Credit Cards » Compare Credit Cards » Hilton Honors American Express vs. IHG One Rewards Traveler: Side By Side Comparison
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Hilton Honors American Express vs. IHG One Rewards Traveler: Side By Side Comparison

Both Hilton Honors Amex and Wyndham Rewards Earner cards offer a decent point rewards ratio and basic extra hotel perks.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: April 15, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: April 15, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

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The IHG One Rewards Traveler and Hilton Honors American Express Card are two popular hotel credit cards that cater to travelers seeking rewards within their respective hotel networks.

Here's our full comparison to help you decide between the two:

General Comparison

Both cards come without an annual fee and provide a significant rewards ratio within their hotel networks.

The Hilton Honors card stands out with its superior points rewards ratio, whereas the Wyndham Rewards Earner Card features a 0% intro APR.

Here's a side-by-side comparison:

hilton honors card

Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card review

Hilton Honors American Express
Wyndham Rewards Earner Card
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases .
5X points on eligible purchases made at Hotels by Wyndham as well as on qualifying gas purchases. Earn 2X points on eligible dining and grocery store purchases (excluding Target® and Walmart®) and 1X points on all other purchases (excluding Wyndham Vacation Club down payments).
Welcome bonus
100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership
30,000 points when you spend $1,000 on your card within 90 days of opening your account
0% Intro APR
N/A
15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
Purchase APR
20.99%-29.99% Variable
20.49% – 29.74%
Read Review
Read Review
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Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

hilton honors card

Rewards Plan:
3X – 7X 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
100,000 points 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Marriot bonvoy bevy card art

Rewards Plan:
2x – 6x 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4X points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year, then 2X points), 2X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
155,000 points 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
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Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

hilton honors card

Rewards Plan:
3X – 7X 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
100,000 points 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Marriot bonvoy bevy card art

Rewards Plan:
2x – 6x 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4X points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year, then 2X points), 2X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
155,000 points 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
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amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
1X – 5X 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
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
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
Welcome Bonus:
185,000 points 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
1X – 3X 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
50,000 miles 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in your first six months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

Point Rewards Comparison

In our evaluation of points rewards between the two cards, there is no clear winner. While the Hilton Honors card boasts a substantially higher rewards ratio, the overall value for redemption is quite similar.

hilton honors card

Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card review

Spend Per Category
Hilton Honors Amex
Wyndham Rewards Earner Card
$10,000 – U.S Supermarkets
50,000 points
20,000 points
$4,000 – Restaurants
20,000 points
8,000 points
$4,000 – Airline
12,000 points
4,000 points
$5,000 – Hotels
35,000 points
25,000 points
$4,000 – Gas
20,000 points
20,000 points
Total Points
137,000 points
77,000 points
Redemption Value (Estimated)
1 point = ~0.6 cent
1 point = ~1.1 cents
Estimated Annual Value
$822
$847

The Hilton Honors Amex credit card lets you earn points on purchases, which you can redeem for hotel stays, upgrades, and experiences. Use points for free nights at Hilton properties worldwide, or indulge in shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Redeem Hilton points for hotel stay
Redeem Hilton points for hotel stay (screenshot from Hilton app)

Wyndham Rewards allows you to redeem points for hotel stays at various Wyndham properties globally. Additionally, you can use points for gift cards, merchandise, and experiences.

Which Benefits You'll Get With Each Card?

Both cards offer basic benefits for cardholders, while the main perk is the elite status each card provides:

Hilton Honors American Express

hilton honors card

  • Hilton Honors Silver Status: Enjoy a 20% bonus on Base Points, expediting your journey to free nights. Spend $20,000 on eligible Card purchases in a calendar year to upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold status through the following calendar year.
HiltonHonors silver status
HiltonHonors silver status benefits
  • ShopRunner: Enjoy complimentary membership with ShopRunner, providing free 2-day shipping on eligible items from a network of 100+ online stores. Enroll with your eligible Card at shoprunner.com/americanexpress.
  • Global Assist® Hotline: Access the Global Assist® Hotline for travel assistance over 100 miles from home, offering services like lost passport replacement, translation, missing luggage, and emergency legal and medical referrals. Costs from third-party service providers are the Card Member's responsibility.
  • Dispute Resolution: American Express collaborates with you and the merchant to promptly resolve unrecognized charges or billing issues.
Wyndham Rewards Earner Card

Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card review

  • Annual Bonus: Earn 7,500 bonus points every anniversary year by spending $15,000 on eligible purchases, equivalent to a complimentary night at participating properties.
  • Automatic GOLD Level Benefits: Receive automatic Wyndham Rewards GOLD membership with associated perks like complimentary WiFi, preferred room selection, late checkout, and more.
  • Cardmember Booking Discount: Wyndham Rewards Earner Cardmembers enjoy additional savings on the Best Available Rate at participating Hotels by Wyndham, enhancing the value of their stays.
Hilton Honors American Express Credit Card
(Photo by Africa Studio/Shutterstock)

Which Protections You'll Get With Each Card?

