Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express® Review

Hilton Honors Aspire Card Review

The Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express® is a premium credit card that targets frequent travelers, particularly those loyal to the Hilton brand. With its high rewards rate on Hilton stays, dining, and select travel categories, it promises significant benefits for cardholders who often find themselves on the road. However, before diving into the benefits, let’s dissect the card’s features, fees, and overall value proposition to determine if it genuinely lives up to the hype.

Hilton Honors Aspire Card Key Takeaways

– Incredible Rewards Rate: Earn 14x Points on eligible Hilton purchases, 7x points on select travel including flights and car rentals, and dining at U.S. restaurants, and 3x points on all other purchases.
– Generous Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first six months.
– Valuable Travel Credits: $250 Airline Fee Credit and $100 on-property credit at Waldorf Astoria® and Conrad® Hotels & Resorts.
– Premium Travel Perks: Priority Pass Select membership, no foreign transaction fees, and comprehensive travel insurance.
– High Annual Fee: The card carries a $450 annual fee, which can be steep for some potential users.
– No Introductory APR: The card does not offer an introductory APR on purchases or balance transfers.

Hilton Honors Aspire Card Pros and Cons

Pros:

– No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers who want to avoid additional charges on purchases made abroad.
– High Rewards Rate: The card offers substantial points for Hilton stays, travel, and dining, making it easy to accumulate points quickly.
– Valuable Travel Credits: The $250 Airline Fee Credit and $100 Hilton on-property credit can offset a significant portion of the annual fee.
– Priority Pass Select Membership: Enjoy unlimited lounge visits at over 1,200 airport lounges around the world, which can make travel more comfortable.
– Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Coverage for car rental loss and damage, baggage insurance, and access to a global assist hotline can provide peace of mind while traveling.

Cons:

– High Annual Fee: At $450, the annual fee is quite steep and may not be justifiable for infrequent travelers or those who do not maximize the card’s benefits.
– No Balance Transfer Option: This card does not offer balance transfers, which could be a drawback for those looking to consolidate debt.
– Penalty APR and Fees: High penalty APR and fees for late payments or returned payments can be a deterrent for some users.
– No Introductory APR: The absence of an introductory APR period might not attract those looking for a 0% interest rate on new purchases or balance transfers.

Hilton Honors Aspire Card Benefits

Rewards Structure

The Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express® boasts a robust rewards structure designed to cater to frequent travelers and Hilton loyalists. Here’s a detailed look at how you can earn points:
1. 14x Points on Hilton Purchases: This is one of the highest points-earning rates available for hotel stays. If you frequently stay at Hilton properties, this card can help you accumulate points rapidly.
2. 7x Points on Select Travel: Earn 7x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmexTravel.com, and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies. This is particularly beneficial for those who travel frequently by air or rent cars often.
3. 7x Points on Dining: Whether dining out at U.S. restaurants or ordering takeout and delivery, earn 7x points on every dollar spent. This is an excellent rate for foodies and those who prefer dining out.
4. 3x Points on Other Purchases: All other purchases earn 3x points, which is a solid rate compared to many other cards on the market.

Welcome Offer

The Hilton Honors Aspire Card offers a generous welcome bonus: 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership. This bonus can be a significant jump-start towards free hotel stays and other rewards.

Travel Credits

1. $250 Airline Fee Credit: Annually, cardholders can receive up to $250 in statement credits for incidental fees charged by the airline to the card. This can include baggage fees, in-flight refreshments, and more.
2. $100 On-Property Credit: When booking a minimum two-night stay at participating Waldorf Astoria® and Conrad® Hotels & Resorts, cardholders can receive up to $100 in credits for qualifying charges.

Priority Pass Select Membership

Cardholders receive a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, which provides access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide. This benefit includes unlimited visits for the cardholder and up to two guests at no additional charge.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

With no foreign transaction fees, this card is ideal for international travelers. You can make purchases abroad without worrying about additional charges on your card statement.

Travel Insurance and Protections

The Hilton Honors Aspire Card offers comprehensive travel insurance and protections, including:
– Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: Coverage for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle when the card is used for reservation and payment.
– Baggage Insurance Plan: Coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage when the entire fare is purchased with the card. Coverage includes up to $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage.
– Premium Global Assist® Hotline: 24/7 access to medical, legal, financial, and other emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles from home.

Additional Benefits

– Purchase Protection: Coverage for eligible purchases against damage or theft for up to 90 days from the purchase date.
– Extended Warranty: Additional warranty coverage on eligible purchases beyond the manufacturer’s warranty.
– Fraud Protection: Monitoring and alerting cardholders of any suspicious activity to prevent unauthorized transactions.

Conclusion

The Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express® is a powerhouse for frequent travelers and Hilton loyalists. Its high rewards rate on Hilton stays, dining, and select travel makes it a standout in the premium travel credit card space. The card’s extensive benefits, including travel credits, complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, and comprehensive travel insurance, add significant value. However, the high annual fee of $450 may be prohibitive for some, and the lack of an introductory APR and balance transfer options may deter those looking to manage existing debt.
For travelers who can maximize the card’s benefits, the Hilton Honors Aspire Card can be an invaluable tool for earning rewards and enhancing travel experiences. However, potential cardholders should carefully assess their travel habits and spending patterns to ensure they can justify the annual fee and fully leverage the card’s offerings.