Jun 12, 2013, 11:05 am
Last edit by: vah4883
Limited-time offers
Hilton HHonors American Express card. 80,000 points for spending $2,000 in 3 months; no annual fee. Ends May 31, 2017
Hilton HHonors American Express Ascend card. 100,000 points for spending $3,000 ; $95 annual fee.
Hilton HHonors American Express card application page. 75,000 points for spending $1,000 in 3 months; no annual fee.
Public offer expired Feb 1, 2017 (this link brings up a page: "This campaign has expired. Thank you for your interest."), but Refer a Friend links still active. This one has the referral ID stripped out.
Citi HH Visa 40K application page (spend $1K/4 mos.)
Ongoing offersPublic offer expired Feb 1, 2017 (this link brings up a page: "This campaign has expired. Thank you for your interest."), but Refer a Friend links still active. This one has the referral ID stripped out.
Citi HH Visa 40K application page (spend $1K/4 mos.)
- This offer does not contain an explicit 24-month restriction.
If you apply using this link & are not instantly approved, DO NOT CALL CITI.
Calling in risks alerting Citi to the offer and having it withdrawn.
Amex HH Surpass Card
FlyerTalk discussion thread: The Hilton HHonors® Surpass(SM) Card from American Express Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve Card
Flyertalk discussion thread: Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve Card Citi HH Visa 60K application page. You can also apply by calling 1-866-615-2274.
Flyertalk discussion thread: Citi Hilton HHonors VISA [60k-75k, read Wiki to choose] Basic Amex HH Card
FAQ- Annual fee: $75, no first-year waiver.
- Signup bonus: 75K points for spending $3K in the first 3 months.
- Earning: 12 HHonors points per dollar on Hilton spend; 6 points/$ at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets & gas stations; and 3 points/$ on everything else.
- Elite status: Hilton Gold status for as long as you have the card and Diamond status after $40,000 in annual spend.
- Booking bonus: 500 bonus points for every stay (including award stays) booked directly with Hilton & guaranteed with the card
- Important limitation on this offer: "Welcome bonus offer not available to applicants who have or have had this product."
FlyerTalk discussion thread: The Hilton HHonors® Surpass(SM) Card from American Express
- Annual fee: $95, no first-year waiver.
- Signup bonus: 2 free weekend nights after $2500 in spend within four months. These free nights are valid at all Hilton redemption categories, including Waldorf Astoria properties.
- Anniversary bonus: 1 free weekend night each year after $10,000 in spend.
- Earning: 10 HHonors points per dollar on Hilton spend, 5 points per dollar on air and car rental, and 3 on everything else.
- Elite status: Hilton Gold status for as long as you have the card and Diamond status after $40,000 in annual spend.
- No foreign currency transaction fees.
- Important limitation on this offer: "Weekend Night Certificates offer is not available if you have had a Citi Hilton HHonors Card account that was opened or closed in the past 24 months.."
Flyertalk discussion thread: Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve Card
- No annual fee.
- Signup bonus: 60K points for spending $1K in the first 4 months
- Earning: 6 HHonors points per dollar on Hilton spend; 3 points/$ at U.S. supermarkets, drugstores & gas stations; and 2 points/$ on everything else.
- Elite status: Hilton Silver status for as long as you have the card.
- Fast track To Gold status: After four qualifying stays within your first 91 days of cardmembership, receive Gold status through the end of the following calendar year.
- Important limitation on this offer: "Hilton HHonors Bonus Points offer not available if you have had a Citi Hilton HHonors Visa Signature Card account that was opened or closed in the past 24 months."
Flyertalk discussion thread: Citi Hilton HHonors VISA [60k-75k, read Wiki to choose]
Offer for 50K points (spend $750/3mos.) + $50 credit for first purchase: Make a dummy reservation on Hilton site. Offer will appear on page before final booking. (Cannot be linked to directly.)
Offer for 50K points (spend $750/3mos.)
Offer for 50K points (spend $750/3mos.)
- No annual fee.
- Earning: 7 HHonors points per dollar on Hilton spend; 5 points/$ at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets & gas stations; and 3 on everything else.
- Elite status: Hilton Silver status for as long as you have the card and Gold status after $20,000 in annual spend.
