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The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Hilton Honors Aspire Card are two premium travel rewards cards issued by Amex. While the Platinum card is a more general travel card, the Hilton Aspire card focuses on hotel benefits on the Hilton network.
Let's compare them side by side – features, benefits, drawbacks and protections.
Amex Platinum vs. Hilton Aspire: General Comparison
The Amex Platinum Card, offered by American Express, is renowned for its extensive list of travel perks. It provides access to airport lounges worldwide, offers statement credits for travel-related expenses, and includes valuable benefits like travel insurance and concierge services.
On the other hand, the Hilton Honors Aspire Card is designed for avid travelers who prefer the Hilton hotel brand. It comes with a substantial annual fee but offers lucrative benefits for Hilton enthusiasts such as complimentary Hilton Diamond status, Hilton resort credit, airline fee credit, and CLEAR Plus Credit.
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The Amex Platinum Card | Hilton Amex Aspire | |
Annual Fee | $695. See Rates and Fees. | $550 |
Rewards | 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases. Terms Apply. | 14X Hilton Honors bonus points when you make eligible purchases on your card at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton Portfolio, 7X Hilton Honors bonus points on eligible purchases on your card for: Flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies and U.S. restaurants, 3X Hilton Honors bonus points on other eligible purchases |
Welcome bonus | 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 3 Months of Card Membership |
0% Intro APR | None | N/A |
Foreign Transaction Fee | $0. | |
Purchase APR | 21.24% – 29.24% APR Variable | 20.99% – 29.99% variable |
Compare Rewards: Which Card Gives More?
Surprisingly, the Hilton Aspire card earns many more points for the same spend based on our analysis. While Hilton points have a lower worth compared to Amex points, the value is comparable and even better than the Amex Platinum card.
However, the redemption options of the Platinum card with the Amex membership club are better than the Hilton redemption options.
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Spend Per Category | The Platinum Card® | Hilton Amex Aspire |
$10,000 – U.S Supermarkets | 10,000 points | 70,000 points |
$5,000 – Restaurants | 5,000 points | 35,000 points |
$6,000 – Hotels | 30,000 points | 84,000 points |
$8,000 – Airline
| 40,000 points | 24,000 points |
$4,000 – Gas | 4,000 points | 28,000 points |
Total Points | 89,000 points | 241,000 points |
Estimated Redemption Value | 1 point ~ 0.6 – 1.6 cents | 1 point = ~0.6 cent |
Estimated Annual Value | $534 – $1,424 | $1,446 |
The Hilton Aspire Card lets you earn points for hotel stays, upgrades, and more. You can redeem points for free nights at Hilton hotels, travel experiences, and even shopping.
The Amex Platinum card lets you redeem points for travel, like flights and hotel stays, or transfer them to partner programs.
You can also use points for statement credits on eligible purchases, giving you flexibility. Additionally, enjoy benefits like airport lounge access, hotel upgrades, and fine dining perks.
Travel Benefits: Amex Platinum vs. Hilton Aspire
Both the Hilton Aspire card and the Amex Platinum card offer a variety of credit statements, but the Platinum card options are broader, including airline, hotel, digital entertainment, and experience credits.
The Amex Platinum Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status: Cardholders are eligible for complimentary enrollment in Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, providing access to a range of exclusive hotel perks and benefits.
- Priority Pass: Platinum Card members receive a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, granting access to over 1,400 lounges worldwide (excluding Priority Pass restaurant lounges).
- Up to $100 Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Get reimbursed for the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every 4 years.
- Dedicated Service Team: Access a 24/7 customer service team for swift issue resolution and assistance.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy up to $200 in Uber Cash, along with Uber VIP status for top-rated drivers, without the need to meet minimum ride requirements.
- Preferred Seating: Experience preferred seating at sporting and cultural events, subject to availability.
- Up to $100 Experience Credit: Receive up to $100 experience credit when booking The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel for stays of at least two nights.
- Extra Cards: Add supplementary cards to your account at no additional cost, allowing others to earn rewards on their purchases.
- Signature Perks at Upscale Hotels: Enjoy exclusive signature perks at upscale hotels within the Amex Hotel Collection when booking through American Express Travel.
