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Calling in risks alerting Citi to the offer and having it withdrawn.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
Feb 20, 2013, 6:59 pm
#61
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: BOS .. but soon SFO
Programs: UA PLAT, TK GLD, Hilton Diamond, IC PLAT, SPG GLD, Marriott GLD
Posts: 1,528
*delete*
Feb 21, 2013, 6:55 am
#62
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Feeder Band Land (South FL)
Programs: seeking best cc sign-up & spend bonus offers
Posts: 865
"BofA trick to avoid a fee:
Get your spend in your first month, as the fee does not show up till your 2nd card bill. You can call and ask them to waive the fee during that second month (it has worked for BofA cards for me), or cancel it during that 2nd month and they will refund the fee.
As to HH points being valued at .007, I think it would be a hard case to make after devaluation they announced yesterday, .005..."
Thanks for BoA tip! Doesn't work for Hawaii Bank?
(the fee I also wanted to avoid was transfer HH pts. btwn spouses)
.005 cents/pt too low for cat.1-4, AFAICT:
(which is how I'd be using pts.)
cat.1 = 5K pts x .005c = $25/night = ~1/3rd reality?
cat.2 = 10K pts. x .005c = $50/night = ~1/2 reality?
cat.3 = 20K pts. x .005c = $100/night = ~2/3rds reality?
cat.4 = 20-30K pts., $100-150/night = ~3/4ths reality?
Or am I figuring wrong? Math pros, please help!
Get your spend in your first month, as the fee does not show up till your 2nd card bill. You can call and ask them to waive the fee during that second month (it has worked for BofA cards for me), or cancel it during that 2nd month and they will refund the fee.
As to HH points being valued at .007, I think it would be a hard case to make after devaluation they announced yesterday, .005..."
Thanks for BoA tip! Doesn't work for Hawaii Bank?
(the fee I also wanted to avoid was transfer HH pts. btwn spouses)
.005 cents/pt too low for cat.1-4, AFAICT:
(which is how I'd be using pts.)
cat.1 = 5K pts x .005c = $25/night = ~1/3rd reality?
cat.2 = 10K pts. x .005c = $50/night = ~1/2 reality?
cat.3 = 20K pts. x .005c = $100/night = ~2/3rds reality?
cat.4 = 20-30K pts., $100-150/night = ~3/4ths reality?
Or am I figuring wrong? Math pros, please help!
Last edited by TravelPhotographer; Feb 21, 2013 at 8:50 am
Feb 21, 2013, 8:20 am
#63
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: 5280/8150
Programs: Flying and sleeping
Posts: 341
I received an email from Amex this morning -
I was unaware that you could spend to Gold on the normal Hilton Amex.
Hilton HHonors™ Bonus Points are easy to earn and redeem for travel rewards when you use your new Hilton HHonors™ Card from American Express.1
As a Cardmember, you already enjoy Silver status. Spend $20,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year and receive an automatic upgrade to Gold status.2
As a Cardmember, you already enjoy Silver status. Spend $20,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year and receive an automatic upgrade to Gold status.2
Feb 21, 2013, 12:16 pm
#64
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,760
Thank your government for it - this is a direct result of CARD Act.
The Surpass card has an annual fee, therefore it is considered "adverse effect" to the no fee card. Banks cannot do the upgrade else would be accused practicing "bait and switch" (from a no fee to a fee-based card).
You can apply thru the upgrade offer but you would be declined until you are at you are already in the 11th month of the regular card. Plenty of such reports if you do a search in various related forums.
The Surpass card has an annual fee, therefore it is considered "adverse effect" to the no fee card. Banks cannot do the upgrade else would be accused practicing "bait and switch" (from a no fee to a fee-based card).
You can apply thru the upgrade offer but you would be declined until you are at you are already in the 11th month of the regular card. Plenty of such reports if you do a search in various related forums.
Feb 21, 2013, 6:19 pm
#65
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Feeder Band Land (South FL)
Programs: seeking best cc sign-up & spend bonus offers
Posts: 865
In post #1, the first link:
https://www262.americanexpress.com/a...rd/71-1000-216
starts with "www262"
Is this directly to AmEx?
If not, who else is seeing private info?
Thanks!
https://www262.americanexpress.com/a...rd/71-1000-216
starts with "www262"
Is this directly to AmEx?
If not, who else is seeing private info?
Thanks!
Feb 22, 2013, 11:58 am
#66
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 783
It's the same bank, BofH and BofA are FIA Card Services corporation
[QUOTE
Thanks for BoA tip! Doesn't work for Hawaii Bank?
(the fee I also wanted to avoid was transfer HH pts. btwn spouses)
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE
Thanks for BoA tip! Doesn't work for Hawaii Bank?
