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Side-by-side

Hilton Honors American Express Card vs IHG One Rewards Traveler

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Hilton Honors American Express Card comes from American Express at $0/yr; the IHG One Rewards Traveler from Chase at $0/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.

FeatureHilton Honors American Express CardIHG One Rewards Traveler
Annual fee$0$0
Sign-up bonusNot advertised80,000 points
Bonus value (est.)-$480
Min spend to unlock bonus-$2,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categorytravelhotel
Best earning category (Hilton_hotels)7x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
    • 4th night free on awards
    • 17x at IHG
    • No annual fee
    • Silver status
    Read the full review
    Hilton Honors American Express Card
    $0/yr ·
    Read the full review
    IHG One Rewards Traveler
    $0/yr · 80,000 points

    Editorial take: Hilton Honors American Express Card

    Editorial take: IHG One Rewards Traveler

    The 4th-night-free benefit alone makes this a standout, on a 4-night IHG stay, you're effectively getting 25% off. Stack with transfer bonuses from Chase UR for serious savings.

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Hilton Honors American Express Card or IHG One Rewards Traveler?
    The IHG One Rewards Traveler has a public bonus (80,000 points, worth roughly $480), while the Hilton Honors American Express Card doesn't advertise one right now.
    Is the Hilton Honors American Express Card's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the IHG One Rewards Traveler?
    The Hilton Honors American Express Card has no annual fee, so the question is whether the IHG One Rewards Traveler's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the IHG One Rewards Traveler's benefits to clear $0 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Hilton Honors American Express Card.
    Can I have both the Hilton Honors American Express Card and IHG One Rewards Traveler?
    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 Card or the IHG One Rewards Traveler first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Hilton Honors American Express Card: no published min spend. IHG One Rewards Traveler: $2,000 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.