The BEST 2-Card Hilton Credit Card Strategy

Рет қаралды 22,436

Күн бұрын

The Hilton ladder strategy has been one of THE MOST talked about credit card strategies to accumulate massive amounts of Hilton points you can redeem for your next great redemption.
In this video, I’ll cover an updated Hilton credit card strategy so that you can be strategic when considering the sequence in approaching the Hilton credit card ladder.
The cards we'll be using are the Hilton Honors Business card, Hilton Honors card, Hilton Honors Surpass card, and the Hilton Honors Aspire card, which are all issued by American Express.
This is a long-term strategy, and it’s designed to be completed in about 2-3 years. It's not designed for you to earn a lot of Hilton Honors points very quickly but rather to maximize the total number of Hilton Honors points you earn over the lifetime of this particular strategy.
As a long-term play, one benefit is that you can complete this strategy alongside other credit card strategies. And since Amex has a 5-card rule, this strategy will be presented in a way that only uses 2 American Express card slots.
Of course, you could adapt this strategy to use only 1 Amex slot or even 3 Amex slots so you could complete the ladder in much less time!
So get ready to take some notes, and I hope you enjoy this updated Hilton credit card strategy!
--
Credit Card Referral Links:
💠 My Top Picks: cfrog.co/top-picks
👉 Learn more about the Amex Hilton Business: cfrog.co/amex-hilton-business
👉 More Amex Hilton Honors: cfrog.co/amex-hilton
👉 More Amex Hilton Surpass: cfrog.co/amex-hilton-surpass
Watch Next:
• How to Get 4 Marriott ...
• Why I Stopped Using Am...
• The BEST Strategy for ...
CONNECT with me:
🐸 JOIN our membership!: www.youtube.com/@thecreditfro...
📸 Instagram: / thecreditfrog
📲 Pushie: www.pushieapp.com/profile/the...
📚 Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:33 Primer
02:32 Jan 2024 Welcome Offers
03:22 2-Card Hilton Strategy
12:45 Strategy Downsides
14:18 Outro
--
📜 Advertiser Disclosure / Disclaimer:
Some of the products that appear on this website are from companies from which I will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.
I am not a financial advisor, accountant, or lawyer and do not provide financial, tax, or legal advice. This video and any ideas presented in it are my opinions and are provided for entertainment purposes only. Please do your own research and consult your own financial, tax, or legal professional for specific advice.
#creditcard #americanexpress #hiltonhonors

Пікірлер: 183

@eddievakk 6 ай бұрын

Yo, my day just got like, at least 12% better because you uploaded

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Haha, thanks Eddie! Glad I could make your day that much better!!

@LeftCoastPhil 6 ай бұрын

Over a million Hilton points last year from Aspire/surpass set up. 6 days at Cabo WA booked at 2.5 cents per point. Love this set up

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Very nice!! Getting 2.5cpp on a Hilton redemption is no joke. Sounds like a great vacation and getting that value is just the cherry on top! 🍒

@L_____E_______IT 2 ай бұрын

Hey Phil can you explain your strategy? Do you use aspire for dining, surpass for gas and groceries?

@LeftCoastPhil 2 ай бұрын

@@L_____E_______IT Pretty simple 2 player aspire/surpass for both players. Kid’s school tuition on one surpass. Golf club membership dues on the other. Dining and Hilton stays on aspire. Everything else on surpasses. Buy max points at 0.5cpp. Pay cash for Hilton stays if I don’t like the point redemption. Venture X or Sapphire for Costco and other non Amex spend. Just book Hawaii at 3.2 cpp. My top Hilton redemption to date.

@JacobsPointsAndProfit 6 ай бұрын

Nice job explaining this Hilton strategy and the editing really tied it all together and made it easier to understand. I agree that anybody new to Hilton cards should think about getting the $0 annual fee card before moving on to the Surpass and Aspire

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Thanks Jacob! Yeah, these new Amex changes are definitely something to think about with these strategies. It's hard though since the Surpass welcome offer is so much better right now! We'll have to see what happens after they expire because I think Amex will be making some moves soon after, probably starting with the Business card!

@JoshGiebel 6 ай бұрын

Stan! I'm glad you made this video as my only Hilton card is the Business version. Definitely something to keep in mind over time - great stuff!

