New Benefits and an Increased Annual Fee for Hilton Honors American Express Cards in 2023
Earlier today, Hilton Honors and American Express announced new benefits and an increased annual fee for their Hilton Honors American Express Cards. These changes aim to provide cardholders with more opportunities to earn rewards and enhance their travel experiences. Additionally, special welcome bonus offers have been introduced for new card members, making this an exciting time to consider applying for a Hilton Honors American Express Card.
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card will see an annual fee increase of $55.00, bringing it to $150.00. Despite the fee increase, cardholders will benefit from new perks, including earning 4X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on U.S. online retail purchases. Additionally, cardholders can now receive up to $200 in statement credits annually for eligible Hilton purchases made directly at participating Hilton properties. This credit will be distributed in increments of $50 each quarter. Furthermore, cardholders will enjoy complimentary National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status. However, it’s important to note that the card will no longer offer complimentary access to airport lounges with Priority Pass Select, effective as of February 1, 2024.
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card will experience a larger annual fee increase of $100.00, raising it to $550.00. Nevertheless, the card’s enhanced benefits make the fee increase justifiable for many travelers. Cardholders can now receive up to $400.00 in statement credits annually for eligible purchases made directly at participating Hilton Resorts. This credit will be distributed semi-annually, with $200 available each time. Additionally, the card offers up to $200.00 in statement credits annually for eligible flight purchases, with $50 available each quarter. Another exciting addition is the $189 in statement credits per calendar year for a CLEAR Plus membership, subject to auto-renewal. Cardholders will also receive a One Free Night Reward after spending $30,000 in purchases on the card in a calendar year. Complimentary National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive elite status is also included. It’s important to note that the card will no longer provide complimentary access to airport lounges with Priority Pass Select, effective February 1, 2024.
For individuals considering applying for a Hilton Honors American Express Card, there are special welcome bonus offers available until January 17, 2024. New Hilton Honors American Express Card Members can earn lucrative rewards by meeting spending requirements. The Hilton Honors American Express Card offers a welcome bonus of 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points and Silver Elite Status after spending $2,000.00 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card offers a welcome bonus of 170,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points and Gold Elite Status after spending $3,000.00 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. Lastly, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers a welcome bonus of 180,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points and Diamond Elite Status after spending $6,000.00 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership.
It’s important to note that the Priority Pass Select program will no longer be offered as a benefit with either the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card or the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, starting February 1, 2024. Cardholders who enrolled in the program on or before January 31, 2023, will have their membership valid until January 31, 2024. Those who enrolled between February 1, 2023, and January 31, 2024, will have their membership valid until October 31, 2024. Any unused lounge visits with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card will be forfeited upon cancellation.
In conclusion, the new benefits and increased annual fees for the Hilton Honors American Express Cards in 2023 provide cardholders with enhanced rewards and opportunities for travel. The special welcome bonus offers for new card members make this an excellent time to consider applying for a Hilton Honors American Express Card. While the removal of complimentary access to Priority Pass lounges may be a downside for some, the overall benefits and rewards offered by these cards make them a compelling choice for frequent travelers.