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    Best time to apply for Hilton American Express cards based on offer history

    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 generous amounts of Hilton Honors points or even free nights.

    Since welcome offers can vary, the timing of your application matters.

    Below, 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 those mentioned below may not be available.

    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

    Hilton Honors American Express Card

    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 100,000 points.

    Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

    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).

    Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

    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

    The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

    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

    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).

    American Express Hilton
    THE POINTS GUY

    Here are the offers we have seen on the Hilton Honors Amex:

    Approximate date Offer Value*

    May 2026 to now

    Earn 100,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.

    $500, including the statement credit

    April to May 2026

    Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.

    $320

    February to April 2026

    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 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.

    $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

    *Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s July 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 100,000 bonus points, 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 $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then a $150 annual fee (see rates and fees).

    Hilton Surpass card art
    THE POINTS GUY

    Here are the offers we have seen on the Hilton Honors Surpass:

    Approximate date Offer Value*

    May 2026 to now

    Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Additionally, enjoy a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150.

    $520

    April to May 2026

    Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.

    $520

    February to April 2026

    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 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. Additionally, enjoy a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150.

    $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

    *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 one of the following:

    • At least 155,000 points
    • At least 130,000 points and a free night reward
    • 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 Hilton Honors points 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 high cost.

    American Express Hilton Honors Aspire
    THE POINTS GUY

    Here are the offers we have seen on the Hilton Honors Aspire:

    Approximate date Offer Value*

    May 2026 to now

    Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.

    $700

    April to May 2026

    Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.

    $600

    February to April 2026

    Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.

    $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 earn more Hilton Honors points with their business spending. This card comes with a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then a $195 annual fee (see rates and fees).

    Hilton Business Amex
    THE POINTS GUY

    Here are the offers we have seen on the Hilton Honors Business:

    Approximate date Offer Value*

    May 2026 to now

    Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Additionally, enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $195.

    $520

    April to May 2026

    Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.

    $520

    February to April 2026

    Earn 175,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.

    $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

    *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 first-year value comes from its welcome 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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