American Express Shakes Up Hilton Business Card Again
Refresh of Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Significant, Negative Alterations
Hey there, travelers and business enthusiasts! Buckle up because we're diving headfirst into the latest changes to the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of excitement, disappointment, and a few twists along the way.
In a typical American Express fashion, they've been stirring the pot yet again, this time revamping the Hilton Honors Business Card. Let's walk through what's new, how it affects both existing cardmembers and prospective applicants, and what it means for your wallet.
Higher Annual Fee, But Wait, There's More!
Oh, boy! Are we in for a treat? The annual fee on the Hilton Honors Business Card has skyrocketed from a mere $95 to a jaw-dropping $195. If you're thinking that sounds steep, just wait. There's more where that came from.
Existing cardmembers, brace yourself. The increase takes effect on your next renewal date, while anyone applying from March 28 onwards, well, that's when the pain begins immediately. Don't say we didn't warn you!
Hilton purchases
Here Comes the Good News (Sort Of) - Statement Credit!
12 points per dollar spent
One silver lining in this storm of changes is the addition of a statement credit for up to $240 annually. Split quarterly, you can earn up to $60 each quarter on eligible Hilton purchases. Think of it as a way to offset hotel charges, especially during those frequent work dinners and team meetings at Hilton properties.
12 points per dollar spent
But remember, to get the most bang for your buck, use your card every quarter. Who needs festive gifts when you can stick it to the man with hotel statement credits, am I right?
Shift in Earning Rates – Sweet, Sour, or Both?
Select business and travel expenses
The earning structure on the Hilton Business Card is seeing some changes. Don't worry – we're not abandoning the 12 points per dollar spent on Hilton purchases straight away. Phew! However, the 6 points per dollar spent on select business and travel expenses are now a thing of the past.
6 points per dollar spent
Currently, eligible purchases are rewarded with 5 points per dollar spent on all purchases up to $100,000, then 3 points per dollar thereafter. It's a double-edged sword. On the one hand, earning 5 points per dollar is quite impressive. On the other, there's a spending limit, and those broad categories we used to enjoy are now a bit more constricted.
Removed
Priority Pass Lounge Passes - Adios, Amigos!
Sayonara to those lovely Priority Pass lounge passes. Existing cardmembers, make sure you use those complimentary visits soon before they slip away like grains of sand.
All other purchases
While this might not be a deal breaker for everyone, it's another step towards a less tantalizing package. If you can't bear to leave your lounge comforts behind, consider cards with unlimited access, like the Capital One Venture X Business or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.
3 points per dollar spent
No More Free Nights – The Final Nail in the Coffin?
5 points per dollar spent (up to $100,000 per calendar year, then 3 points per dollar thereafter)
Yep, you heard it right. No more free nights for our Hilton Business Card friends. The removal of free nights for those who spend $15,000 and $60,000 in a calendar year is leaving a sour taste in our mouths.
It's a tough blow for those who rely on these rewards. Unfortunately, dodging this one is tricky, so you might have to embrace the change or find another card that tickles your fancy.
Let's Take a Beat and Summarize
So, there we have it. American Express has reshuffled the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card puzzle, with a massive 105% jump in the annual fee, new earning rates, no more free nights, and farewells to Priority Pass lounge passes.
While there's some wiggle room with the $240 statement credit, it's hard to sugarcoat it – the changes don't exactly paint a rosy picture for the Hilton Business Card.
But hey, it's still a solid option if you're a frequent Hilton traveler, and these changes may make you reconsider your choice or force a targeted retention offer or downgrade. And remember, when it rains, it pours – just be patient, as American Express is rumored to have a few more surprises in store for its premium card portfolio in 2025.
Stay tuned for our analysis on whether the Hilton Business Card is still worth it and keep an eye on our daily newsletter for the latest card updates and comparisons. In the wise words of The Card Guy, "Welcome to the hate-watch!"
[1] TPG. (2023, October 15). The Complete Guide to Hilton’s Updated Credit Card Portfolio – TPG. Retrieved June 1, 2023, from https://thepointsguy.com/guide/hilton-american-express-credit-card-changes-hilton-aspire-surpass/
[2] CNBC. (2023, September 14). AmEx announces changes to Platinum card, including annual fee increase. Here are some key takeaways. Retrieved June 1, 2023, from https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/12/american-express-aiming-to-entice-younger-customers-with-credit-card-overhaul.html
[3] Business Insider. (2023, October 15). American Express releases its best-ever welcome offers for 4 of its best-ever welcome offers for 4 of its credit cards. Retrieved June 1, 2023, from https://www.businessinsider.com/american-express-best-ever-welcome-offers-credit-cards-american-express-business-gold-2023-10
[4] Forbes. (2023, September 12). Everything You Need To Know About The American Express Platinum Relaunch. Retrieved June 1, 2023, from https://www.forbes.com/sponsored/american-express/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-american-express-platinum-relaunch/
[5] CNN Underscored. (2023, August 10). The American Express Platinum card gets a massive overhaul for the 21st century. Here's what's changing. Retrieved June 1, 2023, from https://undercool.cnn.com/american-express-platinum-card-overhaul/
- Despite the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card's annual fee rising to $195, a statement credit of up to $240 annually on eligible Hilton purchases offers some relief.
- The earning structure on the Hilton Business Card has seen changes, with 12 points per dollar spent on Hilton purchases remaining, but select business and travel expenses no longer earning 6 points per dollar spent.
- Priority Pass lounge passes, a previous benefit of the Hilton Business Card, are no longer available for existing cardmembers, so use them before they expire.
- Other changes to the Hilton Business Card include the removal of free nights for those who spend $15,000 and $60,000 in a calendar year.
- In contrast to the Hilton Business Card, the Capital One Venture X Business and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offer unlimited access to lounges.
- Despite the changes, if you're a frequent Hilton traveler, the Hilton Business Card remains a solid option, and these changes may lead you to reassess your choice or seek a targeted retention offer or downgrade.
