Is the Hilton Business Amex worth the annual fee?

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a great pick for small-business owners loyal to Hilton. It offers complimentary Hilton Gold elite status and several business management tools for a moderate $195 annual fee (see rates and fees). Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.

This card’s benefits and the welcome offer can provide decent value to cardmembers looking to book Hilton stays for their business. However, this card isn’t for everyone.

Let’s take a closer look at the Hilton Business card to see if it’s a fit for you.

Right now, new Hilton Amex Business cardmembers can earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of cardmembership. This offer ends on April 29.

TPG’s April 2025 valuations value this welcome offer at $1,050.

Keep in mind that Hilton uses dynamic pricing for hotel redemption bookings. These bonus points may sound like a lot, but in reality, they might cover just two nights at a top-tier property.

That said, this is still a great way to get some real value out of your business’s routine spending.

Related: 7 ways to redeem points with the Hilton Honors program

The Hilton Business Amex earns a decent 12 points per dollar at Hilton hotels and resorts. Plus, you’ll earn 5 points per dollar on all other purchases up to $100,000 per calendar year (3 points per dollar on purchases thereafter).

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That’s a solid rate for Hilton purchases but average for other spending. The Hilton Business Amex is not the best card for earning rewards on non-Hilton spending.

This card’s rates equate to a 7.2% return at Hilton properties and a 3% return on other spending up to $100,000 (then 1.8% on all non-Hilton purchases afterward), per TPG’s April 2025 valuations.

Keep in mind that you’ll receive extra points per dollar on your Hilton bookings through this card’s complimentary Gold elite status. Since this status level provides an 80% bonus on points earned, you’ll receive another 18 points per dollar on top of the 12 points per dollar this card earns. That amounts to an impressive 30 points per dollar.

Other Hilton cards, such as the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, offer better value in bonus-earning categories.

The information for the Hilton Honors Amex Aspire has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: The best Hilton credit cards

Your Hilton Honors points can be redeemed for hotel nights, Hilton event credits, Hilton Honors Experiences, Amazon purchases and with airlines. We recommend using your points for hotel nights for the best value (by far).

Hilton Honors uses a dynamic pricing system, so you might want to use its Points Explorer tool to show you the award night price range for a specific property over the next month.

Thanks to the Hilton Business Amex’s complimentary Gold status, you’ll receive your fifth night free. That means you only have to pay for four nights, which is a great way to save on lengthier award stays.

The Amex Hilton Honors Business includes a few useful benefits for a mid-tier card:

• Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold elite status: With Gold status, you’ll enjoy an 80% points bonus on Hilton stays, the fifth night free on award redemptions, elite tier rollover nights, complimentary breakfast or food and beverage credits at all hotels and room upgrades.
• Upgrade to Diamond status: You can upgrade to Diamond Elite status through the end of the next calendar year when you spend $40,000 with your card in a calendar year. With Diamond status, you’ll get access to superior upgrades, executive lounges and more.
• Up to $60 quarterly Hilton statement credit: You’ll earn up to $240 per calendar year in statement credits, split into up to $60 each quarter on eligible Hilton purchases. Purchases can include room reservations at any Hilton property and incidental charges.
• Rental car elite status: Complimentary National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status that provides guaranteed upgrades, no second drive fees and the ability to earn faster free rental days. Terms apply.
• Travel protections: Baggage insurance*, secondary car rental loss and damage insurance**, access to the Global Assist Hotline***, extended warranty* and purchase protection* are available to cardmembers.
• Expense management tools: Lastly, you’ll have access to the American Express Business app, QuickBooks integration, Vendor Pay and more.

Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
**Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
***Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Related: Your complete guide to shopping protections on American Express cards

While there is value to be had, prospective cardmembers will probably be better off with the better-value Hilton Surpass or Hilton Aspire cards or another business card.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Hilton Amex Business.

Apply here: Hilton Honors Amex Business

For rates and fees of the Amex Hilton Business card, click here.