pointstopictures The Amex Hilton Honors Aspire Card is a top-tier hotel rewards card that offers luxury travel benefits and significant value for loyal Hilton travelers. With a limited-time 175,000-point welcome bonus, automatic Hilton Diamond status, and over $1,000 in annual statement credits, this card easily justifies its $550 annual fee for frequent Hilton guests. New additions like the CLEAR® Plus credit and upgraded Hilton Resort and Airline credits boost its appeal. For travelers who can maximize the perks, it’s one of the best hotel cards on the market.
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Card Details
The Good
- Massive welcome offer (175K points) with extended time to meet minimum spend.
- Complimentary Diamond status unlocks premium benefits like suite upgrades and breakfast.
- $400 resort credit per year
- Approximately $1000 in statement credits across Hilton Resort, Airline, and CLEAR®.
- Annual Free Night Reward can be worth hundreds at high-end Hilton properties.
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges with Priority Pass Select.
- No foreign transaction fees.
The Bad
- $550 annual fee may be steep if you don’t use all the benefits.
- Credits are split across quarters or semi-annual windows, requiring tracking.
- Limited to Hilton ecosystem — not as flexible as cards with transferable points
Our Take
Aspire is one of the most rewarding hotel cards available, especially for loyal Hilton travelers. Many cardholders report offsetting the $550 annual fee easily through the $400 Hilton Resort Credit, $200 airline fee credit, and the annual Free Night Reward. The newly added $199 CLEAR® Plus credit is also a welcome bonus. Frequent travelers love the ease of earning and redeeming Hilton points, and Diamond status is a favorite perk. However, the quarterly and semi-annual nature of credits can be tricky to maximize. Overall, it’s a powerhouse card if you’re in the Hilton ecosystem.
FAQ
Is the Hilton Honors Amex Aspire Card worth it?
Yes, if you stay at Hilton properties even a few times a year and can make use of the included credits and elite status benefits.
What credit score is needed for approval?
Generally, good to excellent credit (700+ FICO) is recommended.
Does this card charge foreign transaction fees?
No, there are no foreign transaction fees.
How does it compare to the Amex Platinum?
The Aspire is better for Hilton-specific perks, while the Amex Platinum has broader benefits like more transfer partners, luxury travel credits, and wider lounge access.
Can points be redeemed for anything besides Hilton stays?
Primarily, Hilton points are best used for Hilton hotel stays. Other redemption options (like merchandise or experiences) exist but offer less value.
