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Side-by-side

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature vs Hilton Honors American Express Aspire

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature comes from Bank of America at $95/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

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.

FeatureAlaska Airlines Visa SignatureHilton Honors American Express Aspire
Annual fee$95$550
Sign-up bonus70,000 miles + Companion Fare175,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$1,050$875
Min spend to unlock bonus$3,000 in 90 mo$6,000 in 6 mo
IssuerBank of AmericaAmerican Express
Card categorytravelhotel
Best earning category (Alaska)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • Companion Fare annually
  • Free checked bag
  • 3x on Alaska
  • No foreign tx fees
  • Automatic Diamond status
  • Free weekend night certificate
  • $400 resort credit + $200 flight credit
  • $209 CLEAR + $100 Conrad/Waldorf
Read the full review
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature
$95/yr · 70,000 miles + Companion Fare
Read the full review
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire
$550/yr · 175,000 points

Editorial take: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature

The Companion Fare is the hook, $122 + taxes/fees to bring a companion on any Alaska flight, even international business class. If you fly Alaska once a year with a partner, this pays for itself many times over.

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, Alaska Airlines Visa Signature or Hilton Honors American Express Aspire?
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature has the bigger bonus, 70,000 miles + Companion Fare, worth roughly $1,050, versus 175,000 points (~$875) on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire.
Is the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire?
At $95/yr, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (Bank of America and American Express) 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 Alaska Airlines Visa Signature or the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature: $3,000 spend in 90 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.