Hilton HHonors - HHonors AmEx Point Change

I noticed the following change to my agreement in my last statement.

Effective Jan. 1, 2009.


"Points Accumulation Agreement
We are replacing the first two paragraphs of the Points Accumulation Agreement with the following:
"You will receive three Hilton HHonors bonus points for each U.S. dollar of "Eligible Spending" (as defined below) on your Hilton HHonors
Card from American Express (the "Card").
You will receive three additional Hilton HHonors bonus points (for a total of six Hilton HHonors bonus points) for each U.S. dollar of Eligible
Spending at the following categories of merchants, excluding warehouse clubs and superstores: supermarkets; drug stores; stand-alone
gas stations; and home telephone, wireless, cable, satellite TV, and Internet service providers.
You will receive three additional Hilton HHonors bonus points (for a total of six Hilton HHonors bonus points) for each U.S. dollar of Eligible
Spending on the Card at any Hilton Family hotel worldwide (excluding Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare purchases and package sales).All points are accumulated subject to the terms set forth below and to Hilton HHonors Terms and Conditions.
Hilton HHonors membership, earning of Points & Milesæ, and redemption of points are subject to Hilton HHonors Terms and Conditions."

I also notice that the Post Office is no longer a category of merchant that earns additional points.

so you are basically saying that we'll earn 6 instead of 5 points/$ at the higher categories?
That's great news.

Good news indeed - for some categories

Goodbye US Post Office. Goodbye restaurants :sob!: Hello SureWest*!

My choice now for restaurants will be between 1 AA mile or 3 HHonors points per dollar spent,m in addition to the AAdvantage Dining miles.



*My phone, HISA and TV provider.

Didn't restaurants used to be included in the bonus list? I don't see them in this new list anywhere..

Yes, restaurants are currently part of the list. I guess that is the main tradeoff for having an extra point for the other categories.

Yes, restaurants are currently part of the list. I guess that is the main tradeoff for having an extra point for the other categories.

Shoot.. I guess that might work out better for some, but I have traditionally earned a lot of bonus points on restaurant spending through meals on the road with co-workers. This is disappointing news.

I did not realize that restaurants were not in the new list anymore. That's not good. They're the most of my 5x spending. It was also easy to get plenty of points when going out to lunch with co-workers, taking the cash off the table and putting the whole tab on the card.

Yes, restaurants are currently part of the list. I guess that is the main tradeoff for having an extra point for the other categories.

Hrmmm...

The extra point is nice, but, losing the restaurants is a major bummer.

I have a better card for gas/groceries/pharmacies (5%), and my cable company doesn't even take AMEX.

Restaurants was definitely my BIG spending category for this card.


So, in my case, although I'm getting a better bonus, it's in categories I can't/won't use.
:/

I noticed on the American Express Website I currently cannot find any additional information on the Hilton Card or even see it listed in card side by side comparisons--possibly to update the listed changes in the thread and possibly more changes???

sdcarver

Not good news, I use the card exclusively for the USPS. I've spent about $80k with the USPS this year.

This is going to encourage more HH spending for me in the new 6 HH point category for sure.

The Costco Amex (Business Card) gives 3% cashback on restaurants. Worth roughly what 5 HH points are, I'd say, and almost certainly better than 3.

It also give 5% cashback on gasoline and 2% at hotels/rental cars/airfares and a variety of other useful ~3-5% discounts for Hertz, FedEx, DL, Marriott, etc.

You do have to cash the annual check at a Costco.

Sorry, I have to ask the obvious & dumb question. Are restaurants now at a 3 point reward rate?

I specifically got the HH AMEX for the restaurant, grocery store and gas station bonus points so this really is a negative development for my spending patern. Now the card will only be used for the other two categories getting 6 pts. per $. Will now have to decide if my restaurant spending will go back to my SPG AMEX or which card I want to use moving forward. The one additional point for the other categories will definitely not make up for the loss of the restaurant bonus! :mad:

Is the Hilton card worth getting to use for just one large expense at a Hilton property verus using a starwood card? An expense large enough that would put you imediately over bonus point threshold?

I noticed the following change to my agreement in my last statement.Effective Jan. 1, 2009.

Ok, last night when I got home I check both of my last statements (Oct. 14 and Nov. 14) and see nothing about this change. What statement of yours had the notice? Is it likely to be on my Dec. 14 statement? I would think (hope) they would give a longer advanced notice than that of these changes.

I haven't gotten an email yet, but let's see if I've got it right:

1. This is the Hilton Platinum AMEX card, right?

2. Hilton, gas station, and grocery stores went from 5 to 6 pts/$, right?

3. No more Post Office or restaurant bonuses (they go back to 3 pts/$), right?

Since my USPS spend is no more than a couple hundred a year, and I seldom go to restaurants, this is in effect a 20% kickup on my annual gas/food spend.