- Booking bonus: 500 bonus points for every stay (including award stays) booked directly with Hilton & guaranteed with the card
1. Are these cards churnable?
As of May 1, 2014, Amex will not give a signup bonus to card applicants who have held the card in the past ~7 years, even if the applicant has never earned a previous signup bonus for it. However, it is still possible to upgrade an existing Hilton Amex to the Surpass card to earn a bonus (and reportedly to do this more than once by later downgrading & then upgrading again). The best strategy is to earn a Surpass signup bonus first, and only afterward pursue the upgrade bonus(es).
In August 2016, Citi began inserting language into applications and landing pages requiring a 24-month wait from the date of the opening or closure of any Citi Hilton card. Previously, the Citi Hilton Signature Visa and Reserve cards were on separate clocks for each applicant. Now there is a single 24-month clock reset by open/close of either type of card. For more info, see the wiki at Citi Hilton HHonors VISA [60k-75k, read Wiki to choose].
2. I have met the spending. When will my bonus post?
For Amex cards, the bonus will post a few days after meeting the spend. The points from the actual spend will post after statement is generated. For Citi products, bonus points post only at statement close.
3. What happened to the Amex drugstore category spending bonus?
Changes to Hilton Amex cards as of May 2013 are explained here:
http://boardingarea.com/blogs/viewfr...at-we-thought/
4. What is the link to upgrade from no fee card to Surpass card for 50,000 after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months?
This link redirects to this landing page. Application page.
You need to be logged into your Amex account first, then click on the link above, then click Upgrade. (This does not work for all people. It is suspected that only people that have had the no-fee card for at least one year are able to upgrade to the Surpass card.) There is generally no hard pull on your credit report for upgrading.
5. Does having one of these Hilton cards preclude me from successfully earning the signup bonus on a different one?
No. All four cards are separate products. Having (or having previously had) one of them has no effect on your bonus eligibility for the others--but note, as discussed in FAQ #1, that opening or closing any Citi Hilton card will affect your eligibility for any new Citi Hilton card bonus.
As of May 1, 2014, Amex will not give a signup bonus to card applicants who have held the card in the past ~7 years, even if the applicant has never earned a previous signup bonus for it. However, it is still possible to upgrade an existing Hilton Amex to the Surpass card to earn a bonus (and reportedly to do this more than once by later downgrading & then upgrading again). The best strategy is to earn a Surpass signup bonus first, and only afterward pursue the upgrade bonus(es).
In August 2016, Citi began inserting language into applications and landing pages requiring a 24-month wait from the date of the opening or closure of any Citi Hilton card. Previously, the Citi Hilton Signature Visa and Reserve cards were on separate clocks for each applicant. Now there is a single 24-month clock reset by open/close of either type of card. For more info, see the wiki at Citi Hilton HHonors VISA [60k-75k, read Wiki to choose].
2. I have met the spending. When will my bonus post?
For Amex cards, the bonus will post a few days after meeting the spend. The points from the actual spend will post after statement is generated. For Citi products, bonus points post only at statement close.
3. What happened to the Amex drugstore category spending bonus?
Changes to Hilton Amex cards as of May 2013 are explained here:
http://boardingarea.com/blogs/viewfr...at-we-thought/
4. What is the link to upgrade from no fee card to Surpass card for 50,000 after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months?
This link redirects to this landing page. Application page.
You need to be logged into your Amex account first, then click on the link above, then click Upgrade. (This does not work for all people. It is suspected that only people that have had the no-fee card for at least one year are able to upgrade to the Surpass card.) There is generally no hard pull on your credit report for upgrading.
5. Does having one of these Hilton cards preclude me from successfully earning the signup bonus on a different one?
No. All four cards are separate products. Having (or having previously had) one of them has no effect on your bonus eligibility for the others--but note, as discussed in FAQ #1, that opening or closing any Citi Hilton card will affect your eligibility for any new Citi Hilton card bonus.
Ongoing offers for Hilton cards issued by Amex or Citi
Aug 4, 2013, 6:51 pm
#136
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,060
Question about churning and upgrading Hilton AMEX. Can I do the following?
Year 1 - Apply Hilton AMEX for signup bonus
Year 2 - Upgrade Hilton AMEX to Hilton Surpass for signup bonus
Year 3 - Cancel Hilton Surpass, Apply new Hilton AMEX for signup bonus
Year 4 - Upgrade 2nd Hilton AMEX to Hilton Surpass for signup bonus
I know AMEX signup bonus usually have the term : not valid if you had the same card in the last 1 year or cards from a similar series in the last 90 days. Is upgrading the Hilton to the Surpass the same as "closing" it from a new app perspective? After 90 days of closing the Surpass in Year 3, can I make a new application for the Hilton AMEX?
