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 Business Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $325/yr; the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card from American Express at $195/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the American Express Gold Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,350 more in estimated value) than the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card's. Get the American Express Gold Card first; revisit the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | Hilton Honors American Express Business Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | $195 |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 points | 130,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,000 | $650 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $8,000 in 6 mo | $8,000 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | American Express |
| Card category | travel | hotel |
| Best earning category (Prepaid_hotels_amex) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
American Express Gold Card
$325/yr · 100,000 points
Read the full review
Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
$195/yr · 130,000 points
Editorial take: Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
If you stay at Hiltons, this is the underrated middle tier, the $60/quarter credit + the $15k-spend Free Night routinely cover the $195 fee, and Gold status is real value at any Hilton property.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or Hilton Honors American Express Business Card?
- The American Express Gold Card has the bigger bonus, 100,000 points, worth roughly $2,000, versus 130,000 points (~$650) on the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $325 annual fee worth it compared to the Hilton Honors American Express Business 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 Business 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 Business 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 Business 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 Business Card: $8,000 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.