Hilton Honors News

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Oct. 27 - Hilton Extends Benefits, Lowers Qualification Requirements
Hilton Honors announced several changes today to their loyalty program in light of the ongoing travel issues and restrictions faced by customers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most notably, Hilton is reducing the status qualification requirements in 2021 by 50%. This is in addition to the previously announced benefit that allows guests to automatically roll over all their 2020 nights into the 2021 year to speed up the qualification process. Based on Hilton's normal elite status chart, this means you can earn Hilton status in 2021 with the following:
Silver: Five nights, two stays or 12,500 base points.
Gold: 20 nights, 10 stays or 37,500 base points.
Diamond: 30 nights, 15 stays or 60,000 base points.
Several other changes have also been made, including:
Status extension until March 31, 2022. This applies to elite status members who were going to be downgraded in 2020 or 2021.
No points will expire until Dec. 31, 2021.
Lowered thresholds: Both Milestone Bonus Nights (now 20 nights) and Gifting Status Nights (now 30 nights) thresholds have been reduced.
Extended credit card benefits: Bonus points will continue to count as base points now through Dec. 31, 2021, and 2021 Free Weekend Night Reward certificate expirations will be extended to Dec. 31, 2022, and be valid for any night of the week.
Aug. 25 - Bonus Points and a Free Night Certificate for Hilton AmEx Cardholders
Hilton Honors American Express cardholders who have been members since at least July 7, 2020, can add the "Perfect Match" offer to their card. You will earn 1,000 Hilton Honors points when you spend $1,000 on your card from the time you complete enrollment through December 18, 2020. The maximum number of bonus points you can earn through this offer is 30,000 points. After you spend $5,000 during the promotional period, you'll also earn a Free Night Certificate, which is valid for the next 24 months. Terms apply.
May 1 - AmEx Cards Offering Extra Rewards, Statement Credits in New Categories (Limited Time)
These changes will apply for a limited time:
Through July 2020, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card will earn 12 Hilton Honors points per $1 spent at U.S. supermarkets.
From June through August 2020, U.S. restaurant purchases made with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, including takeout and delivery, will qualify toward the $250 Hilton resort credit benefit.
Any bonus points you earn on all Hilton American Express cards that post to your account between May 1 and Dec. 31, 2020, will be considered base points, meaning they’ll count toward elite tier qualification and lifetime Diamond status. Usually, bonus points don’t count for this purpose.
Terms apply.
Photo courtesy of Hilton (© 2020 Hilton).
How to Maximize Your Rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2021, including those best for:
Airline miles and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
No annual fee: Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card
Flat-rate rewards with no annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Premium travel rewards: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card