Hilton has launched two Mastercard payment cards that allow UK consumers to earn points for free hotel stays when spending on every-day items at home and abroad. Jenny Southan reports
Building on its legacy of innovation, Hilton has unveiled the world’s first hotel debit cards in the UK: Hilton Honors Debit Card and Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card, in partnership with travel debit card platform Currensea. (It’s also offering a welcome bonus of up to 12,000 points, for sign‑ups before November 30 but you will need to spend £1,000-£2,500 in foreign currency in the first six months to receive the bonus.)
Cardholders will earn Hilton Honors Points on all eligible everyday spending to redeem on hotel stays or exclusive experiences. (It’s worth noting that the cards are designed for using in foreign countries and have far better foreign exchange rates than all travel rewards credit cards – 0.5% FX fee on the £60 card and 0% FX fee on the £150 card.)
The cards offer an instant upgrade to elite status through Hilton’s HHonors loyalty programme and provide card holders with exclusive travel perks: The Hilton Honors Debit Card automatically awards Silver Status and the Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card offers Gold Status, which includes benefits such as free continental breakfasts, free wifi and space-available room upgrades.
What’s more, status is not a one-year privilege – cardholders will retain their Hilton Honors status for as long as they hold their debit card. Even better, applicants won’t be assessed in the way credit card holders are – anyone with a UK bank account and ID can get one.
The two new cards use open banking technology, meaning they “seamlessly connect” with existing bank accounts, allowing travellers the convenience of spending directly from their current account in the UK or when abroad, whilst removing the foreign exchange fees typically charged by banks and other card providers.
However, there are annual fees attached to the cards: £60 for the Hilton Honors Debit Card and £150 for the Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card. 
Heather Laverne, vice-president and head of international co-brands for Hiltn says: “These cards will be a game-changer for guests and Hilton Honors members who can now earn Hilton Honors points on their everyday spending and unlock more stays and benefits at Hilton properties around the world.
“These industry-first cards not only reward with Hilton Honors points but also elite status and associated travel benefits, including spa discounts and free reward stays. They are a fantastic choice for savvy UK travellers who can save on their overseas transactions whilst also experiencing the benefits that Hilton and our trusted partners offer. We look forward to welcoming new travellers to experience the benefits that the Hilton Honors loyalty programme provides.”
James Lynn, co-founder, Currensea, says: “This world-first partnership introduces Currensea’s simple, money-saving solution to Hilton Honors members. Currensea users saved almost £1.5m during the summer holidays alone as the card was used once every five seconds globally as travellers increasingly look for greater value when they’re spending abroad.
“The new debit cards give travellers access to the best foreign exchange rates on the market, saving on every overseas transaction by cutting out the normal fees leveraged by high street banks with the bonus of earning Hilton Honors Points on top.”
Customers can apply directly by downloading the Hilton Honors Debit Card app.
In summary…
Hilton Honors Debit Card
The Hilton Honors Debit Card has a 0.5% foreign exchange fee.
Customers get instant Hilton Honors Silver status and receive until November 30, 2024, a boosted welcome Bonus of 3,500 Hilton Honors Points when spending £1,000 abroad.
They will also earn 1 Hilton Honors Point for every £1 spent on everyday purchases and up to 3 Points for every £1 spent directly with Hilton abroad.
- 1 Hilton Honors point per £1 spent in the UK
- 2 Hilton Honors points per £1 spent in Hilton properties in the UK
- 2 Hilton Honors points per £1 spent in foreign currency
- 3 Hilton Honors points per £1 spent in Hilton properties outside the UK
Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card
The Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card has a 0% foreign exchange fee.
Customers get instant Hilton Honors Gold status and receive until November 30, 2024, a boosted welcome Bonus of 12,000 Hilton Honors Points when spending £2,500 overseas.
They will also earn 1.5 Hilton Honors Points for every £1 spent on everyday purchases*, and up to 4.5 Points for every £1 spent directly with Hilton abroad.
- 1.5 Hilton Honors points per £1 spent in the UK
- 3 Hilton Honors points per £1 spent in Hilton properties in the UK
- 3 Hilton Honors points per £1 spent in foreign currency
- 4.5 Hilton Honors points per £1 spent in Hilton properties outside the UK
The new cards remove bank fees from overseas transactions so cardholders can expect to benefit from much lower rates than offered by high street banks. It can be used everywhere that accepts Mastercard and all purchases are protected by Mastercard Chargeback Protection.