Hilton Honors American Express Card vs. The Platinum Card from American Express
Even split across the criteria below. Pick the one whose strengths match how you'll actually use it.
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Amex
The Platinum Card from American Express
Amex
Hilton Honors American Express Card and The Platinum Card from American Express split the criteria evenly. Neither is the obvious all-rounder; the right pick depends on which dimensions matter to you.
Hilton Honors American Express Card wins on annual fee and earning ceiling; The Platinum Card from American Express wins on first-year math and lounge access.
Pick the The Platinum Card from American Express if year-one math is your priority; take the Hilton Honors American Express Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
2 vs 2- First-year math The Platinum Card from American Express
The Platinum Card from American Express wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Hilton Honors American Express Card
Hilton Honors American Express Card is $895 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Hilton Honors American Express Card
Hilton Honors American Express Card earns more on its best category (7× vs 5×).
- Lounge access The Platinum Card from American Express
The Platinum Card from American Express includes lounge access; the other doesn't.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- Free
- $895
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $400
- $2,800
- First-year net
- +$400
- +$1,905
- Peak earning rate
- 7×
- 5×
- Top categories
- Hotels Resorts, Dining, U.S. Supermarkets
- Flights, Prepaid Hotels
- Lounge access
- No
- centurion, delta-sky-club, priority-pass
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- Yes
- Yes
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- Hilton Honors
- American Express Membership Rewards
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.