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Side-by-side

Hilton Honors American Express Business Card vs PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card comes from American Express at $195/yr; the PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card from PenFed at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($550 more in estimated value) than the PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card's. Get the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card first; revisit the PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureHilton Honors American Express Business CardPenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card
Annual fee$195$0
Sign-up bonus130,000 points$100 statement credit
Bonus value (est.)$650$100
Min spend to unlock bonus$6,000 in 6 mo$1,500 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressPenFed
Card categoryhotelcashback
Best earning category (Hilton)12x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • 12x at Hilton
  • Free night cert after $15k spend
  • Second free night after $60k
  • Hilton Gold status
    Read the full review
    Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
    $195/yr · 130,000 points
    Read the full review
    PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card
    $0/yr · $100 statement credit

    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.

    Editorial take: PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Hilton Honors American Express Business Card or PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card?
    The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card has the bigger bonus, 130,000 points, worth roughly $650, versus $100 statement credit (~$100) on the PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card.
    Is the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card's $195 annual fee worth it compared to the PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card?
    At $195/yr, the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card and PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and PenFed) 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 Business Card or the PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: $6,000 spend in 6 months. PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card: $1,500 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.