Right now some American Express Membership Rewards accounts are being targeted for a 50% transfer bonus to Hilton. Normally, Amex points transfer to Hilton at a 1:2 ratio in 1,000-point increments, so if you’re targeted for the 50% bonus you could transfer Amex points at a 1:3 ratio.
In most cases, the best way to use Amex points is to transfer to one of Amex’s airline partners to book award flights, especially expensive business- or first-class seats. However, if you’re eligible for the 50% transfer bonus and you can combine it with Hilton’s fifth night free on points stays, you definitely can find some sweet deals. It’s also a good opportunity to top off your Hilton account if you’re just shy of an award.
Some great places to use Hilton points are for luxury stays at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, the Conrad Maldives or the Grand Wailea in Maui, all of which can go for more than $1,000 a night. You can read more about the best way to use Hilton points here.
In general, I prefer to earn Hilton points by opening one of the Amex Hilton credit cards:
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card – 125,000 Hilton points after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first three months of account opening
- Hilton Honors American Express Card – 75,000 Hilton points after you spend $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of account opening.
- Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express – 150,000 Hilton points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
- The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card – 125,000 Hilton points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases in the first three months of account opening
Amex is running transfer bonuses with other partners, like Air France’s Flying Blue program or JetBlue. You can earn Amex Membership Rewards points with these cards:
| Card | Welcome bonus & minimum spending requirements |
|---|---|
| The Business Platinum® Card from American Express | Earn up to 75,000 Amex Membership Rewards® points: 50,000 points after you spend $10,000 and an extra 25,000 points after you spend an additional $10,000 all on qualifying purchases made on the card within the first 3 months of account opening. Terms Apply. |
| American Express®️ Green Card | Earn 30,000 Amex Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in your first three months of account opening. Terms apply. |
| The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express | No welcome bonus |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | 60,000 Amex Membership Rewards® points after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening your account. Terms Apply. |
| American Express® Gold Card | 35,000 Amex Membership Rewards® points after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. Terms Apply. |
| American Express® Business Gold Card | Earn 35,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply. |
| Business Green Rewards Card from American Express | 15,000 Amex Membership Rewards® points after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of opening your account. Terms Apply. |
| Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express | 15,000 Amex Membership Rewards® points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening your account. Terms Apply. |
| Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express | 10,000 Amex Membership Rewards® points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening your account. Terms Apply. |
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