Hilton’s No-Fee Amex Offers 70,000 Points and a Free Night

Hilton’s entry-level American Express card currently carries no yearly fee and offers a substantial opening package. New cardholders can receive 70,000 Hilton Honors points plus a free-night certificate after putting $2,000 on the card within six months. The certificate covers a stay at a hotel requiring as many as 250,000 points and must be used within 12 months of issuance.

The offer is unavailable to people who have held this same card before, reflecting American Express’ one-time welcome-offer policy. Someone who previously had another Hilton card can still qualify. Extra cardmembers cost nothing, and purchases outside the United States do not incur foreign transaction fees, a useful feature for international trips.

The card earns 7 points per dollar at Hilton properties, 5 points at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations, and 3 points on other eligible purchases. Cardholders also receive Hilton Honors Silver status, while spending can help unlock additional status benefits. Hilton’s portfolio includes brands ranging from Hampton Inn to Waldorf Astoria, with award nights generally ranging from 5,000 to 250,000 points. Frequent Hilton guests may find stronger perks on the brand’s fee-based cards, but this version can be kept without an annual carrying cost.