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

That's right! Looks like you've started off on the right foot Josh! I'm interested to see what they do to the business card because right now, it's pending renewal for me, and I'm not sure what I want to do with it yet. You definitely have time to think through the next steps for your Hilton strategy!

@MontyTheCardNerd 6 ай бұрын

While I already had decent knowledge of this strategy, I still got so much value from the video in how clearly you explained it and in how you ended with insightful limitations of the strategy. Appreciate the content as per usual!

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Thanks Monty! Yeah, the classic Hilton credit card strategy will always be the go-to, but this strategy is great given the recent changes with Amex and especially if you're already close to your Amex credit card limit. Glad I was able to add to your understanding of the Hilton lineup! Appreciate you!!

@hikintrailsndrinkinales 6 ай бұрын

Love your strategy breakdowns. Great info as always!

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Thanks Daniel! Glad you enjoyed the video and strategy!

@jakemercure 6 ай бұрын

Nice video Stan! I could totally see myself doing this in the future. Always excited when you upload 🤝👍

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Thanks so much Jake! I appreciate you bro. You'll definitely do this in the future. It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when 😎

@tehdonginator 4 ай бұрын

thanks for yet another amazing hotel strategy! your videos are the best I've found so far on the Hilton and Marriott strategies.

@TheCreditFrog 4 ай бұрын

You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed these two strategies. They are definitely must know strategies when it comes to getting max value from these two hotel brands through credit cards!

@Dr.Boombatz 6 ай бұрын

Top quality guide Stan. Keep up the great content!

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Thanks Dr. Vinnie! Will definitely keep it coming!

@advait91 5 ай бұрын

This was such a useful video! thanks for breaking this down!!

@TheCreditFrog 5 ай бұрын

You’re welcome! Happy to hear it was helpful!

@wilfredpapaya4739 3 ай бұрын

Will be doing this strategy later this year and i cant wait. Thank you Stan for the info.

@TheCreditFrog 3 ай бұрын

Of course! This strategy is even more important now that the Hilton Business card was nerfed!

@getsugatenshoFTW 6 ай бұрын

Stan coming out with the unique video concepts concepts again! This and the marriot strategy video are gold mines 🎉

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

For sure! Definitely enjoyed making both of these strategies, and it's nice that they're both very closely related as hotel card strategies!

@MattWelterOfficial 6 ай бұрын

I'm one card away from completing my Hilton welcome bonus lineup (Aspire), and am now starting to work my way through the Upgrade Offers as well. Now is a pretty dang good time to get any of these Cards with the high bonuses as well! Like you said, especially with Amex's lifetime language on their bonuses, definitely super agree with you that it's important to be patient and get the highest elevated offers for each of these Cards! Super thought provoking video here Stan- and I think I'm doing very similar to what you suggest (Upgraded Honors to Surpass and plan to cancel the HH Biz this year). I actually have a Hilton video talking about the Wheel Strategy coming out soon too haha- Love the video as always Stan!

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Matt! That Aspire card is going to be the crown jewel of your Hilton setup! And I remember you getting a welcome offer on the HH card so you're well on your way to playing the Hilton ladder (or xylophone depending on how you look at it 🤣). I think it's great you're integrating the Hilton Business card into your Hilton strategy because those have the best welcome offers IMO! I also think that Lucia may have to get involved since you can refer her for her own Hilton ladder, haha! Looking forward to your Hilton video bro!

@ItsMeCJ 6 ай бұрын

Very clever video Stan. I like how I applied for the HH Business first by pure luck. Who would’ve known that I got the order right right out of the gate…I feel like that’s becoming the theme of my credit card journey. I enjoy the Gold status for sure though!

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Thanks CJ! Yeah, same here, haha! Definitely wasn't intentional, but when I sat down and thought about it, I'm happy I went with the Hilton business card first and locked in a nice welcome offer. Looks like we're in the same boat! Gold status is definitely worth it, and it's been nice to have that for my occasional Hilton stays!

@stacy_marie 6 ай бұрын

Love this! The Hilton credit card ladder needed an upgrade. ❤

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Thanks Stacy! Yes, we need to keep elevating the strategies!!

@user-ce2rm5de8r 6 ай бұрын

Wow great info thanks for the tips! 😮

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

You’re welcome!! Thanks for stopping by!

