Credit cards can be dangerous tools for those not prepared for their power, emptying wallets and bank accounts quickly. Companies have interesting methods of marketing some of the most dangerous or expensive cards, either with a cool design, interesting construction like carbon fiber rather than plastic, or a unique sign-up bonus that belies the real value of a rewards program. The Citi® Hilton HHonors™ Visa Signature® Card includes a great bonus offer, a slick design and while many credit cards end right there, this card keeps on giving. Let’s dig in to the details.
Cardholders of the Citi® Hilton HHonors™ Visa Signature® Card can receive 40,000 bonus points for spending $1,000 within the first four months. Those points can be redeemed toward free nights at a variety of hotels brands, like Hilton, Hampton Inn, DoubleTree, and Embassy Suites, but the amount of nights you’ll earn depend on the brand. Category one hotels cost 7,500 points per night, while you’ll need 80,000 points for the Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts.
Every purchase with the Citi® Hilton HHonors™ Visa Signature® Card earns rewards points. The amount of points each dollar spent earns depends on the category of the purchase, and Citi currently has three different reward levels.
- Earn six HHonors Bonus Points for each $1 spent at a participating hotel within the Hilton HHonors portfolio.*
- Earn three HHonors Bonus Points for each $1 spent on purchases at supermarkets, drugstores and gas stations.*
- Earn two HHonors Bonus Points for each $1 spent on all other purchases.*
Unfortunately, this card does not carry a lower introductory interest rate, but for the signature version the standard purchase APR is an above average 14.24% variable. Most rewards credit cards include a higher APR to make up for the expense of paying rewards to customers. The cash advance APR is 25.24% variable, so don’t use this card for cash. Any cardholder who is declined after applying for the Citi® Hilton HHonors™ Visa Signature® Card will be considered for the Gold version of this card. The Gold version comes with lower benefits and a higher APR, so it’s advised that only applicants with excellent credit apply for the Visa Signature Card. This card does not carry an annual fee.
Hotel rewards credit cards are great for any traveler who spends most of his or her time on the road. The Citi® Hilton HHonors™ Visa Signature® Card is a great financial decision for loyal Hilton members and fans. Other consumers may want to consider a card that better suits his or her needs.
Updated November 8, 2012 and originally published March 2, 2011. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to the RSS feed or receive daily emails. Follow @flexo on Twitter and visit our Facebook page for more updates.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I already have an American Express Hilton HHonors Card. Flexo, have you had the opportunity to compare the Citi card to the American Express version?
i am little confused, can the points only be used for hotel stays?
The points can also be used for car rentals, cruises, entertainment park vacations (Disney and Universal Studios), and limited shopping. This is not a typical cash back rewards program.
my bad, i should have clicked through. that said, while not for me, it could be worthwhile for a frequent traveler. great review.
Some of these sign up bonuses just encourage you to spend when you might not have otherwise. Credit cards are great and horrible, depending on your self control.
I’d rather pay for the hotel stay with cash and forego the points. The trade-off just isn’t worth it.