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Head to head

Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express vs. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

On the criteria below, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card wins 3 of 5. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.

Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

Amex

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Amex

At a glance

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card wins 3 of 5 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.

Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express wins on annual fee; Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card wins on earning ceiling, lounge access, and foreign transactions.

Pick the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express if year-one math is your priority; take the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.

Who wins what

1 vs 3 (1 tie)
  • First-year math Tie

    Both cards land within $25 of each other after the annual fee.

  • Annual fee Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

    Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is $455 cheaper to keep.

  • Earning ceiling Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

    Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns more on its best category (14× vs 6×).

  • Lounge access Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

    Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card includes lounge access; the other doesn't.

  • Foreign transactions Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

    Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has a lower (or zero) foreign transaction fee.

By the numbers

Annual fee
$95
$550
Welcome offer (typical value)
$300
$750
First-year net
+$205
+$200
Peak earning rate
6×
14×
Top categories
U.S. Supermarkets, Streaming, Transit
Hotels Resorts, Airfare, Car Rentals
Lounge access
No
priority-pass
Travel insurance
Yes
Yes
Elite status
No
Yes
Foreign transaction fee
2.70%
None
Reward currency
Cashback
Hilton Honors
Full review Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
Full review Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.