Unlock Elite Travel Perks with the Hilton Honors Amex Business Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is an excellent choice for small business owners and frequent travelers looking to maximize their hotel stays without breaking the bank. With benefits like automatic Hilton Gold elite status, generous earnings on Hilton purchases, and various travel perks, this card is designed to enhance your travel experience. If Hilton is your preferred hotel chain, this card could be a valuable addition to your wallet.

Key Features and Benefits

The Hilton Amex Business Card offers a range of benefits tailored to meet the needs of small business owners, and you don’t need a large company to apply. Even a side hustle or consulting gig that involves travel qualifies you for this card.

One standout feature is the automatic Hilton Gold elite status, which provides access to daily food and beverage credits, room upgrades (subject to availability), and other premium benefits. The card comes with a reasonable annual fee of $195, making it accessible for most applicants with good to excellent credit.

Upon approval, new cardmembers can earn a generous welcome bonus of 175,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $8,000 within the first six months. According to TPG’s June 2025 valuations, these points are worth approximately $875, giving you a solid incentive to start using your card right away.

Earning Points and Rewards

With the Hilton Amex Business Card, you can earn 12 points per dollar spent at Hilton Hotels and Resorts, translating to a 6% return on your spending. For all other eligible purchases, you earn 5 points per dollar spent (up to $100,000 each calendar year), and then 3 points per dollar after that. This structure ensures that you receive the best value when booking stays at Hilton properties.

While the benefits are substantial, other cards, such as the American Express® Business Gold Card or the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, may offer better overall value for your business spending. However, if you frequently stay at Hilton hotels, the rewards from this card can significantly enhance your travel experiences.

Redemption Options

Hilton Honors points can be redeemed in various ways, but the best value typically comes from using them for hotel bookings. Although Hilton does not publish a fixed award chart, the Points Explorer tool allows you to see the range of redemption prices for the next 30 days, helping you plan your stays effectively.

Many travelers, including TPG contributing editor Matt Moffitt, find that redeeming points for three- and four-star hotels abroad yields the highest value. Additionally, Hilton’s elite status can help you book five-night stays for the price of four, maximizing your rewards.

While Hilton offers several airline transfer partners, the transfer rates are generally not favorable. For instance, transferring 10,000 Hilton Honors points only nets you 1,000 MileagePlus miles with United. Given this poor value, it’s advisable to focus on hotel redemptions rather than airline transfers.

Annual Fee and Justification

The $195 annual fee for the Hilton Amex Business Card might raise some eyebrows, especially if you’re uncertain about the value it offers. However, the automatic Hilton Gold status and the potential for significant rewards can make it worthwhile for business travelers who stay at Hilton properties regularly. If you find yourself staying at Hilton hotels at least a few times a year, the benefits can quickly outweigh the cost.

If you don’t anticipate utilizing the full potential of the card, such as the up to $240 Hilton statement credit each calendar year (up to $60 per quarter), you might want to explore other hotel-branded business cards that better align with your travel habits.

Final Thoughts

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a solid choice for those who frequently stay at Hilton properties and want to enjoy the perks of elite status without a hefty price tag. While it’s not the only option on the market, it certainly holds its own against competitors, especially for loyal Hilton guests.

Before applying, consider your travel frequency, spending habits, and whether the benefits align with your needs. If you’re ready to elevate your travel experience with Hilton, the Hilton Amex Business Card could be the right fit for your business wallet.

For more information on rates and fees, visit the American Express website. Remember, the key to maximizing your travel rewards lies in understanding how to leverage your spending effectively. Happy travels!