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 Card
Both are travel travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $325/yr; the Hilton Honors American Express Card from American Express at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
Both cards come from American Express and target travel spenders, so the choice usually comes down to whether you'll use the premium-tier benefits. The American Express Gold Card costs $325 more per year, only worth it if you'll actually use the upgraded perks.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | Hilton Honors American Express Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 points | Not advertised |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,000 | - |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $8,000 in 6 mo | - |
| Issuer | American Express | American Express |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (Prepaid_hotels_amex) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | None |
| Headline benefits |
|
Read the full review
American Express Gold Card
$325/yr · 100,000 points
Read the full review
Hilton Honors American Express Card
$0/yr ·
Editorial take: Hilton Honors American Express Card
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or Hilton Honors American Express Card?
- The American Express Gold Card has a public bonus (100,000 points, worth roughly $2,000), while the Hilton Honors American Express Card doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $325 annual fee worth it compared to the Hilton Honors American Express Card?
- At $325/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 Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Gold Card and Hilton Honors American Express Card?
- 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 Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Gold Card: $8,000 spend in 6 months. Hilton Honors American Express Card: no published min spend. 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.