If all this is correct, it's a very nice deal for me.

If all this is correct, it's a very nice deal for me.
Sounds right to me if the changes listed in the OP are indeed correct. (As stated in my last post I haven't received any notification of changes at all!)

I am in a different boat than you with these changes! Typically my monthly restaurant charges account for at least 60-70% of my HH AMEX bill and with this change I will loose lots of earning potential on the card. Darn that I eat out too much! Should be cutting back anyway but I also charge business meals on the card too.

IMHO I think the title to this tread should be changed to something like "Changes to HH AMEX earnings effective Jan. 1" the current title makes it sound like all the changes are positive ones.

I didn't notice the reductions at first.

:(

Ok, last night when I got home I check both of my last statements (Oct. 14 and Nov. 14) and see nothing about this change. What statement of yours had the notice? Is it likely to be on my Dec. 14 statement? I would think (hope) they would give a longer advanced notice than that of these changes.



It was on a statement with a closing date of 2 Dec. 2008.

Sure, why not? I don't use my Hilton Amex card much, but with no annual fee, why worry? :D

As of today (Dec. 10, 2008), the AMEX website (http://www201.americanexpress.com/getthecard/learn-about/Hiton-HHonors-Platinum) is still showing the old point earning scheme:

Earn 5 HHonors bonus points for every eligible dollar you spend at Hilton Family hotels, gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets, drugstores, the U.S. Postal Service, and on wireless phone bills. Earn 3 HHonors bonus points for every eligible dollar charged everywhere else.

Didn't restaurants used to be included in the bonus list? I don't see them in this new list anywhere..
The loss of restaurants is a major one for me. We racked up thousands of bonus points with them. I noticed that right away.

I haven't gotten an email yet, but let's see if I've got it right:

1. This is the Hilton Platinum AMEX card, right?

2. Hilton, gas station, and grocery stores went from 5 to 6 pts/$, right?

3. No more Post Office or restaurant bonuses (they go back to 3 pts/$), right?

Since my USPS spend is no more than a couple hundred a year, and I seldom go to restaurants, this is in effect a 20% kickup on my annual gas/food spend.

If all this is correct, it's a very nice deal for me.
Curuously, as per the notice (I also received it with a statemant), they are specifically deleting the term Platinum from the program and just calling it Hilton Hhonors AMEX.

Curuously, as per the notice (I also received it with a statemant), they are specifically deleting the term Platinum from the program and just calling it Hilton Hhonors AMEX.

That is probably smart because I have seen a lot of threads all over the internet with people thinking that they are entitled to Amex Platinum privaleges because their Hilton Amex says Platinum.

That is probably smart because I have seen a lot of threads all over the internet with people thinking that they are entitled to Amex Platinum privaleges because their Hilton Amex says Platinum.

I agree! They did this to the Starwood AMEX a while back too. It used to have the term "Platinum" on the front and when they changed the card design they removed it so there is not mention of Platinum on the SPG AMEX any more. I don't quite understand how people got confused...maybe because I also have an AMEX Platinum card and understand the difference.:D Why would people think they get the Platinum benefits that cost Plat. members $450 a year for free with the HH card and with the SPG card. :rolleyes:

Hrmmm...

The extra point is nice, but, losing the restaurants is a major bummer.

I have a better card for gas/groceries/pharmacies (5%), and my cable company doesn't even take AMEX.

Restaurants was definitely my BIG spending category for this card.



80% of the charges on my HH AMEX were from restaurants:mad:. I also just got my parents to sign up for the HH AMEX card as well becasue of their high spend at restaurants as well:mad:...*wood is looking more attractive for the both of us now :eek:

Wow, didn't even see this (maybe I should read my statements more carefully):

^ to 20% increase on some categories.
:td: to loss of restaurants. Like many here, I used the HH exclusively when dining out.
:rolleyes: for USPS for me, I go there like 3x/year - not like some of you ebayers. :D

I'm in the same boat. Restaurants, supermarkets and (formerly) gas were my big spends. With restaurants gone, should I pick up a Starwood card for restaurants spend instead? What's the best card for restaurant spend out there?

I'm in the same boat. Restaurants, supermarkets and (formerly) gas were my big spends. With restaurants gone, should I pick up a Starwood card for restaurants spend instead? What's the best card for restaurant spend out there?

Starwood AMEX would be better for restaurants, but there is no point bonus other than the standard earning.

This is sad news on the restaurant bonus - I use the HH AMEX exclusively for restaurants. :mad: :td:

Just wondering... Costco = grocery stores??

Thanks.

No Costco is not a grocery store. I don't have to exact wording, but the store essentially has to primarily sell groceries.

