Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card vs. United Gateway Card
Even split across the criteria below. Pick the one whose strengths match how you'll actually use it.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Amex
United Gateway Card
Chase
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and United Gateway Card split the criteria evenly. Neither is the obvious all-rounder; the right pick depends on which dimensions matter to you.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card wins on earning ceiling and lounge access; United Gateway Card wins on first-year math and annual fee.
Pick the United Gateway Card if year-one math is your priority; take the United Gateway Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
2 vs 2- First-year math United Gateway Card
United Gateway Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee United Gateway Card
United Gateway Card is $550 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 5×).
- 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
- $550
- Free
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $750
- $520
- First-year net
- +$200
- +$520
- Peak earning rate
- 14×
- 5×
- Top categories
- Hotels Resorts, Airfare, Car Rentals
- Airfare, Travel, Gas
- Lounge access
- priority-pass
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- Yes
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- Hilton Honors
- United MileagePlus
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.