Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States

American Express Platinum vs Amex Hilton Honors

Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.

US
Premium
American Express
American Express Platinum
AMERICAN
EXPRESS
Wins 1 of 10
US
American Express
Amex Hilton Honors
AMERICAN
EXPRESS
Wins 4 of 10
Verdict

Amex Hilton Honors wins 4-1. No-fee Hilton card — solid for occasional Hilton stays. American Express Platinum is still the right call if heavy travelers wanting centurion lounge access + status credits..

Side-by-side

CriterionAmerican Express PlatinumAmex Hilton Honors
Annual fee
·
$695
No annual fee
Joining fee
=
None
=
None
Top reward rate
·
5% (travel)
7% (travel)
Base reward rate
·
1%
3%
Forex markup
=
No FX fee
=
No FX fee
Welcome bonus
=
80,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 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
·
720
670
Editorial rating
4.6/5
·
4.1/5

Benefits compared

American Express Platinum

  • 5x points on flights booked direct or via amextravel
  • Centurion Lounge + Priority Pass + Delta SkyClub access
  • $200 annual airline fee credit + $200 Uber Cash
  • $200 hotel credit + $189 CLEAR credit
  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold + Hilton Honors Gold status
  • 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 Platinum 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 Platinum 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 Platinum: 80,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 in 6 months. Amex Hilton Honors: 70,000 Hilton points after $2,000 spend in 6 months.