Welcome to the article that will answer your burning question: “Do Hilton Points Carry Over?” The short answer is no, Hilton points do not carry over from one year to the next. However, there are ways to prevent your points from expiring and ensure you continue to take full advantage of all the benefits Hilton Honors has to offer. Keep reading to discover how to make the most of your Hilton points and avoid losing them.

Do Hilton Points Carry Over?

Have you ever wondered what happens to your hard-earned Hilton points if you don’t use them all at once? Maybe you’ve been saving up for that dream vacation and want to make sure you won’t lose your points. Let’s explore whether Hilton points carry over and what happens if you don’t use them.

Understanding Hilton Honors Points

Before we dive into whether Hilton points carry over, let’s first understand what Hilton Honors points are. Hilton Honors is the loyalty program of Hilton Hotels & Resorts, offering members the opportunity to earn points for stays at Hilton properties, as well as through various partners and credit card purchases.

Earning Hilton Honors Points

You can earn Hilton Honors points in a variety of ways, such as:

Staying at Hilton properties
Dining at participating restaurants
Using a Hilton credit card
Making purchases with Hilton partners

Redeeming Hilton Honors Points

Hilton Honors points can be redeemed for a range of rewards, including:

Free hotel stays
Room upgrades
Dining and spa credits
Airline miles
Experiences and activities

Do Hilton Points Carry Over?

Now, let’s address the burning question: Do Hilton points carry over? The good news is that Hilton Honors points do not expire as long as you have qualifying activity in your account every 12 months. Qualifying activity includes earning or redeeming points, so as long as you engage with the Hilton Honors program at least once a year, your points will remain safe and sound.

Exceptions to Points Expiration

While Hilton Honors points typically do not expire, there are a few exceptions to be aware of:

Inactive Accounts: If your Hilton Honors account is inactive for 15 months or more, your points may be forfeited.
Elite Status: Hilton Honors Diamond members enjoy lifetime Diamond status and are exempt from point expiration due to inactivity.

Remember to keep your account active by earning or redeeming points to ensure your Hilton Honors points carry over without any issues.

Strategies to Keep Your Points Active

To prevent your Hilton Honors points from expiring, here are some strategies to consider:

Stay at Hilton Properties

The most straightforward way to keep your Hilton points active is to book a stay at a Hilton property. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a business trip, each stay will earn you points and reset the expiration clock on your existing points.

Use Hilton Co-Branded Credit Cards

Hilton offers co-branded credit cards that allow you to earn points on your everyday purchases. By using a Hilton credit card for your shopping, dining, and travel expenses, you can maintain activity in your Hilton Honors account and ensure your points remain valid.

Participate in Hilton Honors Promotions

Keep an eye out for Hilton Honors promotions that offer bonus points for specific activities, such as booking a certain number of nights or completing a stay at a particular property. Participating in these promotions not only earns you extra points but also keeps your account active.

Transfer Points to Airline Partners

If you have a significant number of Hilton Honors points that you don’t anticipate using for hotel stays, consider transferring them to airline partners. This not only diversifies your rewards portfolio but also counts as qualifying activity to prevent your points from expiring.

What Happens If You Don’t Use Your Hilton Points?

Now that we’ve established that Hilton Honors points do carry over as long as you keep your account active, let’s discuss what happens if you don’t use your Hilton points at all. Unlike some loyalty programs that may have strict expiration policies, Hilton Honors gives you the flexibility to save your points for when you’re ready to use them.

Points Retention

If you choose not to use your Hilton points for an extended period, they will simply remain in your account until you’re ready to redeem them. This means you can continue accruing points over time without worrying about them disappearing unexpectedly.

Value Fluctuation

It’s essential to note that the value of Hilton Honors points can fluctuate based on various factors, such as demand, seasonality, and property category. While your points won’t expire, it’s a good idea to stay updated on the best redemption options to maximize the value of your points when you decide to use them.

Maximizing Your Hilton Honors Points

While Hilton Honors points do carry over and have no expiration date as long as you keep your account active, it’s crucial to maximize the value of your points when redeeming them. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your Hilton Honors points:

Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

Flexibility is key when redeeming Hilton points for hotel stays, as the number of points required can vary depending on the time of year, day of the week, and demand at the property. By being flexible with your travel dates, you can take advantage of lower point redemption rates and get more value out of your points.

Look for Promotions and Special Offers

Hilton frequently runs promotions and special offers that can help you stretch your points further or earn bonus points on your redemptions. Keep an eye on the Hilton Honors website and your email for any ongoing promotions that could enhance your point redemption experience.

Consider Points + Cash Redemptions

If you don’t have enough points for a full redemption or want to conserve your points for future use, consider opting for a Points + Cash redemption. This allows you to pay a combination of points and cash for your stay, giving you more flexibility in how you utilize your points.

Explore Transfer Partners

Hilton Honors offers the flexibility to transfer points to a variety of airline partners, allowing you to convert your hotel points into airline miles for travel rewards. If you’re looking to maximize the value of your points or have a specific airline redemption in mind, transferring your points may be a strategic move.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Hilton Honors points do carry over as long as you have qualifying activity in your account every 12 months. By earning or redeeming points regularly, you can ensure that your points remain valid and ready for use whenever you’re ready to redeem them. Whether you’re saving up for a luxury hotel stay, a room upgrade, or a memorable experience, your Hilton Honors points will be there waiting for you. Happy travels!