How to Effectively Transfer Hilton Honors Points

The Hilton Honors program, much like many other loyalty programs, allows members to transfer or use their points in ways other than booking Hilton rooms. In most cases, people are looking for ways to increase their Hilton balance, but there are some cases where it may make sense to transfer to another airline partner, despite potential negative cent-per-point returns.

This program isn’t just about getting free hotel stays. It’s also about the flexibility and choices it gives you when using your points. Your points can help you or a loved one reach a coveted award trip, or you could top off your frequent flyer account for that next vacation.

But, just like any rewards program, there are some ins and outs you’ll need to know. In this article, I’ll cover how to transfer Hilton points and the pros and cons of doing so.

So, let’s dive in and get you up to speed on how to transfer your Hilton Honors points.

Transferring Hilton Honors Points to an Airline Transfer Partner

Transferring Hilton points to an airline can be a strategic play for your needs, but there are some things to be aware of.

Understanding the Transfer Rules

Before transferring your Hilton Honors points, it’s important to familiarize yourself with Hilton’s transfer rules. These guidelines provide a clear understanding of the transfer process and avoid any unexpected surprises. Some key points to note are:

• Hilton Honors members must have a minimum of 10,000 points in their account to be eligible for a transfer, except for Singapore Airlines, where the minimum is 4,000 points.
• Hilton Honors points can be transferred to 26 airline partners. However, be mindful that transfer ratios vary by partner, often at 10:1. This means 10 Hilton Honors points will usually get you 1 mile in your chosen airline program.
• There are no fees for transferring points.
• Once transferred, points cannot be reversed back into your Hilton Honors account.

Evaluating the Value of Points

Before initiating a transfer, assess the value of your Hilton Honors points compared to the potential airline miles. Each Hilton Honors point is generally valued at around 0.6 cents (according to TPG valuations) when used for hotel stays, while airline miles’ value can greatly vary.

For instance, let’s consider a case where you transfer 10,000 Hilton Honors points to Delta SkyMiles with a typical 10:1 transfer ratio. This would result in 1,000 Delta SkyMiles. If we assume the average value of a SkyMile at about 1.2 cents, your 1,000 SkyMiles would be worth $12. On the other hand, your 10,000 Hilton Honors points, when used for hotel stays, would be worth around $60. This illustrates how transferring points may result in lower value compared to using them directly within the Hilton Honors program.

Hilton Honors Airline Transfer Partners

Hilton Honors has an extensive list of airline transfer partners. This means you can exchange your points for miles in these programs. Here’s a list of the partners, their minimum point transfer, and their transfer ratio.

Hilton Honors Airline Transfer Partner	Minimum Points Transfer	Transfer Ratio (Hilton > Airline)
Aeromexico Club Premier	25,000	25:6.5
Air Canada Aeroplan	10,000	10:1
Air France/KLM Flying Blue	20,000	10:1
AirAsia BIG	10,000	10:2
All Nippon Airways (ANA) Mileage Club	10,000	10:1
Asiana Airlines Asiana Club	10,000	10:1
British Airways Executive Club	10,000	10:1
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles	10,000	10:1
China Eastern Eastern Miles	10,000	10:1
Delta SkyMiles	10,000	10:1
Emirates Skywards	10,000	10:1
Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles	10,000	10:1
Etihad Guest	10,000	10:1
EVA Air Infinity MileageLands	10,000	10:1
Hainan Airlines Fortune Wings Club	25,000	2.5:1
InterMiles	10,000	10:1
Japan Airlines Mileage Bank	10,000	10:1
Malaysia Airlines Enrich	10,000	10:1.2
Qantas Frequent Flyer	10,000	10:1.5
Qatar Airways Privilege Club	10,000	10:1
Saudia Alfursan	10,000	10:1
Singapore KrisFlyer	4,000	8:1
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles	10,000	10:1
United MileagePlus	10,000	10:1
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club	10,000	10:1.5
Virgin Australia Velocity	10,000	10:1.5

Tips & Best Practices

Consider these tips and best practices to ensure you make the most of your points:

• Check flight availability and rates: Before you transfer points to an airline, it’s a good idea to check the availability of the flights and the award rates you’re interested in. It’s disappointing to transfer your points only to discover that there aren’t any available flights or that the number of miles required for a reward is higher than expected.
• Look for high-value redemptions: Certain airlines may offer high-value redemptions that make transferring your Hilton Honors points a compelling option. These could be for business or first-class seats that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive, or for flights on routes that are typically costly.
• Consider airlines with limited earning options: Some airlines might have fewer partnerships, making earning miles in their programs more difficult. Transferring Hilton Honors points to these airlines can help you accumulate miles more quickly and access reward flights you wouldn’t otherwise be able to.

How to Transfer Hilton Honors Points to Airlines

With the benefits and best practices in mind, let’s walk through the steps to transfer your Hilton Honors points to your chosen airline partner.

Step 1: Log in to your Hilton Honors account: Visit the Hilton Honors website and log in with your account credentials.

