American Express Gold vs Amex Hilton Honors
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
EXPRESS
Amex Hilton Honors wins 4-1. No-fee Hilton card — solid for occasional Hilton stays. American Express Gold is still the right call if heavy restaurant + grocery spenders ($1k+/mo on food).
Side-by-side
| Criterion | American Express Gold | Amex Hilton Honors |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $325 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 4% (dining) | 7% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | · 1% | 3% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $6,000 in 6 months | = 70,000 Hilton points after $2,000 spend in 6 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | · 700 | 670 |
| Editorial rating | 4.6/5 | · 4.1/5 |
Benefits compared
American Express Gold
- 4x points at restaurants worldwide (incl. Uber Eats)
- 4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25K/year)
- 3x on flights booked direct or via amextravel.com
- $120 annual dining credit ($10/mo at select partners)
- $120 annual Uber Cash
- No foreign transaction fees
Amex Hilton Honors
- 7x Hilton Honors points at Hilton hotels
- 5x at US restaurants + gas stations
- 3x on everything else
- Hilton Honors Silver status
- No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees
FAQ
›American Express Gold vs Amex Hilton Honors: which is better?
Amex Hilton Honors wins on more dimensions (4 vs 1). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern — see the calculator below.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use American Express Gold for its best categories, Amex Hilton Honors for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
American Express Gold: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $6,000 in 6 months. Amex Hilton Honors: 70,000 Hilton points after $2,000 spend in 6 months.