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Hilton Honors American Express Aspire vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire comes from American Express at $550/yr; the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority from Chase at $149/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

If you're not sure you'll use premium perks, start with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority — its annual fee is significantly lower and the bonus values are similar. Upgrade later if you find yourself using the higher-tier benefits.

FeatureHilton Honors American Express AspireSouthwest Rapid Rewards Priority
Annual fee$550$149
Sign-up bonus150,000 points50,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$750$700
Min spend to unlock bonus$6,000 in 6 mo$1,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categoryhotelairline
Best earning category (Hilton)14x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • Automatic Diamond status
  • Free weekend night certificate
  • $250 resort credit
  • Priority Pass lounge access
  • 7,500 anniversary points
  • $75 annual travel credit
  • 4 upgraded boardings/year
  • Low $1,000 minimum spend
Read the full review
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire
$550/yr · 150,000 points
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
$149/yr · 50,000 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.

Editorial take: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority

If Southwest is your airline, this is the card to have. The anniversary points and $75 travel credit nearly cover the annual fee, and the low $1,000 minimum spend makes the bonus easy to earn.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire or Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire has the bigger bonus — 150,000 points, worth roughly $750, versus 50,000 points (~$700) on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority.
Is the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire's $550 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
Premium cards like the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire ($550/yr) earn their fee through credits — travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $550+ of those credits, the math works. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority at $149/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire and Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Chase) the application rules don't conflict. 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 Hilton Honors American Express Aspire or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire: $6,000 spend in 6 months. Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority: $1,000 in 3 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.