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 (October 2024)

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.

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.

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 American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.

You can also earn Hilton Honors points indirectly with:

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

and for small business owners:

• American Express Business Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Business Platinum (40,000 bonus Amex points)

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 22nd October 2024, the bonus on American Express Business Platinum is increased to up to 80,000 Membership Rewards points, worth 80,000 Avios. You will receive 8 points per £1 spent for the first three months, on up to £10,000 of spending. Click here to read our full card review. Click here to apply.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 22nd October 2024, the bonus on American Express Business Gold is increased to up to 40,000 Membership Rewards points, worth 40,000 Avios. You will receive 4 points per £1 spent for the first three months, on up to £10,000 of spending. The card is FREE for your first year. Click here to read our full card review. Click here to apply.

The conversion rate from American Express to Hilton 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. 

(Want to earn more hotel points?  Click here to see our complete list of promotions from the major hotel chains or use the ‘Hotel Offers’ link in the menu bar at the top of the page.)