I suppose the only good thing about the removal of restaurants is that when I travel I can charge stuff to my room rather than paying separately with my credit card.

Just wondering... Costco = grocery stores??

Thanks.

Here's the wording from the original post: "Spending at the following categories of merchants, excluding warehouse clubs and superstores(emphasis mine): supermarkets..."

Is the Hilton card worth getting to use for just one large expense at a Hilton property verus using a starwood card? An expense large enough that would put you imediately over bonus point threshold?

(off topic) That's exactly what I did!
(back on topic) Kinda makes me root for higher gas prices again :rolleyes:

I mainly just use my HH AMEX at hiltons, grocery stores and for my phone bill so this is good news for me.

I'll continue to use my Citi Professional and get 3 TYPs at restaurants.

Ironically now the 2 cards pretty much have no overlap so there is no debate about which card to use for the most part.

I just received the card this week. It still says Platinum, but it does came with the notice about changing the points in the envelope with the card.


I agree! They did this to the Starwood AMEX a while back too. It used to have the term "Platinum" on the front and when they changed the card design they removed it so there is not mention of Platinum on the SPG AMEX any more. I don't quite understand how people got confused...maybe because I also have an AMEX Platinum card and understand the difference.:D Why would people think they get the Platinum benefits that cost Plat. members $450 a year for free with the HH card and with the SPG card. :rolleyes:

(off topic) That's exactly what I did!
(back on topic) Kinda makes me root for higher gas prices again :rolleyes:

Watch what you wish for. They'll be a lot higher again eventually. :rolleyes:

Anyway, thanks OP for posting this. I wouldn't have noticed this in my statement.

Some chains in the 6-point category (CVS, Walgreen's, grocery stores) are now selling a wide variety of restaurant gift cards. We could buy the gift cards there (6 points) instead of spending directly at the restaurant (3 points).

This might be particularly useful for restaurant chains that have many brands (for example, Chili's + Maggiano's + Macaroni Grill + a few others = 1 "family").

Some chains in the 6-point category (CVS, Walgreen's, grocery stores) are now selling a wide variety of restaurant gift cards. We could buy the gift cards there (6 points) instead of spending directly at the restaurant (3 points).

This might be particularly useful for restaurant chains that have many brands (for example, Chili's + Maggiano's + Macaroni Grill + a few others = 1 "family").
On the other hand, that doesn't help much if the whole point of getting extra points on the HHonors AMEX at restaurants was to use it as your card for iDine/RewardsNetwork dining. That requires the dine to be done with a registered debit or credit card (at most Visa, MC, AMEX, and/or Discover, though the exact mix of card types that qualifies for miles/points/cashback depends on the particular restaurant).

I was just curious what credit card folks are planning to use for restaurants going forward. Someone mentioned the Citi Professional card earlier. Any other good options as I am not quite taken by the Citi Professional card. I had gotten the Hilton AMEX primarily for restaurant spend. While we do not eat out all the time, we do spend at least $7,000 or so a year at restaurants.

So one issue of confusion for me....earning gold elite with $20k annual spend is obviously straight forward. However can you earn higher status purely on AMEX charges? Do these points count as base points and get Diamond with with 100k base points?

So one issue of confusion for me....earning gold elite with $20k annual spend is obviously straight forward. However can you earn higher status purely on AMEX charges? Do these points count as base points and get Diamond with with 100k base points?

Bonus points are NOT base points!!!

(Hint: this is covered in the HHonors T&Cs, accessible through the link at the bottom of www.hiltonhhonors.com.)

Essentially, BASE points = 10 points/dollar on all eligible folio charges earned during a hotel stay. Everything else (whether hotel bonus, Amex spend, etc.) is BONUS points.

So, NO, you will NOT earn status based on HHonors points earned from your Amex spend. (Although as you correctly point out, you CAN earn status based on your DOLLAR spend on Amex. Again, covered in the HHonors T&Cs -- or rather, the Partner T&Cs, specifically, those for the credit cards.)

I still haven't received notice of the new terms, but it seems that it is just about going to be a wash for me. Sucks for people who dine out a lot, though!

I was just curious what credit card folks are planning to use for restaurants going forward. Someone mentioned the Citi Professional card earlier. Any other good options as I am not quite taken by the Citi Professional card. I had gotten the Hilton AMEX primarily for restaurant spend. While we do not eat out all the time, we do spend at least $7,000 or so a year at restaurants.

Good question. I really don't know. Likely a CC I get 3% back on, but nothing really is good anymore for me.

Did anybody else notice a change in the earnings structure for the HHonors AmEx? It looks as if they increased the number of points earned for gas stations, grocery stores, etc. to 6 (3 base points + 3 bonus points), but restaurants are now limited to simply the base points of 3. I don't believe that restaurants qualify for bonus points any longer.

