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Rates & Fees; Terms Apply

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

Versatile 5X Earning Rate: This card earns 5X points on everything up to $100,000

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a "catch-all" rewards powerhouse for business owners who frequent Hilton properties. Following its recent refresh, it now earns an impressive 5X points on all eligible purchases (up to $100k/year), making it one of the best cards for non-category business expenses like taxes or insurance. Combined with up to $240 in annual Hilton statement credits and automatic Gold Status, it easily pays for its $195 annual fee, provided you stay at a Hilton at least once a quarter.

At a Glance

  • Welcome Offer:
  • Rewards Rate: 12X on Hilton purchases; 5X on all other purchases (on the first $100k/year); 3X thereafter
  • Annual Fee:
  • Credits: Up to $240 in Hilton Statement Credits annually (distributed as up to $60 per quarter)
  • Status: Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status
  • Car Rental: Complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: None
  • Employee Cards: Free

Overview

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a mid-tier hotel card designed for small business owners who are loyal to the Hilton portfolio (Hampton Inn, DoubleTree, Waldorf Astoria, etc.). It recently underwent a major overhaul. It shed its complicated category bonuses (gas, shipping, dining) in favor of a simpler, broader earning structure: 5X on everything. This makes it an excellent "general spend" card for businesses that don't fit into neat category boxes.

Rewards & Benefits

  • The 12X/5X/3X Structure:
    • 12X Points at Hilton hotels and resorts.
    • 5X Points on all other eligible purchases on the first $100,000 spent per calendar year.
    • 3X Points on purchases after hitting the $100k cap.
  • Hilton Honors Gold Status: This is the "sweet spot" of hotel status. It gets you room upgrades (space permitting) and the daily food and beverage credit, which can save you $30+ per day on breakfast for two.
  • $240 Hilton Credit: You receive up to $60 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with Hilton. This can apply to room rates or incidental charges.
  • National Car Rental Status: You get Emerald Club Executive status, which guarantees upgrades and lets you choose your own car from the Executive Aisle.

Fees & Requirements

  • Annual Fee: .
  • Credit Score: Requires credit.
  • Business Verification: As a business card, you need to provide details about your company. However, sole proprietors (freelancers, gig workers) can often apply using their SSN.

Borrower Experience

  • Expense Management: Connects to QuickBooks and allows you to add employee cards for free, all of which contribute to the $100k spending cap for 5X points.
  • Redemption: Hilton points are easy to redeem, with no blackout dates on standard rooms and a "5th Night Free" benefit on award stays, which stretches your points further.

Who It’s Best For

  • The "General Spend" Business: If your business spends heavily on non-category items (contractors, legal fees, inventory), earning 5X Hilton points (approx. 3% return) is a strong return.
  • The Quarterly Traveler: If you stay at a Hilton property at least once every three months, redeeming the $60 quarterly credit is effortless, effectively making the card free.
  • Sole Proprietors: Freelancers who want to separate business expenses while funding their next vacation will find the 5X rate very rewarding.

Who Should Skip It

  • Infrequent Travelers: If you can't use the $60 credit every single quarter, the $195 fee becomes hard to justify.
  • Diamond Status Seekers: If you want top-tier status without the nights, this card won't help you. You need the personal Hilton Honors Aspire Card.
  • Category Spenders: If your spend is strictly on office supplies or internet/phone, the Chase Ink Business Cash® (5% cash back) offers more valuable currency (Ultimate Rewards).

Compare

Bottom Line

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a specialized tool. It is excellent for business owners who want to turn "boring" business overhead (rent, insurance, taxes) into luxury vacations via the 5X earning rate. If you can commit to using the $60 credit every quarter, the card effectively pays you to keep it. However, the loss of the "Free Night Reward" benefit in the recent refresh is a disappointment for high spenders.

Pros

  • Versatile 5X Earning Rate: This card earns 5X points on everything up to $100,000

  • Automatic Gold Status: You get instant Gold status, which includes an 80% bonus on base points earned during stays and a Daily Food & Beverage Credit (or continental breakfast outside the U.S.)

  • No Foreign Transaction Fees: Essential for international business travel

Cons

  • Quarterly Credit Structure: The $240 credit isn't a lump sum. It is "use it or lose it" in $60 increments every quarter

  • Inflated Point Values: Hilton points are generally valued lower (~0.6 cents each) than Chase or Amex Membership Rewards points

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