Hilton HHonors - Improvement to HH Amex Earning Features

I just noticed that my latest HH Amex statement includes new text regarding the accumulation of HH points. I'm unable to copy the text and paste it here, but here are the highlights:


You will receive three HH points for each US dollar of Eligible Purchases (unchanged).
You will receive an additional two HH points for each US dollar at Hilton Family hotels (unchanged).
You will receive an additional two HH points for everyday purchases at supermarkets, gas stations, and drug stores that are not departments of superstores or warehouse clubs, and the US Postal Service, dining establishments, and for wireless phone bill payments.
If in any calendar year of Cardmembership your Eligible Purchases total $20,000 or more, you will be upgraded to Hilton Gold VIP status for a one year period beginning no later than April of the following calendar year.
You will receive 500 Hilton HHonors bonus points for each Qualifying Stay at a participating Hilton Family hotel when the stay is booked online at any Hilton Family hotel website and paid for with the Card.
AXON - An Exclusive Hotel Reward Only Hilton HHonors Platinum Credit Cardmembers can receive four nights at any Category 5 or Category 6 Hilton Family hotel worldwide for only 125,000 HHonors points. To redeem this reward, please call 1-800-920-5649 and request Reward Code AXON.


They've also changed some T&Cs around the grace period, how the APR is determined, arbitration, etc. All in all, though, I am very pleased with the changes, and as I will most likely be dropping my Diners card when it is up for renewal, it looks like my HH Amex will be my new card of choice.

Cheers,
LBBZman

P.S. Edited to add: The effective date for these changes is 4/15/05.

Wow that is awesome. I haven't seen that on my statement but I am
sure looking forward to seeing it..Thanks for the info..

Iceman76

I just noticed that my latest HH Amex statement includes new text regarding the accumulation of HH points. I'm unable to copy the text and paste it here, but here are the highlights:


You will receive three HH points for each US dollar of Eligible Purchases (unchanged).
You will receive an additional two HH points for each US dollar at Hilton Family hotels (unchanged).
You will receive an additional two HH points for everyday purchases at supermarkets, gas stations, and drug stores that are not departments of superstores or warehouse clubs, and the US Postal Service, dining establishments, and for wireless phone bill payments.
If in any calendar year of Cardmembership your Eligible Purchases total $20,000 or more, you will be upgraded to Hilton Gold VIP status for a one year period beginning no later than April of the following calendar year.
You will receive 500 Hilton HHonors bonus points for each Qualifying Stay at a participating Hilton Family hotel when the stay is booked online at any Hilton Family hotel website and paid for with the Card.

P.S. Edited to add: The effective date for these changes is 4/15/05.

Holy cow! This is huge. I haven't seen this on Mrs. MileKing's statement yet, but I'll be on the lookout for it.

For the 500 HHonors bonus points, I wonder if the AMEX card needs to be used to make the reservation as well. That is, I wonder if you can book on-line at a qualified Hilton Family site using any credit card, but then pay for your stay using the AMEX card? The wording is unclear on that.

That's really exciting! The dining establishment bonus is probably my favorite since NYC restaurant bills can get pretty pricey. ^

I just noticed that my latest HH Amex statement includes new text regarding the accumulation of HH points. I'm unable to copy the text and paste it here, but here are the highlights:


You will receive three HH points for each US dollar of Eligible Purchases (unchanged).
You will receive an additional two HH points for each US dollar at Hilton Family hotels (unchanged).
You will receive an additional two HH points for everyday purchases at supermarkets, gas stations, and drug stores that are not departments of superstores or warehouse clubs, and the US Postal Service, dining establishments, and for wireless phone bill payments.
If in any calendar year of Cardmembership your Eligible Purchases total $20,000 or more, you will be upgraded to Hilton Gold VIP status for a one year period beginning no later than April of the following calendar year.
You will receive 500 Hilton HHonors bonus points for each Qualifying Stay at a participating Hilton Family hotel when the stay is booked online at any Hilton Family hotel website and paid for with the Card.


They've also changed some T&Cs around the grace period, how the APR is determined, arbitration, etc. All in all, though, I am very pleased with the changes, and as I will most likely be dropping my Diners card when it is up for renewal, it looks like my HH Amex will be my new card of choice.

Cheers,
LBBZman

P.S. Edited to add: The effective date for these changes is 4/15/05.
Whoa! This is a change!

1. For purchases at gas stations, etc.: Is in an additional two points? I.e., we now get three points -- will it become five points/$ ?

2. From the wording, it appears that it is only necessary to pay with the HH AMEX to get the additional 500 points. I presume this will be clarified before 4/15.

Since my stays are normally <$100, in effect I'm getting more than 30 points/$ when status bonuses, etc. are taken into account. This may have the undesired consequence (from Hilton's POV) of me delaying stays until after April 15.

Maybe this is in lieu of any of their famous 50K bonus promos.

All in all, though, I am very pleased with the changes....YOU SAID IT! ^ :D ^ :D ^ :eek: :eek: :eek:

Great news if this is true for my account!!! I already love this card and use it for everything, but this just makes it that much better!!

yeah that is great.

This is good news and seems to be in line with what the Delta AMEX card offered with extra miles for post office, gas station, and home improvement store purchases. My guess is that those vendors were happy with the increased use of the AMEX card and AMEX expanded. Now Lounge access would be :cool: :p

lbbzman:

Thanks for posting this. Good news for me. ^ I am going to use my "retired" Hilton Amxeco card today... my car needs some gas ;) .. and I need some Hilton points.

lbbzman:

Thanks for posting this. Good news for me. ^ I am going to use my "retired" Hilton Amxeco card today... my car needs some gas ;) .. and I need some Hilton points.

Effective 4/15/05 but you may as well get some practice in. Rearrange the order of those cards in your wallet. :)

What? A rewards program that's actually getting BETTER?!?!

We have the Hilton Amex, but usually prefer the Starwood version. Here's hoping the gas//shopping bonus is offered there as well. Otherwise, I may have to reevaluate my options.

Well I made my first Hilton Million with the help of the card, this will help me along to the second.

Thank you OP and thank you HH !!

Just FYI - Citibank has a Platinum Mastercard that pays the same rate (5% for grocery/gas/drugstore), but in cash.

The Costco AMEX True-Earnings card pays 3% cash for restaurants, 2% cash for travel expenses, 1% everywhere else.

These bennies (with no annual fee attached) really are making me think twice about retaining my airline CC, which costs $$.

