Head to head

Hilton Honors American Express Card vs. Discover it Cash Back

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

Discover

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 travel insurance, while Discover it Cash Back only ties the rest.

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

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×).
Travel insurance Hilton Honors American Express Card

Hilton Honors American Express Card carries built-in travel insurance.

Annual fee: Free; Free
Welcome offer (typical value): $400; —
First-year net: +$400; +$0
Peak earning rate: 7×; 5×
Top categories: Hotels Resorts, Dining, U.S. Supermarkets; Rotating Quarterly
Lounge access: No; No
Travel insurance: Yes; No
Elite status: Yes; No
Foreign transaction fee: None; None
Reward currency: Hilton Honors; Discover Cashback

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