The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card has long been a popular choice for business travelers looking to earn rewards and enjoy perks when staying at Hilton properties. However, the recent announcement of new benefits and an increased annual fee for 2024 has left many cardholders feeling disappointed and questioning the value of the card.
One of the most significant changes coming to the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is the increase in the annual fee. Starting on July 1, 2024, the annual fee will jump from $95.00 to $195.00, a $100.00 increase. This substantial increase has left many cardholders wondering if the benefits of the card justify the higher cost.
Despite the increased annual fee, there are some new benefits being introduced with the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card. Cardholders will now earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases made directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio. This is a significant increase from the previous earning rate and can help cardholders accumulate points faster.
Additionally, cardholders will now be able to earn up to $240.00 back in statement credits annually for eligible Hilton purchases made with the card directly at participating Hilton properties. This new benefit can help offset the increased annual fee and provide additional value to cardholders.
Another new benefit is the ability to earn 5X Hilton Honors bonus points on other purchases made with the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, up to $100,000.00 in purchases each calendar year. After reaching this threshold, cardholders will continue to earn 3X Hilton Honors bonus points on all other purchases. This increased earning potential can help cardholders maximize their rewards and get more value out of the card.
In addition to these new benefits, cardholders will also enjoy complimentary National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status and complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status. These perks can enhance the overall travel experience for cardholders and provide additional value beyond just earning points.
However, not all changes to the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card are positive. Two significant benefits will be discontinued with the new changes. Complimentary access to airport lounges with Priority Pass Select will no longer be offered as of July 1, 2024. This can be a significant loss for frequent travelers who rely on lounge access for a more comfortable travel experience.
Additionally, the Free Night Reward benefit will be removed from the card, effective June 30, 2024. This benefit allowed cardholders to earn free night rewards based on their spending, providing a valuable perk for loyal Hilton customers. Its removal may disappoint cardholders who enjoyed this benefit and relied on it for free nights at Hilton properties.
Overall, the changes to the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card for 2024 are a mixed bag. While the new benefits can provide additional value for cardholders, the increased annual fee and discontinued benefits may make some cardholders question the overall value of the card. It’s important for cardholders to carefully consider their spending habits and travel preferences to determine if the card is still the right choice for them moving forward.