This year, Hilton Honors offered reduced elite qualification requirements. Even so, Hilton Diamond members looking to retain their status through Dec. 31, 2023, need to accrue 42 nights, 21 stays or 84,000 base points during this calendar year. This news was first reported by Executive Traveler.
Some long-term Diamond elite members may be struggling to reach these requirements. Luckily, Hilton is reintroducing its Diamond Status Extension for Hilton Diamond members who don’t requalify this year but meet other requirements.
Hilton introduced its Diamond Status Extension in 2017 but paused the program for a few years during the COVID-19 pandemic, as status was already extended.
Here’s what you need to know.
Hilton Diamond Status Extension
CHRIS RANDALL/HILTON
If you accrue 42 nights, 21 stays or 84,000 base points during this calendar year, you’ll earn Diamond elite status through Dec. 31, 2023. If you fail to requalify by the end of the year but meet the following requirements, you could opt to extend your Hilton Diamond status for another year.
Specifically, you’re eligible for a one-year Diamond Status Extension if you meet all of the following requirements:
Currently a Hilton Diamond member with status that will expire on March 31, 2023.
Held Diamond status for at least three years (years do not have to be consecutive, but years in which you used a status match to achieve Diamond Status don’t count).
Stayed at least 250 nights with Hilton (paid and reward nights are both eligible) or earned at least 500,000 base points since joining Hilton Honors (points earned via bonuses, promotions and cobranded credit cards don’t count).
You can only use a Diamond Status Extension once in a lifetime. This means you won’t be eligible if you’ve used this benefit before. And if you decide to use the Diamond Status Extension in early 2023, you won’t be able to use it again.
You can visit Hilton’s Diamond Status Extension landing page for more information. For now, all you can do on this page is opt in for a reminder email that will let you know in early 2023 if you’re eligible for a Diamond Status Extension.
Related: What is Hilton Honors elite status worth?
Other ways to earn Hilton Diamond status
TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
You need to accrue 42 nights, 21 stays or 84,000 base points during this calendar year to earn Diamond elite status through Dec. 31, 2023. However, remember that Hilton offers bonus points and double elite night credit on stays through the end of the year.
We learned earlier this month that Hilton is boosting its elite requirements back to pre-pandemic levels for members looking to requalify in 2023. Next year you’ll need 60 nights, 30 stays or 120,000 base points to qualify for Hilton Diamond status through Dec. 31, 2024.
Luckily, there are a few ways to qualify for Diamond status without meeting the typical requirements. The easiest way is the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, which provides complimentary Diamond status as a cardmember perk for as long as you have the card.
The information for the Hilton Aspire card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
But, if the Hilton Aspire’s $450 annual fee (see rates and fees) is too much to handle, you could get the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card. This $95 annual fee (see rates and fees) card offers complimentary Gold status as a perk and the ability to spend to earn Hilton Diamond status.
Specifically, you’ll get an upgrade to Diamond status if you put at least $40,000 of eligible purchases on your card during a calendar year. You’ll keep Diamond status for the year you spent at least $40,000 on your card and the subsequent year.
Related: How to choose the best Hilton credit card for you
Bottom line
Some airlines let travelers put elite status on hold, but this is still relatively uncommon among loyalty programs. There are many reasons travelers may want to extend their status or put their status on hold, including health issues, family problems or job loss. It’s great that Hilton Honors is reintroducing its Diamond Status Extension for top-tier elites who would benefit from it.
However, I wouldn’t recommend that most U.S.-based Diamond elite members use their once-in-a-lifetime Diamond Status Extension. Instead, I’d recommend getting the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and saving the extension for the future. After all, you may not be able to earn top-tier Diamond status via a credit card forever.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Aspire Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Surpass Card, click here.