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Some hotel programs make it so difficult for members to earn elite status but that’s not the case with Hilton. Interested applicants can use the Hilton status match to join the Hilton Honors program with ease.
The status match policy was just released this 2022 and although the requirements have increased, the benefits you’ll get for having an elite status still hold a lot of value.
Read More: The Complete Guide To The New IHG One Rewards Club
What Is The Hilton Status Match Benefit?
The Hilton Status Match is simply a marketing strategy that entices people to join the Hilton Honors loyalty program. Hilton will award you with an elite status based on the current elite status that you have from your other loyalty program.
All applicants who are eligible for the status match will automatically get a default Gold status for 90 days. Unfortunately, Hilton doesn’t offer automatic Diamond status for this status match benefit.
Within the 90-day trial period, you can either maintain your Gold status or fast-track your way to Diamond status, depending on how many nights you stay at Hilton Hotels.
Here are the requirements:
- Complete 7 nights within your 90-day trial period, and you’ll keep Gold status through March 31, 2024.
- Complete 12 nights within your 90-day trial period, and you’ll be upgraded to Diamond status through March 31, 2024
For example, if you have a Gold status from Wyndham Rewards, just sign up for a Hilton Honors basic membership account and apply for a status match. Hilton will then award you with Gold status for 90 days.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide To Hilton Lifetime Diamond Membership
Panda Tips:
Hilton takes five to seven business days to respond to your status match request. If you’re applying for a status match, make sure you do it weeks before your book stays that would’ve counted towards your Gold and Diamond status extension.
How To Apply For A Hilton Status Challenge
Before you can apply for a status match, you need to sign up for a Hilton Honors membership account first. Once done, just fill out the online form with your current loyalty program and tier level.
You’re also required to upload proof of your status and proof of your most recent stay at a hotel of your current loyalty program. It
The status match also applies to people who acquired their current elite status through a credit card. For example, if you got an IHG Platinum status through your IHG Rewards Premier Business Credit Card or maybe a Marriott Gold status through the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card, you’re still eligible for a status match.
Read More: Hotels.Com Rewards Program Full Guide
Benefits Hilton Gold & Diamond Status
These are the benefits you’ll get with your Hilton Honors Gold or Diamond status:
Gold Status:
- Guaranteed Hilton Honors Discount rate
- Points toward free nights, travel partners, and more
- No resort fees on award stays
- Digital check-in and check-out with digital keys
- Preferred rooms
- Free premium wifi
- Access to exclusive Hilton Honors experiences
- 80% bonus points on stays
- Free bottled water
- Get your fifth rewards night for free
- Elite rollover nights
- Space-available room upgrades
- Daily Food & Beverage Credit (U.S. hotels only) or Continental Breakfast (non-U.S. hotels)
- Milestone bonuses
Diamond Status:
- Guaranteed Hilton Honors Discount rate
- Points toward free nights, travel partners, and more
- No resort fees on award stays
- Digital check-in and check-out with digital keys
- Preferred rooms
- Free premium wifi
- Access to exclusive Hilton Honors experiences
- 100% bonus points on stays
- Free bottled water
- Get your fifth rewards night for free
- Elite rollover nights
- Space-available room upgrades
- Daily Food & Beverage Credit (U.S. hotels only) or Continental Breakfast (non-U.S. hotels)
- Milestone bonuses
- Executive lounge access
- Diamond status extension
- 48-hour room guarantee
- Elite status gifting
Read More: Best Hyatt Category 4 Hotels For Hyatt Certificate Redemptions
How To Get Hilton Status With Credit Cards
The Hilton Status match is a nice benefit to have if you’re a new member who wants an instant Hilton elite status. However, there are other ways to get elite status, and that is through co-branded credit cards. Here are some cards that you can apply for:
Cards that come with complimentary Gold status or offer a status boost toward Gold status.
- American Express Platinum Card – Valid for as long as your card is active (registration required).
- American Express Business Platinum Card – Valid for as long as your card is active (registration required).
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card – Valid as long as your card is active.
- Hilton Honors American Express Business Card – Valid as long as your card is active.
- Hilton Honors Card from American Express – Spend $20,000 on the card in a calendar year to get Gold status.
Cards that come with a complimentary Diamond status or offer a status boost towards Diamond status.
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card – Valid as long as your card is active.
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card — Spend $40,000 on the card in a calendar year to get Diamond status.
- Hilton Honors American Express Business Card – Spend $40,000 on the card in a calendar year to get Diamond status.
Bottomline
The Hilton status match is a nice perk to have for those who want to get instant elite status in the Hilton Honors loyalty program. Applying for a status match is fairly easy, except for the part where you need to provide proof of your most recent hotel stay.
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