Hilton Honors Business Card from American Express® Review

When it comes to business credit cards, the Hilton Honors Business Card from American Express® stands out for its lucrative rewards program and extensive travel benefits. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a small business owner, or someone looking to maximize your rewards on everyday business expenses, this card offers numerous advantages. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the specifics of what makes this card a notable choice, its potential drawbacks, and whether it could be the right fit for you.

Hilton Honors Business Card from American Express® Review

The Hilton Honors Business Card from American Express® is designed specifically for business owners who frequently stay at Hilton properties and want to capitalize on their spending through a structured rewards system. The card boasts a robust points-earning structure, a compelling welcome bonus, and various travel perks that can significantly enhance your business travel experience.

Points-Earning Structure

One of the standout features of this card is its impressive points-earning structure. Here’s a breakdown:
– 12x Hilton Honors Bonus Points per dollar for purchases made directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio.
– 6x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on business purchases at U.S. gas stations, shipping providers, and wireless phone services purchased directly from service providers.
– 6x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on select travel purchases at U.S. restaurants, flights, and car rentals.
– 3x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on all other purchases.

Welcome Bonus

New cardholders can earn up to 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $3,000 in purchases on the card within the first three months of Card Membership. This welcome bonus can provide a significant boost to your points balance, making it easier to redeem for free nights sooner.

Annual Fee and APR

The card comes with a competitive annual fee of $95, which can be easily offset by the benefits and rewards if the card is used wisely. The APR for purchases ranges from 20.99% to 29.99% Variable, depending on your creditworthiness.

Eligibility

To qualify for this card, you’ll need a good to excellent credit score (670-799), making it accessible to a broad range of business owners.

Hilton Honors Business Card Key Takeaways

– High Rewards Rate: Earn up to 12x points on Hilton purchases.
– Substantial Welcome Bonus: 130,000 points after $3,000 spending in the first three months.
– Travel Perks: Includes complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status, airport lounge access, and free night rewards.
– Annual Fee: $95, relatively low considering the benefits.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international business travelers.

Hilton Honors Business Card Pros and Cons

Pros

Impressive Rewards Program

The card offers an excellent rewards program, especially for those who frequently stay at Hilton properties or spend on business-related expenses like gas, shipping, and wireless services.

Excellent Introductory Offer

The welcome bonus of 130,000 points can be extremely valuable, often translating into several free nights at Hilton hotels, making it an attractive offer for new cardholders.

Automatic Hilton Gold Status

Cardholders receive automatic Hilton Honors Gold Status, which includes benefits like room upgrades, late check-out, and an 80% bonus on points earned through stays.

Free Night Reward

Earn a Free Weekend Night Reward after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, with the potential to earn a second night after spending $60,000.

Cons

Meager Points Worth on Non-Hilton Rewards Redemptions

While the points value is strong for Hilton redemptions, it tends to be less favorable when redeemed for non-Hilton rewards.

High Spending Requirements for Some Perks

Some of the more premium benefits, like the second Free Weekend Night Reward or Diamond Status, require significant spending, which might not be feasible for all cardholders.

Annual Fee

Though the fee is relatively low, it can still be a deterrent for those not maximizing the card’s benefits.

Hilton Honors Business Card Benefits

Travel Benefits

10 Complimentary Priority Pass Visits

Cardholders receive 10 complimentary visits to a selection of over 1,200 airport lounges each year, providing a comfortable space to relax or work during travel.

Upgrade to Diamond Status

Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year to earn Hilton Honors Diamond status, which includes premium perks like executive lounge access and suite upgrades.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

Ideal for international travel, this card does not charge any foreign transaction fees, ensuring you can use the card abroad without incurring additional costs.

Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status

As a Gold member, you benefit from room upgrades, late check-out, and an 80% bonus on all Base Points, enhancing your Hilton stays.

Insurance and Protection

Baggage Insurance Plan

Travel more comfortably knowing you can be covered for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage when you purchase the entire fare for a common carrier ticket on your card. Coverage is up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and $500 for checked baggage.

Global Assist® Hotline

Available for 24/7 emergency assistance and coordination services when traveling more than 100 miles from home, including medical and legal referrals, emergency cash wires, and missing luggage assistance.

Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance

Coverage for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle when you use your card to reserve and pay for the rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental company counter.

Additional Benefits

Purchase Protection

Eligible purchases are covered against accidental damage or theft for up to 90 days from the date of purchase.

Extended Warranty Protection

Extends the original manufacturer’s warranty by up to one additional year on eligible purchases.

Conclusion

The Hilton Honors Business Card from American Express® is a compelling option for business owners who travel frequently and prefer staying at Hilton properties. With its high rewards rate, substantial welcome bonus, and extensive travel benefits, it offers significant value. However, to fully capitalize on these benefits, cardholders need to be active spenders and frequent travelers.
While the card does have an annual fee and some high spending requirements for premium perks, the benefits can easily outweigh the costs if used strategically. The automatic Hilton Honors Gold Status and the potential to earn free weekend night rewards make this card a strong contender in the business travel credit card market.
In summary, the Hilton Honors Business Card from American Express® is best suited for business owners who can leverage its rewards structure and travel benefits to their fullest potential. If you fall into this category, this card could be a valuable addition to your wallet, helping you earn significant rewards and enjoy a more luxurious travel experience.