Best time to apply for Hilton American Express cards based on offer history
Editor's Note
The Hilton Honors cards from American Express offer multiple benefits for travelers seeking additional perks with Hilton. These cards also come with generous welcome bonuses that can include large sums of Hilton Honors points or even free nights.
Since welcome offers can vary, the timing of your application matters.
Lucky for you, we've collected a history of welcome bonuses on the Hilton American Express cards. This guide will review the best welcome offers we've seen on Hilton Amex cards and when we think it's best to apply to earn a bonus that exceeds the standard offer.
Note: We will only discuss publicly available welcome offers. However, you might receive targeted offers with more bonus points or cash back. Keep in mind that offers may change at any time, and some of the offers mentioned below may not be available at this time.
Best Hilton American Express welcome offers
Below is a list of every Hilton American Express card, the best welcome offer we've seen on each and our guidance on when you should apply.
American Express only allows you to earn one bonus for each of its cards in a lifetime, so make sure to wait for the best time to apply.
| Card | Best welcome offer we've seen | When to apply |
|---|---|---|
Earn up to 130,000 bonus points: 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $5,000 in the first six months of card membership. | If the offer is at least 80,000 points or at least 70,000 points and a free night reward | |
Earn up to 180,000 bonus points: 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $10,000 in the first six months of card membership. | If the offer is at least 155,000 points, at least 130,000 points and a free night reward or at least 130,000 points and a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 each year thereafter. | |
Earn 180,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | If the offer is at least 175,000 points | |
Earn up to 180,000 bonus points: 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $10,000 in the first six months of card membership. | If the offer is at least 175,000 points |
Hilton Honors American Express Card
If you're new to points or miles or only occasionally stay with Hilton, the basic Hilton Honors Amex is a solid starting point. This card has no annual fee (see rates and fees).
Here are the offers we have seen on the Hilton Honors Amex:
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
February 2026 to now | Earn 70,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends April 15. | $280 plus the value of a free night reward |
January to February 2026 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $320 |
October 2025 to January 2026 | Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $400 |
August to October 2025 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $320 |
June to August 2025 | Earn 100,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit after spending $2,000 in the first six months of card membership. | Up to $500, including the statement credit |
April to June 2025 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $320 |
February to April 2025 | Earn 70,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $280 plus the value of a free night reward |
January to February 2025 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $320 |
September 2024 to January 2025 | Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $400 |
August to September 2024 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $320 |
May to August 2024 | Earn 70,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $280 plus the value of a free night reward |
April to May 2024 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $320 |
March to April 2024 | Earn up to 130,000 bonus points: 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $5,000 in the first six months of card membership. | Up to $520 |
January to March 2024 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $320 |
October 2023 to January 2024 | Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $400 |
July to October 2023 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. | $320 |
May to July 2023 | Earn 70,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. | $280 plus the value of a free night reward |
April to May 2023 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. | $320 |
February to April 2023 | Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $400 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's April 2026 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
Highest welcome offer
The highest offer we have seen on the Hilton Honors Amex allowed new applicants to earn up to 130,000 bonus points: 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $5,000 in the first six months of card membership (offer no longer available).
When you should apply
If the offer provides at least 80,000 bonus points or at least 70,000 bonus points and a free night reward, it could be a good time to apply.
To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Honors Amex.
Learn more: Hilton Honors American Express Card
Hilton Honors Surpass
The Hilton Surpass is a solid mid-tier option for those who are loyal to Hilton or find the card's perks — such as automatic Hilton Gold status — especially beneficial. This card has a $150 annual fee (see rates and fees).
