Is the Hilton Honors debit card a good one, and how does it operate?

We look at the Hilton Honors debit card benefits and whether it's worthwhile to apply for the loyalty card when you travel overseas

The best credit or debit cards for international travel are probably well-known to frequent travelers, but using a loyalty card can also result in significant savings while traveling.

The Hilton Honors debit card is the first of its kind in the United Kingdom and is connected to the well-known hotel rewards program. Launched in 2024 in collaboration with travel card company Currensea, it provides a number of benefits, including the ability for users to accrue Hilton Honor Points for regular purchases and take advantage of discounted foreign exchange rates when making purchases overseas.

Although using a travel card can help you save money on your vacation, are the advantages of the Hilton Honors debit card greater than the drawbacks?

What is the process for using the Hilton Hotels loyalty debit card?

Currensea is the one that issues the Hilton Honors debit card. There are two debit cards available to you; they cost £60 and £150 annually, respectively. Your UK current account is linked to the card when you apply for it. The majority of high-street banks are supported, with the exception of Chase, Metro Bank, and the Co-operative Bank.

After that, a soft credit check will be required to confirm your identity. Without having to transfer funds, top up your card, or open a new bank account, you can make purchases straight from your current account from anywhere.

What is the best Hilton Honors debit card for me?

Your needs and the frequency of your travels will determine this. Below, we examine the costs and characteristics of each card.

The Hilton website shows current foreign exchange rates.

Hilton Honors points are what?

Members can earn points toward complimentary nights at more than 8,000 Hilton hotels worldwide, including Hilton hotels, DoubleTree Hilton, the Waldorf Astoria, and Hampton by Hilton, through the Hilton Honors loyalty program. Your points can also be used for experiences like VIP concert tickets, dining, and sporting events.

Are there any additional advantages?

Having the Hilton Honors Debit Card confers Hilton Honors silver status automatically, and having the Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card confers Hilton Honors gold status.

Typically, you need to accrue 25,000 points, four stays, or at least 10 nights to reach silver status. You would require 40 nights, 20 stays, or 75,000 points to reach gold status.

Silver status entitles you to a 25 percent bonus when you accrue 12 points on stays, a complimentary fifth night on reward stays, and a 15 percent spa discount at Hilton brands. Gold status entitles you to room upgrades when available, food and drink credit when staying at Hilton brands, and an 80% bonus on stays (18 points). One major perk of Gold status for cardholders, according to Rob Burgess on Head for Points, is the complimentary breakfast. He clarifies in a piece for Head for Points: "The £150 annual fee for the Hilton Honors Plus debit card easily pays for itself because it could save two people £50 per day in an upscale hotel.

How a Hilton Honors debit card account is applied for.

By clicking "get started," you can create an account on the Hilton Honors website. You must also download the Currensea app and follow these instructions in order to link an existing current account.

Tap account at the bottom of the screen when the Currensea app is open. Click the Linked Bank button. Then tap New Bank Account. Choose your bank from the list on the screen. Currensea's website lists the banks that are eligible to be linked to it; these banks are primarily high-street providers. ) To finish connecting to your existing account, adhere to the on-screen directions.

How does the Hilton hotel debit card stack up against the competition?

Low exchange rates and access to Hilton's loyalty program are two benefits of using a Hilton debit card. But how do they stack up against the competition?

Chase Bank, First Direct, and Starling Bank are the best travel debit cards when compared to other options. Up to a certain amount, they all provide fee-free ATM withdrawals and fee-free spending overseas.

Additionally, they have the usual benefits of a debit card. For instance, Chase provides 1% cashback on purchases for a year, and the First Direct account has a 7% linked regular saver and a £250 interest-free overdraft. By moving to First Direct, you can currently earn 175 as well.

Therefore, it all depends on your preferences for your travel credit or debit card. The Hilton Debit card might be worthwhile if you want to spend money overseas without paying fees and get benefits on Hilton lodging. However, it's worthwhile to consider alternative options if you're looking for a competitive savings account linked to your debit card or cashback.