Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card vs. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Even split across the criteria below. Pick the one whose strengths match how you'll actually use it.
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Amex
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Amex
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card split the criteria evenly. Neither is the obvious all-rounder; the right pick depends on which dimensions matter to you.
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card wins on first-year math and annual fee; Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card wins on earning ceiling and lounge access.
Pick the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
2 vs 2- First-year math Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is $400 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 2×).
- Lounge access Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card includes lounge access; the other doesn't.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $150
- $550
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $960
- $750
- First-year net
- +$810
- +$200
- Peak earning rate
- 2×
- 14×
- Top categories
- Dining, U.S. Supermarkets, Airfare
- Hotels Resorts, Airfare, Car Rentals
- Lounge access
- No
- priority-pass
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- No
- Yes
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- Delta SkyMiles
- Hilton Honors
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.