Question: When Will My Free Hilton Night Post to My Account?
Our question of the week looks at when a free Hilton night will post to your account as a credit card benefit. The answer in the past and the answer now are a bit different. Plus, having realistic expectations is nice in this hobby, so here’s the answer for anyone wondering.
The Question
Our question of the week comes from Ron in our Facebook group:
Thinking about upgrading my Surpass to the Aspire. Anyone know how long it takes for the free weekend night certificate to post in your Hilton account? Is it immediate or do you have to wait for your statement close?
In short, when can you get that Hilton free weekend night certificate in your account? How fast is it?
The Answer
Previously, free night awards from Hilton or Hyatt or other hotel programs would post when the anniversary rolled around. Seems simple. However, that meant you could theoretically get the free night award in your account AND cancel/downgrade the card within the bank’s time limit. This led to a full refund on your fee PLUS keeping that free night award. The banks wised up on that and started delaying when free night awards would post–after you’ve paid the fee.
Mark saw similar with his previous upgrade offer with American Express. He also upgraded from the American Express Hilton Honors Surpass Card to the American Express Hilton Honors Aspire Card. Just like our question from Ron! What was his experience?
For Mark’s situation, the free night posted about 2 months after the upgrade. That matches what others in our Facebook have seen when they upgraded a Hilton card, as well. The realistic expectation is to get the free night certificate in about 2 months.
Final Thoughts
Having a realistic expectation of what happens and when with your credit card perks is good. It helps you plan, avoid headaches, and when if something is wrong. When does your Hilton free night award post? Probably 2 months after you upgrade your card.
Have a question? Ask in our Facebook group or email me at ryan[at]milestomemories.com
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I have a Hilton Honors Business card. I need to spend 15,000 by the end of the year. I am thinking as long as I do the spending before the last statement generates I should be ok. In that case when would I receive the free night?
It should come about 48hr after the closing of the statement where the spending is finished.
Good, my statement closes on Christmas. That will be a nice present.