Hilton Honors American Express 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 Card
Amex
United Gateway Card
Chase
Hilton Honors American Express 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 Card wins on earning ceiling; United Gateway Card wins on first-year math.
Pick the United Gateway Card if year-one math is your priority.
Who wins what
1 vs 1 (1 tie)- First-year math United Gateway Card
United Gateway 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×).
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- Free
- Free
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $400
- $520
- First-year net
- +$400
- +$520
- Peak earning rate
- 7×
- 5×
- Top categories
- Hotels Resorts, Dining, U.S. Supermarkets
- Airfare, Travel, Gas
- 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.