Points Accumulation Agreement:

We are replacing the first two paragraphs of the Points Accumulation Agreement with the following:

"You will receive three Hilton HHonors bonus points for each U.S. dollar of "Eligible Spending" (as defined below) on your Hilton HHonors
Card from American Express (the "Card").

You will receive three additional Hilton HHonors bonus points (for a total of six Hilton HHonors bonus points) for each U.S. dollar of Eligible
Spending at the following categories of merchants, excluding warehouse clubs and superstores: supermarkets; drug stores; stand-alone
gas stations; and home telephone, wireless, cable, satellite TV, and Internet service providers.

You will receive three additional Hilton HHonors bonus points (for a total of six Hilton HHonors bonus points) for each U.S. dollar of Eligible
Spending on the Card at any Hilton Family hotel worldwide (excluding Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare purchases and package sales).

Its been discussed in detail on other threads on this board.

Its been discussed in detail on other threads on this board.

Sorry about that. I did a search in the credit card forums, as well as this one, but didn't see anything.

I just did another search and found the thread.

Moderator, please delete this post. Thanks

:td: I got 800 extra points last month from restaurants :td: well we'll see, looks like my comast bill now qualifies and 5 --> 6 points .... could be a wash in the end. Wonder why the changed it, guess 6 points sounds better than 5.

My statement came Jan. 2 and that same information was included. I will miss the extra 2 points per dollar for restaurants more than I will welcome the 6 points on the other categories, on which I had received 5 points. The effective date of the change is the beginning of your new billing cycle after Jan. 1, which for me is Jan. 27, so I've got the old rules up until that point.
To me the HH Amex is still a good card for bennies, just not quite as good as before. I'll continue to use it, even at restaurants (unless something better develops).
The Starwood Amex is also good, but does carry a $45 annual fee, whereas the HH Amex is free.

Now this makes the Citi HHonors card pretty useless. I wonder if they will improve it or just leave it as is. To me the change is for the better. I will use my Costco Amex now exclusively at restaurants. I will chane my DSl and Cable over to the card now.

Aw, this is bad for me, too. I got the Hilton AMEX card after Starwood devalued their program a year or two ago. When Starwood then improved their program by expanding Cash & Points, I pretty much "split the baby": mostly using the Hilton card for restaurants.

That was enough benefit for me to also shoot for the $20,000 spend and guaranteed Gold. Now, probably not. I think I'd rather have the extra Starwood points.

Can anyone recommend a card that's still particularly rewarding for restaurants?

BTW, I would also suggest a renaming of this thread to be more informative.

Can anyone recommend a card that's still particularly rewarding for restaurants?

I'm pretty much in the same boat as you with why I got the HH AMEX card (SPG devaluation, not keeping all points in one program, etc.) and used it mostly at restaurants. I too have been looking for an alternative and up until last week it looked like the Citi Amex card offering Thank you points WAS the best alternative. Evidently that product is now however being devalued with the loss of the "fixed flight" awards being eliminated. (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/other-credit-card-programs/709483-cit-thank-you-points-devaluation.html) Other cards that I have seen mentioned are cash back cards like the Costco AMEX Trueearnings card, MTVu card and Discover mentioned here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/other-credit-card-programs/547711-best-restaurant-credit-card.html).

I will probably just go back to using my SPG AMEX for restaurants again!

BTW, I would also suggest a renaming of this thread to be more informative.

I suggested the same thing in one of my previous posts (#18) but evidently it fell on deaf ears. IMHO the current title makes it sound like all the changes are good changes.

I too have been looking for an alternative and up until last week it looked like the Citi Amex card offering Thank you points WAS the best alternative. Evidently that product is now however being devalued with the loss of the "fixed flight" awards being eliminated. (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/other-credit-card-programs/709483-cit-thank-you-points-devaluation.html)

Yeah, all around bad news for credit card loyalty.

Is the only solution now to just keep churning AA citicards? :)

As of today (January 7 2009) both the Hilton HHonors (http://hhonors1.hilton.com/en_US/hh/about/creditamex.do)and American Express (http://hhonors1.hilton.com/en_US/hh/about/creditamex.do) sites are still reflecting the old, presumably now outdated information superseded by the changes reported here and in my December 2008 statement. :mad:

My Jan 6 209 "E-newsletter" says "New Card Benefits Coming Soon!
We've been working hard to make your Hilton HHonors Platinum Credit Card from American Express even better. Keep an eye out over the next several months for announcements on how you will be able to take advantage of enhanced benefits and services that could get you even closer to your next reward stay. More to come!" :p

What a bunch of freeping hacks!

