WATFORD, UK – Building on its legacy of innovation, Hilton has unveiled the world’s first hotel debit cards in the UK: Hilton Honors Debit Card and Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card, in partnership with travel debit card platform Currensea.
Cardholders will earn Hilton Honors Points on all eligible* everyday spending to redeem on hotel stays or exclusive experiences. The cards offer an instant upgrade to elite status through Hilton’s award-winning loyalty programme and provide card holders with exclusive travel perks: The Hilton Honors Debit Card automatically awards Silver Status and the Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card offers Gold Status, which includes benefits such as free continental breakfasts, free Wi-Fi and space-available room upgrades.
The two new cards use open banking technology, meaning they seamlessly connect with existing bank accounts, allowing travellers the convenience of spending directly from their current account in the UK or when abroad, whilst removing the foreign exchange fees typically charged by banks and other card providers.
“These cards will be a game-changer for guests and Hilton Honors members who can now earn Hilton Honors points on their everyday spending and unlock more stays and benefits at Hilton properties around the world,” said Heather Laverne, vice president and head of international co-brands, Hilton. “These industry-first cards not only reward with Hilton Honors points but also elite status and associated travel benefits, including spa discounts and free reward stays. They are a fantastic choice for savvy UK travellers who can save on their overseas transactions whilst also experiencing the benefits that Hilton and our trusted partners offer. We look forward to welcoming new travellers to experience the benefits that the Hilton Honors loyalty programme provides.”
James Lynn, co-founder, Currensea, said, “This world-first partnership introduces Currensea’s simple, money-saving solution to Hilton Honors members. Currensea users saved almost £1.5m during the summer holidays alone as the card was used once every five seconds globally as travellers increasingly look for greater value when they’re spending abroad. The new debit cards give travellers access to the best foreign exchange rates on the market, saving on every overseas transaction by cutting out the normal fees leveraged by high street banks with the bonus of earning Hilton Honors Points on top.”
Customers can apply directly by downloading the Hilton Honors Debit Card app. To find out more visit https://hiltonhonorsdebitcard.currensea.co.uk/. To join Hilton Honors visit https://www.hilton.com/en/hilton-honors/.
The Numbers
The Hilton Honors Debit Card has an annual fee of £60 with a low 0.5% FX fee. Customers will enjoy instant Hilton Honors Silver status and receive until 30.11.24 a boosted welcome Bonus of 3,500 Hilton Honors Points when spending £1,000 abroad. They will also earn 1 Hilton Honors Point for every £1 spent on everyday purchases* and up to 3 Points for every £1 spent directly with Hilton abroad.
The Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card has an annual fee of £150 with 0% FX fee. Customers will enjoy instant Hilton Honors Gold status and receive until 30.11.24 a boosted welcome Bonus of 12,000 Hilton Honors Points when spending £2,500 overseas. They will also earn 1.5 Hilton Honors Points for every £1 spent on everyday purchases*, and up to 4.5 Points for every £1 spent directly with Hilton abroad.
The new cards remove bank fees from overseas transactions so cardholders can expect to benefit from much lower rates than offered by high street banks. It can be used everywhere that accepts Mastercard and all purchases are protected by Mastercard Chargeback Protection.
Notes to Editors:
*Some transactions may not be eligible to earn points. The Hilton Honors Debit Card has fair use limitations, including restrictions on certain types of transactions including specific categories like gambling, adult content, and financial services. See full terms & conditions in the Hilton Honors Debit Card app.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 26 world-class brands comprising more than 9,100 properties and over 1.3 million rooms, in 143 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 4 billion guests in its more than 100-year history. Named as the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune, Hilton aims to create the best culture for its 500,000 team members around the world. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 243 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
About Hilton Honors
Hilton Honors is the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s world-class brands comprising 9,100 properties in 143 countries and territories, with more than 243 million members. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits – from the Points & Money slider and exclusive member discounts to no blackout dates and the Fifth Night Free perk on reward stays booked with all Points. Members can earn and redeem Points for free nights, purchases on Amazon, exclusive experiences and charitable contributions, including through select co-branded credit cards. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app, where they can check in, choose and access their room using Digital Key. The next evolution of the Hilton Honors program makes earning elite status even more achievable and rewarding and includes the introduction of the new Diamond Reserve tier. Hilton Honors is free to join, and travelers can enroll online at hiltonhonors.com. Learn more about the program at stories.hilton.com/hiltonhonors, and follow Hilton Honors on Facebook, X and Instagram.
About Currensea
British fintech Currensea enables consumers and SMEs to spend abroad directly from their existing bank account but without the foreign exchange charges normally applied by banks, and without the hassle of opening a new bank account.
Thanks to its use of open banking technology, Currensea’s debit card works with your existing banking account so you don’t need to worry about inconvenient prepaid cards and different currency accounts.
Founded by Barclays and JPMorgan alumni in 2018, Currensea has since amassed over £11m in funding, become the world’s first Card Based Payment Instrument Issuer (CBPII), and launched its consumer and business propositions in 2020.
Currensea has a Trustpilot score of 4.9 with over 10,000 reviews and has won several industry awards including Moneynet’s Best Currency Travel Card, Open Banking Expo’s Best Open Finance Innovation and Emerging Payments’ Best International Payments, Remittance or use of FX. It has also recently been certified Carbon Neutral by Carbon Neutral Britain. You can find out more about Currensea here: https://www.currensea.com