Beta

Free during beta. Plus launches at $12/mo or $99/yr on July 1. Annual is locked for 12 months during beta.

Skip to content
RewardZ Travel
All credit cards
Side-by-side

Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Hilton Honors American Express Aspire

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Freedom Unlimited comes from Chase at $0/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 Hilton Honors American Express Aspire is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($675 more in estimated value) than the Chase Freedom Unlimited's. Get the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire first; revisit the Chase Freedom Unlimited after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureChase Freedom UnlimitedHilton Honors American Express Aspire
Annual fee$0$550
Sign-up bonus$200 bonus175,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$200$875
Min spend to unlock bonus$500 in 3 mo$6,000 in 6 mo
IssuerChaseAmerican Express
Card categorycashbackhotel
Best earning category (Travel)5x1x
Transfer partnerschase-urNone
Headline benefits
  • 1.5% everywhere
  • 5% on travel via Chase
  • 3% dining + drugstores
  • Free if paired with Sapphire
  • Automatic Diamond status
  • Free weekend night certificate
  • $400 resort credit + $200 flight credit
  • $209 CLEAR + $100 Conrad/Waldorf
Read the full review
Chase Freedom Unlimited
$0/yr · $200 bonus
Read the full review
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire
$550/yr · 175,000 points

Editorial take: Chase Freedom Unlimited

The best no-fee cash back card in the Chase family. Stack it with a Sapphire and your cash back converts into transferable Ultimate Rewards points, a free upgrade most people miss. Note: Cell phone protection is on Freedom Flex, not Freedom Unlimited.

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, Chase Freedom Unlimited or Hilton Honors American Express Aspire?
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire has the bigger bonus, 175,000 points, worth roughly $875, versus $200 bonus (~$200) on the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire?
The Chase Freedom Unlimited has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire's $550 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire's benefits to clear $550 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Can I have both the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase 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 Chase Freedom Unlimited or the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Freedom Unlimited: $500 spend in 3 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.