Credit card cancellations aren’t uncommon in the Miles and Points Game. I have had the American Express Hilton Business Card for 5 plus years and sadly it was finally time to say good bye to this card. This card went through a largely negative change and after reaching out American Express I receive an underwhelming retention offer and decided to cancel the card for good.
What’s Changes Impacted this Card
In March 2024, American Express announced some big changes to the card including losing the ability to earn free night certificates, and an increased annual fee ($95-$195). The brand’s main selling point was $60 in statement credits each quarter for Hilton purchases which totaled $240. The fact that you couldn’t redeem all the credits at once meant you most likely needed to make one paid Hilton reservation per quarter. I really valued the ability to earn free night certificates and was the primary reason I put at least $15,000 of spend on the card each calendar year.
Why I cancelled this card?
1. Lack of Paid Hilton Stays
I book a lot of my stays on points and I already seldom book with Hilton. All of my Hilton bookings in the last 3 years have been award stays using a combination of free night certificates or points. I don’t pay for most of my hotels bookings and factoring in that I try to stay at Hyatt most of the time, the $60 credit benefit had little to no value for me.
2.No more Free Night Certificates
The Free Night Certificates were super valuable for me. I was able to get over $1,500 in value for each certificated at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabo Pedregal a few years back. I also got at least $1,000 in value from using two certificates as the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. As a travel hacker, this was exceptional value and seeing them removed, I think there’s better places to put my business spend.
3.Increased Annual Fee
I understand that implementing statement credits most likely meant an increased annual fee. At $195 the fee is just to steep to justify keeping the card. I don’t see any avenue to get solid value from this card so its time to say Bon Voyage!
Final Thoughts
It’s been a fun ride and the Hilton Business Credit Card has certainly produced two amazing once in a lifetime hotels stays with a 3rd one coming this fall in the Conrad Maldives. All in All, with a combination of 7-8 free night certificates earned in the last 6 years, I think I will have gotten over $10,000 of value. I’ll truly miss the opportunity to visit some crazy Hilton properties as I was looking forward to Bora Bora and the Waldorf Astoria Rome. This is a stark reminder of how the points came can change in a hurry. Are you going to be keeping this card? Let me know in the comments section!
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