Head to head

Hilton Honors American Express Card vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited

On the criteria below, Hilton Honors American Express Card wins 3 of 4. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.

Hilton Honors American Express Card

Amex

Chase Freedom Unlimited

Chase

At a glance

Hilton Honors American Express Card wins 3 of 4 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.

Hilton Honors American Express Card leads on first-year math, earning ceiling, and foreign transactions, while Chase Freedom Unlimited only ties the rest.

Pick the Hilton Honors American Express Card if year-one math is your priority.

Who wins what

3 vs 0 (1 tie)
  • First-year math Hilton Honors American Express Card

    Hilton Honors American Express Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.

  • Annual fee Tie

    Same annual fee.

  • Earning ceiling Hilton Honors American Express Card

    Hilton Honors American Express Card earns more on its best category (7× vs 5×).

  • Foreign transactions Hilton Honors American Express Card

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

By the numbers

Annual fee
Free
Free
Welcome offer (typical value)
$400
$200
First-year net
+$400
+$200
Peak earning rate
Top categories
Hotels Resorts, Dining, U.S. Supermarkets
Chase Travel, Dining, Drugstores
Lounge access
No
No
Travel insurance
Yes
Yes
Elite status
Yes
No
Foreign transaction fee
None
3.00%
Reward currency
Hilton Honors
Chase Ultimate Rewards

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