Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Amex Hilton Honors
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. Chase Freedom Unlimited is still the right call if no-fee everyday card; pairs perfectly with sapphire preferred.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Chase Freedom Unlimited | Amex Hilton Honors |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | = No annual fee | = No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 5% (travel) | 7% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | · 1.5% | 3% |
| Forex markup | · 3% | No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = $200 cash back after $500 spend in first 3 months + 5% gas/groceries on first $12K | = 70,000 Hilton points after $2,000 spend in 6 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = N/A (no fee) | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | = 670 | = 670 |
| Editorial rating | 4.6/5 | · 4.1/5 |
Benefits compared
Chase Freedom Unlimited
- 5% on travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3% on dining (incl. takeout & delivery)
- 3% on drugstore purchases
- 1.5% on everything else
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR for 15 months
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
›Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Amex Hilton Honors: 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 Chase Freedom Unlimited 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?
Chase Freedom Unlimited: $200 cash back after $500 spend in first 3 months + 5% gas/groceries on first $12K. Amex Hilton Honors: 70,000 Hilton points after $2,000 spend in 6 months.