As of today (Dec. 10, 2008), the AMEX website (http://www201.americanexpress.com/getthecard/learn-about/Hiton-HHonors-Platinum) is still showing the old point earning scheme:

Can anyone recommend a card that's still particularly rewarding for restaurants?


fwiw, the Marriott Signature VISA card gives 2X points on restaurants and airline purchases.

Plus you do get a free, albeit sometimes difficult to book, free night/year

fwiw, the Marriott Signature VISA card gives 2X points on restaurants and airline purchases.

In my view, 2X Marriott points is about equal in value to 3X HHonors points for restaurant charges. Niether is as good as 3% cashback for fast food charges on the Chase Freedom VISA or 2% cashback for all purchases on the Schwab VISA.

The change, while disappointing, hardly makes the HHonors AMEX card useless. There's no annual fee and 6 points per dollar for Hilton property charges more than offsets the drop in restaurant earn if you are a frequent Hilton guest.

In my view, 2X Marriott points is about equal in value to 3X HHonors points for restaurant charges. Niether is as good as 3% cashback for fast food charges on the Chase Freedom VISA or 2% cashback for all purchases on the Schwab VISA.

The change, while disappointing, hardly makes the HHonors AMEX card useless. There's no annual fee and 6 points per dollar for Hilton property charges more than offsets the drop in restaurant earn if you are a frequent Hilton guest.

Agreed. Anything better for restaurants? I think I have a Chase Freedom VISA (there was a great signup bonus at one point), but I'm not going to start using it for just 3% on fast food. I'd need it to include all restaurants to make it worth the trouble.

As of today (January 7 2009) both the Hilton HHonors (http://hhonors1.hilton.com/en_US/hh/about/creditamex.do)and American Express (http://hhonors1.hilton.com/en_US/hh/about/creditamex.do) sites are still reflecting the old, presumably now outdated information superseded by the changes reported here and in my December 2008 statement. :mad:

My Jan 6 209 "E-newsletter" says "New Card Benefits Coming Soon!
We've been working hard to make your Hilton HHonors Platinum Credit Card from American Express even better. Keep an eye out over the next several months for announcements on how you will be able to take advantage of enhanced benefits and services that could get you even closer to your next reward stay. More to come!" :p

What a bunch of freeping hacks!

January 20th and the sites still list restaurants @ 5 points per $.

Earn 5 HHonors bonus points for every eligible dollar you spend at Hilton Family hotels, gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets, drugstores, the U.S. Postal Service, and on wireless phone bills. Earn 3 HHonors bonus points for every eligible dollar charged everywhere else

January 20th and the sites still list restaurants @ 5 points per $.

Doubt it will fly though, we all got the reminder in our statements. I like the 6 pts/Hilton stay though, too bad I have to use my corporate Amex...

Doubt it will fly though, we all got the reminder in our statements. I like the 6 pts/Hilton stay though, too bad I have to use my corporate Amex...

I never received a reminder/notice. I believe there are others here too that did not.

I never received a reminder/notice. I believe there are others here too that did not.

Goto your online statements at americanexpress.com. It should be in your Nov/Dec statement.

Just a clarification, wireless would include your cellular phone correct? Previously it stated wireless phone bills.

I have been receiving 5 points per dollar spent on my wireless phone bill for my Blacberry usage and will look forward to 6 on my next bill. I think the new wording just makes it more inclusive.

Not such a bad deal for Mr Canuck and me in 2009. We're economizing, and that means far fewer restaurant meals - and more money spent in grocery stores. I recently got an SPG Amex and would like to accumulate some points for future travel, so I might switch our few restaurant charges (along with retail purchases) to SPG.

Still earning 5 total points for my January 2009 Hilton stays. Customer Service is now researching why. Wonder how long the research time will take.

Still earning 5 total points for my January 2009 Hilton stays. Customer Service is now researching why. Wonder how long the research time will take.

I too have received 5 points per dollar for my January 2009 stays. After receiving two irrelevant responses from customer service via e-mail, I was given approx. 3,000 HH points with an incomprehensible e-mail explanation.

Check your T&Cs very carefully, the interest rate on your HH Amex card may also have changed. I discovered today my interest rate went from 14.99% to 28.99%. In November's statement there was a short note to read the T&Cs. Since I pay my bill on line I never looked at the printed statement I received.

Called AMEX and was told, sorry, that's your rate and we're not changing it. The fact I'd been a card holder since 1973 didn't sway their decision at all. Decided to cancel the card.

Haven't seen my Jan Amex bill, but thanks for those who've said it's changed. I'll watch out. Please keep posting your bill results.

Still earning 5 total points for my January 2009 Hilton stays. Customer Service is now researching why. Wonder how long the research time will take.When did the billing period start that these stays occurred in? My understanding is that the new point scheme starts with the first billing cycle that starts in January 2009. For me, that wasn't until January 27. But they did start giving me two extra points for all telecommunications charges (not just wireless) a couple of months ago.

