Hilton has expanded its loyalty ecosystem in China through a new partnership with Bank of Communications and Mastercard, introducing two co-branded credit cards designed to deepen engagement with the Hilton Honours programme. The move targets the world's second-largest travel market, where domestic and outbound travel continues to rebound strongly.
Two cards, tiered benefits
The new offerings are the Bank of Communications Hilton Honours Mastercard S-Elite Platinum Credit Card and the Bank of Communications Hilton Honours Mastercard World Credit Card. Both cards allow holders to accumulate Hilton Honours Points on everyday purchases, with double points on spending at Hilton properties across the group's portfolio in China and abroad.
Cardholders gain immediate access to Silver or Gold status in Hilton Honours, bypassing the usual qualification thresholds. Gold status, for instance, includes complimentary breakfast for two and room upgrades when available—benefits that resonate strongly with frequent travellers in the region.
Wendy Huang, Hilton's senior vice president for Greater China and Mongolia, said in a statement: “These new co-branded credit cards make it easier than ever for consumers to earn Hilton Honours Points on eligible purchases and redeem them in the ways that matter most to them.”
Data-driven design
The launch is underpinned by a Hilton survey of its Chinese members, which found that 73% value recognition and 67% appreciate the ease of earning points. The cards are structured to integrate everyday spending with the Hilton Honours ecosystem, offering milestone rewards and Free Night Rewards that can be redeemed globally across Hilton's network of more than 7,000 properties.
He Bo, general manager at Bank of Communications Pacific Credit Card Centre, highlighted the partnership's role in stimulating consumer spending and supporting the service economy. Dennis Chang, executive vice president at Mastercard, noted that the cards deliver a seamless payment experience for both domestic and cross-border travellers, a key consideration as Chinese tourists increasingly venture overseas.
The cards are available through the Hilton Honours China App, the WeChat Mini Programme, and the Bank of Communications Credit Card App, making sign-up accessible to a broad base of consumers.
This co-branded card launch is the latest example of hotel groups leveraging financial partnerships to drive loyalty in Asia. Similar initiatives have been rolled out by competitors such as Marriott and Accor, but Hilton's tie-up with a major state-backed bank like Bank of Communications gives it significant distribution reach in China's vast consumer market.
For travel professionals, the development signals a continued blurring of lines between everyday spending and travel rewards. As new international routes open and cross-border travel grows, such cards could become a key tool for agents and corporate travel managers to offer clients added value.
The partnership also aligns with broader trends in the region, where MICE tourism is being actively promoted and hotel loyalty programmes are increasingly tailored to local preferences. Hilton's move underscores the importance of localised partnerships in a market where trust and convenience are paramount.
As the travel industry continues to evolve, co-branded credit cards remain a powerful mechanism for driving direct bookings and repeat stays. Hilton's latest offering in China is a clear signal that the company intends to stay ahead in the loyalty race, leveraging both its global brand and local expertise.
