Hilton is one of the largest hotel chains in the world, with more than 6,500 properties to its name. It makes sense why you’d want to acquire elite status with this chain.

Elite status unlocks opportunities such as room upgrades, daily food and beverage credits and additional bonus points. The only question is: Which level of status should you go for? Let’s take a look at Hilton Gold versus Diamond and see which one is right for you.

The main differences

The major difference between a Diamond and Gold status levels is that one offers better upgrade opportunities, while the other is more limited.

Here's a summary of other differences you'll encounter:

Ease of earning. As a higher level of elite status, Diamond is considerably harder to earn than Gold. Both can be earned automatically by holding certain credit cards.

Wi-Fi. Premium Wi-Fi is complimentary for Diamond status holders. This connection channel requires a fee for other hotel guests and is typically faster than the typical offering.

Upgrades. Diamond status holders can be upgraded to a one-bedroom suite, whereas Gold status holders top out at executive floor upgrades.

Lounge access. Unless a Gold member is upgraded to the executive level, they will not have built-in access to the executive lounges that Diamond members do.

Earning elite status

Hilton Honors has the distinction of being the easiest elite status to acquire. Unlike other hotel chains, you can snag yourself top-tier Diamond status with select Hilton Honors co-branded credit cards. That’s not the only way to earn elite status, however. There are two main methods for getting Hilton elite status.

By staying at Hilton properties

The most well-known way of earning Hilton Honors elite status is by staying with the actual chain.

Due to COVID-19, Hilton has lowered the requirements for earning status by about 30% in 2022.

For Diamond chasers, you will need to complete 42 nights or 21 eligible stays, or earn 84,000 base points. Gold-level seekers will earn status after 28 nights or 14 eligible stays, or by earning 52,500 base points.

You earn 10x base points (5x at Tru and Home2 hotels) per dollar spent at Hilton on your room rate and other eligible charges.

By using various credit cards

Hilton elite status can also be earned via a number of different credit cards.

Hilton credit cards

Hilton has a total of four co-branded credit cards with American Express. All of these come with some level of elite status, ranging from the lowest tier, Silver, all the way to Diamond. Terms apply.

Three of these cards offer the ability to spend your way to a higher level of status:

Hilton Honors American Express Card: Comes with Silver elite status; spend $20,000 in a calendar year to earn Gold status.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Comes with Gold elite status; spend $40,000 in a calendar year to earn Diamond status.

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Comes with Gold elite status; spend $40,000 in a calendar year to earn Diamond status.

Terms apply.

Hilton’s most premium card offering, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, offers complimentary Diamond elite status so long as you hold the card — no spending required. You will, however, have to pay the $550 annual fee.

Other travel cards

If you’re not looking specifically for a co-branded Hilton Honors credit card, there are still a few select cards out there than can help you gain access to elite status:

The Platinum Card® from American Express: Offers Gold elite status. Enrollment required. Terms apply.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Offers Gold elite status. Enrollment required. Terms apply.

Founderscard: While not an actual credit card, this exclusive membership card offers Gold elite status.