@De_Guatemala 6 ай бұрын

Fantastic video, detailed and researched. The Waldorf-Astoria Maui gave us $50 food credit daily. My wife and I both accidentally each got the AX Business and now will apply for personal cards. I have been Diamond for years, based on stays, and will drop to Gold April 1.

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Thanks! That's great you both started with the Hilton business cards, but it sounds like you're ready to continue climbing the Hilton ladder. You'll be able to do the P1-P2 referral thing too, making your HH point earnings that much better! Excited for you! Not sure how much you value Diamond, but I think Gold is still great, and gets you basically most things, except maybe upgrades, which are few in the US from what I hear.

@lashadow8 6 ай бұрын

Stan plays chess while others play checkers. Jaque Mate....Checkmate.

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Haha, thanks man!

@thomasalexander7395 6 ай бұрын

In 2023, I was able to take advantage of the Free Night Credit plus Welcome Bonus promotion for all three personal Hilton Honors Cards. This is definitely a good long game strategy. After the annual fee hit in 2024 I’ll downgrade my Surpass card but keep my Aspire for Diamond status. It probably wouldn’t make much sense for me to try this strategy so I’ll just move on to the Marriot strategy. Btw…love your content and forward thinking! Keep rockin Stan!

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Wow, all 3 Hilton credit cards in one year! Very cool!! I'm not sure if you're up for business cards, but the Hilton business card has IMO the best welcome offers if you catch it at the right time! Otherwise, yeah, long term, probably best to keep that Aspire for the Diamond and FNR! I appreciate the kind words! Marriott strategy will be the next frontier for you!

@chrisoverbey5937 6 ай бұрын

Stan - Doc - thanks again for this video. That Waldorf Astoria Pedregal in Cabo is one of my dream destinations. Thanks to this video, I have a roadmap for going there for damn near free. And do it again 2 years later 🏝️🍹

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Of course Chris! That's awesome, and I hear it's a great property. Glad that I could help you fine-tune your roadmap to make your dream trip come true! That truly means the world to me, and I hope you have an AMAZING vacation!!

@DugrozReports 6 ай бұрын

A strategy worthy of pursuing!

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Definitely Dugroz! This is one definitely to keep in mind!

@lewis20002000 5 ай бұрын

Very well done

@TheCreditFrog 5 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@woodzy883 6 ай бұрын

This was a video I needed. Planning for an upcoming trip, more so now with current family events probably next year to Hawaii. Discussed it a little with Chad and in the venture discord. Already started this plan. I need to also plan doing this with gardening till April to get under 5/24 so I can go after some ink cards when am elevated comes. Until then I am just going to spend to the FNC except. I have time and hope to by the end of the year going to have 3-4 FNC while also having enough chase points to cover return flight and 3-4 night stay at Mauna Lani resort. I have the to flight covered with amex points already

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Awesome woodzy! Yeah, the Hilton ladder is nice to generate those HH points very quickly through welcome offers! Certainly, you can use a FNC with the Aspire, but you can also book the other nights with HH points as you make that spend towards all the welcome offers you get. You said you already started so I'm guessing the clock is going for the next FNCs with whatever cards you already have, but yeah that sounds like a great trip for you and your family!

@jaypaladin-havesmartswilll5508 5 ай бұрын

Very good strategy. I like Hilton properties and the ease of getting one free night without the Marriot-type hassle.

@TheCreditFrog 5 ай бұрын

Thanks! Yeah, Big fan of the way they do their free night awards! And that from someone who prefers Marriott hotels!

@johnwick860 3 ай бұрын

updated video on this please Stan, thanks and congrats on the wedding!

@TheCreditFrog 3 ай бұрын

Yes, I do have another Hilton strategy video coming out soon, but it was filmed before the Hilton business card changes - still I think it's valuable content even though it's not included. Thanks John!

@kevinManhattan 6 ай бұрын

Since you are talking about my favorite card Hilton Aspire.... My goal is to do this with 3 cards. I want 3 aspires at some point (working on that now). Oh how I love Amex cards. (minus all their credits) But I can forgive them if I can get 3 hilton free nights! Awesome video Stan. Love love your how to videos!!!

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Whoo Kevin!! 3 Aspires!! That's going to be a great setup once you get it completed! That's a lot of airline credits though, haha! If you can get the FNR to work in your favor through value, then the statement credits could just be an afterthought, although the Hilton-specific credits would be helpful if you're a loyalist, which it sounds like you are! I appreciate the support, my friend! Conveniently, I love doing how-to videos!

