For a limited time, Visa Signature cardholders can get Gold Hilton HHonors status instantly by registering their card at www.hhonors.com/visasignature by August 31, 2011. If you’re not already an HHonors member, you’ll need to first join the program by visiting www.hhonors.com or calling 1-800-HHonors. If you also have 3 Hilton stays by August 31, 2011, you’ll extend your Gold membership through March 2013. After that time, you’ll need to fulfill the standard requirements to maintain your status.

If you already have Gold or Diamond Elite status, you’ll receive 5,000 free Hilton HHonors points just for registering your card. In addition, a glitch in the system currently allows you to register twice. You can enroll the first time to get Gold status, then re-enter your card info to get the 5,000 points. Even without double dipping, however, this is a very nice deal. See this link for the benefits of HHonors Gold membership.