How (and when) to buy Hilton points: A step-by-step guide

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You know those people that say you should never buy points, even when they’re on sale? Those are the types of people that aren’t good at math. Because during certain promotions, it can absolutely make sense to buy Hilton points.

In this guide, we’ll share the steps to buying Hilton points along with an example to help show you when buying Hilton points is worth it.

Current Promotions to buy Hilton points 

At the time of writing, there weren’t any Hilton buy points promotions. But don’t fret! They come around every so often. And sometimes Hilton offers up to a 100% bonus on purchased points. At that rate, it can certainly make sense to buy points if you have a specific redemption in mind!

It’s also worth mentioning that purchasing points can be a bit risky at this time, as the travel industry battles its way out of the coronavirus lockdown. We’ve seen some companies file bankruptcy, and it’s too early to tell the implications of something like that. Buying points can certainly be a great deal if travel continues to improve as we think it will. And Hilton points expire after 12 months of account inactivity.

Should I buy Hilton Points?

As always, it comes down to the math and comparing the cost of the points to the value you’ll get from using them. Hilton normally sells points at 1 cent each, but in the past, they’ve offered up to a 100% bonus on purchased points. With that bonus you’d be paying just 0.5 cents per point. So, if you can find an award redemption where you’d be getting a value of more than 0.5 cents apiece, it would make sense to buy Hilton points for your stay (assuming you can’t earn Hilton points for free another way).

How to Buy Hilton points

You can purchase Hilton points in three easy steps.

Step 1. Navigate to the buy points page

First, either head directly to Hilton’s buy points page or navigate there from the homepage. From Hilton’s homepage, click “Points”  and then click the “Buy Points” button.

You’ll be directed to Hilton’s buy points page.

Step 2. Determine the number of points you’re purchasing

On the buy points page, you’ll need to select the number of points you’d like to purchase. Just click the dropdown menu.

Step 3. Complete the transaction

After you choose the number of points you’re buying, you’ll be asked to enter your payment information. To complete your purchase click the “Purchase” button.

That’s it! Your points should be deposited into your account fairly immediately.

When it makes sense to buy Hilton points

Using Hilton points for otherwise expensive stays is the best way to maximize the value of your rewards. 

For example, the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi costs up to $3,000+ per night in spring 2021 — but it’s available for 120,000 points per night.

This is one of the top destinations in the Maldives. If Hilton was offering a 100% bonus on purchased points, you’d need to buy 60,000 points for $600 to get the 120,000 points you’d need for a free night here. That’s a jaw-dropping savings of $2,400 per night.

And don’t forget, Hilton members with elite status (which you automatically receive if you have a Hilton credit card) will get the fifth award night free. You’d need to purchase 480,000 points for a five-night stay at this hotel, but Hilton lets you pool points with anyone. You and a friend could both purchase points and combine them. If you purchased a total of 480,000 points, you’d spend $2,400. But you’d receive a stay worth potentially $15,000+! That’s like getting an 84% discount.

There are loads of other hotels in which you can save big by purchasing Hilton points. I personally use my Hilton points for low-category hotels, because I tend to save the most. You can read my post on the subject for more details. With the right promotion, you could pay as little as $25 per night for a low-category Hilton hotel that costs 5,000 points per night.

For more inspiration, check out our list of the best Hilton hotels to book with points.

Other ways to earn Hilton points

Earn points by opening a credit card instead

One of the quickest ways to earn tons of Hilton points (and other perks) is by opening credit cards and meeting the minimum spending requirements:

The information for the Hilton Aspire card, and the Hilton Surpass card has been collected independently by Million Mile Secrets. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Otherwise, you could earn points through activities like Hilton stays, promotions, taking rides with Lyft or renting a car with one of Hilton’s car rental partners. For other ideas, check out our full guide to earning Hilton points.

Bottom line

Buying points during a promotion can be a fantastic value. But don’t spend money unless you need to. Make sure to check out our complete guide on how to earn Hilton Honors points. And read our Hilton Honors review for more details on this super useful program.

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