The Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express stands out as a premium hotel credit card, catering specifically to those who frequently stay at Hilton properties and enjoy traveling in luxury.
With its generous rewards system, substantial welcome offer, and suite of exclusive benefits, the Hilton Honors Aspire Card is designed to enhance the travel experience for dedicated Hilton loyalists.
This review delves into the details to help you determine whether this card is worth the $450 annual fee.
$550
3x-14x
150,000
690-850 (Good – Excellent)
CreditFinder’s Rating: 4.6/5
Key Features of the Hilton Honors Aspire Card
- Annual Fee: $450
- Rewards Rate: Earns 14X points on Hilton stays, 7X points on select travel and dining, and 3X points on all other purchases.
- Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
- APR: Variable rate of 20.99% – 29.99%.
Pros:
- High Reward Rates: Offers one of the highest points earning rates for Hilton stays.
- Comprehensive Travel Credits: Provides up to $500 in annual credits for travel purchases, including airline incidental fees and Hilton resort expenses.
- Luxury Travel Benefits: Includes complimentary Hilton Diamond status, providing perks such as room upgrades, premium internet, and late check-out.
Cons:
- High Annual Fee: At $450, the fee is steep unless you fully utilize the card’s benefits.
- Limited Flexibility: Rewards are most valuable when used for bookings at Hilton hotels, which may not appeal to those seeking more versatile reward options.
Earning and Redeeming Rewards
The Hilton Honors Aspire Card offers an exceptional rewards rate, particularly beneficial for frequent travelers who stay at Hilton hotels. Cardholders earn:
- 14X points per dollar spent at Hilton hotels or resorts,
- 7X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, car rentals booked directly from select companies, and U.S. restaurants,
- 3X points on all other eligible purchases.
Points can be redeemed for free nights at Hilton hotels, experiences, or even transferred to Hilton’s airline partners. The value of points can vary, but they are generally estimated to be worth about 0.6 cents each, which makes the welcome bonus potentially worth up to $900.
Additional Cardholder Benefits
Annual Travel Credits: This card offers $250 in airline incidental fee credits and another $250 in Hilton resort credits each year, which can effectively offset the annual fee if used wisely.
Complimentary Diamond Status: Aspire cardholders receive Hilton Diamond status, the highest tier in the Hilton Honors program, which includes benefits like a 100% bonus on all Hilton Honors base points earned, room upgrades, and complimentary breakfast at many properties.
Weekend Night Rewards: Cardholders earn a free weekend night reward after renewing their card and can earn an additional night after spending $60,000 on the card in a calendar year.
Comparison to Other Cards
The Hilton Honors Aspire competes closely with other luxury hotel cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card but tends to offer better value for Hilton loyalists due to the higher reward rates and the unique benefits provided at Hilton properties. For those seeking flexibility with their travel rewards, a card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® might be more appealing due to its broad range of travel redemption options.
Conclusion: Is the Hilton Honors Aspire Card Worth It?
For Hilton enthusiasts, the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express offers compelling value that can easily justify its annual fee, thanks to the high potential reward earnings, luxury travel benefits, and substantial annual credits. However, for those who prefer flexibility or don’t frequently stay at Hilton hotels, a more general travel rewards card may be a better choice.
The decision to invest in the Hilton Honors Aspire Card hinges on your travel habits and loyalty to Hilton. If maximizing luxury and comfort during your Hilton stays is a priority, this card is an excellent tool to enhance those experiences and potentially save money on your travels each year.