@MattMcGrathOfficial 6 ай бұрын

This is the video I’ve been waiting for! I currently hold a Surpass and Honors both with elevated SUBs I received. My Surpass will be up for renewal first however. So my strategy is a bit trickier.

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Awesome! You're well on your way up the Hilton ladder! Yeah, that does present some issues, but if you have a 3rd Amex slot to play with, you could potentially go up to the Aspire if given a welcome offer as well as applying for another Aspire right before!

@MattMcGrathOfficial 6 ай бұрын

@@TheCreditFrog that’s my plan. Hopefully they have another elevated offer on the Aspire when I am close to my Surpass renewing in July.

@SENDO-X 6 ай бұрын

Got all 3 personal hiltons last month! going for the triple aspire plan for the future🏢

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Solid! Triple Aspires are goals!! 🏆🏆🏆

@PingPingTravel 6 ай бұрын

I think that I received a really good welcome offer on the Hilton Honors card. 80,000 points + free night award. That was enough to book (with an added 10,000 points) 2 free nights at Conrad Osaka. I'm waiting for an upgrade offer after the one year mark to the Hilton Surpass card. I'm hoping for an extra 50,000 points.

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Solid moves Ping Ping! That's a great redemption for a welcome offer on just a no annual fee card! Surpass is up next so hopefully you'll get an upgrade offer at the same time as an elevated welcome offer period for the Surpass!

@SimpleFinanceBytes 4 ай бұрын

Stan I love this content. I’d love to see more simple setups for ideas. One card preferably, perhaps two max. Of course everyone’s spending habits are different but the BLS publishes average monthly expenses by household. Perhaps incorporating that info into a card’s potential would be interesting to people? Maybe not. Maybe it’s just me. 😂

@TheCreditFrog 4 ай бұрын

Thanks! Yes, I'm a fan of simple setups. My core setup is 3 cards, but I do have an extra 2 technically for exception cases. Everyone's spending is so wildly variant so it's hard to pinpoint a perfect setup for everyone, but yes, expense tracking is the first step in tackling the challenge of creating the best credit card setup for you!

@Gangrenous_Hank 6 ай бұрын

I would argue that for most everyday people that two Hilton surpass’ would be better because modifiers are 10x better than aspire and cover all modifiers as well as when you spend 15/k each card you still get that FNC with a much lower annual fee.

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

The AF is definitely less on that card (and the statement credits also aren't as annoying) so it would certainly be a good fit for most people, including casual or frequent Hilton travelers. The only issue is spending $15k on each card, or even 1 card since that's a hefty amount of spend to put on one card and, depending on the situation, may be better put on another card for a better return.

@johnwick860 6 ай бұрын

thanks, pls make a video explaining the credits (calendar year or anniversary year), thanks

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

You're welcome! Statement credits need to standardized so it's not so confusing!

@magicalday4431 6 ай бұрын

I have the surpass and have acquired diamond just from my point accumulation . If you use the surpass for gas , groceries and dining coupled with Hilton honors dining you can multiply points

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Very nice! Yeah, I think having a Hilton setup for everyday spend is an underrated strategy that could work very well if you're focusing on redeeming Hilton stays. If you're Diamond from just point accumulation, it sounds like you're all-in! Nice work!

@Ljberkow 5 ай бұрын

I will hit the spend on Surpass and was thinking of downgrading Aspire to a second Surpass for that reason. It’s $300 AF for two cards, which can be offset doubly with Hilton stays, if you split charges at hotels. The $700 combo charge perhaps is an overspend.

@TheCreditFrog 5 ай бұрын

@@Ljberkow Yeah, it depends on if you plan on staying at Hiltons every quarter. Surpass is definitely easier to deal with than Aspire, but you'll lose the Diamond status. Doubling up on the Surpass makes sense though if you think you'll hit $15k x 2 in spend, which it sounds like you will! No right answer here, but both Aspire x Surpass, or Surpass x2 could work.

@UFCReno 6 ай бұрын

It’s tough to see the aspire card being a long term hold those credits man

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

I totally agree with you. I think you have to just let some of those statement credits go and hope you can recoup some of the value back by making a great redemption with the Free Night Reward .. which is exactly what Amex wants us to do!

