Should You Buy Hilton Honors Points With a 100% Bonus?

We say this a lot, but it’s worth repeating: buying hotel points isn’t always the smartest move.

But when Hilton runs a 100% bonus promotion, no bets are off. These deals or “promo periods” let you purchase Hilton Honors points for as low as 0.5 cents each, which can unlock serious value on the right hotel bookings.

But as with any deal, there’s a little homework involved. Here’s what to know before buying — and how to get the most out of your Hilton points if you do.

Hilton Buy Points Sale Details

When Hilton offers a 100% bonus, you’re essentially getting double the points at a regular price. To qualify, you’ll need to buy at least 5,000 points, and the yearly max is 160,000 purchased Hilton points (which becomes 320,000 points with the bonus).

That’s $1,600 for the full annual limit — and potentially some amazing stays if used wisely.

History of Hilton’s Buy Points Offers

It seems our friends over at Hilton typically run a 100% bonus every one to two months.

Here’s a quick recap of recent promos:

Always check if there’s a bonus going on — because based on this pattern, another one could be right around the corner (crossing our fingers and toes with you).

When It Makes Sense to Buy Hilton Points

Buying points just to store them up will rarely work out in your favor. But, if you’re booking a specific stay, the numbers can do good things, especially at high-end properties where the points price is lower than the cash rate.

This is especially true when you’re eyeing a dream redemption, wanting to maximize the Fifth Night Free perk (available to Silver elites and higher on award stays), or wanting to stretch your stash with Hilton’s Points and Money Rewards. And the ability to pool? Wow. When timed right, this can get really sweet really quickly.

Hilton’s Fine Print for Purchasing Points

Hilton’s point purchase program comes with some small text, so instead of a painful terms and conditions readthrough, here’s the important stuff:

• You can buy up to 160,000 points per calendar year (pre-bonus)

• Purchases must be made in USD and are processed through Points.com 

• You’ll need to have some account activity or be a member for at least 90 days to be eligible

• Points are non-refundable

• Bonus points post pretty quickly (usually within 24 hours)

• Points can be transferred to other Hilton members for free

• The first points redeemed from your account will be the ones you bought

For full details, you can check the Hilton Point Purchase terms.

Best Credit Cards to Use When Buying Hilton Points

Since Hilton sells points through Points.com, these purchases don’t count as travel, so no need to use cards with travel credits (even though… free will exists).

Instead, I’d recommend using a solid everyday earner or a card where you’re working on hitting a minimum spend. Some top contenders:

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card — 2x miles on everything

• Chase Freedom Unlimited® — 1.5% cash back on everything

• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card — automatic Gold status and 12x per $1 on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels and resorts

• Other co-branded Amex Hilton Cards — good move if you’re working toward a welcome offer

Other Ways to Earn Hilton Points

Buying points isn’t the only way to build your Hilton stash.

Hilton credit cards can be a great way to stack up some points and earn extra perks.

Our Favorite Hilton Cards

• Hilton Honors American Express Card – No annual fee (rates & fees), Silver status

• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card – Diamond status, free night certificate, and really great perks

Other Strategies

• Transfer from American Express® Membership Rewards — Convenient if you’re in a pinch.

• Points and Money Rewards — This booking feature lets you combine points and cash for stays.

• Stay Promotions — Hilton frequently runs double or triple points offers on paid bookings.

Is Buying Hilton Points Worth It?

The short answer is… it depends. But that’s true for most “point purchase promotions.” Hilton does use dynamic pricing, which means point costs can fluctuate based on demand.

Before you buy, always compare the cash price with the effective cost in points.

Here’s a little formula to help:

Total points needed × $0.005 = total cost to buy points

Compare that to the cash rate. If it yields decent savings, especially for a nicer stay you’ve been eyeing, then I say go for it. Also, consider your flexibility. Once you buy, you’re locked in, so only pull the trigger if you’re ready to book.

Bottom Line

Hilton points don’t always get the credit they deserve. But when you can catch them during a solid promo and redeem them strategically, they can be really sweet.

Between the Fifth Free Night, the ability to combine points with other members, and a growing portfolio that now includes Small Luxury Hotels, there’s some serious potential here.

As always, make sure the math checks out. If you’ve got your eye on a certain stay, a 100% bonus sale might just be your green light.