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Side-by-side

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire vs Target Circle Card Mastercard

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire comes from American Express at $550/yr; the Target Circle Card Mastercard from TD 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 Target Circle Card Mastercard's. Get the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire first; revisit the Target Circle Card Mastercard after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureHilton Honors American Express AspireTarget Circle Card Mastercard
Annual fee$550$0
Sign-up bonus175,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$875-
Min spend to unlock bonus$6,000 in 6 mo-
IssuerAmerican ExpressTD 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
    Target Circle Card Mastercard
    $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: Target Circle Card Mastercard

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire or Target Circle Card Mastercard?
    The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire has a public bonus (175,000 points, worth roughly $875), while the Target Circle Card Mastercard doesn't advertise one right now.
    Is the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire's $550 annual fee worth it compared to the Target Circle Card Mastercard?
    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 Target Circle Card Mastercard at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
    Can I have both the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire and Target Circle Card Mastercard?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and TD 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 Target Circle Card Mastercard 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. Target Circle Card Mastercard: 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.