- $200 Hotel Credits: Receive up to $200 in hotel credits annually (Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection) when staying for a minimum of two nights through American Express Travel.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Obtain up to $240 per year (or $20 per month) in statement credits for subscriptions to The New York Times, Peacock, or SiriusXM when using your card for payment.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cardholders can receive up to $155 in Walmart+ credits by utilizing their card for monthly Walmart+ membership payments.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Benefit from up to $200 in airline fee credits per year when charging incidental travel fees from selected airlines to your card.
- Equinox Membership Credit: Receive up to $300 in statement credit for eligible Equinox memberships when enrolling and paying with your card, subject to auto-renewal.
- CLEAR® Plus Membership Credit: Get up to $189 back per year when using your card to pay for a CLEAR® Plus membership.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
Hilton Amex Aspire
- Free Night Reward: Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after spending $30,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
- $400 Hilton Resort Credit: Enjoy up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually for eligible purchases at participating Hilton Resorts, providing a total annual credit of up to $400, with no minimum purchase required.
- $200 Flight Credit: Get up to $50 in statement credits per quarter, totaling up to $200 annually, for flight purchases made directly with an airline or through amextravel.com using your Hilton Aspire Card.
- $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership, enhancing airport security clearance with biometric verification, excluding any applicable taxes.
- $100 Hilton On-Property Credit: Receive up to a $100 credit for qualifying charges at select Waldorf Astoria and Conrad properties when booking a minimum 2-night stay through hiltonhonorsaspirecard.com.
Dispute Resolution: If faced with unrecognized charges or billing issues, American Express collaborates with you and the merchant to resolve the problem promptly.
ShopRunner: Enjoy complimentary membership with ShopRunner, providing free 2-day shipping on eligible items from a network of 100+ online stores, accessible by enrolling with your eligible Card at shoprunner.com/americanexpress.
- Complimentary Diamond Status: Receive Hilton Honors Diamond status with the Hilton Aspire Card, offering a 100% bonus on base points, premium Wi-Fi, room upgrades, and executive lounge access.
- Concierge Service: Access a complimentary concierge service to assist with lifestyle needs, providing expertise on various matters such as restaurant recommendations and event ticket purchases.
Insurance Benefits
Since both cards are part of Amex premium cards, they offer quite similar travel insurance perks and protections:
- Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: When you reserve and pay for a rental vehicle with your Card, declining the rental counter's collision damage waiver, you can be protected against damage or theft in specific regions, subject to certain exclusions and limitations.
- Baggage Insurance Plan: When you purchase a common carrier vehicle ticket with your Eligible Card, you can receive coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage.
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Buying a round-trip with your s Card can provide assistance in the event of trip cancellation or interruption, following the specified terms and conditions.
- Trip Delay Insurance: If your trip faces a delay of more than 6 hours due to a covered reason and you paid for the round-trip with your Eligible Card.
- Purchase Protection: Eligible purchases made with your card can be protected for up to 90 days from the purchase date, offering coverage for theft, accidental damage, or loss.
- Extended Warranty: When you use your card for eligible purchases, you can receive an extra year of warranty coverage for warranties lasting 5 years or less in the United States or its territories.
- Cell Phone Protection: This embedded benefit provides reimbursement for repair or replacement costs after cell phone damage or theft.
When You Might Want the Amex Platinum?
You might prefer the Amex Platinum card over the Hilton Aspire card in the following situations:
Versatility in Travel Benefits: If you value a wide range of travel benefits beyond hotel stays, the Amex Platinum Card is a better choice. It offers access to various airport lounges, elite status in Marriot, and an annual airline fee credit, providing a more diverse set of perks compared to the Hilton Aspire card.
Flexible Points Redemption: If you prefer flexibility in redeeming your rewards across a variety of travel partners, the Amex Platinum Card is a better fit. It earns Membership Rewards points that can be transferred to numerous airline and hotel loyalty programs, allowing you to choose the most valuable redemptions based on your travel preferences.
You Value Airport Lounge Access: The Amex Platinum Card provides access to Centurion Lounges, which are considered to be some of the best airport lounges in the world. It also offers Priority Pass Select membership, which grants access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
When You Might Want the Hilton Aspire Card?
