Best time to apply for Hilton American Express cards based on offer history
Travelers looking to maximize their Hilton experiences can benefit significantly from the Hilton Honors credit cards offered by American Express. These cards not only come with enticing welcome bonuses but also provide a range of perks that enhance the travel experience for Hilton loyalists. Each card is tailored to different types of users, from casual travelers to frequent Hilton guests, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. The welcome bonuses are particularly noteworthy, often comprising substantial Hilton Honors points or even free night rewards, making the timing of your application crucial for maximizing these offers.
The Hilton Honors American Express Card, for instance, has recently featured welcome offers that can yield up to 130,000 points, contingent on meeting certain spending thresholds within the initial months of card membership. This card is ideal for those new to travel rewards or who only occasionally stay with Hilton, as it has no annual fee. In contrast, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card offers a more robust reward structure, with bonuses reaching 180,000 points for higher spenders and automatic Hilton Gold status, which provides additional benefits during stays. The premium Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card caters to dedicated Hilton fans, offering up to 180,000 points as well as premium perks for a $550 annual fee. Finally, the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is designed for business owners, allowing them to accumulate points through business expenses while also offering significant welcome bonuses.
When considering applying for any of these cards, it’s essential to track the historical welcome offers and identify the best times to apply. For example, applying when a welcome offer exceeds 100,000 points or includes a free night reward can significantly enhance the value you receive. The article emphasizes that timing is key, as American Express permits only one bonus per cardholder lifetime, making it vital to wait for the most lucrative offers. By leveraging this guide, travelers can make informed decisions and strategically plan their applications to maximize their Hilton Honors benefits and enjoy a wealth of travel rewards.
The
Hilton Honors cards
from American Express offer multiple benefits for travelers seeking additional
perks with Hilton
. These cards also come with
generous welcome bonuses
that can include large sums of
Hilton Honors points
or even
free nights
.
Since welcome offers can vary, the timing of your application matters.
Lucky for you, we’ve collected a history of welcome bonuses on the Hilton American Express cards. This guide will review the best welcome offers we’ve seen on Hilton Amex cards and when we think it’s best to apply to earn a bonus that exceeds the standard offer.
Note: We will only discuss publicly available welcome offers. However, you might receive targeted offers with more bonus points or cash back. Keep in mind that offers may change at any time, and some of the offers mentioned below may not be available at this time.
Best Hilton American Express welcome offers
Below is a list of every Hilton American Express card, the best welcome offer we’ve seen on each and our guidance on when you should apply.
American Express only allows you to earn
one bonus for each of its cards
in a lifetime, so make sure to wait for the best time to apply.
Card
Best welcome offer we’ve seen
When to apply
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Earn 130,000 points in total: 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, then another 50,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 total on purchases in the first six months.
At least 80,000 points (either bonus points alone or a combination of bonus points and a free night reward)
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Earn 180,000 bonus points: 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, then an additional 50,000 points after spending a total of $10,000 or more on purchases in the first six months.
At least 150,000 points (either bonus points alone or a combination of bonus points, a free night reward, statement credits or an introductory $0 annual fee for the first cardmember year)
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Earn 180,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
At least 175,000 points
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Earn 180,000 bonus points: 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, then an additional 50,000 points after spending a total of $10,000 or more on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
At least 175,000 points offered (or at least 130,000 points plus a free night award)
Hilton Honors American Express Card
If you’re new to points or miles or only occasionally stay with Hilton, the basic
Hilton Honors Amex
is a solid starting point. This card has no annual fee (see
rates and fees
).
THE POINTS GUY
Here are the offers we have seen on the Hilton Honors Amex:
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
October 2025 to now
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Jan. 14, 2026.
$500
August to October 2025
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership
$400
June to August 2025
Earn 100,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit after spending $2,000 in the first six months of card membership.
Up to $600, including the statement credit
April to June 2025
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$400
February to April 2025
Earn 70,000 bonus points plus a free night reward after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$350 plus the value of a free night reward
January to February 2025
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$400
September 2024 to January 2025
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$500
August to September 2024
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$400
May to August 2024
Earn 70,000 bonus points plus a free night reward after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$350 plus the value of a free night reward
April to May 2024
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$400
March to April 2024
Earn up to 130,000 points: 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $5,000 in the first six months.
Up to $650
January to March 2024
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$400
October 2023 to January 2024
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$500
July to October 2023
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
$400
May to July 2023
Earn 70,000 bonus points plus a free night reward after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
$350
April to May 2023
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
$400
February to April 2023
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$500
October 2022 to February 2023
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
$400
August to October 2022
Earn up to 100,000 points plus $100: 100,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus up to $100 in statement credits on eligible purchases made at any Hilton property in the first 12 months of card membership.
Up to $600, including the statement credit
July to August 2022
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
$400
May 2022 to July 2022
Earn up to 100,000 points plus $100: 100,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus up to $100 in statement credits on eligible purchases made at any Hilton property in the first 12 months of card membership.
Up to $600, including the statement credit
April to May 2022
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
$400
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s November 2025
valuations
and not provided by the credit card issuer.
Highest welcome offer
Since the Hilton Honors Amex has offered a few different types of welcome bonuses, opinions on which offer is the best may vary.
If you value free night rewards highly, we’ve seen offers as good as earning 70,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
A free night reward can be redeemed for between 5,000 and 250,000 points, so the value you receive from this certificate depends on the property you redeem it with.
For those who prefer to earn only points, we’ve seen offers of up to 130,000 bonus points, split into two minimum spending requirements. You’d earn 80,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three months of card membership. You could stack on another 50,000 bonus points if you spent $5,000 total on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
When you should apply
If you see this card’s welcome offer boost to 80,000 points or more (either through extra points or a free night) — especially at least 100,000 points — consider applying.
