If you’ve forked out £650 for the American Express Platinum card, you’re probably expecting the royal treatment everywhere you go. And while the perks are solid, one of the standout benefits is Hilton Honors Gold status.
But what does that actually get you? And is there another way to snag Hilton status without committing to Amex’s annual fee, which is equivalent to a long-haul economy ticket to Tokyo? Let’s break it down.
In This Post
What Do You Get with Hilton Gold from Amex Platinum?
Straight from Amex’s website, here’s what Hilton Gold gets you:
✅ Room Upgrades (subject to availability) – A fancier room if Hilton’s feeling generous.
✅ 80% Bonus Points – More points = more free nights.
✅ Daily Free Breakfast – For you and a plus-one at select brands.
✅ 5th Night Free on Award Stays – Stretch those points.
✅ Milestone Bonuses – Stay often, get extra perks.
✅ Free Wi-Fi – Because no one should pay for Wi-Fi in 2025.
✅ App Check-in & Room Selection – Skip the queue.
✅ Two Free Bottles of Water – Yep, hydration is a perk now.
✅ Best Price Guarantee – Hilton claims they’ll match it if you find a lower rate.
Oh, and before you get too excited, you need a Hilton Honors membership before activating the perk; your Amex and Hilton account details must match exactly. No typos, or you’re out of luck.
Is There Another Way to Get Hilton Gold?
Yep! You don’t have to be an Amex Platinum cardholder to get Hilton Gold. The Hilton Honors Plus debit card also comes with Hilton Gold for £150.00 annually. That’s not too shabby if you want the perks without the hefty Amex price tag.
Want Hilton Silver instead? The Hilton Honors debit card gets you that; just don’t expect the fancy breakfast. Right now, you can get it for a reduced fee of £30 instead of £60.
Click here to apply for the Hilton Honors Plus debit card or here for the Hilton Honors debit card.
Fast-Track to Hilton Diamond – Here’s the Cheat Code
Want Hilton Diamond without the usual slog? Right now, Hilton’s running a status match where you can unlock Diamond status in just 14 nights, just two weeks of hotel-hopping instead of a full-blown loyalty marathon.
We’ve broken it all down in this article, so get moving if you’re serious about free suite upgrades, executive lounge access, and VIP treatment. This deal ends in March.
Oh, and if you want the complete Hilton Honors playbook (because, let’s be honest, the program has its quirks), check out our ultimate guide for all the insider tips.
Final Thoughts
Amex Platinum’s Hilton Gold perk is a solid benefit if you have already paid for the card. Complimentary breakfast and room upgrades alone can justify the status, but if you’re not an Amex Platinum kind of spender, the Hilton Honors Plus debit card is a sneaky backdoor way to Gold. Your move.
