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If you’re comparing premium travel rewards cards, chances are you’re a frequent traveler, you value premium travel benefits, and you’re looking for a card that delivers it all.
Premium travel rewards cards, such as the ones we’re comparing today, offer a collection of benefits every frequent traveler can use. The challenge is to find the card best suited for your particular spending profile that has benefits that align with your priorities. You’ll also want to ensure the card you select allows you to redeem your rewards for what matters to you most. That’s a tall order, but premium travel credit cards are designed to meet the challenge.
We’re comparing the Platinum Card® from American Express and the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, which shine for delivering benefits to frequent travelers. We’ll review the value of each card’s welcome offer, how they measure up with earnings and redemptions, and the benefits associated with each card.
Before discussing the specific details of each card, let’s start with an overview of our 2 featured cards.
Benefit
Platinum Card® from American Express
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Welcome Offer
Apply and find out if you’re eligible for as high as 175,000 points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Earn 175,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/14/2026.
Earnings
Redemption Options
Transfer to travel partners, redeem for select travel via AmexTravel.com, gift cards, and shopping
Redeem for free hotel nights, gift cards, shopping, and bid on experiences
Travel Benefits and Protections
Additional Travel Benefits and Protections
Shopping Benefits and Protections
Additional Shopping Benefits and Protections
Statement credits for airline incidentals, Saks Fifth Avenue, CLEAR® Plus, digital entertainment, prepaid hotels, and more (upon enrollment)
Statement credits for participating hotel purchases and airlines (upon enrollment)
Annual Fee
$550 (rates & fees)
A welcome offer for a travel rewards credit card is a valuable benefit you can earn immediately after being approved for the card. The Amex Platinum card and the Hilton Aspire card each have generous offers, and you can earn them by meeting the minimum spending requirements in the specified period.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the current welcome offers and card highlights.
The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than the Platinum Card® from American Express.
Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.
American Express Membership Rewards
Hot Tip: Apply and find out if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of as high as 175,000 points with the Amex Platinum. Welcome offers may vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Membership Rewards points can be redeemed for travel for 1 cent per point. With this valuation, a 50,000-point welcome bonus offer could be redeemed for $500 in travel and a 100,000-point bonus for $1,000 in travel.
However, your welcome bonus could be worth much more, as it’s possible to receive greater value when transferring points to travel partners.
Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.
If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
Paying hundreds of dollars for an annual fee on a co-branded hotel card might seem ridiculous, but you should know that the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is much more than your run-of-the-mill hotel credit card.
The Hilton Aspire card is not only a phenomenal card for Hilton Honors loyalists, but even those who visit Hilton hotels just a few times a year can still get excellent value out of all the benefits that are packed into this card.
So let’s have a look at what makes the card so valuable to travelers.
The value of a welcome offer will depend on the selected hotel and the dates for which you’re redeeming points. However, you can generally count on a value of at least 0.5 cents per Hilton Honors point. This valuation would equate the current welcome offer to up to $875, but it’s possible to receive much greater value depending on the specific hotel redemption.
The ultimate value of a welcome offer will depend on how you redeem your points. You can determine the value you’re receiving for your redeemed points by finding the cash price of the travel you’re interested in, then dividing that price by the number of points you’d be redeeming. This will give you the value per point you’ll receive for your redemption.
Both cards we’re comparing earn well on travel purchases. The Amex Platinum card earns more on flights and prepaid hotels, while the Hilton Aspire card has a slightly broader range of categories for elevated earnings.
Here’s how the cards compare when it comes to earnings.
While earnings vary widely on these cards, the value you receive for your points at redemption time ultimately determines the more valuable rewards currency for your situation.
Membership Rewards points are some of the most valuable travel rewards points you can earn because they are flexible at redemption time.
Conversely, Hilton Honors points are easy to earn and provide good value when booking free hotel nights.
Here’s how you earn points on each of these cards.
Amex Platinum Card
Hilton Aspire Card
If you spend a lot on flights and prepaid hotels, you’ll earn well on the Amex Platinum card. If you’re a Hilton loyalist, the earnings on the Hilton Aspire card add up substantially when spending at Hilton and on flights, rental cars, and dining.