Learn more:
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Hilton Honors Surpass
The
Hilton Surpass
is a solid mid-tier option for those who are loyal to Hilton or find the card’s perks — such as automatic
Hilton Gold status
— especially beneficial. This card has a $150 annual fee (see
rates and fees
).
THE POINTS GUY
Here are the offers we have seen on the Hilton Honors Surpass:
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
October 2025 to now
Earn 155,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Jan. 14, 2026.
$775
August to October 2025
Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$650
June to August 2025
Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. There is a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 each year thereafter.
$650
April to June 2025
Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$650
February to April 2025
Earn 130,000 bonus points plus a free night reward after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$650 plus the value of a free night reward
January to February 2025
Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$650
September 2024 to January 2025
Earn 165,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$825
August to September 2024
Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$650
May to August 2024
Earn 130,000 bonus points plus a free night reward after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$650 plus the value of a free night reward
April to May 2024
Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$650
March to April 2024
Earn up to 180,000 bonus points: 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus an additional 50,000 points after spending a total of $10,000 in the first six months.
Up to $900
January to March 2024
Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$650
October 2023 to January 2024
Earn 170,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$850
July to October 2023
Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
$650
May to July 2023
Earn 130,000 bonus points plus a free night reward after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
$650 plus the value of a free night reward
April to May 2023
Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
$650
February to April 2023
Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$750
October 2022 to February 2023
Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
$650
August to October 2022
Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. There’s a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then an annual fee of $95.
$650
July to August 2022
Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
$650
May to July 2022
Earn up to 130,000 points plus $130: Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus up to $130 in statement credits on eligible purchases made at any Hilton property in the first 12 months of card membership.
Up to $780, including the statement credit
April to May 2022
Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
$650
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s November 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
Highest welcome offer
The terms of this card’s welcome offer can vary significantly. One of the best offers it had included up to 180,000 bonus points.
Applicants could earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months, then an additional 50,000 points after spending $10,000 or more on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
When you should apply
This card is worth applying for whenever it offers at least 150,000 points, including when it provides statement credits, free night rewards or an introductory $0 annual fee for the first cardmember year.
Learn more:
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Hilton Honors Aspire
The top-tier
Hilton Aspire card
is the best option for Hilton loyalists who want to earn a lot of points within Hilton Honors and enjoy a host of premium perks when staying at Hilton properties. Despite its $550 annual fee (see
rates and fees
), its perks easily offset this significant cost.
THE POINTS GUY
Here are the offers we have seen on the Hilton Honors Aspire:
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
October 2025 to now
Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Jan. 14, 2026.
$875
August to October 2025
Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$750
June to August 2025
Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$875
April to June 2025
Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$750
February to April 2025
Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$875
August 2024 to February 2025
Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$750
April to August 2024
Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$875
March to April 2024
Earn 180,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$900
January to March 2024
Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$750
October 2023 to January 2024
Earn 180,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$900
July to October 2023
Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
$750
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s November 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
Highest welcome offer
The best offer we’ve seen on this premium card is 180,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
When you should apply
Apply when you can earn at least 175,000 points.
Hilton Honors Business
The
Hilton Honors Amex Business
is a great option for business owners looking to collect more Hilton points with their business spending. This card comes with a $195 annual fee (see
rates and fees
).
THE POINTS GUY
Here are the offers we have seen on the Hilton Honors Business:
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
October 2025 to now
Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Jan. 14, 2026.
$875
August to October 2025
Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$650
June to August 2025
Earn up to 175,000 bonus points: 150,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership, plus an additional 25,000 bonus points after spending an additional $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Up to $875
April to June 2025
Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$650
February to April 2025
Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$875
January to February 2025
Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$650
September 2024 to January 2025
Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$875
June to September 2024
Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
$650
March to June 2024
Earn up to 180,000 bonus points: 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus an additional 50,000 points after spending a total of $10,000 in the first six months of card membership.
Up to $900
July 2023 to March 2024
Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
$650
May to July 2023
Earn 150,000 bonus points plus a free night reward after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
$750 plus the value of a free night reward
April to May 2023
Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
$650
February to April 2023
Earn 165,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
$825
December 2022 to February 2023
Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
$650
October to December 2022
Earn up to 130,000 points plus a free night: 130,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus a free night reward after spending a total of $10,000 in the first six months of card membership.
$650 plus the value of a free night reward
July to October 2022
Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
$650
May to July 2022
Earn up to 130,000 points plus $130: Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus up to $130 in statement credits on eligible purchases made at any Hilton property in the first 12 months of card membership.
Up to $780, including the statement credit
April to May 2022
Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
$650
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s November 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
Highest welcome offer
The best welcome offer we’ve seen on this card provided up to 180,000 bonus points.
Applicants could earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases with the card in the first three months of card membership, then an additional 50,000 points after spending a total of $10,000 or more on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
When you should apply
Apply when there are at least 175,000 points offered — or at least 130,000 points plus a free night award.
Learn more:
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Bottom line
When you’re ready to apply for a new credit card, waiting for an elevated
welcome offer
is one of the best ways to earn a bounty of bonus points quickly.
Most of a card’s total value in the first year is found in that bonus, which you’ll earn by simply meeting a
minimum spending requirement
.
Use this outline of Hilton Amex welcome bonuses to help you decide whether an offer is worth taking.
To learn more about credit card bonus offers over time, see the following:
The best time to apply for these popular American Express cards based on offer history
The best time to apply for these popular Capital One credit cards based on offer history
The best time to apply for these popular Chase credit cards based on offer history
The best time to apply for these popular Citi cards based on offer history
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex Card, click
here
.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Surpass Card, click
here
.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Aspire Card, click
here
.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Business Card, click
here
.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
