$650
Annual fee
See the card
Card reviewAmerican Express
Updated Aug 11, 2026 · research
American ExpressHilton Honors
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
The ultimate luxury Hilton card with complimentary Diamond status, substantial statement credits, and Free Night Rewards.
LuxuryPersonal
American Express
$550
Annual fee
14x pts hilton hotels & resorts
Top rate
None
Foreign fee
N/A
Rating
Current Welcome Offer
Earn 150,000 points
Spend $6,000 in 180 days
Verifiedpublic
Card Offers
public
Earn 150,000 points
Spend $6,000 in 180 days
public
Earning Rates
Hilton Hotels & Resorts
14xpoints
Earn 14X Total Points at Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Hotels & Resorts within the Hilton Portfolio
14xpoints
For eligible purchases made directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton Portfolio.
Dining
7xpoints
At U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery.
Select Travel
7xpoints
Including flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies.
Other Eligible Purchases
3xpoints
Spent on other eligible purchases.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status, the program's top elite tier, is included simply for holding the card
- Up to $600 in annual statement credits across Hilton Resorts ($400) and flights ($200) can substantially offset the $550 annual fee
- 14 points per dollar at Hilton properties is among the highest earning rates available on any co-branded hotel card
- Annual Free Night Reward certificate adds meaningful value for cardholders who take at least one Hilton stay per year
- Priority Pass Select membership provides access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide
Cons
- The $550 annual fee is high and not waived the first year, requiring immediate value extraction
- The $400 Hilton Resort credit is split semi-annually and restricted to Resort properties, limiting flexibility
- Earning rates outside Hilton and travel categories drop sharply to 3 points per dollar, making the card less competitive for everyday spending
- Hilton Honors points generally have a lower per-point value than transferable points currencies, reducing redemption flexibility
- Car rental insurance is secondary, not primary, meaning personal auto insurance must be exhausted first
Key Takeaways
- Complimentary Diamond status is the card's most powerful perk, unlocking Hilton's highest-tier elite benefits automatically
- The combined $600 in annual statement credits (resort + flight) and one Free Night Reward can make the $550 fee net-positive for active Hilton travelers
- The $400 resort credit is divided into two $200 semi-annual windows and does not roll over, so timing purchases matters
- Earning power is strongest within the Hilton ecosystem and on flights, car rentals, and U.S. dining; everyday spending earns only 3x
- Priority Pass Select lounge access and no foreign transaction fees round out a strong international travel package
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $550 |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 0% |
APR Information
- Purchase APR
- 19.49% - 28.49%
APRs shown are variable and may change based on the Prime Rate. Your actual APR will be determined based on your creditworthiness.
Card Benefits
13 benefits (10 strong or better)
Travel Insurance
Travel Access & Perks
Travel Credits
Elite Status
Purchase Protection
Purchase Protection
Lifestyle Benefits
Coverage Tier Legend
Best in ClassIndustry-leading coverage
StrongAbove average
StandardTypical coverage
LimitedBelow average
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual fee for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card?
The annual fee is $550. Unlike some premium cards, the fee is not waived for the first year, so it is charged upon account opening.
What Hilton elite status does the Aspire Card provide?
The card automatically grants complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status, the highest tier in the Hilton Honors program. Diamond status includes perks like complimentary breakfast or credit, room upgrades, executive lounge access, and 100% bonus points on stays. Status is tied to active card membership and is lost if you cancel the card and do not independently qualify.
How does the $400 Hilton Resort statement credit work?
The $400 annual Hilton Resort credit is split into two semi-annual periods of $200 each, one for the first half of the year and one for the second half. Only eligible purchases at Hilton Resort properties qualify; not all Hilton properties are included. Unused credits from each semi-annual period do not roll over.
How does the $200 flight credit work?
Cardholders receive up to $200 back per year as statement credits on eligible flight purchases. Flights must be booked directly with airlines or through AmexTravel.com to qualify; bookings made through other third-party travel agencies will not trigger the credit.
What is the Hilton On-Property Credit benefit?
Cardholders receive up to $100 in on-property credits per stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts and Conrad Hotels and Resorts. To qualify, you must book a minimum two-night stay using the Aspire Card, and the booking must be made directly rather than through a third party.
Does the Aspire Card charge foreign transaction fees?
No, there are no foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside the United States. Note that dynamic currency conversion fees applied by foreign merchants are separate and are not covered by this benefit.
What airport lounge access does the card offer?
The card includes a Priority Pass Select membership, which provides access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. Enrollment in Priority Pass is required before you can use this benefit, so it is important to enroll before your first trip.
What credit score is needed to apply for the Aspire Card?
American Express targets applicants with excellent credit for this card. A strong credit history and high credit score are generally expected to be approved.
What is the Free Night Reward benefit and how does it work?
Each card anniversary year, cardholders receive one Free Night Reward certificate valid at properties across the Hilton portfolio. The certificate has an expiration date and must be used within one year of issuance, so it is important to plan accordingly to avoid losing its value.
Card Questions & Answers
Source-backed guidance for the most common questions about this card.
Based on the latest staged extraction results, Citi Simplicity ® Credit Card, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, and Hilton Honors American Express Card currently list Hotel Status.
3 sourcesOpen dedicated answer page
About This Card
The Aspire Card is best for frequent Hilton loyalists who regularly stay at Hilton Resorts and Waldorf Astoria or Conrad properties and can realistically use the annual statement credits and Free Night Reward to justify the $550 fee.
Perfect for Hilton loyalists, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers complimentary top-tier Diamond status, up to $400 in Hilton Resort credits, up to $200 in flight credits, a $209 CLEAR+ credit, and annual Free Night Rewards, all paired with exceptional earning power on hotel, travel, and dining purchases.
The Aspire Card stands out by bundling automatic top-tier Diamond status, up to $600 in targeted annual credits, and a Free Night Reward into a single co-branded card, a combination that is unmatched among Hilton-branded products.
Ready to Decide?
Apply for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Earn 150,000 points with a $550 annual fee.
Spend $6,000 in 180 days
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