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Hilton’s Status Match: More Accessible Than Ever

5 min read
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Hilton’s Status Match: More Accessible Than Ever
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For the past few years, Hilton has offered fans of the hotel brand the ability to turn their elite status with a competing hotel chain into matching status with Hilton Honors.

In 2026, Hilton Honors status match is back again and now it’s easier than ever to hang on to your upgraded status.

Hilton Honors Status Match - Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach

What is Hilton’s Status Match?

Hilton Honors status match allows Hilton Honors Base and Silver members who hold elite status with a competing hotel loyalty program to request complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status for 90 days.

To be approved for the status match, you just need to go through a simple process (outlined below) to be approved for 90 days of Hilton Honors Gold status.

Plus, not only does this initial trial of Gold status let you test out the Hilton Honors loyalty program, but you’re also given the opportunity to keep your status or even upgrade to Diamond status by meeting the stay requirement thresholds.

Namely, if you stay at least 6 paid nights at a Hilton property during the 90-day trial, you’ll get to keep your Gold status through to March 31, 2028. If you stay 12+ paid nights, you’ll be upgraded all the way to Diamond status, and you’ll maintain this tier and its perks until March 31, 2028.

How to Apply for Hilton’s Status Match?

As long as you’re a Base or Silver Hilton Honors member, applying for Hilton’s status match is easy. Just follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Hilton’s status match webpage and sign in to your Hilton Honors account.
  2. Using the provided drop-down menus, select your current elite status with a competitor’s hotel loyalty program.
  3. Upload an image (.jpg) showing proof of your status and of a recent stay. Make sure to remove personal information such as address, phone numbers, usernames, passwords, etc.
  4. Click « Request Status Match now. »

Applications are typically approved within 5-7 business days.

Eligible programs

You can apply for Hilton’s status match if you hold the necessary elite status in any of the following hotel loyalty programs:

Hilton Honors Status match - promo text

Important Considerations

There are a couple important aspects of the Hilton Honors status match to keep in mind if you’re considering participating this year:

  • Once-in-a-lifetime offer: Hilton Honors members can only take advantage of the status match opportunity once in their lifetime, so you’ll want to make sure you time your use of this promotion to maximize its advantages.
  • Base and Silver members only: Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond members are not eligible for the status match since they already enjoy the available perks.
  • Paid nights only: Rewards nights do not count towards the 6+ and 12+ nights required to maintain your upgraded Hilton Honors status.

Benefits of Hilton Honors Gold Status

Hilton Honors Gold status offers the following benefits:

  • Room upgrades (when available)
  • Daily Food & Beverage credits at US hotels / complimentary breakfast at most other eligible properties
  • Late check-out (when available)
  • Bonus points on eligible stays

We’ve written a complete guide to the benefits of Hilton Honors status, so check that out to get the full picture of what Hilton Honors elite status has to offer.

Additionally, if you’re not able to hang on to your Hilton Honors Gold status past the 90 days, or you don’t think this is right time to go after the status match, you can always take a look at the American Express Platinum Card® or the Business Platinum Card® from American Express, which both offer automatic Hilton Honors Gold status as part of their benefits package.

Beyond the Hilton Honors status, these card also offer an array of additional perks that make them excellent all-around travel cards. These perks include:

American Express Platinum Card®

American ExpressAmex Membership Rewards
Annual fee
$799
Our valuation
$1,700
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,700Total$1,700Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 100,000 points
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

Terms of the offer

  • Unlock special experiences with the newly designed metal Platinum Card
  • New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 25,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points when you charge $2,000 in purchases to your Card in the first three months of Cardmembership
  • Earn 3 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining in Canada, 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
  • You will have access to a $200 CAD Annual Travel Credit to use towards any single travel booking of $200 or more charged to your Platinum Card and made on www.americanexpress.ca/travel or through Platinum Card® Travel Service
  • Take full advantage of the American Express Global Lounge Collection™ which unlocks access to over 1200 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience
  • Enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $550 USD at over 1,000 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels & Resorts.
  • Platinum Cardmembers can enjoy access to special events and unique opportunities
  • Enjoy premium benefits at the Toronto Pearson Airport including security bypass, complimentary valet car service and discount car care and parking
  • You will also have access to many leading hotel and car rental companies’ loyalty programs. Our partners include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts®, Radisson Hotel Group Hotels and Resorts, Hertz® and Avis®
  • As a Charge Card, the balance must always be paid in full each month. 30% annual interest rate applies to balances not paid in full. Payments must be received and processed by the date of the next monthly statement to avoid interest charges
  American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details, current product information and Terms and Conditions, click the Apply now link. Conditions Apply
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*Terms and conditions apply.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of the information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

The Platinum Card® is the best premium card in Canada for travellers.

With this welcome offer, you can earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points:

  • 70,000 points after charging $10,000 to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
  • 30,000 points when you make a purchase between the 15th and 17th month after your Cardmembership begins

With this Card, you get:

  • 2 points per $1 on eligible dining and delivery purchases in Canada
  • 2 points per dollar on eligible travel purchases charged to the Card
  • 1 point per $1 on all other purchases charged to the Card

You can use your Membership Rewards® points in many ways:

  • Transfer points to airline partners: Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways / Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles, etc.
  • Transfer points to hotel partners, including Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy
  • Redeem points for statement credits to offset any travel purchase charged to your Card (1,000 points = $10)
  • Redeem points for statement credits towards other purchases (1,000 points = $10)
  • And more!