Step 2: Navigate to the Points Exchange page: From the account overview page, click on ‘Points’ in the top navigation, scroll to the bottom, and click ‘Exchange Points.’ This will take you to the Points Exchange page, where you can select from various transfer options.

Step 3: Select ‘Use Points to get miles’: Once on the Points Exchange page, select ‘Use Points to get miles’ from the options available. This will lead you to a list of Hilton’s transfer partners.

Step 3: Add / Choose Airline. From here, you can select an airline from the dropdown. Assuming this is your first time, you may need to add an airline by clicking “add one now.”

Step 4: Input your airline loyalty program details: You’ll need to provide your frequent flyer number for the selected airline and the number of points you want to transfer. Remember, you’ll need at least 10,000 Hilton Honors points for most airlines, and the transfer ratio is generally 10:1. Click “Save Changes” and then navigate back to the Points Exchange page.

Step 5: Once back on the “Points Exchange Page,” choose ‘Use Points to get miles’ once again. Now you can select the airline you added from the dropdown and choose how many points you want to transfer. Then click next.

Step 6: Review the transfer details on the summary page and click submit.

Transferring Hilton Honors Points to Spouse, Friends, and Family

The Hilton Honors program allows members to transfer points to another Hilton Honors member, making it possible to share the benefits of your loyalty with those you care about. Members can transfer points through either Points Pooling or a 1-to-1 transfer.

Here are the key conditions to keep in mind for transferring points:

• Points can be transferred in increments of 1,000.
• Up to 500,000 Points can be transferred per calendar year.
• Each Hilton Honors member can send a maximum of 500,000 points and receive up to 2,000,000 points per year through Points Pooling or Transfers.
• Members can make six transfers and six Hilton Points Pooling transactions each year. Note that invitations to join a Points Pool are not considered transactions.

How to Transfer Hilton Points to Spouse, Friends, and Family

Transferring points to another Hilton Honors member is a simple online process. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to your Hilton Honors account: Visit the Hilton Honors website and log in with your account credentials.

Step 2: Navigate to the Transfer Points page: From the account overview page, click on ‘Points’ in the top navigation, scroll to the bottom, and click ‘Transfer Points.’

Step 3: Once on the ‘Transfer Your Points,’ you’ll need to enter the code that was emailed to you.

Step 4: Enter the number of points you wish to transfer (in 1,000-point increments). Then input the recipient’s name, email, and Hilton Honors number.

The transferred points will typically appear in the recipient’s account within 24 – 48 hours, which I confirmed by chatting with a Hilton rep.

Tips and Best Practices for Transferring Points to Other Members

Transferring your Hilton Honors points to other members can be a strategic move, but to make the most out of it, here are a few tips and best practices to keep in mind:

Check the Availability and Rates of Hotel Stays Before Transferring Points: Before you transfer your points to someone else, it’s important to check the availability and rates of the hotel stays they intend to use those points for. Not all dates and properties offer the same value for points, and blackout dates may apply. Doing this will ensure that you’re making a beneficial transaction.

Consider Pooling Points with Other Members: Instead of transferring points to another account, you could consider pooling your points with family members or friends. Pooling allows you to gather your points together for a shared booking, which could mean more significant redemptions like a more luxurious stay or even longer vacation. We’ll go over this in more detail in the next section.

Use the Transfer Option as a Gift or a Way to Help Someone Reach a Redemption Goal: If you know a friend or family member is close to having enough points for a specific redemption, you can transfer some of your points to help them reach their goal. Similarly, Hilton Honors points can make a fantastic gift. Whether for a birthday, anniversary or just because, giving the gift of travel is always appreciated.

Remember, transferring Hilton Honors points to other members should be a thoughtful process. After all, the aim is to ensure that the points bring maximum value and joy to the recipient.

How to Pool Hilton Points with Friends and Family

Pooling points offers a unique advantage for Hilton Honors members. This feature lets you combine your Hilton Honors Points with those of up to 10 other members, free of charge. By doing so, you can reach a collective reward goal more quickly, plan group travel more effectively, or simply help a friend or family member achieve a coveted redemption.

Here are some of the key benefits of pooling points:

• It allows you and your friends or family to collectively earn a reward more quickly.
• Pooling points can help everyone in the group make the most out of their points.
• It can be a thoughtful way to help someone close to a redemption goal.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to pool your Hilton points:

Step 1: Log in to your Hilton Honors account: Visit the Hilton Honors website and log in with your account credentials.

Step 2: Navigate to the Pool Points page: Scroll to the bottom and click “Pool Points.” From here, you are creating the pool. You then “invite” people by entering their name, phone number, and email address. You can add up to 10 people.

Step 3: Invite members to join the pool: Once the pool is created, the invited members will receive an email invitation to join. They must accept this invitation and agree to the terms and conditions of point pooling.

Step 4: Contribute points to the pool: Each member can then contribute their points. Keep in mind that each member can transfer a minimum of 1,000 points and up to 500,000 points per calendar year.

Step 5: Use the pooled points: As the pool initiator, you can then redeem the pooled points for any eligible Hilton Honors rewards.