Cool. This will definitely cause me to flip-flop the order of my SPG and HH Amexes at the "bonus" locations. I'll still use both of the cards enough to keep healthy balances working in both accounts.

Free never-ending Gold status is nice too. ^

Thank you OP and thank you HH !!

Just FYI - Citibank has a Platinum Mastercard that pays the same rate (5% for grocery/gas/drugstore), but in cash.

The Costco AMEX True-Earnings card pays 3% cash for restaurants, 2% cash for travel expenses, 1% everywhere else.

These bennies (with no annual fee attached) really are making me think twice about retaining my airline CC, which costs $$.

What is the specific brand name of that Citicard? Are there any strings attached to the 5%, or is it just a 5% credit for the "bonus" spending on your next statement? I'm looking for a decent MC to use infrequently - not enough to warrant an airline card - and one that pays 5% at the grocery store (I assume 1% elsewhere?) might fit the bill. I currently use Marriott Visa at a couple of merchants, but the earnings outside of hotels is pretty weak.

I have a Citicard already...I might be able to just switch the credit line over to the 5% flavor...

What is the specific brand name of that Citicard? Are there any strings attached to the 5%, or is it just a 5% credit for the "bonus" spending on your next statement? I'm looking for a decent MC to use infrequently - not enough to warrant an airline card - and one that pays 5% at the grocery store (I assume 1% elsewhere?) might fit the bill. I currently use Marriott Visa at a couple of merchants, but the earnings outside of hotels is pretty weak.

I have a Citicard already...I might be able to just switch the credit line over to the 5% flavor...

AT&T Universal Cash Rewards MC and Dividend Platinum Select MC offer 5% cash rebate on grocery, gas and drug store purchases. Other purchases earn 1% rebate. If you are a big spender, only downside is that the annual rebate is capped at $300 calendar year. I guess you could get around the problem by getting second card (maybe?).

Thanks DH, yes it was the Dividend Plat Select MC I have that i was referring to. So what I've been doing lately is Citibank MC = gas/food/drugs, Costco = restaurants/non-UA/HH travel, HH AMEX = HH, UA Visa = UA.

Of course the issue is that I'm spreading things too thin. But are 5 HH points = 5 cents? I'm thinking more like 2.5 cents.

Thanks DH, yes it was the Dividend Plat Select MC I have that i was referring to. So what I've been doing lately is Citibank MC = gas/food/drugs, Costco = restaurants/non-UA/HH travel, HH AMEX = HH, UA Visa = UA.

Of course the issue is that I'm spreading things too thin. But are 5 HH points = 5 cents? I'm thinking more like 2.5 cents.

I have been using AT&T Cash Reward for gas/grocery/drug/non AmEx places and SPG AmEx. I'm considering switching to HH AmEx. Gold VIP for $20K charge per year looks very attractive...

Effective 4/15/05 but you may as well get some practice in. Rearrange the order of those cards in your wallet. :)

Too late - just did spend $24 for 10.914 gallon of "93" gas :mad:

This is indeed great news. My Hilton Plat Amex will replace the Diners Club card I am going to close.

Gold VIP for $20K charge per year looks very attractive...

Assuming I actually use my HH Amex, I will have Gold status in both MR and HH on a recurring basis due to the credit cards. Which makes me wonder whether SPG Amex will be upgraded to include a similar perk...

Right now, the SPG Amex gets you "Preferred Plus" status at the Starwood hotels. It's a psuedoelite status - I can't say that Starwood has ever treated me badly with that status, but it is definitely not Starwood Gold.

For those who never read the Marriott board, MR Visa usually includes recurring Silver status and a very good set of sign-up bonuses. I happened to get the card during a rarer promo: no sign-up bonuses, but Gold status as long as I retain the card.

1. You will receive three HH points for each US dollar of Eligible Purchases (unchanged).
2. You will receive an additional two HH points for each US dollar at Hilton Family hotels (unchanged).
3. You will receive an additional two HH points for everyday purchases at supermarkets, gas stations, and drug stores that are not departments of superstores or warehouse clubs, and the US Postal Service, dining establishments, and for wireless phone bill payments.
4. If in any calendar year of Cardmembership your Eligible Purchases total $20,000 or more, you will be upgraded to Hilton Gold VIP status for a one year period beginning no later than April of the following calendar year.
5. You will receive 500 Hilton HHonors bonus points for each Qualifying Stay at a participating Hilton Family hotel when the stay is booked online at any Hilton Family hotel website and paid for with the Card.

I added numbers to lbbzman's list for reference below.

I haven't found independent confirmation of the new benefits on any website, but that's not unusual in these things. I'm not questioning lbbzman's reliability, but I'd still like to see this updated somewhere "officially", with fine print and all.

Nevertheless, the updates seem reasonable because:
1 and 2 are No change.
3. Just like the Delta card.
4. We've been hearing about this in leaks from Amex CSR's (another thread, I'll post the link if I find it).
5. This is very much in line with Hilton's obsession to drive bookings to their website(s), though it really isn't much of a bonus in and of itself, but is still a nice add-on.

If anyone finds an updated Amex or HHonors site elucidating these new benefits, please post it.

Still smilling! :D

I haven't found independent confirmation of the new benefits on any website, but that's not unusual in these things. I'm not questioning lbbzman's reliability, but I'd still like to see this updated somewhere "officially", with fine print and all.

If anyone finds an updated Amex or HHonors site elucidating these new benefits, please post it.
I am looking at my online paper statement right now (closed 3/4) and I can confirm everything outlined by the OP!

Couple things:

1) "Everyday purchases" are only eligible in the U.S. So dining out in Paris on the company's expense account will not earn an extra 2 points. (But, "Paris Paris" in LAS is eligible. ;) )

2) Looks like if you're already going to be Gold in 2006, spending more than $20,000 this calendar year will not get you upgraded in 2007 since "you will be upgraded to Hilton Gold VIP status for a one year period beginning no later than April of the following calendar year."

3) I don't understand what the 4/15 effective date applies to... all purchases made on/after 4/15? or all statements closing on/after 4/15?

There were also rumors that spending over $2,500 for 6 months straight could garner Diamond status, though this isn't printed.


Okay, that's too juicy of a nugget for me not to ask: where are you hearing this rumor?

Okay, that's too juicy of a nugget for me not to ask: where are you hearing this rumor?
I removed the "rumor" from my message because I can't find the post to back it up. Might have been another program (Marriott Rewards?) or I'm remembering a past post incorrectly. Sorry about that.