The Amex website for the Hhonors card still shows the old point scheme. Have they really changed?

The Amex website for the Hhonors card still shows the old point scheme. Have they really changed?

Does this thread really exist??

lol

The Amex website for the Hhonors card still shows the old point scheme. Have they really changed?Looks like they have updated the web site. When I went online the other day to review my latest statement, they were still referring to my AMEX "Platinum" Hilton HHonors card and still touting the old five points per dollar categories. Just looked today, and it is now referring to my "Hilton HHonors Card" and touting "new look, new rewards, new perks", and "new double point categories". Also shows a new bronze or brown colored card. (Edited to add: states they will send the redesigned card when you current expires.)

I just received my first statement (period ended 2/2/09) under the new point structure.

I received no bonus points at all (just the ordinary 3 HH points) although I clearly had eligible purchases in bonus categories (grocery and drug stores). I assume this can't be a problem with "merchants not correctly identifying themselves" because these same merchants generated 5 HH points for purchases prior to this point change....unless, AMEX screwed up their system when they implemented this change.

I'm going to call AMEX later today but am curious if anyone else is seeing the same problem?

I just received my first statement (period ended 2/2/09) under the new point structure.

I received no bonus points at all (just the ordinary 3 HH points) although I clearly had eligible purchases in bonus categories (grocery and drug stores). I assume this can't be a problem with "merchants not correctly identifying themselves" because these same merchants generated 5 HH points for purchases prior to this point change....unless, AMEX screwed up their system when they implemented this change.

I'm going to call AMEX later today but am curious if anyone else is seeing the same problem?

I spoke to an AMEX CSR earlier. The CSR agreed that I should have received bonus points and she said she would make a manual entry to my account. Interestingly, she told me that the new point structure became effective "in February". But my December statement clearly said that the new structure became effective with the "first billing cycle beginning on or after 1/1/2009".

She also touted the Surpass card which will become available on Feb. 10.

Guess we are all going to have to call and flex some FT muscle again. :rolleyes:

Wow, and to think, I just put my protest sign against Delta for their points fiasco back in my garage last week!

I also just received zero bonus points on my AMEX statement, which leads me to believe that this is a systemic problem which alert customers will be calling AMEX about. But I wonder how many customers are too busy to notice that they've been cheated out of points or just too busy to call? Hope I don't get too much of a hassle when I call AMEX.

Just called AMEX and they are opening up a file to "investigate" my missing points claim. FWIW, I told the rep that AMEX will likely be getting many more of these calls and they should promptly fix the glitch in their system.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll have to double check the bonus points on my Hilton Amex statement.

Just checked my 2/3/09 statement. Bonus points are missing. Big Time.

Why is there no more post office bonus points? That was the bulk of my spending!! grrr....

Same here - $500 of gas/food/drugstore spend with only 1500 HH points and no bonus points - sent off email to amex - hopefully they get it sorted out soon

Why is there no more post office bonus points? That was the bulk of my spending!! grrr....

I think the "ebay effect" might finally have been paid attention to by someone at Amex. I know of someone who runs an ebay business who easily spends $1000 a week with USPS - so for him, still gets his 3000 HH per week but without the former 2K bonus.

If I can only get 3 points per dollar at USPS, is it more worthwhile to get Paypal cashback of 1.5%?

Same here - $500 of gas/food/drugstore spend with only 1500 HH points and no bonus points - sent off email to amex - hopefully they get it sorted out soon

A quick call to AMEX 800 number worked for me. I spoke to them yesterday mid-day and the "corrected" points were posted to my HH account today.

Bummer about the restaurants, I pretty much exclusively used this card for that bonus.

Glad the $20k to Gold still exists though :)

Result of initial AMEX investigation of my missing bonus points yielded three extra points in all appropriate categories EXCEPT for my stay at the Fort Lauderdale Grande Hotel. Told the rep it was definitely a Hilton Family hotel (as of February, 2008) and she said the question of bonus points will be determined by whether the property is "bar-coded" as a Hilton property. (If it isn't, I will take up the matter with Hilton HHonors, as I am entitled to those points!) So here's another caveat for my fellow FTers.

My first post!

After reading this thread I checked my Amex statement as well - only drug store bonus points recorded. I then went over to my Hilton Honors account to see what they posted - on February 4th they posted the points as set forth on the statement, then today they posted additional bonus points, which by my calculation include all the ones I was entitled to. So maybe this is working its way through the system.

Welcome to Flyertalk Terranova.

I thought my points looked low and just attributed it to a slow travel month. Now it's time to investigate.

