# Hilton tests Pay with Points at 150 U.S. hotels

_Oct 21 14:38_

Tags: Hilton Honors, loyalty program, policy change, hotel, award redemption, program change

Type: Program change

## Summary

An internal Hilton owner memo obtained by View from the Wing says hotels in a Pay with Points test will be reimbursed at full retail, so a $100 folio credit costs the program $100. Members apply points to eligible folio charges during digital checkout in the Hilton app, separate from award stays and Points & Money.

The pilot is limited to 150 U.S. hotels where guests already use digital checkout. Silver elite and higher can redeem if they meet an undisclosed points minimum. Basic Honors members cannot. Hotel staff cannot process a redemption or undo one after it completes. Hilton intends to have more than 800 hotels live at the end of 2026, with more than 6,000 properties in Canada and the United States in early 2027.

A company survey put interest among Honors members in spending points on property purchases at 70%. Hilton is pitching owners on extra on-property spend and faster checkout. Full retail reimbursement is unlikely to match the value of an award night. Treat this as a convenience at the test hotels and wait for real redemption data before using points this way instead of free nights.

## Key facts

- **Numbers**:
  - 150 hotels: initial U.S. test properties
  - 800 hotels: expected participating hotels by the end of 2026
  - 6,000 properties: expected U.S. and Canada participating properties in early 2027
  - 70%: surveyed Honors members interested in using points for property purchases
  - $100: example folio credit that would cost Hilton Honors the same amount at full retail
- **Where**: United States, Canada
- **Who qualifies**: Hilton Honors Silver and above with enough points to meet an undisclosed minimum, using Digital Check Out in the Hilton app
- **Takeaway**: Treat this as a convenience option at participating hotels and wait for real redemption data before using points this way instead of free nights.

## Sources cited

- [View from the Wing](https://viewfromthewing.com/hilton-wants-you-redeeming-points-at-checkout-internal-memo-says-hotels-will-get-paid-full-retail) — Hilton Wants You Redeeming Points At Checkout—Internal Memo Says Hotels Will Get Paid Full Retail

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