Editorial take: American Express Gold Card
The ultimate foodie card, earning bonus points at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. Plus over $400 in easy-to-use statement credits make the annual fee a no-brainer.
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Side-by-side
American Express Gold Card vs Hilton Honors American Express Aspire
Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $250/yr; the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire from American Express at $550/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | Hilton Honors American Express Aspire |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $250 | $550 |
| Sign-up bonus | 60,000 points | 150,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,200 | $750 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $6,000 in 6 mo | $6,000 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | American Express |
| Card category | travel | hotel |
| Best earning category (Restaurants) | 4x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
American Express Gold Card
$250/yr · 60,000 points
Read the full review
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire
$550/yr · 150,000 points
Editorial take: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire
Pretty much a no-brainer if you stay at Hilton hotels. The $550 annual fee pays for itself with just the free night reward alone, which can be used at any standard room property — even $1,000+ per night hotels.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or Hilton Honors American Express Aspire?
- The American Express Gold Card has the bigger bonus — 60,000 points, worth roughly $1,200, versus 150,000 points (~$750) on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $250 annual fee worth it compared to the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire?
- At $250/yr, the American Express Gold Card is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire's — pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Gold Card and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire?
- Yes, though both are issued by American Express so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). Many points enthusiasts hold both — they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Gold Card: $6,000 spend in 6 months. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire: $6,000 in 6 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time — confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.