Head to head

Hilton Honors American Express Card vs. Sam's Club Mastercard

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

Sam's Club Mastercard

Synchrony

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 Sam's Club Mastercard 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×).

  • Travel insurance Hilton Honors American Express Card

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

By the numbers

Annual fee
Free
Free
Welcome offer (typical value)
$400
$30
First-year net
+$400
+$30
Peak earning rate
Top categories
Hotels Resorts, Dining, U.S. Supermarkets
Gas Ev Charging, Dining, Sams Club Purchases
Lounge access
No
No
Travel insurance
Yes
No
Elite status
Yes
No
Foreign transaction fee
None
None
Reward currency
Hilton Honors
Sam's Cash

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