I haven't found independent confirmation of the new benefits on any website, but that's not unusual in these things.

I, too, have looked at both the HH and Amex sites to find confirmation on their "general" sites (rather than on my statement). Nothing yet, but hopefully they will post this information soon.

Like others on this thread, I'm still waiting for the other shoe to drop. I am very excited about these changes, and after taking the Diners beating lately, I am somewhat cynical. Hopefully, these changes don't come with some other "enhancement" to be seen later.

I removed the "rumor" from my message because I can't find the post to back it up. Might have been another program (Marriott Rewards?) or I'm remembering a past post incorrectly. Sorry about that.No, your memory is correct: this was in the thread I referred to about Amex spending earning Gold. (Either that or we are sharing odd dreams that seem like actual memories.) In that thread (or dream ;) a few Amex CSR's are reported to have mentioned it.

Unfortunately with the search down, I can't find the thread. It must have a vague title, as I scanned all thread titles last five - make that TEN - pages for "gold" and "Amex".

No, your memory is correct: this was in the thread I referred to about Amex spending earning Gold. (Either that or we are sharing odd dreams that seem like actual memories.) In that thread (or dream ;) a few Amex CSR's are reported to have mentioned it.

Unfortunately with the search down, I can't find the thread. It must have a vague title, as I scanned all thread titles last five - make that TEN - pages for "gold" and "Amex".

Is this the thread you are looking for?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=367190

No, your memory is correct: this was in the thread I referred to about Amex spending earning Gold. (Either that or we are sharing odd dreams that seem like actual memories.) In that thread (or dream ;) a few Amex CSR's are reported to have mentioned it.

Unfortunately with the search down, I can't find the thread. It must have a vague title, as I scanned all thread titles last five - make that TEN - pages for "gold" and "Amex".

You are both right. I remember this thread as well, particularly since I looked back at my spending and found that I was something like $50 below the threshold for just one of the twelve months prior and had not received any upgrade to Diamond from Amex. Had me a trifle perturbed :) .

I also seem to remember that this was not an "official" policy in writing anywhere (or at least anywhere that the public or the CSRs could see) and that it appeared to be somewhat discretionary and arbitrary on Amex's part. The CSRs could see that it had been applied in various cases, but could not see any rules, etc., and no idea if it was applied to everyone or not. It was all very vague.

Is this the thread you are looking for?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=367190
Thanks dhacker, that's it! See post # 25 by Grog:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3709682&postcount=25

"Verbally, I've learned that AmEx is again offering what they call a courtesy upgrade to Diamond to US Hilton HHonors Platinum AmEx card holders who have over $2,500 in monthly card spend over a consecutive six-month period. Ongoing through April 2006."

The promo Grog discusses is unpublished and uncomfirmed, but not inconceivable after Amex has gone and made public that they will upgrade anyone with $20,000+ in purchases.

It wouldn't surprise me if there were a couple triggers that give a member Diamond status for being a heavy card user.

I got the card in mail today offering us upgrade to Gold if we spend 20,000$ a year on Hilton Am Ex card. Didn't excite me, we are already Diamond!!!

Wow - this is exciting news! My HH AmEx is still pretty shiny new, so I hope it's eligible for this change, too!

I understand Mrs. MileKing's confusion over which card to use for what (which Mr. MileKing wrote about in a related thread.) I had to create a spreadsheet so I can see which rewards card to use for what purchase.

I have the Citi Diamond Preferred, which gives 5 points for supermarkets, gas stations and drugstores (tho I'll probably switch to their cashback version, the Dividend Select) and Chase Profit which gives 3% cashback for restaurants. This HH change beats Profit, plus the cellphone and post office additions are very sweet!

Thanks for this great news!!

Barb

My postcard came in the mail today - mentioned the $20k Gold offer, didn't mention anything related to Diamond. I will give Amex a call sometime this week to ask about that one...

This is really cool. I never thought I'd make HHGold with the frequency of my travel ... just another reason why you should be getting something for using your credit card. Love it.

My postcard came in the mail today - mentioned the $20k Gold offer, didn't mention anything related to Diamond. I will give Amex a call sometime this week to ask about that one...

The agent at Amex told me they did mail to select members an automatic upgrade to Diamond VIP. When asked who qualified and why she could not answer. Anyone have some insight on how to qualify? Anyone get bumped up?

When asked who qualified and why she could not answer. Anyone have some insight on how to qualify?Welcome to FlyerTalk... this was posted earlier in the thread:
"Verbally, I've learned that AmEx is again offering what they call a courtesy upgrade to Diamond to US Hilton HHonors Platinum AmEx card holders who have over $2,500 in monthly card spend over a consecutive six-month period. Ongoing through April 2006."See original discussion here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=367190

My postcard came in the mail todayWould anyone be willing to scan the postcard and post it on the web or e-mail it to me?

Thanks Rut Dog. I had seen that posting and that's the angle I tried to take with Amex. the agent said she was not aware of that program and could find nothing about it. Not sure if she was being completely honest. Had to pull teeth to get any info from her.

Welcome to FlyerTalk... this was posted earlier in the thread:See original discussion here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=367190

I spent $28,000+ last year on my Amex in new charges but didn't get any upgrade to Diamond. I hope to call and ask for a complimentary upgrade for this year since my Gold expires in April.

I spent $28,000+ last year on my Amex in new charges but didn't get any upgrade to Diamond. I hope to call and ask for a complimentary upgrade for this year since my Gold expires in April.

Did you have six consecutive months with over $2500?

Interesting that these new terms do not show up on the HHonors website under ways to earn points. The AMEX Platinum blurb still has just the old terms. I was thinking of getting the card to take advantage of the new, improved incentives pointed out in the OP but now will probably call first to make sure the new terms and not the old ones will apply if I get the card. Perhaps I should wait until April 15? (A very small counterbalance for my income tax payments that day. ;) )

I didn't bother reading the changes on my HHonors Amex statement, so thanks for the update here.

I just switched my cell bill and all gas now goes on the card. ^

I received a mailing from Amex today with new terms and conditions for the Hilton card including the $20,000 purchases in a year for Gold. But if I understand it correctly, even if I charged $20,000 this summer my gold status wouldn't start until April 2006. Why would they want to have you wait so long for the status to start?

After reading this post I took out my latest statement from my HHonors CC. Nothing regarding any changes. Perhaps it will be on my next one.

