Credit Cards 101
American Express Hilton Aspire
Earnings
- 14x points at Hilton properties
- 7x points on flights booked either with Amex Travel or direct with the airline
- 7x points on car rentals booked directly with select companies
- 7x points at U.S. resturaunts
- 3x points on everything else
Benefits
- Complimentary Diamond Status- Hilton’s highest tier status
- No foreign transaction fees
- One Free Night Award upon account opening and on each account anniversary
- Earn an additional Free Night Award after spending $30,000 in a calendar year on the card, and another Free Night Award after spending $60,000 in a calendar year
- Complimentary National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive Status
Credits
- $200 back each half year for purchases made at participating Hilton Resorts, totaling up to $400 each year
- $50 back for airfare made direct with the airline or through Amex Travel each quarter, totaling $200 each year
- $189 Clear Credit
- $100 property credit when staying at a Waldorf Astoria or Conrad Hotel and Resort each year, minimum two night stay
Final Verdict
This is one, if not the best, hotel credit card on the market. It offers some credits to make up for the steep annual fee, but the real money maker is the annual free night award. This certificate is unique among hotel brands as it has no cap on it. This means you can redeem it for, let's say, the Waldorf Astoria Maldives, where one night can cost almost $2,000. The free night award is super powerful and paired up with other credits that reduce the effective annual fee, this card is super amazing. You also get top-tier Hilton status, meaning free room upgrades and food credits for every stay.
​
It does have a steep annual fee, but for those who can make use of the credits and who like Hilton hotels, this card is absolutely majestic. Even if you have never stayed at a Hilton before, this card alone might convince you to give it a try.