Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card vs. Citi Strata Premier 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
Citi Strata Premier Card
Citi
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and Citi Strata Premier 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; Citi Strata Premier Card wins on first-year math and annual fee.
Pick the Citi Strata Premier Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Citi Strata Premier Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
2 vs 2- First-year math Citi Strata Premier Card
Citi Strata Premier Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Citi Strata Premier Card
Citi Strata Premier Card 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 10×).
- 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
- $95
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $750
- $900
- First-year net
- +$200
- +$805
- Peak earning rate
- 14×
- 10×
- Top categories
- Hotels Resorts, Airfare, Car Rentals
- Travel, Travel, Dining
- Lounge access
- priority-pass
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- Yes
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- Hilton Honors
- Citi ThankYou Points
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.