You might prefer the Hilton Aspire card over the Amex Platinum card in the following situations:
You Are A Loyal Hilton Honors Member: The Hilton Amex Aspire card provides top-tier Hilton Honors Diamond status, which gives you access to a variety of benefits, including complimentary upgrades, late check-out, and executive lounge access.
You Stay Frequently At Hilton Properties: The Hilton Amex Aspire card offers a free night certificate every year, which can be used for a stay at any Hilton property. It also provides a $250 Hilton resort credit that can be used for spa treatments, dining, or other activities at Hilton resorts.
You Want Lower Annual Fee: The Aspire card annual fee is lower, so if the card fits your spending habits and you want to stay in budget, the Hilton card may be a better option.
Compare The Alternatives
If you're looking for a travel rewards credit card– there are some excellent alternatives you may want to consider:
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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express | |
Annual Fee | $650. See Rates & Fees | $550 | $650. See Rates & Fees |
Rewards | 2X – 6X
6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
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1X – 10X
5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels, car rentals and dining when you purchase through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, immediately after earning your $300 annual travel credit. Also, earn 3x points on dining at restaurants and travel (after meeting the $300 travel credit), then 1x points per dollar spent on all other purchases. | 1X – 3X
3X miles per dollar on eligible Delta flights and Delta Vacations® with 1X miles on all other purchases
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Welcome bonus | 95,000 points
95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership
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60,000 points
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
| 60,000 miles
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months
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Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 | $0 | $0
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Purchase APR | 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
| 22.49%–29.49% variable | 20.99%-29.99% Variable |
Compare Hilton Aspire Card
If you can maximize your points, rewards, and benefits, the Hilton Aspire is our winner. But, if your spend is not so high – the Surpass wins.
Hilton Honors Surpass vs. Hilton Aspire Card: How They Compare?
Surprisingly, while having a lower annual fee, the Hilton Amex Aspire's estimated cashback value is higher than the Marriot Brilliant's card.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs. Hilton Amex Aspire: Side By Side Comparison
The Hilton Amex Aspire offers excellent value for hotel perks, while the Chase Reserve card is best for flexibility and redemption options.
Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Hilton Amex Aspire: Side By Side Comparison
The Hilton Aspire is surprising with its higher estimated annual cashback value, but the Platinum card wins at premium travel perks.
Amex Platinum Card vs. Hilton Amex Aspire: Side By Side Comparison
Compare American Express Platinum Card
If you're looking for everyday spending rewards, the Amex Gold Card offers more. But for travel rewards benefits, there is a clear winner.
When it comes to premium travel rewards, both may be the best cards in the market. But who is the winner between the two? Here's our analysis.
American Express Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which Luxury Card Is Best?
The Infinite Card is tailored for frequent United flyers, while the Amex Platinum offers a more lucrative, comprehensive rewards program.
While the Amex Platinum offers extensive travel perks and redemption options, the Marriott Brilliant Card has better hotel-specific perks.
While the Amex Platinum Card offers extensive travel perks and redemption options, the Delta Reserve Card has better airline-specific perks.
Amex Platinum Card vs. Delta SkyMiles Reserve: Which Luxury Card Is Best?
The Amex Platinum wins when it comes to redemption options and protections, but the Venture X is cheaper and offers great travel benefits.
Amex Platinum Card vs. Capital One Venture X: Which Luxury Card Is Best?
If you need premium travel perks and versatility – the Amex Platinum wins. Need airline benefits and lower fees? Consider the Delta Platinum.
Amex Platinum Card vs. Delta SkyMiles Platinum: Which Luxury Card Is Best?
The AAdvantage Executive card offers higher cashback value, but when it comes to premium travel perks, the Amex Platinum is the winner.
Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite vs. Amex Platinum Card
The Amex Platinum card is a clear winner as it offers much higher annual cashback value, luxury travel perks, and various travel protections.
Amex Platinum Card vs. Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard: How They Compare?
The Amex Platinum is our winner due to its higher annual cashback value, redemption options, and better luxury perks than the Altitude Reserve.
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite vs. Amex Platinum Card: How They Compare?
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