Too late - just did spend $24 for 10.914 gallon of "93" gas :mad:

Wish I could purchase "87" gas at that price here in Southern California. I don't even want to think about the price on "91" gas. However, I will collect a few more HHonors points everytime I fill up! :D

I just got a letter in the mail from AMEX last week w/ the new terms/conditions.

So, it looks like they are mailing the notice about changes separately from account statements.

BTW, the biggest improvement for me is the earning 5pts/$1 for "dining establishments" part. Other cards like Citibank Dividend and AMEX Blue Cash, you only get extra earnings for drugstore, gas station, supermarkets. So, the "dining establishments" part is really great news especially for those of us who eat out a lot.

I wonder if AMEX is only going to do the "dining establishments" bonus on the Hilton HHonors card... 'cause if they made this change to the Starwood card or even the Blue Cash card, that would be even better.

I'm sure by now most people have seen this but in case you don't, here's the benefits page.

https://www124.americanexpress.com/cards/loyalty.do?page=hiltonhhonors.vip

I just applied for a new HH Amex last nite and got approved instantly online.

I'm making 4 stays to chase after additional 10,000 pts ^

FMM

I'm sure by now most people have seen this but in case you don't, here's the benefits page.

https://www124.americanexpress.com/cards/loyalty.do?page=hiltonhhonors.vip

I just applied for a new HH Amex last nite and got approved instantly online.

I'm making 4 stays to chase after additional 10,000 pts ^

FMM

When does the new benefits package start? I had a recent stay, got all the points, but no 500 online booking bonus.

When does the new benefits package start? I had a recent stay, got all the points, but no 500 online booking bonus.

New benefits started April 15. Since the 500 bonus points are part of the AMEX card benefits and not a direct HHonors benefit, I would expect them to appear as part of your AMEX HHonors point earnings and not be a separate post to your account. If I recall correctly, the bonus points will take 8 weeks to post.

With upcoming weddings and plenty of restaurant bills in my future, YIPPEE!!! I called Amex to reconfirm the new regs. The rep told me new Hilton cards would also be mailed to Amex CC holders beginning in May.Too bad the extra points aren't good at home improvement stores. How good does this make the HH card?

Hey, y'all! ;) Thanks for all the great posting and information. Thanks to you, I noticed the new benefits and applied for the card - granted online within about ten seconds, supposedly in my pocket before I leave for Bs As next Thursday (for a Hilton stay, of course!)

This will be nice with the double / double offer I received (finally! a promo!)

I figure, per $100: 1,000 base points; 1,000 double bonus points; 500 Diamond bonus points; 500 AMEX HH points. And, for the stay, 10,000 first spend AMEX HH points; 2,500 bonus points for 1 of 4 first stays on the card. About 27,000 HHpoints and 500 AA miles + 500 double bonus AA miles... how sweet it is!

(I won't get the 500 point booking bonus - the room would cost about $20 more per night if I booked it now, and it could increase even more in the next few days. Sigh!)

With judicious use (HH and HH bookings, Verizon, gasoline, drugstores, USPS, supermarkets and Lady JDiver with an additional card on the same account... I can see the points mounting up. Thanks again, FTriends! ^

I just signed up for the HH AMEX and got 20,000 points. This is probably the best deal going for CC's.

Actually, there's one better - you and I both missed out on it. AMEX is offering a HH Plat card with 25,000 points for the first purchase. I saw it on FT after I signed up, of course. :( I suspect a Search in Hilton HHonors for "25,000" would bring it up - I wonder if we can call HH CS and ask for the extra 5,000 points?

I just signed up for the HH AMEX and got 20,000 points. This is probably the best deal going for CC's.

I am very annoyed! :mad:

I just got my statement under the new enhanced earning terms. I had 3 restaurant charges, and all of them calculated at 3 points each, not 5. Called AMEX and rep told me only 'certain' restaurants qualified, not all, and the ones I dined at did not qualify. I asked her for a list of qualifying restaurants, and she said that there wasn't one :confused: So I proceeded to inquire about 5 or 6 restaurants that I frequent and asked if they qualified; none did. I told her it was very misleading. She said it must be things like chains, etc. So I had her try Applebees and TGIFridays; they did not 'qualify' either.

Anyone get their 5 points at any restaurants yet????

I am very annoyed! :mad:

I just got my statement under the new enhanced earning terms. I had 3 restaurant charges, and all of them calculated at 3 points each, not 5. Called AMEX and rep told me only 'certain' restaurants qualified, not all, and the ones I dined at did not qualify. I asked her for a list of qualifying restaurants, and she said that there wasn't one :confused: So I proceeded to inquire about 5 or 6 restaurants that I frequent and asked if they qualified; none did. I told her it was very misleading. She said it must be things like chains, etc. So I had her try Applebees and TGIFridays; they did not 'qualify' either.

Anyone get their 5 points at any restaurants yet????

I never thought about looking to see if I have been getting the 5 points until your post. Well, none of my restaurants dines were awarded 5! :td: At least I am getting Idine miles on UA! :p

I am very annoyed! :mad:

I just got my statement under the new enhanced earning terms. I had 3 restaurant charges, and all of them calculated at 3 points each, not 5. Called AMEX and rep told me only 'certain' restaurants qualified, not all, and the ones I dined at did not qualify. I asked her for a list of qualifying restaurants, and she said that there wasn't one :confused: So I proceeded to inquire about 5 or 6 restaurants that I frequent and asked if they qualified; none did. I told her it was very misleading. She said it must be things like chains, etc. So I had her try Applebees and TGIFridays; they did not 'qualify' either.

Anyone get their 5 points at any restaurants yet????


I wasn't about to break out a 9 page bill to see if all the points posted, especially since the program started mid-month, but I did call AMEX. I was told that ALL restaurant charges will receive the 5 points for mile as long as the business's primary role is that of a bar/restaurant. In the reps words, " You won't get 5 points for buying a hotdog at Costco" She did mention that the offer is for everything from McDonald's to The Laundry ( if they accept amex ;) ).

It seems like it is on the up and up and my old Gold Card is going in a drawer while this program is offered. ^

All my restaurant charges were at bonafide 'restaurants'. Also, Applebees and TGIFridays would seem to be 'restaurants' and the rep told me that they did not qualify.

I would be interested in people checking their statement to see if they are actually getting the 5 points. My statement had a summary at the end giving the details of the charges and what 'point value' they were calculated at. This was my first month with a new card, so we had very few charges. Unfortunately, all were at the 3 point level!

