Hilton Honors American Express Business Card refresh: Overwhelmingly negative changes

28.03.2024 - 14:47 / thepointsguy.com

American Express is at it again with credit card changes for its cobranded Hilton cards, but this time, the changes target the business version.

In October 2023, Amex introduced changes to the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, which were a bag of mixed results.

The refreshes to the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card include changes to the earning structure, the removal of free night rewards, a new statement credit and an increase to the annual fee. Overall, the changes seem fairly negative.

Here's a walkthrough of the Hilton Honors Business Card changes and what they mean for existing cardmembers and prospective applicants.

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

The annual fee on the Hilton Honors Business Card has increased significantly from $95 to $195 (see rates and fees), more than doubling for existing cardmembers. The annual fee is effective immediately for anyone applying from March 28, while existing cardmembers will see the higher annual fee take effect at their next renewal date.

The mid-tier Surpass and premium Aspire saw a 58% and 22% increase, respectively, so the more than 105% jump on the business card is disappointing.

Related: The complete guide to credit card annual fees

One positive development for the Hilton Honors Business Card includes the addition of a new statement credit. Cardmembers can now earn up to $240 in statement credits on eligible Hilton purchases.

The statement credit is split up quarterly, providing up to $60 each quarter. Eligible purchases include room reservations at Hilton properties and also cover incidental charges such as dinner or spa treatments. Additionally, the credit can be used in a business setting, such as having a meeting over coffee with business partners or a meal at Hilton properties.

For frequent travelers, a statement credit is a great way to offset hotel charges; however, if you don't travel frequently or at least every quarter, this benefit may not be as useful.

To maximize the statement credit, you must use your credit every quarter; at the very least, if you don't plan on spending it on hotel stays, then use it to dine at restaurants or cafes within Hilton properties for work dinners or team meetings.

Related: How to maximize the new statement credits on the Hilton Surpass and Aspire cards

Cardmembers will now also receive complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status. Useful benefits include guaranteed upgrades, access to Executive Area cars (in the USA and Canada) and no second driver fees.

While elite