Year 1 - Apply Hilton AMEX for signup bonus
Year 2 - Upgrade Hilton AMEX to Hilton Surpass for signup bonus
Year 3 - Cancel Hilton Surpass, Apply new Hilton AMEX for signup bonus
Year 4 - Upgrade 2nd Hilton AMEX to Hilton Surpass for signup bonus
I know AMEX signup bonus usually have the term : not valid if you had the same card in the last 1 year or cards from a similar series in the last 90 days. Is upgrading the Hilton to the Surpass the same as "closing" it from a new app perspective? After 90 days of closing the Surpass in Year 3, can I make a new application for the Hilton AMEX?
Aug 23, 2013, 5:58 am
#137
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,060
Does anyone have a working link for a 40k+20k upgrade offer? The link on the front page redirects to the 50k bonus.
Aug 29, 2013, 10:20 am
#138
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: Far too many
Posts: 315
Upgrade notes
A few useful things I learned about upgrading to a Surpass account from my no-fee HH card:
1. My account showed not only the HH no-fee card but also my no-fee Amex Blue account as being eligible for an upgrade.
2. The upgrade was instant. It showed on my Amex account page the next day.
3. The rep told me that the account number would be the same, and that all spend from now on would be credited toward the Surpass. (The switch would actually occur the following day, but spend from the date of approval would not post until then, so effectively, all spend from approval counts toward the bonus.)
4. HH Gold status is automatic, but takes 4-6 weeks. If you want Gold by a particular date, take the delay into account.
1. My account showed not only the HH no-fee card but also my no-fee Amex Blue account as being eligible for an upgrade.
2. The upgrade was instant. It showed on my Amex account page the next day.
3. The rep told me that the account number would be the same, and that all spend from now on would be credited toward the Surpass. (The switch would actually occur the following day, but spend from the date of approval would not post until then, so effectively, all spend from approval counts toward the bonus.)
4. HH Gold status is automatic, but takes 4-6 weeks. If you want Gold by a particular date, take the delay into account.
Aug 29, 2013, 2:30 pm
#139
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: SAN
Programs: HH (Dia), Bonvoy (Plat), IHG (Plat)
Posts: 244
I saw this question upthread, but couldn't find an answer.
How long does it take after hitting $40K in spend to receive diamond status? I just hit $40K this month on my Surpass card and as it turns out I might be able to unexpectedly go to Japan next month. However, I checked the terms and they say to allow 10-12 WEEKS(!) after hitting the $40K spend for Diamond status to be applied. I'm hoping I'll get it upon closing in mid-September or sooner. Can anyone verify?
I note that the post above says that Gold takes 4-6 weeks, but I'm not sure if Diamond is different and was hoping for some personal experiences. Thank you!
How long does it take after hitting $40K in spend to receive diamond status? I just hit $40K this month on my Surpass card and as it turns out I might be able to unexpectedly go to Japan next month. However, I checked the terms and they say to allow 10-12 WEEKS(!) after hitting the $40K spend for Diamond status to be applied. I'm hoping I'll get it upon closing in mid-September or sooner. Can anyone verify?
I note that the post above says that Gold takes 4-6 weeks, but I'm not sure if Diamond is different and was hoping for some personal experiences. Thank you!
Sep 1, 2013, 6:06 pm
#140
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: Far too many
Posts: 315
I saw this question upthread, but couldn't find an answer.
How long does it take after hitting $40K in spend to receive diamond status? I just hit $40K this month on my Surpass card and as it turns out I might be able to unexpectedly go to Japan next month. However, I checked the terms and they say to allow 10-12 WEEKS(!) after hitting the $40K spend for Diamond status to be applied. I'm hoping I'll get it upon closing in mid-September or sooner. Can anyone verify?
I note that the post above says that Gold takes 4-6 weeks, but I'm not sure if Diamond is different and was hoping for some personal experiences. Thank you!
How long does it take after hitting $40K in spend to receive diamond status? I just hit $40K this month on my Surpass card and as it turns out I might be able to unexpectedly go to Japan next month. However, I checked the terms and they say to allow 10-12 WEEKS(!) after hitting the $40K spend for Diamond status to be applied. I'm hoping I'll get it upon closing in mid-September or sooner. Can anyone verify?
