Canadian travelers now have a new co-branded hotel credit card option with the launch of the Hilton Honors American Express Card. The card, which carries an annual fee of $150, offers a welcome bonus of up to 70,000 Hilton Honors points and a free night when users spend $3,000 in the first three months and another $500 in month 13.
Cardholders receive instant Hilton Honors gold status, which includes perks like a daily food and beverage credit or continental breakfast, and room upgrades when available. To reach diamond status, users must spend $40,000 in a calendar year. Additionally, spending $12,000 annually earns a 50,000-point bonus.
The card’s benefits are compared to the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card, which costs $120 and offers silver status. While Marriott’s card provides a free night reward worth up to 35,000 points annually, Hilton’s points are more flexible and can be used for luxury properties like the Waldorf Astoria or Conrad.
Earning rates favor Hilton on gas, groceries, and dining, where the return is 2 percent compared to 1.4 percent with the Marriott card. However, Marriott’s card offers a higher return on hotel stays and everyday spending. The Hilton Honors card is best suited for frequent travelers, though Marriott Bonvoy cardholders may not have an urgent reason to switch.