@carlinrob 6 ай бұрын

Just got approved for Amex Hilton Business! Will need those 10 lounge passes in March for upcoming trip to Argentina/Antarctica! Thanks for all your support. Question. Should I cancel Surpass or apply for Hilton Honors? Not a fan of Aspire.

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Congrats 🎉! Those PP are going to come in handy! I think I would wait (if you can) to see what happens with the Hilton business card. If the Hilton business card ends up being like the Surpass, then canceling the Surpass would make sense. You could alternatively apply for HH now since there's a limited time offer (there have been better offers in the past) and then downgrade the surpass to another HH. If you have two HH, that's another chance to get an upgrade offer!

@warrenescalona3033 6 ай бұрын

Excellent video! Thank you! Do you know it’s available The Marriott Credit card from AMEX that have $95 annual fee & have free night awards up 35pts?

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Thanks! Yes, the Marriott Bonvoy card is available. You can't apply for it directly, but it's available through a product change from the Bonvoy Brilliant or Bevy cards after year 1.

@Milkinporsche 2 ай бұрын

I would definitely be getting the no annual fee one first, god knows when amex will change the terms prohibiting you from going from high tier card to low.

@TheCreditFrog 2 ай бұрын

Definitely a good strategy. Amex is known to make these change suddenly and without notice so foresight is helpful in this case!

@Abdullahi_World 6 ай бұрын

Would like to see an IHG version, could potentially be huge for them.

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

IHG has some pretty good properties. Need to dive into them and see if there are any good strategies!

@YourYouTubeCoach. 3 ай бұрын

Ugh I went straight to the aspire in January. What would you do in my Case? Is it too late for me to start over next year? Can I not go for the lower cards at this point while I have the aspire here in 2024? 😢😢😢

@TheCreditFrog 3 ай бұрын

In your case, it's best to go backwards since the family language has not yet hit the Hilton cards yet! So you can still get a welcome offer on the Surpass on regular HH cards for now! Hopefully, the language doesn't change soon, but you never know when it will happen!

@stephenbrownjr.2721 4 ай бұрын

Can you use this same strategy for the Delta Airlines Cobranded Cards from AMEX?

@TheCreditFrog 4 ай бұрын

Yes, I think that would work too! I would probably skip the Delta Blue card though. That card is only really good as a downgrade option. Not worth the hassle of getting that card for the welcome offer unless it's something you're going for speicifcally.

@krishnaindani8414 4 ай бұрын

Regarding the strategy of the getting surpass and upgrading the honor and same for aspire and surpass, is it within amex terms since you get surpass and then upgrade honor to surpass. Since in later you already have one surpass so will you be eligible to take that offer?

@TheCreditFrog 4 ай бұрын

It should still work and you should be able to get both offers if you apply, get approved, the accept the upgrade offer right away!

@carlinrob 6 ай бұрын

About to go for Hilton Business after high spend on Surpass. If approved, will cancel and then apply for Hilton Honors no fee card later.

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Nice! Yeah, the Surpass and Business used to be identical, but I'm waiting to see what the business card changes will be and then make a decision. I'm pretty sure it will be upgraded to basically what the Surpass looks like now, but we'll see! Try to get that HH welcome offer in before the sneak in that family language!

@itsagreatday9765 6 ай бұрын

Hey Stan, random other question for you. I got the Marriott Boundless card (with 5 FNC SUB). After a year I plan to product change to the Ritz Carlton card. My question is if I wait till after the first year, my $95 AF hits, and given the 35k FNC, then product change to the Ritz Carlton card, do u still get to keep that anniversary FNC or will they clawback the FNC. Do you know?

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

I don't know the specific answer to that question, but once you get the FNC, they shouldn't claw it back. If you really want to be sure, you can always apply it to a booking before making the PC to the RC card!

@tarushrocks 6 ай бұрын

Currently got Hilton + Surpass during the FNA promo last summer. Unfortunately checked for an Aspire before the elevated offers end and they will approve me but not give a welcome offer. Is it still worth getting without the intro points? Or do you think they would change their minds later? Just nervous bc what if I get an upgrade offer on my Surpass without applying independently for an Aspire thus miss out.

