Editorial take: The Platinum Card from Amex
The granddaddy of premium cards with Centurion Lounge access, hotel elite status, and a mountain of credits. The $895 fee stings, but if you use even half the credits, you come out ahead.
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Side-by-side
The Platinum Card from Amex vs Hilton Honors American Express Aspire
Both are well-respected travel cards. The The Platinum Card from Amex comes from American Express at $895/yr; the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire from American Express at $550/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the The Platinum Card from Amex is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($2,625 more in estimated value) than the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire's. Get the The Platinum Card from Amex first; revisit the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | The Platinum Card from Amex | Hilton Honors American Express Aspire |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $895 | $550 |
| Sign-up bonus | 175,000 points | 175,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $3,500 | $875 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $12,000 in 6 mo | $6,000 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | American Express |
| Card category | travel | hotel |
| Best earning category (Flights) | 5x | 7x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
The Platinum Card from Amex
$895/yr · 175,000 points
Read the full review
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire
$550/yr · 175,000 points
Editorial take: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire
Pretty much a no-brainer if you stay at Hilton hotels. The $550 annual fee pays for itself with just the free night reward alone, which can be used at any standard room property, even $1,000+ per night hotels.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, The Platinum Card from Amex or Hilton Honors American Express Aspire?
- The The Platinum Card from Amex has the bigger bonus, 175,000 points, worth roughly $3,500, versus 175,000 points (~$875) on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire.
- Is the The Platinum Card from Amex's $895 annual fee worth it compared to the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire?
- Premium cards like the The Platinum Card from Amex ($895/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $895+ of those credits, the math works. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire at $550/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the The Platinum Card from Amex and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire?
- Yes, though both are issued by American Express so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). 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 The Platinum Card from Amex or the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. The Platinum Card from Amex: $12,000 spend in 6 months. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire: $6,000 in 6 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.