I note that the post above says that Gold takes 4-6 weeks, but I'm not sure if Diamond is different and was hoping for some personal experiences. Thank you!
Sep 16, 2013, 7:47 am
#141
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: AA BA CO DL UA US
Posts: 815
Question about churning and upgrading Hilton AMEX. Can I do the following?
Year 1 - Apply Hilton AMEX for signup bonus
Year 2 - Upgrade Hilton AMEX to Hilton Surpass for signup bonus
Year 3 - Cancel Hilton Surpass, Apply new Hilton AMEX for signup bonus
Year 4 - Upgrade 2nd Hilton AMEX to Hilton Surpass for signup bonus
I know AMEX signup bonus usually have the term : not valid if you had the same card in the last 1 year or cards from a similar series in the last 90 days. Is upgrading the Hilton to the Surpass the same as "closing" it from a new app perspective? After 90 days of closing the Surpass in Year 3, can I make a new application for the Hilton AMEX?
Year 1 - Apply Hilton AMEX for signup bonus
Year 2 - Upgrade Hilton AMEX to Hilton Surpass for signup bonus
Year 3 - Cancel Hilton Surpass, Apply new Hilton AMEX for signup bonus
Year 4 - Upgrade 2nd Hilton AMEX to Hilton Surpass for signup bonus
I know AMEX signup bonus usually have the term : not valid if you had the same card in the last 1 year or cards from a similar series in the last 90 days. Is upgrading the Hilton to the Surpass the same as "closing" it from a new app perspective? After 90 days of closing the Surpass in Year 3, can I make a new application for the Hilton AMEX?
3. So when can we churn this card?
For the Hilton Amex no annual fee card: This is how I interpret the T&C and it has been confirmed by a poster on a previous Hilton Amex card thread as per their interaction with Amex CS: if you have had the exact same card in the past, it needs to be closed for at least 12 months before applying again. Furthermore, any other Hilton Amex cards also need to be closed for at least 3 months.
For the Hilton Amex Surpass card: read the fine print.
I think the following might work:
Year 1 - Apply Hilton AMEX for signup bonus
Year 2 - Upgrade Hilton AMEX to Hilton Surpass for signup bonus. Then, cancel after end of year 2.
Year 3 - 12 month waiting period
Year 4 - repeat cycle or back to year 1.
What does everyone think?
Oct 21, 2013, 1:21 pm
#142
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: In the heart of the Evil Empire
Programs: AA LT Gold, Starwood Gold, Hertz Gold, HHonors Gold, IHG Plat., BFD
Posts: 113
Just coming back to FT after a few months away dealing with a family health issue so sorry if it's well outlined somewhere else.
Not sure if it's universal experience but I wanted to put in another quick data point. Tried to upgrade base Amex HHonors card today online but received an error message that the information did not match the info in their system. Called CSR and was told that federal law prohibits them from upgrading the account to a Surpass until I've had the base card for at least 13 months. I've had it since March of 2013. She also stated that the CSR folks do not know exactly when a hard pull will be done vs. a soft one and that even on a new app sometimes it's only a soft pull. Didn't sound correct to me so I'm wondering if she was correct about the 13 month wait to upgrade. Any input?
AAmlgm8r
Not sure if it's universal experience but I wanted to put in another quick data point. Tried to upgrade base Amex HHonors card today online but received an error message that the information did not match the info in their system. Called CSR and was told that federal law prohibits them from upgrading the account to a Surpass until I've had the base card for at least 13 months. I've had it since March of 2013. She also stated that the CSR folks do not know exactly when a hard pull will be done vs. a soft one and that even on a new app sometimes it's only a soft pull. Didn't sound correct to me so I'm wondering if she was correct about the 13 month wait to upgrade. Any input?
AAmlgm8r
Oct 21, 2013, 1:24 pm
#143
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Melbourne, Florida, USA
Posts: 2,983
Just coming back to FT after a few months away dealing with a family health issue so sorry if it's well outlined somewhere else.
Not sure if it's universal experience but I wanted to put in another quick data point. Tried to upgrade base Amex HHonors card today online but received an error message that the information did not match the info in their system. Called CSR and was told that federal law prohibits them from upgrading the account to a Surpass until I've had the base card for at least 13 months. I've had it since March of 2013. She also stated that the CSR folks do not know exactly when a hard pull will be done vs. a soft one and that even on a new app sometimes it's only a soft pull. Didn't sound correct to me so I'm wondering if she was correct about the 13 month wait to upgrade. Any input?
