Is the Hilton Aspire Amex card worth the annual fee?
Editor's Note
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has a hefty $550 annual fee. However, it is well worth it thanks to its offering of Hilton Honors elite status, statement credits and impressive earning rates.
The most valuable benefit of the Aspire is complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status, which provides bonus points on hotel stays, free breakfast, room upgrades and executive lounge access.
Let's examine the specifics of the Hilton Aspire Amex and what makes it worth the annual fee.
The information for the Hilton Aspire card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Impressive welcome offer
Currently, the Hilton Amex Aspire is offering 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in your first six months of card membership. Offer ends April 29.
The current bonus is just 5,000 points less than the highest offer we've seen of 180,000 points (offer no longer available), so now is a great time to apply.
According to TPG's February 2025 valuations, Hilton Honors points are worth 0.6 cents each, making the welcome offer worth $1,050.
Related: Choosing the best Hilton credit card
Strong earning rates
As Hilton loyalists, Hilton Amex Aspire cardmembers are sure to see their Hilton Honors point balances skyrocket with impressive earning rates.
The card offers 14 points per dollar on purchases made with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Charges include hotel stays and incidentals charged to the room bill.
Cardmembers also earn 7 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with an airline or through AmexTravel.com, car rentals booked with specific car rental companies and purchases at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery).
And all other purchases earn 3 points per dollar spent.
As a card meant for Hilton loyalists, it offers a great earning rate when staying at Hilton properties. However, the card falls short for everyday purchases, netting just a 1.8% return according to our February 2025 valuations. A traditional cash-back card will get you better value on everyday purchases.
Related: The best credit cards for everyday spending
Elite status
The biggest factor in whether the Hilton Amex Aspire is worth it is elite status. Cardmembers receive complimentary Diamond status with Hilton, which comes with a host of perks.
Diamond elite status offers 100% bonus points on all Hilton stays, so an extra 10 points per dollar, a remarkable return on a benefit provided to cardmembers.
Diamond elite members also receive complimentary upgrades on rooms, including suites, based on availability, along with breakfast or a food and beverage credit. And they also enjoy executive lounge access at applicable properties.
Based on the comprehensive benefits of Hilton Diamond elite status alone, the $550 annual fee may be worth paying for benefits that'll elevate your hotel stay experience.
Related: How to maximize the Hilton Amex Aspire
Statement credits
Cardmembers receive up to $400 in statement credits each calendar year for eligible purchases at eligible Hilton resorts. This credit is split into two $200 statement credits: January to June and July to December. The statement credit will be applied toward dining, activities, spa treatments and, even more useful, room rates and taxes.
Cardmembers also receive up to $200 in annual airline purchase statement credits, split into $50 each calendar quarter, for airfare purchased directly from an airline or through AmexTravel.com.
Additionally, cardmembers receive up to $100 Hilton property credit when booking at least a two-night paid stay at Waldorf Astoria or Conrad properties through hiltonhonorsaspirecard.com or by calling 855-292-5757.
Along with travel credits, the Aspire also provides a statement credit of up to $199 a year toward a Clear Plus membership (enrollment required; subject to auto-renewal). Clear is an expedited security program available at more than 50 U.S. airports, stadiums and large venues. If TSA PreCheck lines are long or closed, Clear members can use dedicated security lanes with their kiosks to clear airport security.
Related: 6 reasons to get the Hilton Amex Aspire
Other benefits
Hilton Amex Aspire cardmembers can receive up to three free night awards each year.
The first free night reward is given after opening an account and on the cardmember anniversary each year, with the ability to earn a second-night and third-night reward when spending $30,000 and $60,000 on the card in a calendar year, respectively.
TPG contributing editor Matt Moffitt often uses his free night rewards to stay at luxury properties when he visits New York City, a market with traditionally very high cash prices.
The Aspire provides complimentary National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status after enrollment in the Emerald Club program (terms apply) and travel protections, including trip delay, cancellation and interruption insurance.*
Cardmembers also receive cellphone protection,* with a maximum reimbursement of $800 per claim for the repair or theft of a device when the wireless bill for the specific cellphone line is paid using the Aspire card. There's a limit of two approved claims every 12 months, with a $50 deductible each time.
Enrollment is required for select benefits.
*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Bottom line
The Aspire deserves a place in your wallet if you're a Hilton loyalist who frequently stays at Hilton portfolio properties. You'll receive elite-status benefits, a high earning rate with Hilton and useful statement credits.
However, for those who stay at Hilton properties less frequently, the lower annual fee Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card (see rates and fees) or a general travel rewards credit card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card would be a better fit.
Learn more: Hilton Amex Aspire review
For rates and fees of the Amex Hilton Honors Surpass, click here.