This was my first month with a new card, so we had very few charges. Unfortunately, all were at the 3 point level!


What were the dates of the charges? The new points system didn't go into effect until 4/15.

I reexamined my bill and I'm confident I received all of my points under the new program.

Mine was fine, too, with everything calculated correctly. I have been charging an enormous storm since 4/15 so I will check my bill very carefully next week.

Since it is mentioned in another thread thanks to maberlin, I thought I'd recap the OP and add the link to the AXON thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=423069&highlight=AXON)

AXON -
An Exclusive Hotel Reward
Only Hilton HHonors Platinum Credit Cardmembers can receive four nights at any Category 5 or Category 6 Hilton Family hotel worldwide for only 125,000 HHonors points. To redeem this reward, please call 1-800-920-5649 and request Reward Code AXON.

This could save you some of those points if you're not staying for 5 - 6 nights... (maberlin :-: , THANKS!) AX and you might receive... :p

I just noticed that my latest HH Amex statement includes new text regarding the accumulation of HH points. I'm unable to copy the text and paste it here, but here are the highlights:


You will receive three HH points for each US dollar of Eligible Purchases (unchanged).
You will receive an additional two HH points for each US dollar at Hilton Family hotels (unchanged).
You will receive an additional two HH points for everyday purchases at supermarkets, gas stations, and drug stores that are not departments of superstores or warehouse clubs, and the US Postal Service, dining establishments, and for wireless phone bill payments.
If in any calendar year of Cardmembership your Eligible Purchases total $20,000 or more, you will be upgraded to Hilton Gold VIP status for a one year period beginning no later than April of the following calendar year.
You will receive 500 Hilton HHonors bonus points for each Qualifying Stay at a participating Hilton Family hotel when the stay is booked online at any Hilton Family hotel website and paid for with the Card.


They've also changed some T&Cs around the grace period, how the APR is determined, arbitration, etc. All in all, though, I am very pleased with the changes, and as I will most likely be dropping my Diners card when it is up for renewal, it looks like my HH Amex will be my new card of choice.

Cheers,
LBBZman

P.S. Edited to add: The effective date for these changes is 4/15/05.

I just signed up for the HH AMEX and got 20,000 points. This is probably the best deal going for CC's.

Nice! ^ In an era where most travel-related products are getting worse for the customer, the 3 major hotel credit cards all continue to offer a pretty good product. It took me long enough, but I've dumped all of my airline cards and just carry HH/SPG Amexes and MR Visa.

AXON -
An Exclusive Hotel Reward
Only Hilton HHonors Platinum Credit Cardmembers can receive four nights at any Category 5 or Category 6 Hilton Family hotel worldwide for only 125,000 HHonors points. To redeem this reward, please call 1-800-920-5649 and request Reward Code AXON.


Wow, I hadn't been following this thread and saw AXON pop up in another thread. Does anyone know if this is a promotion, or if it is more of a permanant award. If it is a promotion then I need to book some trips quickly :)

Also the statements carry an "*" which states that the bonus points (the extra 2 pts) will appear on the statement that follows the charges. So if your bill closed on 6/28 and you have a charge that should have qualified for the extra pts say you purchased $100 in gas (not from eating LoL) the extra 200 points wont be on this statement but will be added onto your next statement.

It means having to wait and to remember to recheck it to make sure you got the proper amount. should be easy for me cause if I wont earn 5 pts and only 3 cause of the type of transaction (eg Staying at a Hotel other then a Hil) I dont plan on using the card.

Since it is mentioned in another thread thanks to maberlin, I thought I'd recap the OP and add the link to the AXON thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=423069&highlight=AXON)

AXON -
...

Thanks, JDiver! I will update my original post to have the additional benefit in the list.

Cheers,
LBBZman

LBBZman :-: , thanks for the OP, and amending it. Folks will be able to dfind the ful info at the beginning, and they should be able to catch it all here too, even if it is a couple of posts.

Thanks, JDiver! I will update my original post to have the additional benefit in the list.

Cheers,
LBBZman

So how accurately have your points been assigned? I've noticed that two sets of points get posted over to my HH account after each cc statement, one for 3 pts/$, a second for what I presume is the additional 2 pts/$.

The first month I had the card, I had fewer of the extra 2 pts than I thought I should, but it was only off by a little. This time around I think they've forgotten 4200 pts, so I'm going to give them a call and be more insistent about it.

Has anyone succeeded in sending them a spreadsheet of your transactions and the points you think should be assigned, and having them send back a corrected copy? I told them my point total for the last period was too low, and the agent said they'd send an itemized list of how many points were assigned to each transaction-- and what I got back was a letter saying, 'hey, we checked the points we gave you and we're right', which doesn't do much good at all....

My points post in a single lump sum, and have been correct with the following caveat -- purchases you think are eligible for the extra 2 points may be different from what Amex thinks are eligible. Points are awarded based on how the merchant is coded in Amex's system.

For instance, there's a grocery store I frequent that's coded as retail and not grocery, and thus doesn't accrue the 5 points/$.

I called Amex the other day and told them that since I'm already Gold, the weekly direct-mail pieces inviting me to earn Gold status by using my card and useless. I asked if there were any current promos for Diamond - I even prompted them by saying I could potentially spend quite a bit per month across a series of months.

A couple of different calls yielded nothing. Even got a supervisor on the phone, and he said he'd never heard of such a thing. He said "call Hilton".

Has anyone here made a similar call recently and, if so, what were the results?

So how accurately have your points been assigned? I've noticed that two sets of points get posted over to my HH account after each cc statement, one for 3 pts/$, a second for what I presume is the additional 2 pts/$
There's a one month lag in posting the additional 2 pts/$. My points have always been right on.

if you look at your online HHonors account point activity and look at non-hotel points, you probably will see the point transfers. For my first month I had the correct amount of points for the basic 3, and then slightly less than I calculated for the additional 2. (The numbers posted at about the same time -- I'm not sure why the AmEx statement has the one month delay for the extra 2)

However, for the past month (which again, shows up in my non-hotel activity), I'm WAY under for the additional 2. I have several HHonors hotel stays and it looks like none of them got the points associated... Which is really really bad.

