Amex Hilton Honors vs Chase United Explorer
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
Amex Hilton Honors wins 4-1. No-fee Hilton card — solid for occasional Hilton stays. Chase United Explorer is still the right call if united loyalists — free checked bag + lounge passes..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Amex Hilton Honors | Chase United Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | No annual fee | · $95 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 7% (travel) | · 2% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | 3% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 70,000 Hilton points after $2,000 spend in 6 months | = 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = N/A (no fee) | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | 670 | · 700 |
| Editorial rating | · 4.1/5 | 4.2/5 |
Benefits compared
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
Chase United Explorer
- 2x miles on United + dining + hotel stays
- 1x on everything else
- Free first checked bag (saves ~$70/round trip)
- 2 United Club one-time passes annually
- Priority Boarding
FAQ
›Amex Hilton Honors vs Chase United Explorer: 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 Amex Hilton Honors for its best categories, Chase United Explorer for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Amex Hilton Honors: 70,000 Hilton points after $2,000 spend in 6 months. Chase United Explorer: 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months.