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

I think it's going to depend on how much you want the Hilton Aspire card (and it's FNR). I think that if you can hold out until an upgrade offer, that would be ideal, but you may be waiting a long time. One topic that's come up is that the Aspire + Surpass is now a great combo given the differences in their benefits and credits. It may be worthwhile to just enjoy the cards as they are for now and wait patiently for that Surpass upgrade offer to the Aspire!

@DrummyCovers15 6 ай бұрын

Can you do strategies for other hotels?

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Definitely! I have one on Marriott if you haven't seen it yet, but I'll be doing other ones in the future!

@elliottnixon-wq6sp 6 ай бұрын

Question: is it worth going to the trouble for Hilton points? I’ve often been knocked back by how many points I’d need to redeem for anything. Some Hilton redemptions cost over a million points so I’d be more concerned with how much spend I’d need to do to get enough points for a redemption. The HH card became the best card in the family because it lacked such specific statement credits. Oh and you can get HH gold with the platinum card too.

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

It depends on how much you plan on staying at Hilton properties tbh. Remember that even though Hilton points are not worth much, you can earn them very quickly, with 3X being the base earning rate on all purchases on these cards, and up to 14X on Hilton properties using the Aspire card. The statement credits are another drawback of these cards like you said, so it really depends if you're going to be a Hilton loyalist or not. As a casual Hilton person, I view Hilton cards basically as a means to get solid HH points through welcome offers. As I have the Platinum card, I do also get Hilton Gold status so really none of the credits matter to me, except when I have to maximize them the first year if I can.

@markg813 6 ай бұрын

i currently have the Honors card and just received an upgrade offer. Last time i applied for the Surpass i was in pop up jail lol. I should try again soon 🤞

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Oh man! Good luck with that Mark! Maybe you can sneak in that Surpass welcome offer in before it closes. The one going on right now is really good!

@justinmyers4113 6 ай бұрын

usually how much are the upgrade offers? equal to a sign-up bonus?

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

@@justinmyers4113 Usually a little bit less, but every bit counts!

@markg813 6 ай бұрын

@@justinmyers4113 I have a 50k point bonus to upgrade to the Surpass

@RichardBullwinkle 5 ай бұрын

Since you’re spending anyway, any advantage to spending on a surpass and keeping an Aspire for the free night? I mean, you get a free night after $15k on the Surpass, but after $30k on the Aspire

@TheCreditFrog 5 ай бұрын

Definitely think that it’s a viable option! The Surpass has some pretty good multiplier options as well so you can certainly earn a lot of Hilton points along the way to that $15k in spend!

@genxer74 4 ай бұрын

I applied to the Hilton Honors card a few days ago... Haven't even gotten the card in the mail yet and I already have a welcome offer for the Surpass card (130k pts). How long will that offer be there? I don't want to apply for it until I actually get my bonus points from the standard card. And when should I get those bonus pts? Is it right after I hit the spend requirement?

@TheCreditFrog 4 ай бұрын

That's the standard offer so it'll probably be there for some time. Usually once you hit spend requirement, the points post to your account between 3 and 7 days so it's pretty quick!

@chrisoverbey5937 6 ай бұрын

Do you know anybody who has done this? It sounds complex, but it’s really only 8-10 steps. It relies on things happening that are outside your control, and requires them, if they happen, to happen at a certain time. But it’s worth trying, worst case scenario, you come out with a couple of Hilton cards and their associated benefits, and several hundred thousand points. And there’s really no downside. I can’t do it now, but later in 2024, I could start running the scheme

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

I personally don't know anyone; however, as I'm starting my own Hilton strategy, this is probably the route I'm going to take. Not even sure if I'll have 2 free Amex slots, but hopefully I'll figure something out. I think no matter what strategy you use, going in ascending order is the best way to maximize welcome offers, and is pretty easy to do if you're not in a rush to build up a Hilton point stash.

@ItsMeCJ 6 ай бұрын

First!

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

CJ is FIRST today!! 🎉 🥇

@ItsMeCJ 6 ай бұрын

@@TheCreditFrog I’m always first Stan…

@feistyD 2 ай бұрын

Why do you have to keep the Hilton Business card active for 1 year? What if you cancel after 11 months? Is there a downside?

@TheCreditFrog 2 ай бұрын

It’s important to keep all Amex cards active for the first 12 months. Otherwise, Amex reserves the right to claw back your welcome offer and terminate all your cards with them.

