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Side-by-side

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

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Hilton Honors American Express Card comes from American Express at $0/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

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 CardPenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card
Annual fee$0$0
Sign-up bonusNot advertised$100 statement credit
Bonus value (est.)-$100
Min spend to unlock bonus-$1,500 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressPenFed
Card categorytravelcashback
Best earning category (Hilton_hotels)7x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
      Read the full review
      Hilton Honors American Express Card
      $0/yr ·
      Read the full review
      PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card
      $0/yr · $100 statement credit

      Editorial take: Hilton Honors American Express Card

      Editorial take: PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card

      Common questions

      Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Hilton Honors American Express Card or PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card?
      The PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card has a public bonus ($100 statement credit, worth roughly $100), 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 PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card?
      The Hilton Honors American Express Card has no annual fee, so the question is whether the PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature 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 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 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 Card: no published min spend. 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.