Also, they haven't given me the 2500 points / hotel stay that I should have gotten for my first 4 that I paid with the card. I got *one* of them, but not the others. When I called the DD (amex said they don't handle the 2500 point bonuses), they responded with some garbage about having to actually pay the card. From what I could tell, the line they quoted was that I had to pay for the stay with the card, not that I had to pay the card. In any case, they had given me 1 of the 4 bonuses, so I'm not sure where they pulled that from... In any case, I've now paid the last two statements, and they haven't given me the remaining 7500 points, so I'm calling back, because they're wrong no matter how badly they misread the T&C.

Actually, this is annoying. !

BUMP

gleff, mileking, pinniped, or others who may know...any futher confirmation that high spending yields HHONORS Diamond ? Starting to get the itch to spread my spending to another hotel program, and while I still believe starwood and the spg/amex card has the best BANG FOR THE BUCK, per se, I am getting disproportionately weighted now, and we know now every jan spg dilutes substantially. Plus recent stays w/ some starwood properties have been less than fulfilling, and if I had diamond w/ HH, I would absolutely be back into collecting HH points, but only w/ the Diamond level underpinning support. I have comp HH GOLD by virtue of the CENT card, but Gold w/ HH is underwhelming.

Please advise recent experiences if you have this AMEX HH ccard and have been able earn Diamond either via undocumented perk, or random uppgrade that you had not expected, etc.

...any futher confirmation that high spending yields HHONORS Diamond ?
Nothing so far. I've e-mailed them (via planetfeedback.com, the FT e-mail address, and the Hhonors customer service address) the suggestion that they consider giving top-end status for high HH Amex spending, like $100-150K annually. I also did this for SPG. So far I haven't heard squat, other than the standard canned reply (although Starwood Lurker did send me a nice e-mail - I found out we share an affinity for a particular brand of scotch). I think that for either of them to offer a published benefit like this is a little too far outside the box. It would be helpful if Amex pressed the issue with them - they both have something to gain from it.

Just in case, I'm making sure I get $2,500 a month on the card. Hey - you never know.

<< Just in case, I'm making sure I get $2,500 a month on the card. Hey - you never know.>>

singlemalt, I always value your input as well on this unique way to earn mega-points and miles...have you hit the 6+ month duration that you may be in the "consideration zone" yet ?

<< Just in case, I'm making sure I get $2,500 a month on the card. Hey - you never know.>>

singlemalt, I always value your input as well on this unique way to earn mega-points and miles...have you hit the 6+ month duration that you may be in the "consideration zone" yet ?I have. When I get a minute, I will give them a call.

singlemalt, I always value your input as well on this unique way to earn mega-points and miles...have you hit the 6+ month duration that you may be in the "consideration zone" yet ?Many thanks. I'll hit the 6-month mark with my next billing statement.

My understanding in talking with Amex is that Gold status for hitting the $25K mark is not awarded until after the end of calendar year (I called after hitting it a few months ago). If this is correct, then I would assume that Diamond status would follow suit - if it follows at all.

I hit the $20,000 spending mark on my AMEX and tried calling to get the Gold VIP upgrade as I will be leaving for Vienna and Prague in two weeks. I spoke with an AMEX customer service rep in India who said I had to call Hilton Honors for the upgrade. I called Hilton Honors who said that AMEX has to do the upgrade, but it is an automatic process which takes 6 weeks. Has anyone been successful in getting the gold upgrade quicker? Thanks.

My understanding in talking with Amex is that Gold status for hitting the $25K mark is not awarded until after the end of calendar year.Well, I was off on this one.

I looked at my account for the first time in a couple of weeks and noticed that I was bumped back up to Gold. An HHonors CSR said it came from "an Amex promotion" on 11/28/05 (I can only assume it was from the $25K spending) and it was good through 4/30/07.

Hope the Diamond thing works just as easily - I'm still putting $2,500/month on the card (just in case).

BUMP

gleff, mileking, pinniped, or others who may know...any futher confirmation that high spending yields HHONORS Diamond ? Starting to get the itch to spread my spending to another hotel program, and while I still believe starwood and the spg/amex card has the best BANG FOR THE BUCK, per se, I am getting disproportionately weighted now, and we know now every jan spg dilutes substantially. Plus recent stays w/ some starwood properties have been less than fulfilling, and if I had diamond w/ HH, I would absolutely be back into collecting HH points, but only w/ the Diamond level underpinning support. I have comp HH GOLD by virtue of the CENT card, but Gold w/ HH is underwhelming.

Please advise recent experiences if you have this AMEX HH ccard and have been able earn Diamond either via undocumented perk, or random uppgrade that you had not expected, etc.

I called twice a couple of weeks apart and asked about the Diamond perk, and both times I was told "We don't know anything about that." I told 'em that I would be willing to push $5k/month for 6 months through HH Amex, and I didn't even get a sniff. They just played dumb. Asked to speak with the manager and all...everybody played dumb.

I'm currently Gold, yet they continue to snail-mail-spam me with postcards about the $20k offer. What a waste of paper.

I'm currently Gold, yet they continue to snail-mail-spam me with postcards about the $20k offer. What a waste of paper.

I've never received more spam/postcards about a promotion.

There's a one month lag in posting the additional 2 pts/$. My points have always been right on.
:confused:

It used to be easy to calculate points earned; multiply dollars spent by 3. It's nice that AMEX gives us 2 extra points for certain purchases. But why can't they calculate the point contribution of say a grocery store instantly? They certainly have that info on the vendor's file? It makes it difficult, if not impossible to accurately determine the points earned in a month.

There is a lag? I always have more points than I should have, as if they think certain places are 5x that I think are 3x.

I always get all the points for a given month listed on my AMEX statement. I've gone through and separated out the 5 points items from the 3 point items, and almost invariable they come in anywhere from 5 to 10 points over what I calculate.

I always get all the points for a given month listed on my AMEX statement. I've gone through and separated out the 5 points items from the 3 point items, and almost invariable they come in anywhere from 5 to 10 points over what I calculate.

I dont get the 5 points from items that should give 5, so I called up AMEX. They explained that on 5 point items, I get 3 immediately and 2 the following month. That's why I wonder with all the sophisticated systems, why can't AMEX give me the 5 points immediately.

On a related matter, On a new card, where 10K points are 0ffered for the first usage. Those points take 90 days to show up according to AMEX.

The month lag is only on the Amex statement.

If you check your point balance online for HHonors, it shows an entry for 3x$ for the base points, and another entry for the 2x$ bonus points. At least, it used to. The past couple months it hasn't been so cut and dry, so it's hard to trace everything.

