The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers automatic Hilton Diamond status, up to $250 in annual airline fee credits, and other luxury perks. But with a $450 annual fee, is it worth it? This detailed review covers everything you need to know about the premium Hilton Aspire Amex.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card Overview
The Hilton Aspire Amex sits at the top of Hilton’s co-branded American Express card lineup for luxury benefits. Designed for frequent Hilton guests, it unlocks automatic top-tier Hilton Diamond status, annual hotel credits, airline fee reimbursements, and VIP perks. But these premium privileges come at the cost of a high $450 annual fee.
Below we’ll analyze the rewards earnings, luxe benefits, and costs to see who can get the most from this card.
Hilton Honors Aspire Welcome Offer
New Hilton Aspire cardmembers can earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on purchases on the card in the first 3 months of card membership. Points are worth 0.5 cents each, making the bonus worth around $750 in hotel stays.
Earning Points on the Hilton Aspire
You’ll earn Hilton Honors Points for:
- 14X points on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels
- 7X points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations
- 3X points on other eligible purchases
No foreign transaction fees allows you to earn 12X points on Hilton stays abroad.
Redeeming Points
Hilton Honors points can be redeemed for:
- Hotel stays at Hilton properties worldwide
- Vacation packages, airline miles, retail gift cards
- Amazon.com purchases
- Charitable donations
Detailed Review: Hilton Honors Aspire Card
Beyond earning potential, the Hilton Aspire Amex packs numerous upscale benefits:
- Up to $250 annual airline fee credit – for incidentals like baggage fees and seat upgrades
- Up to $250 annual Hilton resort credit – for expenses like room rates and on-property dining
- Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership with 10 free lounge visits per year
- Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status – with top-tier perks and upgrades
- Free weekend night reward each cardmember year at any Hilton hotel
- VIP Gold status with your choice of car rental company
When you stay frequently at Hilton hotels, these high-end benefits outweigh the $450 annual fee.
Drawbacks and Considerations
Be aware of:
- High $450 annual fee
- High APR – 17.74% to 27.49% Variable
- Balance transfers and cash advances incur fees
Weigh the annual fee against the value you’ll get from the card’s luxury travel benefits and status perks.
Hilton Honor Aspire Card Benefits
Additional benefits include:
- No foreign transaction fees
- Extended warranty protection – doubles coverage up to 1 year
- Purchase protection against damage or theft for 120 days
- Access to Amex entertainment access and exclusive events
While basic, these provide a well-rounded set of protections and shopping perks.
Compare to Other Cards
The premium Hilton Aspire Amex compares to high-end hotel cards like:
- IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card – Up to 4th night free benefit, Global Entry credit
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® Card – Up to $300 in annual credits, airport lounge access
- The World Of Hyatt Credit Card – Automatic top-tier Discoverist status and anniversary night
But only Hilton offers Diamond status along with a resort credit, airline credit, and free weekend night from their premium card.
Pros & Cons of Hilton Honors Aspire Card
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Automatic Hilton Diamond status | $450 annual fee |
| $250 airline and Hilton resort credits | Requires excellent credit for approval |
| VIP perks and luxury benefits | High interest rates and fees |
For frequent Hilton guests, the elite status, credits, and luxury perks justify the annual fee. But it’s a pricey upfront cost.
Is the Hilton Aspire Worth It?
The Hilton Aspire Amex makes sense for:
- Frequent Hilton hotel guests
- Luxury and resort vacationers
- Travelers who can maximize the airline and resort credits
- Upscale travelers who appreciate VIP benefits
As long as you’ll stay with Hilton often enough to capitalize on the elite perks and annual credits, this card provides superb value and relief from Hilton’s high standard room rates.
Final Word
Offering automatic top-tier Diamond status alongside up to $500 in annual travel credits, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card provides luxury benefits befitting its premium annual fee. Hilton loyalists who stay at high-end properties will easily offset the cost through credits and VIP perks. But it’s only worth it if Hilton suits your travel habits.
Helpful Links about American Express Credit Card
- How to Pay American Express Credit card
- What Credit Score Do You Need for an American Express Card
- How to Apply for American Express Credit Card
- How to Cancel American Express Credit card
- How to Get Approved for American Express Credit Card
- How to Check Your American Express Credit Card Balance
- How to Get Cash Off Your American Express Credit Card
- What is American Express Gold Card Credit Limit
- Which American Express Business Credit Card is the Easiest to Get
- 7 Great Reasons to Get the American Express Platinum Card
- Who Can Apply for American Express Credit Card
- How to Transfer Credit Card Balance to American express