Citi Hilton Honors Visa Signature Review (discontinued)
Updated October 25, 2017.
The Facts
The Math
The value of Hilton points varies greatly and general consensus is that it will not exceed 1 cent/point . As analyzed in the our blog article, after the March 2013 devaluation, we are now valuing one Hilton point less than half cent. Thus, unless you are working on topping off your account for a certain redemption, we won't recommend this card for general spending, or even for the 3x categories.
Citi Hilton Visa vs. Amex Hilton: both cards carry no annual fees and have similar bonus categories. Amex is better in the earning rate since its earning structure is 7-5-3 while Citi's is 6-3-2. Both cards offer free Silver status and Gold status after $20K annual spending. Citi catches up with the 10K annual bonus for $1,000 spending at Hilton Worldwide hotels which can be valuable for some travelers. It is up to you which free card to pick.
Citi Hilton Visa vs. Citi Hilton Reserve Visa: the Reserve card is $95 more expensive but offers free Gold status and potential Diamond status after $40,000 annual spending, an improved 10-5-3 earning structure (with different mid-tier categories), a weekend night certificate for $10K annual spending, and waived foreign transaction fees. So for most travelers, it actually makes a lot of sense to spend $95 and upgrade to the Reserve card.
The Conclusion
With 2015 enhancement, Citi Hilton Visa is now at least comparable to the non-fee Amex Hilton. However, if Gold status is what draws you to this product, we will highly recommend checking into the $95 Citi Hilton Reserve.
The Facts
- Annual Fee: none
- Signup Bonus: none - you can't apply for this card any more. Historical best bonus of this product: 75,000 points a few times in the past years.
- Rewards: 6x Hilton Worldwide hotels, 3x groceries, gas and drugstores, 2x everywhere else
- Best Use of Hilton Honors points: Hilton Honors points are best used for Hilton Worldwide hotels, including Waldorf Astoria Collection, Conrad, Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn, Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites.
- Other Benefits: You receive 10,000 annual bonus points if you spend over $1,000 at Hilton Worldwide hotels each calendar year. Complimentary Hilton Silver status as long as you have the card. Fast track to Hilton Gold status after four stays at Holton Worldwide hotels within 90 days of card opening and maintain the Gold status after spending $20,000 each calendar year thereafter.
- Other Facts: Citi has this product for years but we haven't reviewed it until January 2015 when Citi introduced the 10K annual bonus and Gold status benefits. The enhancement will at least put this product comparable to the non-fee version of Amex Hilton Card.
The Math
The value of Hilton points varies greatly and general consensus is that it will not exceed 1 cent/point . As analyzed in the our blog article, after the March 2013 devaluation, we are now valuing one Hilton point less than half cent. Thus, unless you are working on topping off your account for a certain redemption, we won't recommend this card for general spending, or even for the 3x categories.
Citi Hilton Visa vs. Amex Hilton: both cards carry no annual fees and have similar bonus categories. Amex is better in the earning rate since its earning structure is 7-5-3 while Citi's is 6-3-2. Both cards offer free Silver status and Gold status after $20K annual spending. Citi catches up with the 10K annual bonus for $1,000 spending at Hilton Worldwide hotels which can be valuable for some travelers. It is up to you which free card to pick.
Citi Hilton Visa vs. Citi Hilton Reserve Visa: the Reserve card is $95 more expensive but offers free Gold status and potential Diamond status after $40,000 annual spending, an improved 10-5-3 earning structure (with different mid-tier categories), a weekend night certificate for $10K annual spending, and waived foreign transaction fees. So for most travelers, it actually makes a lot of sense to spend $95 and upgrade to the Reserve card.
The Conclusion
With 2015 enhancement, Citi Hilton Visa is now at least comparable to the non-fee Amex Hilton. However, if Gold status is what draws you to this product, we will highly recommend checking into the $95 Citi Hilton Reserve.