The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is a premium hotel credit card that offers a plethora of benefits for those who frequently stay at Hilton properties. With perks such as Hilton Diamond status, up to $400 in Hilton resort credits, and up to $200 in flight purchase credits, the card is designed to provide maximum value to its cardholders. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the Hilton Aspire Card, exploring its benefits, rewards structure, redemption options, and how it stacks up against other hotel credit cards.
Hilton Aspire Card Overview
The Hilton Aspire Card is a co-branded credit card issued by American Express in partnership with Hilton Honors. As a premium hotel credit card, it comes with a higher annual fee of $550 (see rates and fees). However, the benefits and rewards that come with the card easily outweigh the cost for frequent Hilton guests.
One of the standout features of the Hilton Aspire Card is the complimentary Hilton Diamond status that cardholders receive as long as the account is open. Hilton Diamond status is the highest tier in the Hilton Honors loyalty program and comes with a host of benefits, including room upgrades, bonus points on stays, lounge access, and complimentary breakfast. This status alone can add significant value to your Hilton stays and enhance your overall travel experience.
In addition to Hilton Diamond status, the Hilton Aspire Card also offers up to three reward nights annually. Cardholders receive one night at almost any Hilton property worldwide after opening their account and on their cardmember anniversary each year. They can earn a second night by spending $30,000 on the card in a calendar year and a third night by spending $60,000 on the card in a calendar year. These reward nights can be used at some of the most luxurious Hilton properties, providing excellent value for cardholders.
Another valuable benefit of the Hilton Aspire Card is the up to $400 in Hilton resort statement credits that cardholders receive each calendar year. These credits can be used for eligible purchases at participating Hilton resorts, including dining, activities, spa treatments, and room rates and taxes. Cardholders also receive up to $200 in annual airline fee credits, up to $100 Hilton on-property credit, Clear Plus membership, rental car elite status, and cellphone protection.
Earning and Redeeming Points
The Hilton Aspire Card offers a generous rewards structure, allowing cardholders to earn 14 points per dollar spent at Hilton hotels, 7 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmexTravel.com, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants, and 3 points per dollar on all other spending. With these earning rates, cardholders can quickly accumulate Hilton Honors points, which can be redeemed for award nights, merchandise, gift cards, premium room redemptions, and airline transfers.
When it comes to redeeming points, we recommend using them for standard award nights to get the best value. Hilton\’s variable award charts can make it challenging to predict how many points an award night will cost, but using the Points Explorer tool can give you a rough estimate. You can also consider using your points for Points & Money bookings to save on expensive Hilton properties and maximize the value of your points.
Comparing the Hilton Aspire Card
If you\’re looking for a hotel credit card with a lower annual fee or different rewards structure, there are several alternatives to consider. Some of the top competitors to the Hilton Aspire Card include the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card and the World of Hyatt Credit Card. These cards offer their own set of benefits and rewards, so it\’s essential to compare them to see which one aligns best with your travel preferences and spending habits.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is an excellent choice for frequent Hilton guests who want to maximize their hotel stays and enjoy luxury perks. With benefits such as Hilton Diamond status, up to $400 in Hilton resort credits, and up to three reward nights annually, the card offers substantial value that can easily justify its $550 annual fee. If you stay at Hilton properties regularly and can make the most of the card\’s benefits, the Hilton Aspire Card is worth considering for your wallet.