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The Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express is one of the top-tier hotel credit cards, offering premium perks for the cardholder. Among its standout benefits is the $400 annual resort credit, which can help you save significantly on your travels.
However, finding these resorts can be annoying. In this post, we provide a map of credit eligible resorts so that you don’t have to search.
Hilton Aspire $400 Annual Credit
The Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express comes with a hefty annual fee of $550/year. However, you get a free night every year and $400 in resort credits. You also get Hilton Diamond Status that gets you free breakfast and room upgrades. There are other benefits such as airline reimbursements. If you like to travel, the card pays for itself.
The annual resort credit is divided into two semi-annual periods:
- $200 from January to June
- $200 from July to December
If you don’t use the credit in one period, it doesn’t roll over, so plan your stays accordingly.
Where can you use Amex Aspire Credit?
See the map below about the locations. Note that these properties change, so always double check the official list before you book.
What Can You Use the Hilton Aspire Credit For?
In short, everything that can be charged to your room.
This credit covers a wide range of expenses at participating resorts. Here’s what you can use it for:
- Room Rates: Pay for your stay (if booked directly through Hilton).
- Dining: Enjoy meals at on-site restaurants, from casual dining to fine dining experiences.
- Spa Services: Use the credit for massages, facials, or other treatments.
- Resort Activities: Many resorts offer unique experiences like snorkeling, golf, or cultural tours that qualify.
- Parking Fees: If you’re driving, you can offset parking costs.
Pro Tip: Always charge these expenses to your room and pay with your Hilton Aspire card. Third-party bookings (like through Expedia) and taxes DO NOT qualify.
How to make the most of Amex Aspire Credit
To get the most value from this benefit, follow these strategies:
Choose Premium Resorts
Maximize the credit by selecting high-end resorts where amenities like dining and spa services are more expensive. For example, the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi or Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa are great choices where the credit can go a long way.
Split Your Stays
Since the credit is split into two $200 periods, plan stays in both halves of the year. You can also stay at the end of June/beginning of July. You will be reimbursed as long as your charges post at the appropriate time.
Bundle Your Expenses
Combine eligible purchases like dining, activities, and spa treatments during your stay. For instance, charge a romantic dinner, a morning yoga session, and a snorkeling tour to your room to maximize the credit.
Coordinate With Other Aspire Benefits
Pair the resort credit with other card perks, like the free weekend night certificate, Hilton Honors Diamond status benefits, and bonus points earning potential. For example:
- Use the free night certificate to extend your stay.
- Take advantage of complimentary breakfast and lounge access from your Diamond status.
- Use the $100 Conrad or Waldorf stay credit along with this benefit.
Get the points too
When you pay with your Aspire card, you earn additional points on the total amount spent at the resort. For example, if you spend $400, you will receive points for the full amount, even though some or all of it might be reimbursed. With this card, you receive at least 34 points/USD.
Here’s table breakdown of how many Hilton points you earn per dollar with the Hilton Aspire Card.
| Earning Source | Points Per Dollar | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Base Hilton Honors Earnings | 10 | Standard earning rate for Hilton Honors members. |
| Diamond Status Bonus | 10 | Bonus points as part of the complimentary Diamond status provided by the Aspire card. |
| Aspire Card Earnings | 14 | Additional points earned for paying with the Hilton Aspire Card. |
| Promotion or App Booking | Varies | Extra points from Hilton promotions or booking through the Hilton mobile app (optional bonus). |
Summary
The Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express is a top-tier travel card packed with benefits, including a $400 annual resort credit, complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status, and the ability to earn 34 points per dollar on Hilton stays. Additional perks include a free weekend night certificate, $200 airline credit, and elite car rental status, making it an excellent choice for frequent travelers. If you use it strategically, such as maximizing the semi-annual resort credits and leveraging Diamond status perks, the card pays for itself.