When it’s time to redeem your points, you’ll find greater flexibility with Membership Rewards points. You can redeem travel points or transfer points to the Amex transfer partners for even greater potential value.
Hilton Honors points can be redeemed at nearly 6,500 hotel properties worldwide using variable award pricing. You can also redeem Hilton Honors points by transferring to airline partners at a lesser value.
While both cards offer various redemption options, just a few offer the best value for your points.
Card
Best Redemption Options
Additional Redemption Options
Amex Platinum Card
Transfer to hotel partners, redeem for travel other than flights on AmexTravel.com, statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, Amazon, Ticketmaster, donate points
Hilton Aspire Card
Transfer to travel partners, bid for experiences, gift cards, Amazon, car rental, cruise, donate points
Refer to our article for some excellent redemption options with maximum value for your Membership Rewards points.
For some of the best ways to redeem your Hilton Honors points, we invite you to review our guide, which includes creative ideas that can deliver the most value for your points.
Transferring Membership Rewards points to airline partners and redeeming Hilton Honors points for free hotel rooms can result in the best value for your points. While redemption options vary in value, you’ll want to strive to exceed 1 cent per point for your Membership Rewards points and 0.5 cents per point in value for Hilton Honors points.
Statement credits provide direct value that can help offset a card’s annual fee. Some may require enrollment.
Here are the statement credits you can expect to receive from specific purchases made on your Amex Platinum card or Hilton Aspire card (some benefits may require enrollment):
Amex Platinum Card
Hilton Aspire Card
The Amex Platinum card offers the opportunity for thousands of dollars in statement credits, while the Hilton Aspire card offers just over $900. However, the ultimate value you receive will depend on how many of these statement credit offers you will actually use.
Frequent travelers value the sanctuary, culinary options, and refreshment aspects of premium airport lounge access. Fortunately, you’ll find complimentary access to over 1,550 lounge properties worldwide with either of the cards we’re comparing.
The value of airport lounge access can be significant. Here is a sampling of current comparative lounge membership costs.
Depending on the frequency of travel, receiving complimentary lounge access with access for guests could be worth hundreds (if not thousands), of dollars annually.
Let’s look at the level of airport lounge access each card provides.
The Amex Platinum card excels in offering complimentary access to a wide selection of global lounge networks, including the prestigious Centurion Lounge network. Access is provided (except where noted) for the primary cardholder plus up to 2 additional guests.
Amex Platinum Card: Additional users have full worldwide lounge access with the same cardholder and guest privileges as the primary member. You can have additional Platinum cardholders for a $195 annual fee per person (rates & fees).
Both the Amex Platinum card and Hilton Aspire card provide a wide variety of lounge experience options but the Amex Platinum card wins with its unique additional access to Centurion Lounges, 10 visits to Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta) with the ability to unlock unlimited visits through spend, Escape Lounges — The Centurion Studio Partner, Lufthansa Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and Virgin Clubhouses. Both Amex Platinum card primary cardholders and authorized users also have full lounge access privileges, versus the Hilton Aspire card’s limitation to just the primary cardholder.
Access 37 international airlines to book discounted premium flights through the International Airline Program.
While you might not expect a high level of hotel elite benefits from a general travel rewards card, the Amex Platinum card fares quite well in this category.
You’ll find the following hotel loyal program benefits with the Amex Platinum card:
Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite members receive upgraded rooms (when available), free Wi-Fi, welcome points, 25% bonus points on earnings, and late checkout.
Members can enroll in Sterling status, the only elite tier in the Leaders Club program. Benefits include upgrade priority at check-in, 5% bonus earnings, and 5 pre-arrival upgrade awards annually.
Receive upgraded rooms, free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast or a food and beverage credit in the U.S., and earn 18 points per dollar spent at Hilton properties, thanks to Hilton Honors Gold status.
Enroll for these benefits via your online Amex Platinum card account under the Rewards and Benefits section.
When you book a Fine Hotels + Resorts property, you’ll receive these amazing benefits:
Stay 2 nights or more with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards on-site qualifying dining, spa, and resort activities. Additionally, you’ll earn 5x Membership Rewards on prepaid bookings.
Remember that cardholders can enjoy up to $600 in annual statement credits to offset costs of booking a hotel with Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection. This is available as up to $300 semi-annually.