Remember that all pooling transactions are final, so ensure everyone agrees before transferring any points. With this feature, you and your group can maximize your Hilton Honors points and enjoy even more incredible experiences together.

Other Ways to Use Hilton Honors Points

While hotel stays and point transfers are common ways to use your Hilton Honors points, they are far from the only options. Let’s explore other ways you can use your points:

Donate Your Points to Charity

Hilton allows you to convert your points into cash donations for the charity of your choice. It’s a beautiful way to give back using the rewards you’ve earned from your travels.

Amazon Purchases

Hilton Honors members can also use their points for purchases on Amazon.com. Once you’ve linked your Hilton and Amazon accounts through the Hilton website, every 500 Hilton Honors Points you use will equal one dollar on Amazon.

Lyft Rides

If you use the Lyft ride-hailing service, your Hilton Honors Points can be used to redeem ride credits. Every 4,500 Hilton Honors Points can be redeemed for a $10 Lyft credit. This credit can also be sent to a friend or family member, making it a flexible option.

Car Rental

Need to rent a car for your travels? Your Hilton Honors Points can also be used to pay for rental cars with Alamo, Enterprise, and National.

Buy Tickets on Ticketmaster

By linking your Hilton Honors and Ticketmaster accounts, you can redeem your points for live experiences, like concerts and other events, on LiveNation.com and Ticketmaster.com. So whether you’re a music fan or a sports enthusiast, this could be an exciting way to use your points.

Experiences with Hilton Honors Points

An exciting part of the Hilton Honors program is the ability to redeem points for exclusive experiences. This could include everything from culinary and cultural experiences to VIP access to concerts, sporting events, and more. Simply visit the Hilton Honors Experiences site, bid on an experience using your points, and if you’re the highest bidder when the auction ends, the experience is yours.

How to Earn Hilton Honors Points

Now that we’ve covered the ins and outs of transferring Hilton Honors points, let’s look at how to increase your points balance. Hilton Honors points are earned primarily through hotel stays and credit card usage, but there are other innovative ways to boost your points.

Using Hilton Credit Cards

One of the most effective ways to earn Hilton Honors points is through Hilton-branded credit cards. These cards offer generous welcome bonuses, anniversary bonuses, and bonus points on specific spending categories. Here’s a quick rundown of the four Hilton credit cards:

• Hilton Honors American Express Card: This no-annual-fee card offers 7X points on Hilton purchases, 5X points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, and 3X points on all other eligible purchases. A generous welcome offer of 70,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points and a Free Night Reward can be earned after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of card membership.
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: With a $95 annual fee, this card provides a substantial welcome offer of 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points and a Free Night Reward after spending $2,000 within the first three months. You’ll earn 12X points on Hilton purchases and 6X points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations.
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: For a $450 annual fee, you can earn a massive 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. This card offers 14X points on Hilton purchases and 7X points on flights booked directly with airlines, car rentals, and at U.S. restaurants.
• Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Designed for business owners, this card comes with a welcome offer of 150,000 Bonus Points and a Free Night Reward after spending $4,000 in the first three months. You’ll earn 12X points on Hilton purchases and 6X points on several business and travel-related categories.

Staying at Hilton Hotels and Resorts

Whenever you stay at a Hilton hotel or resort, you can earn Hilton Honors points. For every dollar spent on eligible charges such as room rates and other expenses, you’ll earn 10 Hilton Honors points. On top of this, elite members can earn bonus points based on their status level:

• Silver Elite Members earn a 20% bonus on all Hilton Honors base points
• Gold Elite Members receive an 80% bonus
• Diamond Elite Members earn a 100% bonus

Tips & Best Practices for Earning More Hilton Honors Points

Finally, here are some insider tips to help you maximize your Hilton Honors points earning potential:

• Sign up for Hilton promotions and offers: Hilton often runs promotions that allow you to earn extra points or bonuses on eligible stays or activities. Keep your eye out for promotional emails directly from Hilton or posted in online communities.
• Refer friends and family: If your friends or family members apply for a Hilton credit card using your referral link, you could earn a hefty points bonus.
• Use the Points Explorer tool: This tool lets you find the best value for your points based on your destination and travel dates. Visit the Hilton Honors Points Explorer page to find out more.

By employing these strategies, you’ll see your Hilton Honors points balance grow in no time.

Frequently asked questions

Bottom Line

Navigating the Hilton Honors program is key to maximizing your rewards. This article explored how to transfer and pool Hilton points and alternate uses such as charity donations, Amazon.com purchases, Lyft rides, car rentals, and Ticketmaster purchases. We also delved into the best ways to earn points, primarily through hotel stays and using Hilton credit cards.

Each traveler’s needs are unique, and your optimal strategy depends on your travel and spending habits. It’s essential to understand the various options and value propositions and make decisions that align with your goals.

To maximize the Hilton Honors program, visit the Hilton Honors website or consider a Hilton-branded credit card. Each point earned is a step towards your next unforgettable experience.