The Ultimate Shortcut To Hilton Diamond Status – Match + Double Nights
This of this as the step-by-step guide to what I’ll call the “Hilton diamond status match + double nights” shortcut. It’s the ultimate shortcut to Hilton diamond status through a combination of temporary & ongoing promotions Hilton has available right now. Via status match & double night credits, as well as reduced requirements in 2020, we can make a super shortcut to Hilton diamond status with only 9 nights of hotel stays. Here’s how it works.
Step 1: Request Hilton Status Match
Hilton offers a status match from other award programs regularly. This is not special to 2020, but we will take advantage of this to reach top-tier diamond status. Visit this link to request a Hilton status challenge. Here’s how this works.
Who is eligible?
You are eligible for the Hilton status match if you hold mid-tier or top-tier status from the brands shown above. Eligibility is limited to those who have never done a status match with Hilton previously, and you must have a Hilton Honors account (you can sign up today and initiate the challenge; that’s not an issue). Lastly, you must have stayed at least 1 night in the last 12 months with the program you are matching from.
What do I submit?
Hilton requires a proof of status and a proof of a stay within the past 12 months. Screen shots from your stay history, account status, check-out confirmations, receipts, etc. all count for proof of stay. A screen shot or email of status with this other hotel program are sufficient proof. Hilton will verify these items and says it can take up to 5 days.
Step 2: Stay Just 9 Nights For Hilton Diamond Status Match
Now that Hilton has confirmed your status match, you have 90 days to complete the requirements. You can stay 10 nights for Gold status or 18 nights for Diamond. Initiating a challenge for Gold status is pointless, to be blunt. You can automatically receive Gold status from the several American Express cards, such as the Hilton Honors Business Card or the Hilton Honors Surpass Card. Both of these have an annual fee of only $95.
To retain Diamond status after the end of the 90 days, you need 18 nights in a normal year. However, 2020 isn’t a normal year (no kidding, right?). From September 8 to December 31, 2020, Hilton has a double nights promotion. You need to enroll for it here, and you can read the FAQ about it here. Since all stays count as double, you can earn your required 18 nights with just 9 nights at Hilton properties between now and the end of the year.
So we’re clear, here’s what you need to do:
- Have a Hilton Honors account.
- Have elite status with some other hotel chain.
- Apply for and be approved for a status match challenge with Hilton.
- Enroll in the double rewards promotion with Hilton.
- Stay 9 nights in 90 days (and before December 31, 2020) then receive Diamond status through March 2022.
Which stays count and which don’t?
It’s important to note that award stays DO NOT count for during your Hilton Diamond status match / challenge period. You need to pay for these 9 nights. Additionally, discounted rates from things like corporate programs, military rates, etc. won’t count. These need to be paid stays from publicly-available rates.
Sounds Great. What’s The Catch?
This isn’t for everyone. This is the easiest, simplest shortcut to Hilton Diamond status for people who want to earn it through stays. However, there are other things to consider. Here’s who should and shouldn’t participate.
Those Who Shouldn’t
There’s actually an easier path to Hilton Diamond status: just simply have the Hilton Aspire Card from American Express. For an annual fee of $450, just have this card and automatically get elite status. It’s rare (though possible) that you could complete the 9 nights required for this status shortcut for less than $450.
Thus, you shouldn’t participate in this promotion if you are eligible for the Hilton Aspire Card and can’t complete the 9 required stays for less than $450. You also shouldn’t do this if you aren’t going to stay at Hilton very much next year. Don’t put in the work if you won’t enjoy the rewards.
Those Who Should
You should do this if you have upcoming Hilton stays and you were paying cash for them anyway. No extra effort involved, get a good benefit out of it. This also makes sense if you will actually use your diamond status next year. Don’t jump through hoops to do this and then not stay at Hilton to actually enjoy your elite status.
The Hilton Diamond status match & double nights shortcut also makes sense if you can’t get the Hilton Aspire Card for some reason. Looking at the credit card application rules from American Express, maybe you’re not eligible for the Hilton Aspire Card. I’m not. I currently have 4 credit card with American Express, which is the maximum allowed. If you can’t get this card OR if you can complete the status match for less than $450, this makes sense. Or if you already have upcoming stays you’re paying cash for, so the Hilton Diamond status match / challenge situation requires no effort from you, then go for it!
Final Thoughts
For those looking to earn top-tier Hilton Diamond status, this could be a great promotion. However, it’s not for everyone. I’m a big fan of the saying “Status makes people do stupid things.” Don’t chase this if it doesn’t make sense for you. We looked at when it does and doesn’t make sense, financial factors to consider, and how the shortcut works. Given the ongoing status match options with Hilton Honors and their double rewards promotion until the end of the year, it’s possible to earn Hilton Diamond status with just 9 nights of hotel stays. If this makes sense for you, now you know how it works.
Let us know if you’re signing up for this promotion to take advantage of the shortcut!
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[…] Shortcut To Hilton Diamond Status: I love Hilton Diamond status because of how easy it is to obtain. Just by holding the right card you have Hilton Diamond. Right now, you can use this shortcut to get Hilton Diamond without paying the hefty annual fee on the right card. […]
I am wondering if my wife should open an Aspire card. Any idea if you can combine points with Hilton for a husband or wife when making a booking or is that not allowed. I know Starwood allowed it, not sure if that carried over to Marriott or not. But I have a lot of Hilton points, and if my wife gets and Aspire card, and then I transfer my points to her, we get the Diamond benefits (I am only Gold with Hilton)
Tom – you can share Hilton and you can share Marriott
Here’s a guide – https://milestomemories.com/can-i-transfer-points-to-someone-else/
Holy smokes – what a great write-up you did there. Thanks a ton Ryan – great job !!
You can put in my name for employee of the month!
Current Aspire card benefits are so good that having or obtaining the card is the best path to Hilton Diamond.
I don’t disagree, as stated in the article several times. This is for the < 10% of people who can't get it or have access to a cheaper/simpler alternative.