[UPDATE: Some offers mentioned below have expired and/or are no longer available on our site. You can view the current offers from our partners in our credit card marketplace. DISCLOSURE: Cards from our partners are mentioned below.]
As one of the world’s most recognizable hotel brands, Hilton offers something for everyone, from extended-stay suites and discount inns to resorts in the Costa Rican rainforest. For U.S. consumers, the company has partnered with Citi to offer a small range of co-branded credit cards. Designed for casual spenders, these cards reward loyal Hilton customers with free hotel stays and cash back on everyday items like dining and groceries. (Full Disclosure: Citibank advertises on Credit.com, but that results in no preferential editorial treatment.)
The best credit card for you will vary, based on your spending habits and how often you stay at Hilton hotels. With that in mind, here’s how to choose the best Hilton or hotel credit card.
How to Pick a Hilton Credit Card
If you’re considering a new credit card, it’s a good idea to do some research to see what’s out there and compare terms. You should also check your credit score to make sure you can actually qualify. (You can view two of your credit scores for free on Credit.com.) If your credit is in rough shape, a secured credit card, which requires you to put up a cash deposit that serves as your credit line, may be an option. If your credit is good, a rewards card like those offered by Hilton may be the better bet.
Hilton customers in the U.S. have four cards to choose from, two of which carry high annual fees. These cards offer solid travel benefits, however, such as free hotel stays, Hilton HHonors program upgrades, Hilton HHonors Bonus Points and no foreign transaction fees. With the Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve Card, for example, there is no limit the Hilton HHonors Bonus Points you can earn.
If you’re not loyal to Hilton hotels or like to have more flexibility when you travel, there are plenty of travel credit cards to choose from. But if you don’t travel often and still want to earn rewards, a cash back credit card may be the more practical choice. (Remember to swipe wisely so you don’t lose your rewards to high interest or wind up in debt.) Keep in mind that these types of cards tend to carry high APRs, so it’s smart to pay your balance off in full each month.
Now that we’ve given you a sense of what type of credit cards Hilton offers, here are our three picks, based on perks and overall terms. (Note: For full details on each card, please see the cardmember agreements.)
Our Picks for the Best Hilton Credit Cards
Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve Card
Why We Picked It: Members receive HHonors Gold Status with the card and can earn an anniversary bonus of one weekend night stay at select Hilton hotels if they spend $10,000 each year (counting from their annual fee date).
Rewards Details: Cardmembers receive 10 HHonors Bonus Points for every dollar they spend on Hilton hotels. They also earn five HHonors Bonus Points for every dollar spent on airline and car rental purchases and three HHonors Bonus Points for every dollar spent elsewhere. There is no points cap.
Annual Fee: $95
APR: Variable 15.49%
Citi Hilton HHonors Visa Signature Card
Highlights: Cardmembers can earn 40,000 Hilton HHonors Bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first four months. They also receive an upgrade to Silver status.
Rewards Details: Cardmembers earn six HHonors Bonus Points for every dollar spent on Hilton hotels; three Bonus Points for every dollar spent on supermarkets, restaurants and gas stations; and two Bonus Points for every dollar spent elsewhere.
Annual Fee: None
APR: Variable 15.49 to 19.49%
Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees and terms with credit card issuers, banks or other financial institutions directly.