AAmlgm8r
Not sure if it's universal experience but I wanted to put in another quick data point. Tried to upgrade base Amex HHonors card today online but received an error message that the information did not match the info in their system. Called CSR and was told that federal law prohibits them from upgrading the account to a Surpass until I've had the base card for at least 13 months. I've had it since March of 2013. She also stated that the CSR folks do not know exactly when a hard pull will be done vs. a soft one and that even on a new app sometimes it's only a soft pull. Didn't sound correct to me so I'm wondering if she was correct about the 13 month wait to upgrade. Any input?
AAmlgm8r
Oct 21, 2013, 3:30 pm
#144
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: In the heart of the Evil Empire
Programs: AA LT Gold, Starwood Gold, Hertz Gold, HHonors Gold, IHG Plat., BFD
Posts: 113
AAmlgm8r
Nov 2, 2013, 12:35 pm
#145
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: SAN
Posts: 1,396
Just wanted to post a note about upgrading from the no-fee HHonors Amex to the Surpass.
I just processed my upgrade for the 50,000 point bonus. I had originally applied for my card in the middle of November, 2012. The upgrade was "approved" without issue, when I had previously been told I was not eligible to upgrade the card.
This tells me that the card can be upgraded on the first day of the 12th month after the original application - so it does not have to be a full 12 months. In fact, if you apply on the last day of the month you could theoretically upgrade after 11 months and 1 day.
I just processed my upgrade for the 50,000 point bonus. I had originally applied for my card in the middle of November, 2012. The upgrade was "approved" without issue, when I had previously been told I was not eligible to upgrade the card.
This tells me that the card can be upgraded on the first day of the 12th month after the original application - so it does not have to be a full 12 months. In fact, if you apply on the last day of the month you could theoretically upgrade after 11 months and 1 day.
Nov 2, 2013, 6:24 pm
#146
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: USA
Programs: All of em...
Posts: 1,265
I was just reading the T&C on the Surpass card... Did anyone else notice it's free 1st year now?
"Annual Membership Fee $0 for the first year, then $75"
Might be worth the credit pull now to some people to cancel the free forever card for 90 days, and then apply for the 60k card. 10k more points, and $75 less dollars than doing the 50k upgrade! Depends on what you value more and how many pulls you prefer on your report.
"Annual Membership Fee $0 for the first year, then $75"
Might be worth the credit pull now to some people to cancel the free forever card for 90 days, and then apply for the 60k card. 10k more points, and $75 less dollars than doing the 50k upgrade! Depends on what you value more and how many pulls you prefer on your report.
Nov 2, 2013, 6:27 pm
#147
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: LAX/SNA
Programs: AA, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,887
I was just reading the T&C on the Surpass card... Did anyone else notice it's free 1st year now?
"Annual Membership Fee $0 for the first year, then $75"
Might be worth the credit pull now to some people to cancel the free forever card for 90 days, and then apply for the 60k card. 10k more points, and $75 less dollars than doing the 50k upgrade! Depends on what you value more and how many pulls you prefer on your report.
"Annual Membership Fee $0 for the first year, then $75"
Might be worth the credit pull now to some people to cancel the free forever card for 90 days, and then apply for the 60k card. 10k more points, and $75 less dollars than doing the 50k upgrade! Depends on what you value more and how many pulls you prefer on your report.
Nov 2, 2013, 8:37 pm
#148
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: USA
Programs: All of em...
Posts: 1,265
Although, the terms DO say on the upgrade offer that you get Gold status first year. Just applying for it (for extra 10k and saving $75) says you only get it after spending $20k...
So it's really all preference.
I just don't want to PAY $75 for 50k Hilton points. For THAT I may value $75 and 10k worth a credit pull to make low value Hilton points free. Call me crazy!
Nov 5, 2013, 1:20 am
#149
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 769
wife and both got the Hilton AMEX in 09 2012. she was able to upgrade by I keep getting an error saying I'm not eligible...eh.
Nov 5, 2013, 10:40 am
#150
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: USA
Programs: All of em...
Posts: 1,265
Right above the terms and conditions it says "I understand that the annual Card fee is $75."......
But then IN the terms it says:
Annual Membership Fee $0 for the first year, then $75"
Soooooo..... Which one of those will hold up? Anybody straight up applied using the wiki link above, NOT upgraded, and been charged the annual fee right away?