a year but don’t need the extras that come with high-fee cards.
It’s also an ideal choice for beginners. If you’re just getting into travel rewards, this card offers a simple way to start earning points, enjoy elite status, and get extra benefits with zero annual fee. You don’t need to be a frequent flyer or seasoned points expert to see real value from it.
The automatic Hilton Silver status is a nice touch. You’ll get small but useful upgrades like bonus points and late checkout without having to do anything extra. And if you spend enough to reach Hilton Gold status, the free breakfast and room upgrades are excellent for anyone who wants a better hotel experience without paying out of pocket.
We also highlight the welcome bonus as a major selling point. These bonuses often give you enough points for multiple free nights just for meeting a minimum spending requirement in the first few months. For a no-fee card, that’s a strong return.
If you already use Hilton hotels or want to start building a hotel points strategy, this is a low-risk way to get in. It’s easy to use, rewards you consistently, and doesn’t cost anything to keep. For new travelers, budget-minded users, or anyone looking to test the waters of travel rewards, TheMilesAcademy sees this as one of the best entry-level cards available.
Looking for a Travel Card Without an Annual Fee? Try This One
If you want a travel card that won’t cost you each year, the Hilton Honors American Express Card is one of the best options available. At TheMilesAcademy, we’ve reviewed dozens of no-fee travel cards, and this one stands out for offering more than just the basics.
Most cards without an annual fee don’t come with hotel status or strong earning potential. This one does both. You get automatic Hilton Silver status, the ability to earn Hilton Honors points on everyday spending, and even a path to Gold status with higher use. That’s more than many paid cards offer.
You also earn bonus points at restaurants, gas stations, and supermarkets. These are regular purchases for most people, which makes it easy to rack up points without spending extra. The card also works internationally with no foreign transaction fees, which adds more flexibility for travelers.
We often recommend this card to people who are new to travel rewards or who stay with Hilton a few times a year. It’s low risk but offers real benefits. You’re not locked into a yearly fee, and you still get access to solid travel perks and a valuable hotel points program.
If you’re looking for a no-fee way to start earning travel rewards, the Hilton Honors American Express Card is a strong contender. Whether you travel occasionally or just want to build points slowly through everyday spending, this card is a practical and rewarding choice.