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Side-by-side

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire vs Macy's American Express Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire comes from American Express at $550/yr; the Macy's American Express Card from Department Stores National Bank at $0/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 ($875 more in estimated value) than the Macy's American Express Card's. Get the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire first; revisit the Macy's American Express Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureHilton Honors American Express AspireMacy's American Express Card
Annual fee$550$0
Sign-up bonus175,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$875-
Min spend to unlock bonus$6,000 in 6 mo-
IssuerAmerican ExpressDepartment Stores National Bank
Card categoryhotelcashback
Best earning category (Hilton)14x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • Automatic Diamond status
  • Free weekend night certificate
  • $400 resort credit + $200 flight credit
  • $209 CLEAR + $100 Conrad/Waldorf
    Read the full review
    Hilton Honors American Express Aspire
    $550/yr · 175,000 points
    Read the full review
    Macy's American Express Card
    $0/yr ·

    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: Macy's American Express Card

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire or Macy's American Express Card?
    The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire has a public bonus (175,000 points, worth roughly $875), while the Macy's American Express Card doesn't advertise one right now.
    Is the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire's $550 annual fee worth it compared to the Macy's American Express Card?
    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 Macy's American Express Card at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
    Can I have both the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire and Macy's American Express Card?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Department Stores National Bank) 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 Macy's American Express Card 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. Macy's American Express Card: no published min spend. 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.