(the fee I also wanted to avoid was transfer HH pts. btwn spouses)
[/QUOTE]
Feb 23, 2013, 2:11 am
#67
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 245
Hello, Happy. Upstream in posting 41 you told us that Gold status via Surpass doesn't start and end the same way earned status does. Two questions then. (1) Does it start immediately upon approval of Surpass, upon its first use, upon the first closing date, upon payment of first bill, or upon payment of the annual fee? (2) Does it end immediately upon account cancellation, or does it last through the rest of the calendar year, the next calendar year, and then end on March 31 the year following? Thanks again!
Feb 23, 2013, 2:22 am
#68
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: LAX/SNA
Programs: AA, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,887
In post #1, the first link:
https://www262.americanexpress.com/a...rd/71-1000-216
starts with "www262"
Is this directly to AmEx?
If not, who else is seeing private info?
Thanks!
https://www262.americanexpress.com/a...rd/71-1000-216
starts with "www262"
Is this directly to AmEx?
If not, who else is seeing private info?
Thanks!
that has nothing to do with who sees your info.
Feb 23, 2013, 8:59 am
#69
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Feeder Band Land (South FL)
Programs: seeking best cc sign-up & spend bonus offers
Posts: 865
Not me. Already successfully applied via www262...
My spouse*, & its simple URL common sense:
www.americanexpress.com/.....
is going to be safer than
www262.americanexpress.com/.....
www263.americanexpress.com/.....
wwwXXX.americanexpress.com/.....
*will use www262 only after my card arrives
Anyone:
Have there ever been instances on flyertalk where posted
links resulted in theft? Hey, I ^^^ flyertalk, but amongst
the many generous members will be a few...you know.
My spouse*, & its simple URL common sense:
www.americanexpress.com/.....
is going to be safer than
www262.americanexpress.com/.....
www263.americanexpress.com/.....
wwwXXX.americanexpress.com/.....
*will use www262 only after my card arrives
Anyone:
Have there ever been instances on flyertalk where posted
links resulted in theft? Hey, I ^^^ flyertalk, but amongst
the many generous members will be a few...you know.
Feb 23, 2013, 9:13 am
#70
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Upper Sternistan
Posts: 10,037
Not sure how those are less safe if they're on the americanexpress.com domain . . .
Feb 23, 2013, 10:57 am
#71
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: AA, SPG, Hyatt, Hilton
Posts: 196
In post #1, the first link:
https://www262.americanexpress.com/a...rd/71-1000-216
starts with "www262"
Is this directly to AmEx?
If not, who else is seeing private info?
Thanks!
https://www262.americanexpress.com/a...rd/71-1000-216
starts with "www262"
Is this directly to AmEx?
If not, who else is seeing private info?
Thanks!
(You'd actually be heading to example.com's servers.)
In the quoted case, you're still going to americanexpress.com
xyx.abc.dfd.americanexpress.com is still owned by american express.
There is no reason to be concerned about it being prefixed with anything else. www is just a convention for web server, but is not required in anyway.
http/s is the protocol. If you're sending any sensitive information, it should always be https:// which implies that the traffic is encrypted.
Feb 23, 2013, 10:59 am
#72
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: AA, SPG, Hyatt, Hilton
Posts: 196
Feb 23, 2013, 11:27 am
#73
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Bay Area, CA
Programs: AAdvantage, HHonors Diamond, WN RR A-list+
Posts: 584
I got the surpass a few months ago, is it safe to go for the lower card?
Feb 23, 2013, 6:37 pm
#74
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,760
Hello, Happy. Upstream in posting 41 you told us that Gold status via Surpass doesn't start and end the same way earned status does. Two questions then. (1) Does it start immediately upon approval of Surpass, upon its first use, upon the first closing date, upon payment of first bill, or upon payment of the annual fee? (2) Does it end immediately upon account cancellation, or does it last through the rest of the calendar year, the next calendar year, and then end on March 31 the year following? Thanks again!
It should last thru the card's anniversary date - meaning ONE year.
(The Citi Reserve is as long as you hold the card. A much better deal if your goal is to obtain Gold via opening a card.)
The status earned via the stays goes by the Apr 1 to Mar 31 membership year.
Feb 23, 2013, 7:42 pm
#75
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: LAX/SNA
Programs: AA, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,887
For example, www.americanexpress.example.com would be really worrisome.
(You'd actually be heading to example.com's servers.)
In the quoted case, you're still going to americanexpress.com
xyx.abc.dfd.americanexpress.com is still owned by american express.
There is no reason to be concerned about it being prefixed with anything else. www is just a convention for web server, but is not required in anyway.
http/s is the protocol. If you're sending any sensitive information, it should always be https:// which implies that the traffic is encrypted.
(You'd actually be heading to example.com's servers.)
In the quoted case, you're still going to americanexpress.com
xyx.abc.dfd.americanexpress.com is still owned by american express.
There is no reason to be concerned about it being prefixed with anything else. www is just a convention for web server, but is not required in anyway.
http/s is the protocol. If you're sending any sensitive information, it should always be https:// which implies that the traffic is encrypted.