I'm a current "platinum" Amex HHonors cardholder. Out of curiousity, I looked at the bonuses now being granted to "new" Amex HHonors cardholders (the brown one).

The bonus of 2,500 HHonors points for the first four stays now has two significant conditions attached to it: (a) each stay's folio must be at least $100; and (b) the stays must occur within the first 18 months of membership.

The original "platinum" Amex HHonors had no such conditions attached. In fact, there is another post on this board indicating that a FT member spoke to an AMEX CSR who specifically indicated that there is no time limit to receive this first-four-stay bonus.

This is a significant change for people who only stay at Hiltons once or twice per year. Any feelings for whether AMEX will honor the original terms for "original" cardholders? I certainly didn't receive any amendments to my credit agreement.

Will Amex honor the original terms for older cardholders? The answer is yes. I had a stay post this weekend which got the 2500 point bonus. My room rate was $99 (I'm guessing the $100 threshold does not include tax), and it has been almost 2 years since I got my Amex card.

I also got a ridiculous amount of points and 500 AA miles since the property (HGI Fredericksburg) had a double point room rate that was on top of the Hilton double point promo.

Will Amex honor the original terms for older cardholders? The answer is yes. I had a stay post this weekend which got the 2500 point bonus. My room rate was $99 (I'm guessing the $100 threshold does not include tax), and it has been almost 2 years since I got my Amex card. I believe the "folio" would be the bottom line charges during the stay, including taxes.

I didn't read through this whole thread, but one way to get around the changes in regards to restaurants, is to buy gift cards at your grocery store - that is, IF they are offered of course.

One of DH and I's favorite restaurants is Chili's, and I know I can their get gift cards at my local Jewel. So instead of 3 pts per dollar, I'll get 6. :)

I didn't read through this whole thread, but one way to get around the changes in regards to restaurants, is to buy gift cards at your grocery store - that is, IF they are offered of course.

One of DH and I's favorite restaurants is Chili's, and I know I can their get gift cards at my local Jewel. So instead of 3 pts per dollar, I'll get 6. :)

A lot of work to eat out. I'm just charging restaurants to another card. Non Amex. Sorry Amex, you lose.

Just got a nice little mailing that shows all of the changes taking place.

I didn't read through this whole thread, but one way to get around the changes in regards to restaurants, is to buy gift cards at your grocery store - that is, IF they are offered of course.

One of DH and I's favorite restaurants is Chili's, and I know I can their get gift cards at my local Jewel. So instead of 3 pts per dollar, I'll get 6. :)


I just moved all my restuarant charges back to my costco Amex where I get 3% cash back. I could but gift cards at the supermarket and get 5% back on my chase card but I don't think 2% extra is worth the risk or hassle.

I just moved all my restuarant charges back to my costco Amex where I get 3% cash back. I could but gift cards at the supermarket and get 5% back on my chase card but I don't think 2% extra is worth the risk or hassle.

Yeah, I am thinking about getting that Costco Amex.

So, phone and Internet charges are eligible for 6 points? I have my combined phone and Internet bill (around $60) on an AT&T Universal Card where I get a 5% rebate on that bill as long as I have that much in other charges. My first response to the restaurant reduction is to put restaurant charges on that card, but I can have $60 in charges in places that don't take Amex; any non-Amexable ;) charges beyond that go on a Choice Visa card.

So what's the opinion here: better to go with the status quo to get a $3 rebate, or put the charge on Amex to get 360 HH points plus move the other $60 in charges that get nothing to get something between 180 HH points and 120 Choice points?

I just got my new bill, and it is very confusing. I got a whole bunch of points, and I don't know why.

Balance is $3,372.88

Total HHonors Points Earned 20,543
Points Earned for Eligible Spend 8,947
Total Bonus Points Earned 11,596

Internet Service Provider Purchases 10,333
Supermarket Purchases 558
Gas Station Purchases 814
Wireless Service Provider Purchases 191

I spend alot of money at USPS. Could that be the reason why my internet service provider purchases is so high?

Can someone make sense of this?

Thanks,

Alex

nautica35, I certainly can't make any sense of it. How can the 3-point bonus be higher than the 3-point base amount? And the 10,333 point bonus for Internet Service Provider equates to charges of $3,444. Even if were post office spending, how does the bonus get to be higher than the base?

So what's the opinion here: better to go with the status quo to get a $3 rebate, or put the charge on Amex to get 360 HH points plus move the other $60 in charges that get nothing to get something between 180 HH points and 120 Choice points?I'd go for the HH points.

nautica35, I certainly can't make any sense of it. How can the 3-point bonus be higher than the 3-point base amount? And the 10,333 point bonus for Internet Service Provider equates to charges of $3,444. Even if were post office spending, how does the bonus get to be higher than the base?