With the Wyndham card you'll get only the following protection:

  • $0 Fraud Liability Protection: Benefit from $0 fraud liability protection, ensuring that you are not held responsible for unauthorized charges, and providing enhanced security for card usage.

The Hilton Honors card offers the following protections:

  • Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: When reserving and paying for a rental vehicle with your eligible Card, and declining the collision damage waiver, you're covered for damage or theft in a covered territory. Exclusions apply, and the coverage is secondary without liability coverage.
  • Purchase Protection: Covered Purchases made with your Eligible Card are protected for up to 90 days from the purchase date, covering theft or accidental damage.
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amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
1X – 5X 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
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
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
Welcome Bonus:
185,000 points 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
1X – 3X 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
50,000 miles 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in your first six months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
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amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
1X – 5X 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
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
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
Welcome Bonus:
185,000 points 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
Up to 3x miles 3 miles per $1 spent on United purchases immediately after earning your $125 annual United purchase credit, 2 miles on all other travel and select streaming services, 1 mile on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 miles 60,000 bonus miles + 500 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
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amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
1X – 5X 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
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
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
Welcome Bonus:
185,000 points 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
1X – 3X 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
50,000 miles 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in your first six months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

When You Might Want The Hilton Honors Card?

Opt for the Hilton Honors Amex over the Wyndham Rewards Earner Card if:

  • Hilton Loyalty and Preferences: If you hold a strong allegiance to Hilton hotels or have a preference for their properties, the Hilton Honors Card is the preferred choice. It offers exclusive perks, bonus points, and a pathway to elite status within the Hilton Honors program, catering to your loyalty and preferences.

  • You Prefer a Larger Hotel Network:Choose the Hilton Honors Amex if you value a broader range of hotel options, as Hilton has a larger global network compared to Wyndham, providing more choices for your travels.

  • You Want A Wider Range Of Redemption Options: Hilton Honors points can be redeemed for a broader range of travel options, including stays at over 6,500 Hilton hotels worldwide, flights, car rentals, and even merchandise.

When You Might Want The Wyndham Rewards Card?

You might prefer the Wyndham Rewards Earner Card if:

  • You Frequent Wyndham Properties: If you often stay at Wyndham hotels, the Wyndham Rewards Earner makes sense due to its favorable earning rates on Wyndham stays, allowing you to accumulate points more quickly for hotel redemptions.

  • You Want a 0% Intro APR: Opt for the Wyndham Rewards Earner if you prioritize a 0% introductory APR, providing a period with no interest on purchases, which can be beneficial for managing expenses without incurring additional costs.

Compare The Alternatives

If you're in search of a travel credit card offering hotel rewards, there are several compelling alternatives worth exploring:

amex platinum

Venture X Rewards

The Platinum Card® from American Express
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Capital One Venture X Rewards
Annual Fee
$550
$395
Rewards
1X – 5X 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
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 – 10X 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booking via Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights and 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases
Welcome bonus
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership
60,000 points 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
75,000 miles 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
$0
Purchase APR
21.24% – 29.24% APR Variable
22.49%–29.49% variable
19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)

Compare IHG One Rewards Traveler Card

In our opinion, the IHG One Rewards Premier wins only if you plan to spend a significant amount on hotels. If not, the differences are minor.

IHG One Rewards Traveler vs. Premier: Side By Side Comparison

Compare Hilton Honors American Express Card

If you're looking for an hotel card, a good one can provide exclusive benefits. Which card offers more perks and what are the differences?

Amex Hilton Honors vs World of Hyatt: Which Hotel Card Wins?

The Surpass card boasts a notably higher annual fee, justified by its superior rewards ratio and benefits compared to the Hilton Honors card.

Hilton Honors vs. Hilton Surpass Card: How They Compare?

The Hilton Honors Amex is our winner with higher cashback value and great overall rating for a hotel card with no annual fee.

Hilton Honors American Express vs. Marriott Bonvoy Bold: Side By Side Comparison

Review Travel Credit Cards

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Credit Card Reviews Methodology

In order to determine the best possible credit cards, we look at things like fees, interest rates and rewards. We do this with companies that are associated with us as partners as well as other offerings. From there, we make a decision about what the best card is related to different categories and needs. We focus on interest rate cost & fees, especially the cost of carrying a balance, rewards – cards accumulate rewards in different currencies—points, miles, cash back—and their values vary widely usability – cards that accept a wide range of credit profiles and offer simple solutions for things like checking your credit score or contacting. We also consider customer reviews.

We look at cards related to good or excellent credit ratings that will then provide a range of different benefits and improvements for someone who has these scores. We also look at low fees when it comes to those who have lower credit scores.