Here are the offers we have seen on the Hilton Honors Surpass:
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
February 2026 to now | Earn 130,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends April 15. | $520 plus the value of a free night reward |
January to February 2026 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
October 2025 to January 2026 | Earn 155,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $620 |
August to October 2025 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
June to August 2025 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. There is a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 each year thereafter. | $520 |
April to June 2025 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
February to April 2025 | Earn 130,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 plus the value of a free night reward |
January to February 2025 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
September 2024 to January 2025 | Earn 165,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $660 |
August to September 2024 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
May to August 2024 | Earn 130,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 plus the value of a free night reward |
April to May 2024 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
March to April 2024 | Earn up to 180,000 bonus points: 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $10,000 in the first six months of card membership. | Up to $720 |
January to March 2024 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
October 2023 to January 2024 | Earn 170,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $680 |
July to October 2023 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. | $520 |
May to July 2023 | Earn 130,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. | $520 plus the value of a free night reward |
April to May 2023 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. | $520 |
February to April 2023 | Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $600 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
Highest welcome offer
The best offer we've seen in the history of the Hilton Surpass was to earn up to 180,000 bonus points: 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $10,000 in the first six months of card membership (offer no longer available).
When you should apply
It's a good time to apply for this mid-tier card if the offer provides at least 155,000 points, at least 130,000 points and a free night reward or at least 130,000 points and a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 each year thereafter.
To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Surpass.
Learn more: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Hilton Honors Aspire
The top-tier Hilton Aspire card is the best option for Hilton loyalists who want to earn a lot of points within Hilton Honors and enjoy a host of premium perks when staying at Hilton properties. Despite its $550 annual fee (see rates and fees), its perks easily offset this significant cost.
Here are the offers we have seen on the Hilton Honors Aspire:
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
February 2026 to now | Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends April 15. | $700 |
January to February 2026 | Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $600 |
October 2025 to January 2026 | Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $700 |
August to October 2025 | Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $600 |
June to August 2025 | Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $700 |
April to June 2025 | Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $600 |
February to April 2025 | Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $700 |
August 2024 to February 2025 | Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $600 |
April to August 2024 | Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $700 |
March to April 2024 | Earn 180,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $720 |
January to March 2024 | Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $600 |
October 2023 to January 2024 | Earn 180,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $720 |
July to October 2023 | Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. | $600 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
Highest welcome offer
The best offer we've seen on this premium card was 180,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership (offer no longer available).
When you should apply
If the offer provides at least 175,000 points, it's a good time to apply.
To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Honors Aspire.
Learn more: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Hilton Honors Business
The Hilton Honors Amex Business is a great option for business owners looking to collect more Hilton points with their business spending. This card comes with a $195 annual fee (see rates and fees).
Here are the offers we have seen on the Hilton Honors Business:
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
February 2026 to now | Earn 175,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends April 15. | $700 plus the value of a free night reward |
January to February 2026 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
October 2025 to January 2026 | Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $700 |
August to October 2025 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
June to August 2025 | Earn up to 175,000 bonus points: 150,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership, plus another 25,000 bonus points after spending a total of $10,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | Up to $700 |
April to June 2025 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
February to April 2025 | Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $700 |
January to February 2025 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
September 2024 to January 2025 | Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $700 |
June to September 2024 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $520 |
March to June 2024 | Earn up to 180,000 bonus points: 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $10,000 in the first six months of card membership. | Up to $720 |
July 2023 to March 2024 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. | $520 |
May to July 2023 | Earn 150,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. | $600 plus the value of a free night reward |
April to May 2023 | Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. | $520 |
February to April 2023 | Earn 165,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. | $660 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
Highest welcome offer
The best welcome offer we've seen was for up to 180,000 bonus points: 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $10,000 in the first six months of card membership (offer no longer available).
When you should apply
It's a good time to apply if the offer provides at least 175,000 points.
To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Honors Business.
Learn more: The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Bottom line
When you're ready to apply for a new credit card, waiting for an elevated welcome offer is one of the best ways to earn a bounty of bonus points quickly.
Most of a card's total value in the first year is found in that bonus, which you'll earn by simply meeting a minimum spending requirement.
Use this outline of Hilton Amex welcome bonuses to help you decide whether an offer is worth taking.
Related: Best welcome offers of the month
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Surpass Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Aspire Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Business Card, click here.
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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
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