American Express Business Platinum: Important Change to the $50 Hilton Credit

What’s Changing

Starting January 31, 2026, American Express will update the $50 quarterly Hilton credit on the Business Platinum Card®. Under the new rules:

• Hilton gift cards no longer qualify for the credit.
• Only direct purchases at Hilton properties—room charges, dining, incidentals—will trigger the credit.
• Employee card charges still count, but they must also be direct Hilton property charges.

The total benefit remains capped at $50 per quarter, up to $200 annually.

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Why This Matters

This is a meaningful shift for cardholders who relied on Hilton gift cards to “bank” the credit for future use.

• No more buying gift cards during sales to stretch the credit.
• You’ll need an actual Hilton stay or property spend to make use of the perk.
• For frequent Hilton travelers, this may not change much. For infrequent guests, it makes the credit harder to use.

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Before vs. After

Before	Now
Buy Hilton gift cards and use later	Gift cards no longer eligible
Flexible: bank credits ahead of time	Must use credit during stays/charges
Works even if you don’t have a stay	Must have direct Hilton spend

👉 Bottom Line: The $200 annual value is still there—but flexibility has dropped.

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Other Cards With Hotel Credits

To give context, here’s how the Business Platinum’s Hilton credit compares with other premium cards:

• Amex Platinum (Personal): $200 hotel credit on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection (min. 2-night stay required for TH Collection).
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: $300 travel credit—simple, broad, and automatically applies to nearly all travel purchases.
• Hilton Honors Aspire Card (Amex): $200 Hilton credit twice per year (much easier to use if you’re loyal to Hilton).

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Final Thoughts

• As of Jan 31, 2026, Hilton gift cards are out for the $50 Business Platinum credit.
• Direct Hilton property spending is the only way to use the benefit.
• The credit is still worth up to $200 annually, but it’s no longer a “set and forget” perk.

Verdict: Great if you’re regularly staying at Hilton. Not so great if you relied on gift cards to maximize the value.

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