That Hilton / Amex / Facebook competition ….

On 3rd March I wrote about a competition Hilton was running on Facebook which was exclusive to Amex Platinum cardholders.   The article generated a lot of comments because the entry form was so scruffy that a lot of people thought it was a scam until I got hold of the original ad.

The entry criteria were so restrictive that I was pretty sure a HfP reader would win – and I was right.  The prize was a sleepover at the McLaren Technology Centre in a Hilton Hotels & Resorts bed and viewing of the Australian grand prix.

That’s the good news.  The bad news is that the winner wanted to bring his 9-year old nephew.  Amex / Hilton refused – even though there was no age restriction in the rules, except that the entrant had to be over 18 – because there would be “alcohol branding” on display.  No compensation has been offered.

As the father of a 10-year old, that the fact that my daughter may see “alcohol branding” on display at any event we attend has never caused me any overt concern …..

PS.  Above is a photo from the last daytime Hilton tour of the McLaren Technology Centre, where 80% of the guests were HfP readers.  Note the children in the picture.

PPS.  As per the comments below, the replacement winner is also a HfP reader.

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How to earn Hilton Honors points and status from UK credit cards (June 2025)

There are various ways of earning Hilton Honors points from UK credit and debit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

There are two dedicated Hilton Honors debit cards. These are especially attractive when spending abroad due to the 0% or 0.5% FX fee, depending on card.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th August 2025, the sign-up bonus on the Hilton Honors Plus debit card is TRIPLED to 30,000 Hilton Honors points. You will also receive Gold Elite status in Hilton Honors for as long as you hold the card. Click here for our full card review and click here to apply.

You also receive FREE Hilton Honors status for as long as you hold the debit cards – Gold status with the Plus card and Silver status with the basic card. This is a great reason to apply even if you rarely use it.

We reviewed the Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card here and the Hilton Honors Debit Card here.

You can apply for either card here.

NEW: Hilton Honors Plus Debit

30,000 bonus points (to 14th August), Hilton Gold status and NO FX fees Read our full review

NEW: Hilton Honors Debit

2,500 bonus points, 50% fee discount, Hilton Silver status and 0.5% FX fees Read our full review

There is another way of getting Hilton Honors status, and earning Hilton Honors points, from a payment card.

Holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Hilton Honors Gold status for as long as they hold the card.  It also comes with Marriott Bonvoy Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status.

We reviewed The Platinum Card from American Express in detail here and you can apply here.

The Platinum Card from American Express

50,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review

You can also earn Hilton Honors points indirectly with:

• American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• The American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)

and for small business owners:

• The American Express Business Gold Card (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• The American Express Business Platinum Card (50,000 bonus Amex points)

The conversion rate from American Express to Hilton Honors points is 1:2.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which can be used to earn Hilton Honors points.