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Hilton Honors American Express Aspire vs IHG One Rewards Premier

Both are hotel travel cards. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire comes from American Express at $550/yr; the IHG One Rewards Premier from Chase at $99/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

If you're not sure you'll use premium perks, start with the IHG One Rewards Premier — its annual fee is significantly lower and the bonus values are similar. Upgrade later if you find yourself using the higher-tier benefits.

FeatureHilton Honors American Express AspireIHG One Rewards Premier
Annual fee$550$99
Sign-up bonus150,000 points140,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$750$700
Min spend to unlock bonus$6,000 in 6 mo$3,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categoryhotelhotel
Best earning category (Hilton)14x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • Automatic Diamond status
  • Free weekend night certificate
  • $250 resort credit
  • Priority Pass lounge access
  • Free night award annually
  • Platinum Elite status
  • 4th night free on awards
  • 10x at IHG properties
Read the full review
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire
$550/yr · 150,000 points
Read the full review
IHG One Rewards Premier
$99/yr · 140,000 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.

Editorial take: IHG One Rewards Premier

A solid hotel card if you stay at IHG properties regularly. The free night award and 4th night free on award stays can easily offset the $99 annual fee.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire or IHG One Rewards Premier?
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire has the bigger bonus — 150,000 points, worth roughly $750, versus 140,000 points (~$700) on the IHG One Rewards Premier.
Is the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire's $550 annual fee worth it compared to the IHG One Rewards Premier?
Premium cards like the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire ($550/yr) earn their fee through credits — travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $550+ of those credits, the math works. The IHG One Rewards Premier at $99/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire and IHG One Rewards Premier?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Chase) 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 Aspire or the IHG One Rewards Premier first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire: $6,000 spend in 6 months. IHG One Rewards Premier: $3,000 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.