hotel October 21, 2026

Hilton Honors Members Can Now Use Points for On-Property Charges via Digital Check-Out

Hilton Honors members with Silver status or higher can now use points to pay for hotel bills via the Hilton Honors app.

Hilton has launched “Pay with Points,” a new Hilton Honors benefit that allows eligible members to use loyalty points for hotel charges during the digital check-out process. This feature is available to Hilton Honors members with Silver, Gold, Diamond, or Diamond Reserve status at participating hotels in the United States.

This update responds to Hilton research which found that 70% of Hilton Honors members want to use points for on-property purchases. Additionally, about half of those surveyed said the ability to do so could increase their likelihood of booking with Hilton. Unlike other programs that require a visit to the front desk to redeem points for incidental costs, this process is completed entirely within the Hilton Honors app.

How the Pay with Points Feature Works

During the digital check-out stage in the Hilton Honors app, eligible guests can review their folio and select point redemption options to cover their costs. This allows travelers to settle their final bill without a manual interaction at the front desk.

To use this feature successfully, guests should ensure they have the latest version of the Hilton Honors app installed. You should also verify that your elite status is correctly reflected in your profile before arriving at the hotel. Because the feature is currently limited to participating U.S. properties, you can check the app or contact your specific hotel to confirm availability before you arrive.

Breakdown of Eligible and Excluded Charges

While Hilton allows points to be applied to “eligible hotel charges,” not every expense on your bill can be covered. Understanding these distinctions helps you plan your spending.

Eligible charges typically include:

On-property dining and restaurant bills.
Spa services and treatments.
Room service orders.
Minibar purchases.
Parking fees (depending on the specific property).

Excluded charges often include:

Government-mandated taxes and local tourism fees.
Third-party services booked through the hotel.
Certain resort fees or mandatory facility fees.
Charges from external vendors located on the hotel property.

Digital Check-Out: A Competitive Comparison

Hilton is the first major hotel brand to offer point redemption for incidentals through a fully digital check-out experience. While other major chains have digital check-out capabilities, the ability to apply points to the final bill without human assistance is a distinct difference.

Feature	Hilton Honors	Marriott Bonvoy	World of Hyatt
Digital Check-Out	Yes	Yes	Yes
Points for Incidentals	Yes (In-App)	Generally Front Desk Only	Generally Front Desk Only
Full Digital Payment	Yes	Limited	Limited

This digital integration complements Hilton’s existing mobile suite, which includes Digital Check-In, Digital Key, and the ability to select specific rooms through the app. By adding point redemption to this workflow, Hilton targets a more mobile-centric traveler who prefers to manage their stay without physical desk visits.

The Hilton Honors Loyalty Ecosystem

When deciding how to use points, travelers must consider the redemption value. Hilton Honors points typically have a value of approximately 0.5 to 0.6 cents per point. This is lower than the value of Hyatt points, which often reach 1.7 cents per point. However, Hilton offers different advantages through its scale and earning potential.

Members can earn points quickly through co-branded credit cards, such as the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card or the standard Hilton Honors American Express Card. Furthermore, Hilton Honors provides unique benefits like uncapped free night certificates and the “5th night free” benefit on award stays. These perks provide significant value for long-term travelers who stay at Hilton properties frequently.

For those looking to increase their point balance for a specific checkout charge, you can transfer American Express Membership Rewards to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio. This transfer option makes it easier to cover unexpected incidental costs during a stay.

Pro-Tips: Managing Folios and Troubleshooting

Using digital tools for payment requires extra attention to your hotel folio to avoid errors.

Check your folio early Do not wait until the moment you are ready to leave to review your charges. Check your digital folio halfway through your stay to ensure all dining and spa charges have been posted correctly. This gives you time to resolve discrepancies while you are still on-site.

Troubleshooting app errors If a charge does not appear in your app as expected, use the Hilton Honors app’s messaging feature to contact the front desk. This is more effective than calling from a mobile phone or waiting until you reach the lobby. Once you complete the digital check-out, the transaction is finalized, and correcting mistakes becomes more difficult.

Handling folio disputes If you notice an incorrect charge, address it via the app chat immediately. State the specific charge and the reason for the dispute. If the digital tool does not allow for a correction, you must speak with a front desk agent before you finalize your digital check-out to ensure your credit card is not charged for the incorrect amount.

The Impact on Hilton Loyalists

This update shifts the digital experience for Silver, Gold, Diamond, and Diamond Reserve members by providing more control over on-property spending. While the program is currently limited to specific U.S. locations, it integrates points into the daily stay rather than just the initial booking. Travelers can now use their loyalty currency for immediate needs like dining or spa services directly through their mobile devices.

Learn more in our Guide to Hilton Honors.

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