Best time to apply for Hilton American Express cards based on offer history

The Hilton Honors cards from American Express offer multiple benefits for travelers seeking additional perks with Hilton. These cards also come with generous welcome bonuses that can include generous amounts of Hilton Honors points or even free nights.Since welcome offers can vary, the timing of your application matters.Below, we've collected a history of welcome bonuses on the Hilton American Express cards. This guide will review the best welcome offers we've seen on Hilton Amex cards and when we think it's best to apply to earn a bonus that exceeds the standard offer.Note: We will only discuss publicly available welcome offers. However, you might receive targeted offers with more bonus points or cash back. Keep in mind that offers may change at any time, and some of those mentioned below may not be available.Best Hilton American Express welcome offersBelow is a list of every Hilton American Express card, the best welcome offer we've seen on each and our guidance on when you should apply.American Express only allows you to earn one bonus for each of its cards in a lifetime, so make sure to wait for the best time to apply.CardBest welcome offer we've seenWhen to applyHilton Honors American Express CardEarn up to 130,000 bonus points: 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $5,000 in the first six months of card membership.If the offer is at least 100,000 points.Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® CardEarn up to 180,000 bonus points: 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $10,000 in the first six months of card membership.If the offer is at least 155,000 points, at least 130,000 points and a free night reward, or at least 130,000 points and a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then $150 each year thereafter).Hilton Honors American Express Aspire CardEarn 180,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.If the offer is at least 175,000 pointsThe Hilton Honors American Express Business CardEarn up to 180,000 bonus points: 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $10,000 in the first six months of card membership.If the offer is at least 175,000 pointsHilton Honors American ExpressIf you're new to points or miles, or only occasionally stay with Hilton, the basic Hilton Honors Amex is a solid starting point. This card has no annual fee (see rates and fees).THE POINTS GUYHere are the offers we have seen on the Hilton Honors Amex:Approximate dateOfferValue*May 2026 to nowEarn 100,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$500, including the statement creditApril to May 2026Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$320February to April 2026Earn 70,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$280, plus the value of a free night rewardJanuary to February 2026Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$320October 2025 to January 2026Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$400August to October 2025Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$320June to August 2025Earn 100,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit after spending $2,000 in the first six months of card membership.$500, including the statement creditApril to June 2025Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$320February to April 2025Earn 70,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. $280, plus the value of a free night rewardJanuary to February 2025Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$320September 2024 to January 2025Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$400August to September 2024Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$320May to August 2024Earn 70,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$280, plus the value of a free night rewardApril to May 2024Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$320March to April 2024Earn up to 130,000 bonus points: 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $5,000 in the first six months of card membership.Up to $520January to March 2024Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$320October 2023 to January 2024Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$400July to October 2023Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.$320May to July 2023Earn 70,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.$280, plus the value of a free night reward*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's July 2026 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletterJoin over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s expertsBy signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.Highest welcome offerThe highest offer we have seen on the Hilton Honors Amex allowed new applicants to earn up to 130,000 bonus points: 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $5,000 in the first six months of card membership (offer no longer available).When you should applyIf the offer provides at least 100,000 bonus points, it could be a good time to apply.To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Honors Amex.Learn more: Hilton Honors American Express CardHilton Honors SurpassThe Hilton Surpass is a solid mid-tier option for those who are loyal to Hilton or find the card's perks — such as automatic Hilton Gold status — especially beneficial. This card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then a $150 annual fee (see rates and fees).THE POINTS GUYHere are the offers we have seen on the Hilton Honors Surpass:Approximate dateOfferValue*May 2026 to nowEarn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Additionally, enjoy a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150.$520April to May 2026Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$520February to April 2026Earn 130,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$520, plus the value of a free night rewardJanuary to February 2026Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$520October 2025 to January 2026Earn 155,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$620August to October 2025Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$520June to August 2025Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Additionally, enjoy a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150.