Amex Launches 20% Transfer Bonus to Hilton Honors (Limited Time)

Transfer Bonus Details

The standard transfer ratio between American Express Membership Rewards and Hilton Honors is 1:2 (1,000 Amex points = 2,000 Hilton points). With this 20% bonus, the ratio improves to 1:2.4, meaning:

• 1,000 Amex points = 2,400 Hilton points
• 10,000 Amex points = 24,000 Hilton points
• 20,000 Amex points = 48,000 Hilton points
• 40,000 Amex points = 96,000 Hilton points

This promotion is available to U.S. cardmembers with Membership Rewards-earning cards, including:

The transfer process is typically instant, though Amex officially states that it may take up to 24 hours for points to appear in your Hilton Honors account. The bonus should be clearly displayed on the transfer page before you confirm the transaction.

Historical Context: How Does This Offer Compare?

American Express typically offers Hilton transfer bonuses several times per year, with bonuses historically ranging from 25% to 50%. This current 20% bonus falls outside the lower end of this historic spectrum, potentially signalling a shift for transfer bonuses going forward.

In recent years, we’ve seen the following Amex to Hilton transfer bonuses:

This new bonus and the previous trend of 25–30% offers suggests that the days of 40-50% bonuses may be behind us, with the lower-range bonuses becoming the “new normal” for these promotions.

Value Analysis: Is This Transfer Bonus Worth It?

To determine whether this transfer bonus offers good value, we need to compare the relative worth of both currencies:

• Membership Rewards points: Generally valued at approximately 1.7-2.0 cents each
• Hilton Honors points: Generally valued at approximately 0.4-0.5 cents each

Using these valuations, let’s calculate the effective value when transferring with this bonus:

• 1 Amex point → 2.4 Hilton points
• 2.4 Hilton points × 0.5 cents = 1.2 cents value per Amex point

This means you’re effectively getting about 1.2 cents of value per Amex point when transferring to Hilton with this bonus. Compared to the potential 1.7-2.0 cents of value when transferring to airline partners for premium cabin redemptions, this isn’t particularly exciting.

However, value is subjective, and there are scenarios where this transfer could make sense:

When It Might Make Sense to Transfer

When You Should Skip This Offer

High-Value Hilton Redemption Opportunities

If you’re considering this transfer bonus, here are some of the best potential uses for Hilton Honors points that could deliver exceptional value:

• Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi: 150,000 points per night for a standard room where cash rates regularly exceed $1,500
• Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal: 120,000 points per night for a standard room with cash rates often above $1,000
• Conrad Bora Bora Nui: 120,000 points per night where cash rates can reach $800-1,200
• Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: 110,000 points per night with cash rates frequently over $800
• Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills: 110,000 points per night with typical cash rates of $800+

Remember that Hilton Honors members who book award stays of 5 nights receive the 5th night free, further enhancing the value of your points.

Alternative Ways to Earn Hilton Points

Before transferring valuable Amex points to Hilton, consider these alternative methods for acquiring Hilton Honors points:

For most people, earning Hilton points directly through one of their co-branded American Express cards will be more efficient than transferring Membership Rewards points, even with this bonus.

Maximizing This Transfer If You Decide to Take Advantage

If you determine that this transfer makes sense for your specific situation, here are some tips to maximize value:

1. Check award availability first: Confirm that your desired property has standard room awards available before transferring points
2. Compare against cash rates: Calculate the cents-per-point value you’re getting by dividing the cash rate by the number of points required
3. Plan for 5-night stays: Take advantage of the 5th night free benefit for Hilton Honors members
4. Consider elite status: Platinum and Diamond members receive additional benefits like free breakfast and potential room upgrades
5. Transfer only what you need: Remember that transfers are irreversible, so only convert the points you plan to use

If you have The Platinum Card^® from American Express, remember that it comes with complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, which includes benefits like free breakfast at most properties and potential room upgrades.

Bottom Line

The current 20% transfer bonus from American Express Membership Rewards to Hilton Honors represents the lowest bonus we’ve seen in the past few years, making for an unremarkable but not entirely dismissable opportunity. At an effective value of about 1.2 cents per Amex point, it falls below what many travelers can achieve with other transfer partners, particularly for premium cabin airline redemptions.

However, for specific high-value Hilton redemptions—especially at luxury properties where cash rates are prohibitively expensive—this transfer bonus could deliver solid value. The key is to have a specific redemption in mind, compare against cash rates, and consider whether other methods of acquiring Hilton points might be more efficient.

If you’re sitting on a large balance of Membership Rewards points and have been eyeing a stay at a top-tier Hilton property, this limited-time bonus could be worth considering. Just remember that transfers are irreversible, so be certain of your plans before converting your flexible Amex points into Hilton Honors points.

This promotion runs through May 30, 2026, so make sure to evaluate your options and make a decision before then.

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