@danhiggsbeard 5 ай бұрын

what would the strat look like if you used a 3rd amex slot?

@TheCreditFrog 5 ай бұрын

There’s a lot of Hilton strategies out there that use 3 slots. You would just add the Hilton Aspire after the HH and Surpass cards and upgrade/downgrade from there!

@melissagomez4185 5 ай бұрын

I NEVER knew and still kind of don't understand how you can have 2 of he same credit cards. How do they allow that?

@TheCreditFrog 5 ай бұрын

It depends on the issuer, but most of them allow this! It’s a great way to stack rewards and benefits with your favorite cards!

@L_____E_______IT 2 ай бұрын

Stan- does Amex usually give bonus miles for upgrade offers (similar amount to a SUB miles)??

@TheCreditFrog 2 ай бұрын

Oh absolutely! Upgrade offers are not specific to Hilton cards and also can be available on airline cards as well as cash back and MR-point earning cards! You just have to keep an eye out for them.

@L_____E_______IT 2 ай бұрын

@@TheCreditFrogStan thanks for the response. How many miles have you seen or heard of being offered for Hilton credit card upgrades?

@TheCreditFrog 2 ай бұрын

@@L_____E_______IT Of course! Like everything, it's going to vary, but I've seen data points from 50k-150k to go from HH to Surpass or Surpass to Aspire. You just have to check your online account and see what you're able to roll with your Amex Offers!

@L_____E_______IT 2 ай бұрын

@@TheCreditFrogthanks for the information!

@EthanCowlbeck 10 күн бұрын

I wish I had seen this video a week ago. I just applied for the Hilton Surpass because of the 130k + free night offer. With this in mind, what’s my optimal way to check off the welcome offer for the no AF card and still get the upgrade offer? (Worth noting, I have no immediate desire to eventually get an aspire)

@TheCreditFrog 10 күн бұрын

Family language has not yet appeared on the Hilton cards so you could still get the NAF HH card, secure the welcome offer, and then get the upgrade offers 1 year later. You can apply for 2 Amex cards in 90 days so you could still pick it up before the end of this welcome offer period if you haven’t applied for any other Amex cards recently!

@EthanCowlbeck 9 күн бұрын

@@TheCreditFrog Ok, that makes sense. As for the upgrade offer, will it be less likely/not possible to get the upgrade offer on the NAF card if I already have a surpass, or are those viewed independently?

@TheCreditFrog 9 күн бұрын

@@EthanCowlbeck Viewed independently. You should be good there!

@ab3040 Ай бұрын

What's the purpose of getting 2 aspire slots?

@TheCreditFrog Ай бұрын

The Aspire comes with an FNC every year so if you have 2, that’s 2 FNCs! Have to make sure the annual fees plus credit work in your favor though!

@lenadao5148 5 ай бұрын

I have 2 Hilton personal, 1 gold biz, 1 bbp, 2 Hilton biz. Is it possible for another Hilton personal?

@TheCreditFrog 5 ай бұрын

It’s possible if Amex lets you have more than 5 credit cards. Only way to find out is to apply and see if you get approved! If denied, call recon and they will let you know the reason.

@412foto 6 ай бұрын

Can't seem to get the Aspire due to pop up jail. Sitting at 4 credit cards right now too. Wonder if they'd block me on the base Hilton card as well...maybe get it instead since already have Diamond status, for future upgrading it to the Aspire. Been a little tempted to get Aspire without welcome offer, but it is a lot of points to pass up

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Pop-up jail is the worst! I'm guessing the only reason you want to the Aspire is for the FNR since you already have Diamond, but if that's the case, I think it's definitely worth it to wait - maybe even go for a lower-tier card instead. Objectively, right now, the Surpass welcome offer is better than the Aspire offer so that may be something to consider. I wouldn't voluntarily pass on a welcome offer since, as you know, it's once in a lifetime!

@412foto 6 ай бұрын

@@TheCreditFrog yeah FNR mostly, the large number of points as well. longevity of the Diamond status too. I got the Surpass back when they had the free night reward with it. Have the Hilton Biz as well and earned a free night on it last year from $15k spend

@stuartlewis9152 3 ай бұрын

Will the 100,000 bonus points increase my membership from gold to diamond?

