Hilton Honors Status Match: The Easiest Way to Fast-Track Elite Status

Hilton just made elite status significantly easier to achieve. If you already hold elite status with another hotel loyalty program but don’t currently have status with Hilton Honors, there’s now a simple way to fast-track your way to Gold and Diamond status through their Status Match program. The best part is that you can keep that status for 2 years by completing only a few stays. This is huge, as most elite status programs only grant benefits for a single year. This opportunity is extremely valuable for those who are loyal to another hotel brand but want to test out Hilton without starting from scratch.

Hilton Buenos Aires

Hilton Honors Status Match – Register Here

To apply, you must first be a Hilton Honors member, which is free to join. You can either log in to your account or create an account on their website. Second, you need to currently hold elite status with another major hotel loyalty program, such as Marriott Bonvoy, IHG Rewards Club or World of Hyatt. Hilton requires documentation showing both your existing elite status and proof of at least one recent stay with that competing program. Hilton limits this offer to one status match per lifetime, so timing your application around upcoming travel is critical.

Once your application is approved, Hilton grants you a 90-day trial of Hilton Honors Gold status. During this trial period, you’ll receive all the benefits that come with Gold, allowing you to experience the program before committing further. From there, you have the option to either extend your Gold status or upgrade to Diamond by completing paid, qualifying stays at Hilton properties within the 90-day window.

Match to Gold: stay 6 nights within the 90-day trial period to keep Gold through March 31, 2028.

Upgrade to Diamond: Stay 12 nights within your 90-day trial period to upgrade to Diamond status through March 31, 2028.

Note: Some Hilton credit cards already come with complimentary Gold or Diamond status, which means this status match program wouldn’t offer any additional benefit, nor would you be eligible for it anyway. On the U.S. side, this includes the Hilton Honors Surpass Amex Card, Hilton Honors Aspire Amex Card, and the Hilton Honors Business Amex Card, all of which grant elite status automatically. For Canadian cardholders, both the Amex Platinum Card and the Amex Business Platinum Card include Hilton Gold status.

Eligibility

Your qualifying stays must be paid in cash and booked directly through Hilton; reward stays do not count toward the challenge.

To be eligible, you must hold status with one of the following loyalty programs:

• Marriott Bonvoy
• IHG Rewards Club
• World of Hyatt
• Best Western Rewards
• Choice Privileges
• ALL – Accor Live Limitless
• Accor – ALL Signature (Brazil)
• Radisson Rewards
• Wyndham Rewards
• Fiesta Rewards (Grupo Posadas)

Hilton Salalah Resort

Benefits of Gold Status

Outside of this Status Match program, Gold status typically requires 25 qualifying nights, 15 stays, or $6,000 USD in eligible spend. Gold members earn an 80% bonus on base points for every eligible stay. One of the most valuable perks is complimentary breakfast at most Hilton brands worldwide. In regions or properties where breakfast isn’t offered, Gold members instead receive a daily food and beverage credit that can be used toward on-property dining. Gold members are also eligible for space-available room upgrades, late checkout when available, milestone bonuses as they stay more nights, and the fifth night free on standard reward stays booked entirely with points. Gold members also enjoy elite rollover nights, meaning any extra nights you earn beyond the status threshold can help you qualify the following year again.

Hilton San Jose La Sabana

Benefits of Diamond Status

Diamond status is the second-highest tier in the Hilton Honors program. To achieve Diamond status, members must meet the minimum 50 nights, 25 stays, or $11,500 USD in eligible spend. Diamond members earn up to a 100% bonus on base points for every eligible stay, effectively doubling points earned compared to a non-status member. For people who stay at Hilton properties frequently, this significantly accelerates free night redemptions and overall rewards value. You can read about the perks of Diamond status in our recent review.

Hilton San Jose La Sabana – Breakfast

One of the best perks of Diamond status is executive lounge access. This typically includes complimentary breakfast and evening snacks or hors d’oeuvres. Diamond members are also prioritized for room upgrades, including upgrades to suites. Additional benefits include premium Wi-Fi, elite rollover nights and milestone bonuses that reward higher levels of annual stays.

Takeaway