:confused:

As it so happens, I got my AMEX bill yesterday, there was no breakout of 3 pt. s vs. 5 pts. Also On the right hand corner of the first page it shows "Hilton HHonors bonus points earned this period" Actually this is not correct. In my case it is the total points awarded this period - not earned.

On another issue, On the second line for every item on my bill, the category of vendor is listed; so if Grocery store/supermarket were listed, I would expect 5 points for that expenditure.

Now having recently returned from Europe, I notice that the second line for all purchaces in Europe are listed as "Goods/services" even resturaunts. I will be supprised if
I got 5 points for any European expenditures. Perhaps AMEX would claim that the 5 points isued for certain catigories is valid only in the USA?

gleff, mileking, pinniped, and simglemalt, thanks for the updates and responses. I just got another solicitation from AMEX/HHONORs and think I will take a run at it and see how it goes.

As starwood converts property after property to condos in their most-prestigious locations, I can read between the lines there. I am happy about starwood's La Meridian acquisition, and their moves to add snow/ski resort properties, but don't like losing various St Regis properties (or parts of the property, such as Aspen and NYC) to condo conversion is ominous.

So..may be time to share the wealth (spread the risk) w/ Hilton a bit. :)

The month lag is only on the Amex statement.

If you check your point balance online for HHonors, it shows an entry for 3x$ for the base points, and another entry for the 2x$ bonus points. At least, it used to. The past couple months it hasn't been so cut and dry, so it's hard to trace everything.Are we talking about the same card? My points post to HH in a lump sum, with no lag.

Also, my statement lists the category (as does my Starwood Amex statement) but I get 5 points/$ for one incorrectly designated "automotive dealer" so I don't think that is what is driving the points calculation.

Are we talking about the same card? My points post to HH in a lump sum, with no lag.

Also, my statement lists the category (as does my Starwood Amex statement) but I get 5 points/$ for one incorrectly designated "automotive dealer" so I don't think that is what is driving the points calculation.

same for me, points credit correctly within 2-4 days after the statement is prepared. Nothing to complain.

I am interested in primarily using my Hilton AMEX instead of my *wood to try to hit the $20k mark for the upgrade to Gold VIP. I called AMEX to confirm my understanding of how the process will work and I have received three different responses!! At this point, I am inclined to keep my Hilton AMEX in the background and only use it for the 5 pointers due to the wide inconsistency of the responses I received (franly, I think even these CSRs have no clue and just make it up!)

Does anyone know the Definite answer on this? More specifically, let' say I hit the $20k mark around July...When do I become Gold and, more importantly, when will my Gold status expire?

Has anyone received Gold status in this manner, how did it work?

Thank you.

Does anyone know the Definite answer on this? More specifically, let' say I hit the $20k mark around July...When do I become Gold and, more importantly, when will my Gold status expire?

Has anyone received Gold status in this manner, how did it work?

Thank you.SIL got to $20K and called about her gold. They gave her some mumbo-jumbo about next April, but as soon as her statement closed totalling $20K, the gold showed up online. I am planning on this working for me as mine expires 4/06.

The month lag is only on the Amex statement.

If you check your point balance online for HHonors, it shows an entry for 3x$ for the base points, and another entry for the 2x$ bonus points. At least, it used to. The past couple months it hasn't been so cut and dry, so it's hard to trace everything.Mine track fairly well - they're still getting it to within a couple of points of what I come up with.

I don't understand why they even print a point total on the top right hand corner of the first page of the statement. It's a meaningless number - like the MR point number they give you on your statement with an MR card.

Are we talking about the same card? My points post to HH in a lump sum, with no lag.Mine did, too, until last month. For some reason, they gave me two line items: one for the 3X points, and another for the 2X.

Since folks report different experiences with Customer Service, I thought I'd ask here.

What if your total for 2005 is just short of $20K on your last statement for the year? Can you pay the January bill early?

From July when I got the card through my current statement with payment due by 12/19, I have spent $17600. By year end I will easily be over $20K charged in total.

If I send payment for the last $2400 so as to get there before 12/31, will I make Gold?

Sure wish I'd seen this offer a little earlier, and also the rumored Diamond with 6 consecutive months of $2500+.

Thanks.

Sure wish I'd seen this offer a little earlier, and also the rumored Diamond with 6 consecutive months of $2500+.If it was more than a rumor I'd put $10k on the card for 12 consecutive months...

A question about AXON awards. I don't need another credit card; DL Skymiles Amex and HHonors Visa are all I carry. However, I am about to make four night award stay at W=A. Getting it for 125K instead of 160K will be a nice bennie. Do I just apply call for AXON award at any time? Can I use Diamond Force for AXON? Any other limitations?

thanks,
Marc

A question about AXON awards. I don't need another credit card; DL Skymiles Amex and HHonors Visa are all I carry. However, I am about to make four night award stay at W=A. Getting it for 125K instead of 160K will be a nice bennie. Do I just apply call for AXON award at any time? Can I use Diamond Force for AXON? Any other limitations?

thanks,
Marc

The AXON award is only available as an HHonors Amex cardholder. "officially" you will need to get the HHonors Amex card if you want to make use of this award. I don't know if others have been successful at getting the award without having the Amex...but I would assume not. If you don't really want another card...you should apply for the HHonors Amex, get your 10,000 point bonus (or whatever they're currently offering - I'm not up to speed regarding the current CC offer) redeeem your AXON award and then cancel the card if you don't want it. The card has no annual fee though...so if you think you might want the award in the future, just keep the card in your drawer and don't use it for purchases...but "use" it for AXON awards :) . As far as the diamond force...I'm sure it would work similar to any other diamond force award (similar to a GLONP2 or any other)...but being that I'm not diamond...I can't speak from experience.

What if your total for 2005 is just short of $20K on your next-last statement for the year? Can you pay the Dec. 29-dropping/January-due bill early?

From July when I got the card through my current statement with payment due by 12/19, I have spent $17600. By year end I will easily be over $20K charged in total.

If I send payment for the last $2400 so as to get there before 12/31, will I make Gold?


Well, I prepaid my Dec. 29 HHilton Amex statement so as to get over $20,000 for the calendar year 2005 (payment had been due Jan 19, 2006) and lo-and-behold I am Gold as of this morning. Didn't take the supposed 6-8 weeks for the change in status.

I feel all toasty-yellow.

