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We’re big fans of Hilton, here at InsideFlyer UK and we’re also big fans of cashback. Since Hilton disappeared from the two major UK cashback sites, TopCashback and Quidco we’ve had to look elsewhere for a ‘kickback’ on Hilton bookings.

Option 1 – TopCashback.com

Hilton has stayed on the US site, TopCashback.com with varying rates;

We’ve often chuckled over the logic of this; ‘Thank you for your loyalty as a Silver/Gold/Diamond member (but we’re going to give someone who has never stayed with us before 10 times as much cashback”)

Opening an account with TopCashback.com isn’t for everyone. You get paid in dollars for a start, and you can’t transfer to a UK bank account or Avios, which are our favoured choices. However, you can transfer to PayPal, Amazon.com, Walmart and handful of other e-gift cards. If you have a US mailing address, you have other options such as American Express gift cards which may work if you are regularly in the US and have an office, or other address you can receive mail at.

Option 2 – Avios e-store

This has been a favourite of mine for a while, usually paying 6 Avios/£ but as we flagged in this article even Avios have jumped on the ‘dark coloured, last day of the working week’ phenomenon that we imported from across the Atlantic that I am already sick of hearing about. Presumably because of this, they are currently offering 8 Avios/£ until the end of 2017

Be aware of the small print, especially regarding upgrades (I’ve never had a problem and regularly get upgraded as a result of status, but it’s in the small print, so could be a risk occasionally).

Purchase Conditions

Option 3 – Book via Hilton App

Avios and dollars aren’t for everyone, and if you’re set on boosting your Hilton Honors balance, then the current promotion for booking via the app might work for you.

It’s pretty simple, book via the app and get 500 Honors points PER BOOKING. This is important, as you get 500 points if it’s one night, or five. You might want to jump between hotels for longer stays (and then again, you might not!) to maximise the points.

A critical distinction with this offer, is that it applies to reward stays as well as paid stays, so think of it as 500 points off your redemption cost.

Option 4- TopCashback.co.uk

Hang on, didn’t we say Hilton wasn’t on TopCashback any more? A quick search seems to confirm that it isn’t;

However, I just happened to be looking at the dashboard in my TopCashback account, and saw Hilton listed as one of my top merchants. It showed a current rate of up to 5%. The merchant logo in this list is a link, and clicking it brings up this page;

Now, they have a similar approach to loyalty as the US site, but if it’s cash (or any of the other payout options offered) that you’re after then this may work for you.

You should be able to access the above merchant page via this link, or by clicking on the above image. It may be that I have been targeted by TopCashback for this merchant offer, but they did a bad job of telling me if that is the case (i.e. they didn’t!). I’ve checked with a handful of people and going straight to the above link shows the same offer, but of course YMMV, so don’t rely on this to pay your mortgage!

Which one is best?

That really depends on your own situation. If you have so many Avios you can’t get rid of them quick enough before dynamic pricing comes in, then the e-store may not be for you. 500 Honors points on their own aren’t going to do a whole lot for you, and 1% is not a very satisfying rebate unless you’re spending an awful lot of somebody’s else money.

If we take a ‘typical’ Hilton weekday cash stay of £150 what are our options (assuming silver or better Honors status, and using the standard IFUK valuations)

• Avios e-store: 8 x 150 = 1,200 Avios x £0.01 => £12.00
• Hilton App Bonus: 500 Honors points x £0.004 => £2.00
• TopCashback: 1% x £150 => £1.50

You can, of course, boost your cashback by choosing wisely on your payout options. Please don’t book via TopCashback and then payout to Avios because of a 5% bonus, though. (5% of the 1%, don’t forget)

For me, the Avios e-store is the clear winner, but that’s because I find regular use for large quantities of Avios to visit family overseas along with my trusty BA Premium Plus 2-4-1 voucher.

The Hilton app bonus is the no-brainer for redemption bookings. Based on these numbers, bookings under £25 would also be best booked via the app. If you find a Hilton in the UK for under £25/night, let me know via the comments and I’ll move in until the end of the year to re-qualify as Diamond!!

Don’t forget the values of points and miles can change with a devaluation, and if you have no use for them, they are practically worthless, so for many people the cash could be the best option and it seems TopCashback are (quietly) offering this.

Also recall, if you saved the Hilton ‘Spend £250, get £50 back’ offer to your American Express, that should stack with any of these for stays over £250, plus whatever rewards you get on your American Express. Could make for a handy rebate on your travel spending.