Hilton launches co-branded Mastercard credit cards in China - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Hilton, Bank of Communications and Mastercard have launched two co-branded credit cards in China, expanding the Hilton Honors loyalty programme into everyday consumer spending. The new cards allow customers to collect Hilton Honors Points on purchases in China and abroad, while offering immediate elite status and additional travel benefits.

The Bank of Communications Hilton Honors Mastercard World Credit Card and the S-Elite Platinum Credit Card target different customer segments but follow the same principle: spending generates points that can subsequently be redeemed within Hilton's global hotel network. Purchases at participating Hilton properties earn points at twice the standard card rate.

The launch comes as Hilton continues to expand rapidly in China. The group now has more than 1,080 hotels across the country and is increasingly connecting its loyalty programme with services beyond the hotel stay itself.

Everyday purchases turn into hotel rewards

World Card holders earn one Hilton Honors Point for every RMB 8 spent, while S-Elite Platinum customers receive one point for every RMB 16. Eligible purchases at Hilton hotels generate double the respective number of points.

The World Card comes with immediate Hilton Honors Gold status. Benefits include complimentary continental breakfast or a daily food and beverage credit, subject to the programme's applicable conditions, as well as room upgrades when available. Cardholders who reach defined annual spending thresholds can qualify for Diamond status.

New World Card customers can receive a limited-time welcome bonus of up to 15,000 Hilton Honors Points after meeting the required spending criteria. Quarterly promotions offer additional opportunities to receive bonus points, hotel buffets for two or Free Night Rewards valid at participating Hilton properties worldwide.

Entry-level card includes immediate Silver status

The S-Elite Platinum Card offers immediate Hilton Honors Silver status, including late check-out when available and a fifth night free on eligible reward stays. Customers reaching specified spending thresholds during a calendar year can progress to Gold status.

Its introductory offer provides up to 12,000 bonus points for new cardholders who meet the applicable spending requirements. Quarterly promotions can bring additional points, high-speed rail lounge access or spa experiences at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts.

Both cards also include travel protection such as flight-delay insurance and selected Mastercard privileges for domestic and international use.

Chinese members value status and easy point collection

Hilton says the product design reflects preferences identified among its Chinese loyalty customers. According to a recent company survey, 73 percent of Hilton Honors members in China regard recognition as one of their most valued membership benefits, while 67 percent place particular importance on being able to earn points easily.

“At Hilton, we’re constantly listening to our members and evolving Hilton Honors to deliver the flexibility, choice and value they want most,” says Wendy Huang, Senior Vice President and Commercial Director, Greater China & Mongolia at Hilton.

She says demand is increasing in China for opportunities to convert everyday expenditure into travel rewards. The new cards are intended to give members additional ways to earn and redeem points for hotel stays, benefits and experiences.

Mastercard targets domestic and international travel

For Bank of Communications, the cooperation is also intended to stimulate consumer spending and support hotels, restaurants and other service businesses.

“Through our collaboration with Hilton and Mastercard, we are combining our broad customer base and strong financial capabilities with innovative products and benefits to create a more rewarding spending experience,” says He Bo, General Manager of Bank of Communications Pacific Credit Card Center.

Mastercard describes the launch as the first hotel co-branded Mastercard in China designed for use both domestically and internationally. The partnership also introduces Mastercard Touch Card to the Chinese mainland.

Dennis Chang, Executive Vice President and Division President, Greater China at Mastercard, says the cards are intended to provide domestic and cross-border travellers with a seamless online and offline payment experience.

Hilton expands loyalty ecosystem in China

The credit card partnership is part of a broader effort to extend Hilton Honors beyond conventional hotel benefits. In 2025, Hilton entered into a strategic partnership with Chinese mobility platform DiDi Chuxing, connecting the loyalty programme more closely with ground transportation.

Other initiatives have included VIP experiences with the McLaren Mastercard F1 Team during the Chinese Grand Prix and a continuing partnership with the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, including member-exclusive activities and educational programmes.

With the two new credit cards, Hilton is now adding everyday payments to this ecosystem, creating another channel through which Chinese customers can accumulate benefits for future domestic and international travel.

Image Credit: © AI generated illustration with material from Hilton