You should expect a premium hotel credit card to have a nice collection of elite-style benefits and the Hilton Aspire card delivers. The Hilton Aspire card offers top elite status, elevated earnings, free hotel nights, and more.
The Amex Platinum provides the following rental car program benefits upon enrollment:
Hilton Honors members receive discounted rates and bonus point earnings when booking with Alamo, Enterprise, and National.
The Amex Platinum card offers a broad collection of hotel and car rental program benefits. The Hilton Aspire card excels in creating an elevated experience, accelerated earnings, and perks specifically designed for those who frequent Hilton properties.
Since the Amex Platinum card and the Hilton Aspire card are premium cards issued by American Express, the travel benefits and protections are similar. The benefits listed apply to both cards unless specifically noted:
Benefits offered by premium travel rewards cards frequently require registration before they can be activated. When you receive your card, sign in to your online card account, and register for any desired benefits under the benefits section.
The Amex Platinum card and Hilton Aspire card offer these shopping benefits and protections:
When we compare the Amex Platinum card with the Hilton Aspire card, both deliver plenty of benefits that can save you money, protect you when you travel, grant special entertainment access, and provide travel assistance when needed.
Neither of our featured cards charges foreign transaction fees.
Authorized users receive some of the same benefits as primary cardholders.
Additional Platinum Cardholders of the Amex Platinum card receive full worldwide lounge access, hotel elite status, and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit, for $195 per card (rates & fees).
While there is no additional fee (rates & fees) to add authorized users to your Hilton Aspire card, they will not receive lounge access, hotel elite status, or additional statement credits. The charges made by authorized users earn points that are credited to the primary cardholder account. Authorized users do receive travel and shopping benefits/protections.
When we compare benefits for additional cardholders, the Amex Platinum card offers significantly more benefits, however, you will have to pay a fee.
While there are definitely benefit overlaps between these 2 cards, deciding between the 2 cards is not difficult.
If you are a Hilton loyalist, you’ll benefit greatly from having the Hilton Aspire card.
If you’re a frequent international traveler, enjoy Centurion Lounges, purchase a lot of flights, and have little hotel loyalty, you may fare better with the Amex Platinum card.
Both cards offer significant value when matched with the right frequent traveler.
Learn more about some additional great choices for the best travel rewards cards in our related article on this specific topic.
For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the Platinum Card® from American Express, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance benefits of the Platinum Card® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the Platinum Card® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
For the extended warranty and purchase protection benefit of the Platinum Card® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
For the Premium Global Assist Hotline benefit of the Platinum Card® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, card members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.
For the return protection benefit of the Platinum Card® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance benefits of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
For the extended warranty and purchase protection benefit of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
For the Premium Global Assist Hotline benefit of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, card members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.
For the return protection benefit of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
The card that is better for you will depend on your priorities. If you are a Hilton loyalist, the Hilton Aspire card is a very good choice for significant earnings at Hilton properties, top elite status, airport lounge access, and good value redemptions at Hilton.
If you’re a frequent traveler, have little hotel loyalty, but spend a lot on flights and prepaid hotels, you’re going to find a better value with the Amex Platinum card.
The Amex Platinum card is also the better card for worldwide lounge access and includes access to a greater collection of lounges than the Hilton Aspire card, including Centurion Lounges.
American Express premium travel rewards cards are worth paying an annual fee if you can use most of the benefits offered by the card you select.
If a card provides worldwide airport lounge access, for example, and you’d usually purchase this annual membership, having a card with complimentary lounge access would make sense.
If you utilize the statement credits, elite benefits, and travel protections that come with the card, you can realize more than enough value to offset the cost of an annual fee.
As long as you have 1 Membership Rewards-earning card open and active, your points will not expire.
If you decide to close your card, you should redeem or transfer your points prior to closure to avoid forfeiting your points.
Hilton Honors points do not expire as long as you have activity in your account within any 12-month period.
Activity is defined as earning or redeeming Hilton Honors points.
You do not need to have a Hilton Honors credit card open to keep points active as once points are earned, they are deposited into your Hilton Honors account and are then subject to the terms associated with that account.
For rates and fees of the Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, click here.
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Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services offices. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.
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