MileValue is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Note: Some of the offers mentioned below may have changed or are no longer be available. You can view current offers here.


 

This past February, I applied for a number of cards, including the Citi Hilton Reserve. I got the card for the free Hilton Gold status and the big benefit:

  • Earn 2 weekend night certificates good at select hotels and resorts within the Hilton HHonors portfolio after $2,500 in eligible purchases within 4 months of account opening.

I am excited to report that I now have my free night certificates!

What was my experience? How did I receive the certificates? How quickly did they arrive? Where am I thinking of using them?

I originally applied for the card on February 16. I applied online, and after a quick call to Citi’s reconsideration line, I was approved. I received the card in the mail less than two weeks later and activated it.

In order to receive the two free weekend nights, I had to spend $2,500 within four months of the account opening. I met this spending requirement on my statement that closed on June 10. I met the requirement in about three-and-a-half months. Over that time period, I kept track of how much I had spent and how much more I had to go using my Citi online account. When I was sure that I had spent $2,500, I tucked the card away and moved my spending over to another card.

The Terms and Conditions for this card state, “Please allow 6-8 weeks after purchase requirements have been met to receive your certificate.” I received mine after only four weeks.

On July 12, I received two separate emails from Hilton HHonors that each contained the following e-certificate. Each certificate is good for one weekend night stay at select Hilton hotels.

Interestingly, the certificates were issued on July 3 but were not sent to me until July 12. They expire one year after the date of issue — July 3, 2014 in my case.

Because you earn two one-night certificates, you don’t have to use them consecutively or even at the same property.

I plan to use my free nights at top-tier Category 10 Hilton hotels that can go for up to $1,000 a night, so that the card can give me a little taste of luxury I otherwise could never afford.

In addition to the certificates, I have earned about 8,400 Hilton points by spending $2,800 on the card at its base earning rate of 3 Hilton points per dollar. This is actually enough points for a free night at a Category 1 hotel and almost enough for a night at a Category 2 hotel.

Recap

It took me a total of five months to receive the biggest perk that the Citi Hilton Reserve offers–two free weekend nights at Hilton hotels across the globe.

The only question is: Where am I going to redeem my two nights? Any suggestions?

Citi® Hilton HHonors™ Reserve Card with Two Free Nights worldwide at top tier Hiltons after spending $2,500 in four months

Application Link: Citi® Hilton HHonors™ Reserve Card