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Do you know how to play the travel rewards points game? Earning rewards points has become akin to a part-time job for some seasoned travelers. Before booking a flight, making a hotel reservation, or pulling out a credit card for a general purchase, have you skillfully analyzed your points-earning potential? However, the points game is not for the occasional traveler. Loyalty is key to winning. Although I can apply most of these strategies to my three major loyalty brands, I will focus on Hilton.
Let’s start with the obvious and explore potential earnings you may not have considered. Sign up for the free Hilton Honors Rewards Program. Earn points when you book a stay in the Hilton portfolio. I started a new tradition a few years ago. I now travel to two or three states during Spring Break using Hilton Honors Points and/or Free Night Award.
To achieve the highest reward earnings, I chose a Hilton Honors credit card. There are several cards to choose from, and you can compare each card on the American Express website. I have an Amex Surpass card with an annual fee of $150, but you can earn more points with the Amex Aspire. When I use Surpass, I earn points across commonly used categories:
Add an authorized user. In one month, I earned 25,000 Hilton Honors points. The AU should also sign up for Hilton Honors. I transfer points to my son’s account once or twice a year. Because I have the Surpass card, I receive a free reward night. Another reason I selected Surpass is to earn an additional reward night every time we spend $15,000. If you have concerns about adding an authorized user, this is not a hack for you.
I updated my timeshare ownership to HGV Max in 2022 because I wanted access to more properties, specifically Arizona. I upgraded and charged the deposit and monthly payments to the Surpass card. Yes, there is a fee when you use your credit card. I paid off the loan in two years. The annual assessment is $1650. I earn 12X points from my assessment fee using the Surpass card. I also earn 12X points when I use the Open Season feature in the HGV Max portal. As an owner, I have plenty of opportunities to earn Hilton Honors points by attending updates.
Here is an owner’s tip and the key to attending timeshare presentations: Do not ask questions. When you ask questions, it appears you are interested, and the sales pitch will continue. However, if you are an owner and purchased your final timeshare upgrade, sit through a 60-minute presentation and take the points.
You can also earn points using a rideshare app and dining out. Did you know you can link your Hilton Honors account to Lyft to earn points? Link your accounts before you request your next ride. When I collect points from attending timeshare presentations, I transfer at least 25,000 Hilton Honors points to my Lyft account to pay fares.
Have you signed up for the Hilton Honors Dining program? After you submit a short review, you can earn bonus points for dining at restaurants in the program. Before you make your next dinner reservation, check the extensive restaurant listings. Oh, you will still earn 6X points in the restaurant category. So far, I’ve earned 700 bonus points, but I am also juggling two other dining rewards programs.
Finally, I do not buy points. On occasion, the Amex Platinum card offers a promotion. I will transfer membership rewards points for Hilton Honors points. For me, I get the best value transferring points instead of buying them on the Hilton website. Are you ready to play the points game? By the way, I am a Hilton Honors Diamond Member.