Amex Hilton Honors vs US Bank Cash+
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
Amex Hilton Honors wins 3-1. No-fee Hilton card — solid for occasional Hilton stays. US Bank Cash+ is still the right call if 5% on 2 chosen categories + 2% on 1 chosen — fully customizable..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Amex Hilton Honors | US Bank Cash+ |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | = No annual fee | = No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 7% (travel) | · 5% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | 3% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | No FX fee | · 3% |
| Welcome bonus | = 70,000 Hilton points after $2,000 spend in 6 months | = $200 statement credit after $1,000 spend in 120 days |
| Fee waiver threshold | = N/A (no fee) | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | = 670 | = 670 |
| Editorial rating | · 4.1/5 | 4.4/5 |
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
US Bank Cash+
- 5% on 2 categories you choose ($2,000 quarterly cap)
- 2% on 1 chosen everyday category (gas, grocery, restaurants)
- 1% on everything else
- No annual fee
- Quarterly category swap
FAQ
›Amex Hilton Honors vs US Bank Cash+: which is better?
Amex Hilton Honors wins on more dimensions (3 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, US Bank Cash+ 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. US Bank Cash+: $200 statement credit after $1,000 spend in 120 days.