I can't make any sense of it either. I guess I got extra points for doing nothing???? If I called AMEX, do you think someone would be able to explain the bill to me?

Alex

I just got my new bill, and it is very confusing. I got a whole bunch of points, and I don't know why.

Balance is $3,372.88

Total HHonors Points Earned 20,543
Points Earned for Eligible Spend 8,947
Total Bonus Points Earned 11,596

Internet Service Provider Purchases 10,333
Supermarket Purchases 558
Gas Station Purchases 814
Wireless Service Provider Purchases 191

I spend alot of money at USPS. Could that be the reason why my internet service provider purchases is so high?

Can someone make sense of this?

Thanks,

Alex

AMEX is known to "dump" bonus/extra points (e.g., sign-up bonuses) into a pre-existing bonus category.

Check to see if you had $111 in ISP purchases last month. If you did, that explains 333 bonus points for that category and additional 10,000 points for something else you did/signed up for.

I don't know if I should be posting this, but I sent an e-mail complaint about not getting the bonus for one of the new categories this month, and I got a reply that the agent was giving me points for that category retroactive to August.

AMEX is known to "dump" bonus/extra points (e.g., sign-up bonuses) into a pre-existing bonus category.

Check to see if you had $111 in ISP purchases last month. If you did, that explains 333 bonus points for that category and additional 10,000 points for something else you did/signed up for.

You're right I think. I was credited only for 10,543 points. USPS is really down to 3 pts now. =(

I still have trouble trying to reconcile my points. I always come up with a different point number than AMEX calculates. Anyone have that problem?

I just got my new bill, and it is very confusing. I got a whole bunch of points, and I don't know why.

Balance is $3,372.88

Total HHonors Points Earned 20,543
Points Earned for Eligible Spend 8,947
Total Bonus Points Earned 11,596

Internet Service Provider Purchases 10,333
Supermarket Purchases 558
Gas Station Purchases 814
Wireless Service Provider Purchases 191

I spend alot of money at USPS. Could that be the reason why my internet service provider purchases is so high?

Can someone make sense of this?

Thanks,

Alex

Heres what mine looked like..

Total HHonors Points Earned 10,034 11,231
Points Earned for Eligible Spend 9,665 10,714
Total Bonus Points Earned 369 517
Bonus Points Earned Internet Service Provider Purchases 253
Gas Station Purchases 116

I charged exactly $400 with the USPS, I would say a bonus got rolled into yuors.

For the first time in years, I received no bonus points on my statement received today (HH Amex basic), though I had hundreds of dollars in eligible charges: wireless, pharmacy, stand-alone grocery and service station charges.
Called AMEX cust. svc. and the agent was baffled why this happened as he agreed that my charges were eligible for bonus points. He opened a case #and told me to give AMEX 7-10 days. Then he tried to sell me a Surpass! I replied that if AMEX fixed the obvious glitch, I could consider it. ;)

Check your AMEX statements......

I have an odd posting this month as well. I don't think I was eligible for any extra special bonuses (have had the card about a year and got all of the introductory points already).

Pg 1 of Amex statement shows 12,372 Hilton Honors Points earned this period. Breakdown of points later in statement shows

Total Points earned - 12372
Points eligible - 5377
Total bonus points earned - 6995

Posted to my HHonors account today are AmEx Point Bonus - 7363.

If I go through my printed AmEx statement and subtract out what I think are the charges not eligible for the extra bonus, I can figure out pretty close to the actual posting of 7363. But it's a weird error.

Looks like the bonus points are out of whack somehow for this month.

I called Amex today and asked about this same issue.

The representative told me:
There was a major Amex computer glitch, and Amex HHonors cardholders didn't get any 'bonus' HHonors points this month.

They are aware of the problem, and will be sending-out a letter of apology.

It’s Beth from Amex Customer Care.

We did experience an issue with EDS (Everyday Spend) points issued on Hilton HHonors American Express accounts.

Please accept our apology for any inconvenience this matter caused you.

We are in the process of correcting all impacted accounts. Letters will be sent once this process is complete.

It’s Beth from Amex Customer Care.

We did experience an issue with EDS (Everyday Spend) points issued on Hilton HHonors American Express accounts.

Please accept our apology for any inconvenience this matter caused you.

We are in the process of correcting all impacted accounts. Letters will be sent once this process is complete.

Just wanted to ask...have there been any updates to this issue recently? I had the same issue with my card last billing cycle, have tried to resolve by AMEX Website emails, but the reps I have dealt with thus far seem pretty clueless about this being a more general issue (they state a transfer "failed to go through", and suggested that I verify my name matches between the credit card and HHonors, now they've opened a query after I told them my name indeed continues to match [sigh]...)