$520April to June 2025Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$520February to April 2025Earn 130,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$520, plus the value of a free night rewardJanuary to February 2025 Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$520September 2024 to January 2025Earn 165,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$660August to September 2024Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$520May to August 2024Earn 130,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$520, plus the value of a free night rewardApril to May 2024Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$520March to April 2024Earn up to 180,000 bonus points: 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $10,000 in the first six months of card membership.Up to $720January to March 2024Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$520October 2023 to January 2024Earn 170,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$680July to October 2023Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.$520May to July 2023Earn 130,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.$520, plus the value of a free night reward*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.Highest welcome offerThe best offer we've seen in the history of the Hilton Surpass was to earn up to 180,000 bonus points: 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $10,000 in the first six months of card membership (offer no longer available).When you should applyIt's a good time to apply for this mid-tier card if the offer provides one of the following:At least 155,000 pointsAt least 130,000 points and a free night rewardAt least 130,000 points and a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then $150 each year thereafter)To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Surpass.Learn more: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass CardHilton Honors AspireThe top-tier Hilton Aspire card is the best option for Hilton loyalists who want to earn a lot of Hilton Honors points and enjoy a host of premium perks when staying at Hilton properties. Despite its $550 annual fee (see rates and fees), its perks easily offset this high cost.THE POINTS GUYHere are the offers we have seen on the Hilton Honors Aspire:Approximate dateOfferValue*May 2026 to nowEarn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$700April to May 2026Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$600February to April 2026Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$700January to February 2026Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$600 October 2025 to January 2026 Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$700August to October 2025 Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$600June to August 2025Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$700April to June 2025Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$600February to April 2025Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$700August 2024 to February 2025Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$600April to August 2024Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$700March to April 2024Earn 180,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$720January to March 2024Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$600October 2023 to January 2024Earn 180,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$720July to October 2023Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.$600*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.Highest welcome offerThe best offer we've seen on this premium card was 180,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership (offer no longer available).When you should applyIf the offer provides at least 175,000 points, it's a good time to apply.To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Honors Aspire.Learn more: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire CardHilton Honors BusinessThe Hilton Honors Amex Business is a great option for business owners looking to earn more Hilton Honors points with their business spending. This card comes with a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then a $195 annual fee (see rates and fees).THE POINTS GUYHere are the offers we have seen on the Hilton Honors Business:Approximate dateOfferValue*May 2026 to nowEarn 130,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Additionally, enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $195.$520April to May 2026Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$520February to April 2026Earn 175,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$700, plus the value of a free night rewardJanuary to February 2026Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$520October 2025 to January 2026Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$700August to October 2025 Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$520June to August 2025Earn up to 175,000 bonus points: 150,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership, plus another 25,000 bonus points after spending a total of $10,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.Up to $700April to June 2025Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$520February to April 2025Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$700January to February 2025Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$520September 2024 to January 2025Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$700June to September 2024Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.$520March to June 2024Earn up to 180,000 bonus points: 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $10,000 in the first six months of card membership.Up to $720July 2023 to March 2024Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.$520May to July 2023Earn 150,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.$600, plus the value of a free night reward*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.Highest welcome offerThe best welcome offer we've seen was for up to 180,000 bonus points: 130,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus another 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $10,000 in the first six months of card membership (offer no longer available).When you should applyIt's a good time to apply if the offer provides at least 175,000 points.To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Honors Business.Learn more: The Hilton Honors American Express Business CardBottom lineWhen you're ready to apply for a new credit card, waiting for an elevated welcome offer is one of the best ways to earn a bounty of bonus points quickly.Most of a card's first-year value comes from its welcome bonus, which you'll earn by simply meeting a minimum spending requirement.Use this outline of Hilton Amex welcome bonuses to help you decide whether an offer is worth taking.Related: Best welcome offers of the monthFor rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex Card, click here.For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Surpass Card, click here.For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Aspire Card, click here.For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Business Card, click here.