For example, with this welcome offer, if you decide to transfer your Membership Rewards® points to a partner loyalty program, you could earn up to:

  • 100,000 Aeroplan points
  • 100,000 Avios
  • 100,000 Flying Blue Miles
  • 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

With this card, you also have advantages for your travels:

  • $200 Annual Travel Credit
  • An annual meal credit of $200
  • A $100 statement credit for NEXUS membership
  • Complimentary access for you and one additional guest to more than 1,550 airport lounges in over 140 countries
  • Hilton Honors Gold status
  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
  • Access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts program

Last but not least, The Platinum Card® offers a wide range of insurance coverage: rental car theft and damage, $500,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delays and misdirected baggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

Annual fee

Primary card$799
Additional card$250

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 2xTravel
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,482
2nd Year Value$470

Transfer partners

  • AeroplanAirline
  • British Airways ClubAirline
  • Cathay Asia MilesAirline
  • Etihad GuestAirline
  • Flying BlueAirline
  • Hilton HonorsHotel
  • Marriott BonvoyHotel

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$400
Travel creditsIncluded

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $1,000
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Business Platinum Card® from American Express

BusinessAmerican ExpressAmex Membership Rewards
Annual fee
$799
Our valuation
$2,040
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$2,040Total$2,040Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 120,000 points
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

Earn up to 120,000 points with this welcome offer for the American Express Business Platinum Card:

  • 80,000 Membership Rewards points for $15,000 net purchases within the first 3 months of membership
  • 40,000 additional points if you make a purchase between the 15th and 17th month after enrollment

You can use your Membership Rewards points in many ways:

  • Transfer your points to airline partners: Aeroplan Avios (British Airways, Qatar Airways, Finnair, Iberia), Flying Blue, Delta Skymiles, etc.
  • Transfer your points to hotel programs (Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy)
  • Redeem your points for statement credits to offset any eligible purchase charged to your Card (1,000 points = $10)
  • And more!

120,000 points have a minimum value of $1,200 for a Statement credit, and much more if you transfer your points to a partner.

For example, with this welcome offer, if you decide to transfer your Membership Rewards points to a partner loyalty program, you would have the choice of earning up to :

  • 120,000 Aeroplan points
  • 120,000 Avios
  • 120,000 Flying Blue Miles
  • 144,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

With this Card, you earn 1.25 Membership Rewards points per dollar on all purchases. What’s more, you’ll enjoy a host of travel and business benefits:

  • Complimentary access for you and one additional guest to over 1,400 airport lounges in over 130 countries
  • $200 Annual travel credit
  • $100 Card Statement Credit for Nexus
  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
  • Hilton Honors Gold Elite status
  • Access to the Fine Hotels and Resorts program
  • Up to $120 in eligible Wireless Credits each year

With this Card you can maximize your cash flow with up to 55 interest free days. It is a card that is particularly appreciated by contractors when making large purchases in home improvement stores, for example.

Last but not least, Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers a wide range of insurance coverage: rental car theft and damage, $500,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delays and misdirected baggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

Legal

*Terms and conditions apply.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of the information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Annual fee

Primary card$799
Additional card$250

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 1.25xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,815
2nd Year Value$311

Transfer partners

  • AeroplanAirline
  • British Airways ClubAirline
  • Cathay Asia MilesAirline
  • Etihad GuestAirline
  • Marriott BonvoyHotel

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$400

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $1,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $1,000
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Bottom Line

Hilton Honor’s status match offer is back again in 2026 with a lowered requirement for maintaining or upgrading your gained status, making the challenge even more accessible.

If you’re an elite member with a competing hotel loyalty program and would like to experience Hilton Honors Gold status, this status match is a great way to test out Hilton’s elite perks.

For Hilton travel inspiration, check out our reviews of Hilton properties from around the world:

FAQs

What status do I get with the Hilton Honors status match?

When you are approved for the Hilton Honors status match, you’ll enjoy Hilton Honors Gold status for 90 days.

You can also keep this status if you stay 6+ paid nights at any Hilton property during these 90 days. Additionally, you can upgrade to Diamond status if you stay 12+ paid nights at a Hilton property during the 90 day trial.

What hotel loyalty programs can I use to match status?

Elite status from one of the following competing hotel loyalty programs can be used to enjoy Hilton Honors status match:

  • Marriott Bonvoy
  • IHG Rewards Club
  • World of Hyatt
  • Best Western Rewards
  • Choice Privileges
  • ALL – Accor Live Limitless
  • Radisson Rewards
  • Wyndham Rewards
  • Fiesta Rewards (Grupo Posadas)

Do any credit cards offer Hilton Honors status?

Yes! The American Express Platinum Card and the Business Platinum Card from American Express both offer automatic Hilton Honors Gold status to its cardholders.

Our featured card

Featured

Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card

American ExpressMarriott Bonvoy
Annual fee
$120
Our valuation
$990
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 points
Ends Sep 22, 2026
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.

New Cardmembers can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:

  • Earn 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
  • Plus, earn 30,000 points by making a purchase during your 15th month of Cardmembership.

This offer ends on September 22, 2026. The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.

Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.

To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.

The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.

You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.

Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 110,000 point welcome offer is worth about $990, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.

Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.

You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.

The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.

Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.

Legal

American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Annual fee

Primary card$120
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,437
2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

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Our reviews and rankings are based on an objective assessment. Advertisers do not influence our content. We may receive compensation through some links; our analysis and opinions remain independent.