Unlock Travel Benefits: 7 Reasons to Get the Hilton Amex Aspire Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card stands out as one of the top hotel credit cards available today. Although it comes with a $550 annual fee, the extensive perks and benefits provided by this card easily justify the cost. From a generous welcome bonus to valuable statement credits and elite status, here are seven compelling reasons to consider adding the Hilton Aspire Card to your wallet.

1. Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond Status

One of the most significant advantages of the Hilton Aspire Card is the automatic Hilton Honors Diamond status it grants to the primary cardholder. Unlike the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, which requires a minimum spending threshold to achieve this status, the Aspire Card offers Diamond status as long as your account remains open.

With Diamond status, you enjoy a wealth of benefits, including a 100% points bonus on eligible stays, complimentary access to executive-floor lounges, free breakfast, and room upgrades. Typically, achieving Diamond status requires 30 stays, 60 nights, or earning 120,000 base points in a calendar year, making the Aspire Card a fast track to premium benefits.

2. Annual Free Night Rewards

Upon opening your account, you’ll receive a free night reward to use at nearly any Hilton property worldwide, and you’ll get another one each year on your card anniversary. Additionally, spend $30,000 in a calendar year, and you’ll earn a second free night; spend $60,000, and you’ll receive a third. This benefit is straightforward and allows even infrequent travelers to save hundreds of dollars annually on hotel stays.

3. Fifth Night Free on Award Stays

As a Diamond member, you can take advantage of a fifth night free when booking award stays with Hilton points. This perk can significantly reduce the cost of longer vacations, allowing you to enjoy a more extended stay without the added expense. If you book a ten-night stay, for example, you’ll receive both the fifth and tenth nights for free, maximizing your savings.

4. Airline Fee Credit

The Hilton Aspire Card offers an annual statement credit of up to $200 for airline incidental fees, which can help offset travel costs. This credit is divided into quarterly increments of up to $50 and can be used for eligible purchases made directly with airlines or through amextravel.com.

For instance, instead of using the Aspire Card for airfare, many users, including travel experts, leverage this credit for other travel-related expenses, such as adding funds to their airline accounts.

5. Resort Credit at Hilton Properties

In addition to the airline fee credit, you can receive up to $400 in statement credits for eligible charges at Hilton resorts each calendar year. This benefit is split into two $200 credits, available from January to June and then again from July to December. Unlike the airline fee credit, this resort credit can be used not only for incidental charges like meals and spa treatments but also toward room rates and taxes. This makes it easy to recoup the card’s annual fee through strategic spending.

6. High Earning Potential on Hilton Stays

The Hilton Aspire Card is the best option for booking Hilton stays directly, thanks to its generous earning rate. With complimentary Diamond status, you earn a total of 34 points per dollar spent on most Hilton stays, which translates to a substantial return on your investment. While it may not be as competitive for other travel purchases compared to premium cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express or the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the earning potential on Hilton stays is unparalleled.

7. Incidentals Credit at Luxury Properties

When you book a two-night stay at participating Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts or Conrad Hotels & Resorts, you can receive up to $100 in incidental credits during your stay. To qualify, bookings must be made through the Hilton Honors Aspire Card website or by phone, and you’ll need to verify your card number. While this credit cannot be applied to room costs, it can still enhance your stay by covering incidentals like dining or spa services.

Conclusion

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is designed for travelers who want to maximize their hotel experiences. With a variety of benefits, including elite status, free night rewards, and substantial credits, it’s easy to see how the card can quickly pay for itself, even for those who don’t frequently stay at Hilton properties. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, the Aspire Card provides the tools to enhance your travel experience.

For more detailed information on the Hilton Aspire Card and to apply, visit the Hilton Honors website. With its robust offering of benefits, this card could be your ticket to unforgettable travel experiences.