Hilton Honors American Express Card vs. United Explorer Card
On the criteria below, Hilton Honors American Express Card wins 2 of 3. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Amex
United Explorer Card
Chase
Hilton Honors American Express Card wins 2 of 3 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
Hilton Honors American Express Card wins on annual fee and earning ceiling; United Explorer Card wins on first-year math.
Pick the United Explorer Card 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 1- First-year math United Explorer Card
United Explorer Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Hilton Honors American Express Card
Hilton Honors American Express Card is $150 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Hilton Honors American Express Card
Hilton Honors American Express Card earns more on its best category (7× vs 2×).
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- Free
- $150
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $400
- $910
- First-year net
- +$400
- +$760
- Peak earning rate
- 7×
- 2×
- Top categories
- Hotels Resorts, Dining, U.S. Supermarkets
- Airfare, Hotels Resorts, Dining
- Lounge access
- No
- 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.