I recently received my new Gold card accompanied by a welcome letter (emphasized verbatim) mentioning my Amex spending:Dear Mr. Rut Dog,

Welcome to Hilton HHonors Gold VIP Status! Thank you for your loyalty to the Hilton HHonors Platinum Credit Card from American Express! As a result of spending $20,000 on your Card, we are pleased to introduce you to Gold VIP status.My previous status was set to expire April 2006. I haven't had a chance to call, but presume the new status is good until April 2007.

If you are new to Gold status you should know that the Exp. Date on the card has nothing to do with status expiration.

You must call to get the status expiration date -- this simple piece of information is not found on the website, even with all the new stuff on rolling qualification

My previous status was set to expire April 2006. I haven't had a chance to call, but presume the new status is good until April 2007.

If you are new to Gold status you should know that the Exp. Date on the card has nothing to do with status expiration. I just called, and the lesson to pass on is: DON'T BELIEVE THE FIRST THING THEY TELL YOU. ;)

First, he said I needed one stay in 2006 to maintain Gold.

I pressed for my expiration date from the Amex Gold upgrade.

He then said I needed 6 stays by the end of June 2006.

I pressed again, re-emphasizing the Amex Gold (repeat after me: "I got Gold from the Amex card").HH: "Oh, I see, you are good until April 30."

RD: "Of what year?" (A bit incredulous by now.)

HH: "2008"

RD: "Two thousand EIGHT?" (Pleasantly surprised.)

HH: "Yes. In December your Gold status was extended through April 2007. Then in January it was extended to 2008."LOL, but good news is good news, even if you get it by pulling teeth.

The new rolling qualification system has certainly got everyone confused... and distracted, when the question is simple: "When does my status expire?"

I'm sure the customer service computer system is not simple.

Oh, and FWIW, my card shows 2007, and the letter is dated December 20 :rolleyes: .

I only received my HH Amex in May, and did not get to charge my $20K for Gold upgrade during 2006. I should go over the $20K by the end of January, but the info from Amex says that the $20K in charges to upgrade to Gold should be during the calandar year. Do you think I will have to wait another year and make sure I have enough charges in 2006? My current Gold status will run out in April and I don't have enough nights to qualify. If I need to appeal to a higher authority, would I call AMEX or Hilton Honors? (Who pays for my upgrade?) Thanks for your help.

A question about AXON awards. I don't need another credit card; DL Skymiles Amex and HHonors Visa are all I carry. However, I am about to make four night award stay at W=A. Getting it for 125K instead of 160K will be a nice bennie. Do I just apply call for AXON award at any time? Can I use Diamond Force for AXON? Any other limitations?

thanks,
Marc

To answer your questions;
a) Yes you can apply for an AXON award anytime, but you must call in to the HH desk and tell them specifically thats the award you want and have it e-mailed to you..
b) Yes done that, you can use the AXON for a Diamond "Special Request" award am not sure if you can for the " force" when HH contacts a sold out property and negociates a room on your behalf ( there are two types of Diamond requests which some end up calling often incorrectly a "force")
c) Although I do have a HH Amex no questions was asked by the Diamond desk as to whether I do or not. Perhaps they could see that for my profile.

mike

Has anyone received Gold status in this manner, how did it work?

Thank you.

We've kept Gold status this way. We got Gold in early 2005 through the infamous CTCH promotion. For those unfamiliar, Hilton gave it to anyone who called and asked, then about 6 mos. later started yanking it back after auditing and finding that most people did not have the requisite Citibank Chairman's Preferred credit card. Ours never did get revoked and I think it was because we'd spent enough on the Amex.

For us, everything goes on the Amex at least till we hit that threshold. We pay in full every month, so interest rates aren't a concern.

Has anyone received Gold status in this manner, how did it work?

My wife and I (mutual fund account) just received a letter recently stating that we are "now" gold from having spent more than $20K in a year on our HHonors Amex (actually we've been gold for quite a while - and are "lifetime" gold based on HGVC ownership). Honestly, I can't give you specifics of how long our gold status is for based on the $20K because of our "lifetime" status. Our cards now say 4/2007 (previously 4/2006 - though many posts on these forums indicate you can't trust the dates on the card). I can, however, confrim that we did recieve official notification that we were gold based on Amex spending...so the program does work though I can't be more helpful in regards to duration, etc....

I decided to check my Dec. Statement only to find out:

Qual. Spend thru DEC 2005 statement 19,940.38

Can't get much closer. What a bummer. :mad:

Gold status would be great. Anyone know if they make exceptions? who would I contact? Amex?

I do this periodically...I bust a couple of phone calls and ask around about the "rumors" about Diamond-level Amex spending. I'm about to embark on a couple of said phone calls, but was wondering if anyone here has any recent updates.

Beginning Jan 1, I tossed my SPG Amex in a drawer and began using HH Amex. When I hit $20k (by April or so), I'll probably switch back...unless there is a Diamond tease to keep me going with HH.

I decided to check my Dec. Statement only to find out:

Qual. Spend thru DEC 2005 statement 19,940.38

Can't get much closer. What a bummer. :mad:

Gold status would be great. Anyone know if they make exceptions? who would I contact? Amex?

Call AMEX and ask to speak to a supervisor. Explain your situation. I would be surprised if they didn't go ahead and give it to you for $59.62 under the pre-set spending amount.

I recently received my new Gold card accompanied by a welcome letter (emphasized verbatim) mentioning my Amex spending:My previous status was set to expire April 2006. I haven't had a chance to call, but presume the new status is good until April 2007.


I received the same letter in mid-January, accompanied by a Gold card indicating an 04/07 expiration. Yesterday I received the same letter (again), accompanied by a Gold card indicating an 04/08 epiration. :confused: My first attempt with a CSR to confirm the expiration date was futile ( :mad: ), so I'll try again later.

If you are new to Gold status you should know that the Exp. Date on the card has nothing to do with status expiration.

I would assume that this statement is inaccurate vis-a-vis Gold earned through the AMEX spend.

I do this periodically...I bust a couple of phone calls and ask around about the "rumors" about Diamond-level Amex spending. I'm about to embark on a couple of said phone calls, but was wondering if anyone here has any recent updates.

Beginning Jan 1, I tossed my SPG Amex in a drawer and began using HH Amex. When I hit $20k (by April or so), I'll probably switch back...unless there is a Diamond tease to keep me going with HH.

Any luck on this? I have ~$40,000 spending last year on my Hilton Amex and am looking for effective ways to try to get Diamond.