Hilton Honors Aspire Review: Rich Rewards, Luxury Perks for a Price

A lot of points

Hilton points add up faster than points in many other loyalty programs. There’s a reason: They’re worth a good bit less per point, so you get more of them. But that’s neither good nor bad; it’s just a different scale. At NerdWallet's point valuation of 0.5 cent each, you’re still getting remarkable value — the equivalent of 3.5X on restaurants and 1.5X on non-bonus spending, which could make the card an everyday carry. And because Hilton is a huge chain with properties from affordable to luxury, its rewards are easy to use.

» MORE: How the Hilton Honors Aspire card saved me thousands on a Maldives vacation

Valuable credits and perks

A luxury travel credit card with a high annual fee better come with valuable and useful benefits. And this one doesn’t disappoint:

• $50 quarterly flight credit: Get up $50 each quarter on flight purchases made directly with an airline or through American Express.

• $200 annual Hilton resort credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually for eligible purchases at participating Hilton Resorts.

• Free rewards night(s): Get one free night reward with the card each year. Earn an additional night after you spend $30,000 on purchases in a calendar year and another after you spend $60,000 in a calendar year.

• Elite status: Automatic Hilton Honors Diamond status, which includes perks, such as double bonus points on all base points you earn, room upgrades when available, premium Wi-Fi, late checkout and more.

• $100 on-property credit: Book a two-night minimum stay with the card and get up to $100 in credits for qualifying charges at participating Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts. It doesn't apply to the cost of the room.

• Terms apply.

» MORE: Top hotel credit cards that offer free anniversary nights

Welcome offer

Bonuses for new cardholders can change. But if you can meet the required spending, you’ll typically get enough points for at least one night at a luxury property, and several nights at a more affordable one. That provides some instant gratification for those with near-term wanderlust.

The current welcome bonus: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

» MORE: Your guide to booking award nights with Hilton Honors

How it compares with other Hilton credit cards

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is the luxury card among Hilton credit cards, but it’s pricey. It’s worth sizing up its sister cards to determine which is the best Hilton card for you.

Lack of reward flexibility

To get the most from this card, you have to be committed to the Hilton Honors loyalty program. If you would rather stay at a variety of hotels, including those not owned by Hilton, a general travel card is a better fit.

For those looking for comparable premium travel perks, good choices include the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express.

High annual fee

In a vacuum, the annual fee of $550 is high. But among upper-tier travel credit cards, it’s competitive.

Still, some people can’t stomach that high of a fee — or are uncertain whether they can cash in on enough of the benefits and perks to make it worthwhile. For those people, a card with a lower annual fee might be better.

A cheaper Hilton card is one choice. So is a general travel card. Consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card with an annual fee of $95.

Or look at the simpler Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card with an annual fee comparable to that on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

Limited acceptance abroad

American Express cards aren’t accepted as widely outside the U.S. as Visas or Mastercards, so bring a backup credit card when you’re abroad.

For more options, you can also visit NerdWallet's list of the best credit cards to have.