Citi Hilton HHonors Visa Signature Card Review

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 earn 40,000 Hilton HHonors bonus points for spending $1,000 within the first four months of opening your account. Those points can be redeemed toward 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.

You can earn six HHonors Bonus Points for each $1 spent at a participating hotel within the Hilton HHonors portfolio.* And earn three HHonors Bonus Points for each $1 spent on purchases at supermarkets, drugstores and gas stations.* And lastly 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 Visa 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. A consumer who is declined after applying for the Citi® Hilton HHonors™ Visa Signature® Card may be considered for the Visa Gold version of this card. The Gold version comes with lower benefits and a higher APR, 16.24% variable, so it’s advised that only applicants with excellent credit apply for consideration for the Visa Signature Card. Keep in mind credit card companies look at other factors in addition to your credit score to determine creditworthiness, so maintain good credit habits, which include paying on time among other factors. 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.