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Side-by-side

Hilton Honors American Express Card vs United Gateway Card

Both are travel travel cards. The Hilton Honors American Express Card comes from American Express at $0/yr; the United Gateway Card 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 CardUnited Gateway Card
Annual fee$0$0
Sign-up bonusNot advertised30,000 miles
Bonus value (est.)-$390
Min spend to unlock bonus-$1,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Hilton_hotels)7x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
    • 2x on United + transit + gas
    • No annual fee
    • No foreign tx fees
    • 25% inflight rebate
    Read the full review
    Hilton Honors American Express Card
    $0/yr ·
    Read the full review
    United Gateway Card
    $0/yr · 30,000 miles

    Editorial take: Hilton Honors American Express Card

    Editorial take: United Gateway Card

    The no-fee United card. Doesn't include free bags (that starts with the Explorer), so it's really only worth it for credit-building purposes.

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Hilton Honors American Express Card or United Gateway Card?
    The United Gateway Card has a public bonus (30,000 miles, worth roughly $390), 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 United Gateway Card?
    The Hilton Honors American Express Card has no annual fee, so the question is whether the United Gateway Card's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the United Gateway Card'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 United Gateway Card?
    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 United Gateway Card first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Hilton Honors American Express Card: no published min spend. United Gateway Card: $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.