Hilton Diamond Status Extension: What You Need to Know
Hilton Honors is a loyalty program offered by Hilton Hotels & Resorts, which allows members to earn points and enjoy exclusive benefits during their stays. One of the most coveted tiers in this program is the Diamond status, which offers a range of perks and privileges to its members. However, maintaining Diamond status can be challenging, requiring a certain number of nights, stays, or base points each year.
In 2023, Hilton made changes to its requirements for top-tier Diamond status, reducing the criteria to 60 nights, 30 stays, or 120,000 base points. This change made it easier for members to achieve and maintain their Diamond status. However, if you fell short of meeting these requirements and currently hold Hilton Diamond status, your status is likely to expire on March 31, 2024.
Fortunately, Hilton Honors offers a Diamond status extension for eligible members whose status is expiring by March 31. This extension allows loyal Diamond members to extend their status for an additional year, providing them with more time to qualify for Diamond status again. Here’s what you need to know about the Hilton Diamond status extension:
Who is eligible for the Hilton Diamond status extension?
To be eligible for the Hilton Diamond status extension, you must be a Diamond member whose status expires by March 31. In addition, you need to meet one of the following requirements:
1. Held Hilton Diamond status for at least three years: The years do not have to be consecutive, but the years in which you used a status match to achieve Diamond status will not count.
2. Stayed at least 250 nights with Hilton or earned at least 500,000 base points since joining Hilton Honors: Both paid and award nights count towards the nights requirement, while only base points earned through stays count towards the base points requirement. Base points earned through bonuses, promotions, and co-branded credit cards do not count.
It’s important to note that the Hilton Diamond status extension can only be used once in a lifetime. If you have already used this benefit before, you won’t be eligible for another extension. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can visit the Hilton Diamond status extension landing page for more information and to request your extension.
Other ways to earn Hilton Diamond status:
If you did not qualify for the Hilton Diamond status extension or if you are looking to earn Diamond status for the first time, there are other ways to achieve this elite tier. Here are some options:
1. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: This credit card offers complimentary Hilton Diamond status as a cardmember perk. You need to enroll in the benefit to enjoy the Diamond status, which will be valid as long as you have the card. The Hilton Aspire Card comes with a $550 annual fee but offers various benefits, including 14 points per dollar spent at Hilton hotels and resorts, up to $200 in Hilton resort statement credits semiannually, and a Hilton Honors free night reward in your first year of card membership and every year upon card renewal.
2. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card: This credit card provides a pathway to earn Hilton Diamond status. As a cardmember, you will receive complimentary Gold status, and if you spend at least $40,000 on eligible purchases during a calendar year, you will be upgraded to Hilton Diamond status. You will retain Diamond status for the year you spent at least $40,000 and the subsequent year.
3. Lifetime Hilton Diamond status: Earning lifetime Diamond status requires having Hilton Diamond status for at least 10 years and either staying with Hilton for at least 1,000 nights or earning at least 2 million base points.
Is the Hilton Diamond status extension worth it?
While the Hilton Diamond status extension can be beneficial for some members, it may not be the best option for everyone. If you are eligible for a Hilton credit card, such as the Hilton Aspire Card, it may be more advantageous to use the card’s benefits to maintain your Diamond status. The Hilton Aspire Card offers numerous perks and rewards that can enhance your Hilton stays and provide ongoing elite status.
It’s also important to consider the annual fee associated with these credit cards. The Hilton Aspire Card has a $550 annual fee, while the Hilton Surpass Card has a $150 annual fee. You should evaluate whether the benefits and rewards offered by these cards outweigh the cost of the annual fee.
In conclusion, the Hilton Diamond status extension is a valuable opportunity for eligible members to retain their top-tier status for an additional year. However, it’s essential to consider alternative options, such as Hilton credit cards, to maintain or earn Diamond status in the long term. Assess your travel patterns, preferences, and financial considerations to determine the best approach for maximizing your Hilton Honors benefits.