There are actually 3 different Hilton HHonors credit cards but which one is best… if any?

What’s so unusual about the Hilton card is that there are 2 different issuers – Citi and American Express – and a total of 3 variations. Here’s a brief review of each offer…

American Express Hilton HHonors card

This card has no annual fee.

Rewards:

• 3 Hilton HHonors points per dollar on regular spending
• 6 Hilton HHonors points per dollar at grocery stores, drugstores, gas stations, cable & satellite TV, home & wireless phone, internet service
• 6 Hilton HHonors points per dollar at Hilton Hotels

Noteworthy Benefits: Complimentary HHonors Silver status

Citi Hilton HHonors Visa Signature card

This card has no annual fee.

Rewards:

• 2 Hilton HHonors points per dollar on regular spending
• 3 Hilton HHonors points per dollar at grocery stores, drugstores, and gas stations
• 6 Hilton HHonors points per dollar at Hilton Hotels

Noteworthy benefits: Complimentary HHonors Silver status. Special promo to earn a whopping 40,000 bonus points.

American Express Hilton HHonors Surpass card

This card has a $75 annual fee.

Rewards:

• 3 Hilton HHonors points per dollar on regular spending
• 6 Hilton HHonors points per dollar at grocery stores, drugstores, gas stations, cable & satellite TV, home & wireless phone, internet service
• 9 Hilton HHonors points per dollar at Hilton Hotels

Noteworthy Benefits:
Complimentary Gold VIP status for the first year, an annual Priority Pass membership for airport lounge access (the free membership is a $99 value, but you still have to pay $27 per person, per visit)

Which Hilton card is best?

Between the no annual fee cards, the American Express Hilton HHonors credit card appears is a better choice being that it gives 50% more rewards on regular spending and 100% higher rewards on gas/grocery/drugstores. Of course the downside is that American Express is less accepted than Visa (so at the end of the day, you may earn less points with the AmEx since you can’t use it as often).

The best Hilton credit card offer when it comes to rewards would have to be the AmEx Hilton HHonors Surpass card. However it may not be worth paying the $75 annual fee if you don’t travel much since you’re basically paying to get the Priority Pass basic membership and the 50% higher rewards at Hilton Hotels.

Is There a Better Alternative?

At first glance all of the offers sound great, but you have to take in the value of the HHonors points, which are often less than half a cent, sometimes significantly less. This is why they can afford to give out so many points on spending.

I would recommend you check out our sponsored listing of hotel cards because there are others that might give you more bang for your buck.

Compare hotel credit card offers