Partying (and staying) is basically pre-pandemic when it comes to Hilton’s money-making route elite status next year.
This week, the hotel giant released new guidelines for winning the Hilton Honors title, and it’s like getting back to normal.
Reduce elite requirements? We hardly know you. Time to go back there and lay your head on the bed anywhere Hilton’s variety of brandsfrom Waldorf Astoria to Tru or Hilton Cancun (pictured above).
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On the bright side, there’s a big win for members in terms of points expiration timeline, but our big takeaway is that it may be easier to win Hilton elite status just by opening a credit card. Let’s take a closer look.
Better point expiration policy
Hilton suspended points that had previously expired during the pandemic late last year. Previously, Hilton Honor points expired without any account activity for 15 consecutive months. This means you must earn or redeem points at least once during this period to keep your points active.
But that was only changed for the better. Hilton points will now expire after 24 months of no activity in a member’s account. This gives you an extra nine months to keep your points active. The news was first reported by View from the Wing.
Related: How to keep your points and mileage from expiring
Back to normal level limit
Hilton cuts elite level the threshold is almost half during the pandemic; however, things are largely back to normal within the next year.
Here’s how many nights or base points you’ll need for each Hilton status level:
- Silver: 10 nights or four stays or 25,000 basis points.
- Yellow: 40 nights or 20 stays or 75,000 basis points.
- Diamond: 60 nights or 30 stays or 120,000 basis points.
This is higher than this year’s levels, which feature Silver at seven nights, Gold at 28 nights and Diamonds at 42 nights.
Just a brief summary: Silver was, as you might have guessed, the starting point of Hilton’s elite status. Silver members receive things like free bottled water at check-in, 20% bonus points on stay, and preferential nights that count toward the next calendar year’s status criteria.
Gold has additional benefits like 80% bonus points on stays, room upgrades, and daily food and drink credits at US hotels or continental breakfast at non-US hotels . Meanwhile, Diamond status includes additional benefits like 100% bonus points on stay and access to the Executive Lounge.
Related: Overview of the Hilton Honors program
Open a credit card
Going back to the pre-pandemic eligibility threshold for Hilton Honor offers even more value than just going the credit card route to gain status.
The Hilton Honors FAQ page Note that points earned with a Hilton-branded credit card will continue to count toward elite status and Lifetime Diamond status, as has been the case since the pandemic began. This means that charging your Hilton stay to a co-branded credit card is a great way to get one step closer to elite status as some cards earn up to 14 points for every dollar spent at Hilton hotels.
In addition, many Card issued by American Express includes automatic elite status, with one that provides top level Diamonds. This means you’ll have Hilton status no matter how many nights you stay as long as your credit card is open and in good standing.
Here’s an overview of all Amex cards including Hilton elite status:
Information about the Hilton Aspire card has been independently collected by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
If you don’t think you’ll meet the length of stay or points next year requirements for Hilton Honors status, using a credit card may align with the Hilton loyalty strategy. your.
Related: 6 great benefits that make Hilton Diamond worth it
Key point
Hilton is the latest travel company to bring back pre-pandemic elite status claims in 2023. It joins Marriott, Hyatt, IHG and nearly all of the major airlines that have submitted claims. This returns in elite status year 2022. But on the good side, occasional travelers now have 24 months of no account activity before their Hilton points expire and credit card spending will be refunded. counted in the qualifying status.
