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Side-by-side

Hilton Honors American Express Card vs USAA Secured Visa Platinum

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Hilton Honors American Express Card comes from American Express at $0/yr; the USAA Secured Visa Platinum from USAA 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 CardUSAA Secured Visa Platinum
Annual fee$0$0
Sign-up bonusNot advertisedNone
Bonus value (est.)-$0
Min spend to unlock bonus-$0 in 0 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressUSAA
Card categorytravelrewards
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
      USAA Secured Visa Platinum
      $0/yr · None

      Editorial take: Hilton Honors American Express Card

      Editorial take: USAA Secured Visa Platinum

      Common questions

      Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Hilton Honors American Express Card or USAA Secured Visa Platinum?
      The USAA Secured Visa Platinum has a public bonus (None, worth roughly $0), 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 USAA Secured Visa Platinum?
      The Hilton Honors American Express Card has no annual fee, so the question is whether the USAA Secured Visa Platinum's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the USAA Secured Visa Platinum'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 USAA Secured Visa Platinum?
      Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and USAA) 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 USAA Secured Visa Platinum first?
      Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Hilton Honors American Express Card: no published min spend. USAA Secured Visa Platinum: $0 in 0 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.