@TheCreditFrog 3 ай бұрын

No I don't think those points count

@verychinnyapga1599 6 ай бұрын

I got both Hilton Surpass and Business but I was denied my bonus for the Business card.

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

What?! That is lame! Did they give a reason why? The only thing I can think of is that the minimum spend wasn't made on time (or this was a second business card on the same business).

@Musiclover1519 6 ай бұрын

When you are getting two hilton cards, can the HH number be the same for both credit cards?

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

No, they are individual products so they will have different numbers. Additionally, AUs on Amex cards have different numbers as well.

@Musiclover1519 6 ай бұрын

So basically you would have to just send the hilton honors points to your "main" account I assume correct? I'm trying to justify having two hilton cards to get to more points in general. I have the no annal fee card and hoping to see a upgrade offer (seen a 50k points offer so far kinda bad) but at the same time the 170k points for surpase card is good too. @@TheCreditFrog

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Oh, I see what you mean! I'm sorry, I got that wrong. You can put one HH number for both cards. I thought you were referring to the credit card numbers themselves. A HH card and a HH Surpass card will have different credit card numbers, but they both could be attached to the same Hilton Honors Rewards number!

@mazenkheder3309 6 ай бұрын

The strategy is kind of confusing! I am currently holding the Hilton white card and been downgraded to silver from gold, how to comeback to Gold or even Dimond level?

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Sorry it's confusing! I tried to make it as clear as possible. To get from silver to gold (from credit cards), you need to have the Surpass or business card, and to get Diamond, you need to have the Aspire card.

@khedermj 6 ай бұрын

Thanks

@genxer74 4 ай бұрын

As a commercial airline pilot, Venture cards don't appeal to me as I don't need any miles. I get those for nearly free. I'm interested in hotels and rental cars, so I'm starting up on this Hilton Honors adventure. I'm already gold status just through my stays at work (and it came in clutch on my 13 nights at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in January), so thinking of leveraging something I already use. Any other airline pilots out there? What do you do?

@TheCreditFrog 4 ай бұрын

Hey that's awesome! Thanks for flying us to all the places we need to go!! Definitely get a hotel card if you haven't already since the perks on the cards can be quite valuable. The biggest benefits are the free nights since you already have pretty good status!

@genxer74 4 ай бұрын

@@TheCreditFrogJust got approved for the AMEX HH card. Will try to use the strategy you mentioned to accumulate the bonus points! Another note, I feel better now that I'm diversifying my banking. I've only had one CC for 20+ years and I've recently ran into trouble with them shutting it off randomly for "fraud prevention". They've dropped the ball as their prevention techniques aren't catching legit ones and then turning me off on legit purchases. Almost to the point I feel targeted :/

@bladeddavid1144 6 ай бұрын

What's the most amount of Hilton Aspire cards one can hold?

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

I would imagine your maximum limit of Amex cards so between 4-6 depending on the person!

@ryanmartin7033 3 ай бұрын

Yeah this strategy just took a hit. Business offer is currently 175k pts for $8000 spend and $195 annual fee..😳

@TheCreditFrog 3 ай бұрын

Check out my Hilton business update video. That offer is so much worse than the Surpass right now which is 155k points for $3,000 spend. Thats a better deal.

@ryanmartin7033 3 ай бұрын

@TheCreditFrog yeah I just came across that one. Wouldn't it be smarter to get the entry level one first so that I don't miss out on the 100k bonus from that one? Looking to do ladder for both hilton and Marriott but not sure best strategy?

@TheCreditFrog 3 ай бұрын

@ryanmartin7033 Yeah, I would always start with entry level. You never know when Amex will add family language to the Hilton family!

@ryanmartin7033 3 ай бұрын

@TheCreditFrog thanks man! I appreciate the content! I'm somewhat new to the credit card "game" as I've typically just used Sapphire Preferred for all of my spending the past 3 years but recently got Ink Business Unlimited 3 months ago and Ink Cash and AmexGold this past week so I already have $9k to spend in next 3 months and another $3k the following 3 months. Pretty sure I'm only 1/24 with Chase from AmexGold. What would be your cliff note strategy for maximizing 5/24 while also laddering hotel cards? Reason I ask is bc I just started a new job that reimburses nearly all expenses which will range $4-5k on low end per month. And my personal spend is usually $2k month. I have an 832 credit score so that currently isn't an issue.