Credit Cards » Compare Credit Cards » Hilton Honors American Express vs. Marriott Bonvoy Bold: Side By Side Comparison
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Hilton Honors American Express vs. Marriott Bonvoy Bold: Side By Side Comparison

The Hilton Honors Amex is our winner with higher cashback value and great overall rating for a hotel card with no annual fee
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: September 10, 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: September 10, 2024

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

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

The Hilton Honors American Express and the Marriott Bonvoy Bold are two popular no annual fee hotel credit cards, offering various perks and rewards within their respective hotel loyalty programs.

Each card is affiliated with a major hotel brand, providing cardholders with unique benefits. The Hilton honors card is an Amex card, while the Marriot Bold is a Chase card.

Comparison :Hilton Honors Amex vs. Marriott Bold

Both cards provide opportunities for earning points, enjoying elite status benefits, don't charge an annual fee and enhancing the overall travel experience within their respective hotel networks.

Hilton and Marriott both have extensive global footprints, so we think that choosing a card may depend on which hotel chain aligns better with the individual's travel patterns.

Here's a side-by-side comparison:

hilton honors card

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

Hilton Honors American Express
Marriott Bonvoy Bold
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 .
3X Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Plus, earn up to 10X points from Marriott for being a Marriott Bonvoy® member. Plus, earn up to 1X point from Marriott with Silver Elite Status. 2X Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains). 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus
70,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership
1 Free Night Award (valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening
0% Intro APR
N/A
N/A
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
Purchase APR
20.99%-29.99% Variable
21.49%–28.49% variable
Read Review
Read Review
Top Offers

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 on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

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:
70,000 points 70,000 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:
85,000 points 85,000 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.
Top Offers From Our Partners

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 on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

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:
70,000 points 70,000 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:
85,000 points 85,000 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.
Top Offers

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:
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

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.

Hilton Amex vs. Marriot Bold: Point Rewards Comparison

In our comparison of points rewards between the two cards, the Amex Hilton card is a clear winner. It offers a significantly higher rewards ratio and earns more points in every category. 

Despite each Hilton point being valued at approximately a lower redemption value than Marriot, the overall estimated redemption value is much higher according to our analysis.

hilton honors card

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

Spend Per Category
Hilton Honors Amex
Marriott Bonvoy Bold
$10,000 – U.S Supermarkets
50,000 points
10,000 points
$4,000 – Restaurants
20,000 points
4,000 points
$4,000 – Airline
12,000 points
8,000 points
$5,000 – Hotels
35,000 points
15,000 points
$4,000 – Gas
20,000 points
4,000 points
Total Points
137,000 points
41,000 points
Redemption Value (Estimated)
1 point = ~0.6 cent
1 point = ~0.8 cent
Estimated Annual Value
$822
$328

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.

Book hotel with Hilton Honors Amex card
Book hotel with Hilton Honors Amex card

Marriott Bonvoy Bold Card has flexible redemption options, from budget-friendly accommodations to luxurious resorts. Cardholders can use points for room upgrades, or even transfer them to airline miles.

Book Marriot hotel stay with Bonvoy points
Book Marriot hotel stay with Bonvoy points (screenshot taken by our team from Marriot website)

Which Benefits You'll Get With Each Card?

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold card stands out as the top choice for additional benefits. While both cards offer automatic Silver Elite status, the  Marriot card provides superior travel protections, including lost luggage reimbursement, trip delay reimbursement, and baggage delay insurance.

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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
Marriott Bonvoy Bold

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

  • Silver Elite status: Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, qualifying for Silver Elite status.
Marriot Silver status benefits
Marriot Silver status
  • Baggage Delay Insurance: Get reimbursed for essential purchases (up to $100 a day for 5 days) in the event of baggage delays over 6 hours by a passenger carrier.
  • Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Receive coverage up to $3,000 per passenger if checked or carry-on luggage is damaged or lost by the carrier, covering you and immediate family members.
  • Trip Delay Reimbursement: If your common carrier travel is delayed over 12 hours or requires an overnight stay, enjoy coverage for unreimbursed expenses, like meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket.
  • Purchase Protection: Your new purchases are covered for 120 days against damage or theft, with reimbursement up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.
  • Visa Concierge: Access complimentary Visa Signature Concierge Service 24/7 for assistance with finding tickets to events, making dinner reservations, and more.
  • DoorDash: Receive a one-year complimentary DashPass membership for DoorDash and Caviar, offering unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders. After the first year, automatic enrollment in DashPass at the current monthly rate, if activated by 12/31/24.
Hilton Honors American Express Credit Card
(Photo by Africa Studio/Shutterstock)

When You Might Want The Hilton Honors Card?

You Might Prefer the Hilton Honors Amex over the Marriott Bonvoy Bold if:

  • Hilton Loyalty and Preferences: If you have a strong loyalty to Hilton hotels or prefer their properties, the Hilton Honors Card is the better choice, offering exclusive perks, bonus points, and a pathway to elite status within the Hilton Honors program.

  • You Want Better Rewards Ratio: According to our analysis, the estimated value cardholders can get with the Hilton card is higher than Marriot. So in terms of rewards, the Hilton card may be a better option.

  • You Want Flexible Redemption Options: Opt for the Hilton Honors Card if you value flexible redemption options. The Hilton Honors program allows for a variety of ways to use points, including not just hotel stays but also experiences, shopping, and more, providing versatility in how you choose to use your rewards.

Top Offers

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 on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

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:
70,000 points 70,000 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:
85,000 points 85,000 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.
Top Offers From Our Partners

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 on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

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:
70,000 points 70,000 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:
85,000 points 85,000 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.
Top Offers

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:
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

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 Marriott Bonvoy Bold Card?

You Might Prefer the Marriott Bonvoy Bold over the Hilton Amex if:

  • Marriott Presence Fits Your Needs: Opt for the Bonvoy Bold if you frequently travel internationally or in areas where Marriott has a stronger presence. Its widespread global network ensures consistent access to Marriott properties, making it a reliable choice for diverse travel destinations.

  • You Want Better Travel Protections: The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card offers baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and trip delay reimbursement coverage, while the Hilton Honors American Express Card only offers car rental loss and damage insurance. These travel insurance benefits can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected events during your travels.

Book Stevie Nicks show with Marriot Moments experience
Book Stevie Nicks show with Marriot Moments experience (screenshot taken by our team from Marriot website)

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 Hilton Honors American Express Card

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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?

Both Hilton Honors Amex and Wyndham Rewards Earner cards offer a decent point rewards ratio and basic extra hotel perks.

Hilton Honors American Express vs. IHG One Rewards Traveler: Side By Side Comparison

Review Travel Credit Cards

Picture of 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.
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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.