Is the American Express Gold Card worth the higher annual fee?

The American Express Gold Card costs $325/yr vs $0/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Gold Card or Hilton Honors American Express Card?

The Hilton Honors American Express Card has a higher base earn rate (3X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the American Express Gold Card have that the Hilton Honors American Express Card doesn't?

The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. The Hilton Honors American Express Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Hilton Honors American Express Card?

Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the American Express Gold Card if you spend enough to justify the $325/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the American Express Gold Card worth the higher annual fee?

The American Express Gold Card costs $325/yr vs $0/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Gold Card or Hilton Honors American Express Card?

The Hilton Honors American Express Card has a higher base earn rate (3X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the American Express Gold Card have that the Hilton Honors American Express Card doesn't?

The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. The Hilton Honors American Express Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Hilton Honors American Express Card?

Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the American Express Gold Card if you spend enough to justify the $325/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the American Express Gold Card worth the higher annual fee?

The American Express Gold Card costs $325/yr vs $0/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Gold Card or Hilton Honors American Express Card?

The Hilton Honors American Express Card has a higher base earn rate (3X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the American Express Gold Card have that the Hilton Honors American Express Card doesn't?

The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. The Hilton Honors American Express Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Hilton Honors American Express Card?

Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the American Express Gold Card if you spend enough to justify the $325/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

CardRewards

Editorial disclosure: CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Our analysis is based on publicly available card data and is reviewed regularly by our editorial team. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or content. Last updated: May 2026.

American Express Gold Card vs Hilton Honors American Express Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Card ($0/yr) is better for everyday value, while the American Express Gold Card ($325/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.

American Express Gold Card

American Express

Hilton Honors American Express Card

American Express

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$325

Welcome Bonus

60,000 Flex point

80,000 Hotel

Earn Rates

Category	American Express Gold Card	Hilton Honors American Express Card
Hilton Properties	1X	7X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Hilton Honors American Express Card wins in 6 of 6 categories. The American Express Gold Card leads in 0.

Dining

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 5X vs 4X

Grocery Stores

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 5X vs 4X

Hilton Properties

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 7X vs 1X

Hilton Hotels Resorts

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 7X vs 1X

U.S. Gas Stations

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 5X vs 1X

Everyday purchases

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 3X on all other spending vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The American Express Gold Card costs $325/yr — that's $325 more than the Hilton Honors American Express Card (no annual fee). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $325 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.

The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

Bottom line: The $325 gap is significant. Choose the American Express Gold Card only if you spend heavily on dining and grocery stores and will use its premium benefits regularly — otherwise the Hilton Honors American Express Card delivers strong value at a fraction of the cost.

The Bottom Line

The Hilton Honors American Express Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $325), making it the more accessible option.

The American Express Gold Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like travel credits.

For everyday spending, the Hilton Honors American Express Card earns more with its 3X base rate.

Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the American Express Gold Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the American Express Gold Card worth the higher annual fee?: The American Express Gold Card costs $325/yr vs $0/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Gold Card or Hilton Honors American Express Card?: The Hilton Honors American Express Card has a higher base earn rate (3X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the American Express Gold Card have that the Hilton Honors American Express Card doesn't?: The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. The Hilton Honors American Express Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Hilton Honors American Express Card?: Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the American Express Gold Card if you spend enough to justify the $325/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Amex Gold Amex Blue Cash Preferred vs Hilton Honors Amex Amex Gold vs Amex Platinum Amex Gold vs Bank Of America Customized Cash

Explore More

American Express Gold Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

Hilton Honors American Express Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards

Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.

American Express Gold Card vs Hilton Honors American Express Card

American Express Gold Card

American Express

Hilton Honors American Express Card

American Express

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$325

Welcome Bonus

60,000 Flex point

80,000 Hotel

Earn Rates

Category	American Express Gold Card	Hilton Honors American Express Card
Hilton Properties	1X	7X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Hilton Honors American Express Card wins in 6 of 6 categories. The American Express Gold Card leads in 0.

Dining

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 5X vs 4X

Grocery Stores

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 5X vs 4X

Hilton Properties

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 7X vs 1X

Hilton Hotels Resorts

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 7X vs 1X

U.S. Gas Stations

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 5X vs 1X

Everyday purchases

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 3X on all other spending vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

The Bottom Line

The Hilton Honors American Express Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $325), making it the more accessible option.

The American Express Gold Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like travel credits.

For everyday spending, the Hilton Honors American Express Card earns more with its 3X base rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the American Express Gold Card worth the higher annual fee?: The American Express Gold Card costs $325/yr vs $0/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Gold Card or Hilton Honors American Express Card?: The Hilton Honors American Express Card has a higher base earn rate (3X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the American Express Gold Card have that the Hilton Honors American Express Card doesn't?: The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. The Hilton Honors American Express Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Hilton Honors American Express Card?: Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the American Express Gold Card if you spend enough to justify the $325/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Amex Gold Amex Blue Cash Preferred vs Hilton Honors Amex Amex Gold vs Amex Platinum Amex Gold vs Bank Of America Customized Cash

Explore More

American Express Gold Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

Hilton Honors American Express Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards

American Express Gold Card vs Hilton Honors American Express Card

American Express Gold Card

American Express

Hilton Honors American Express Card

American Express

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$325

Welcome Bonus

60,000 Flex point

80,000 Hotel

Earn Rates

Category	American Express Gold Card	Hilton Honors American Express Card
Hilton Properties	1X	7X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Hilton Honors American Express Card wins in 6 of 6 categories. The American Express Gold Card leads in 0.

Dining

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 5X vs 4X

Grocery Stores

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 5X vs 4X

Hilton Properties

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 7X vs 1X

Hilton Hotels Resorts

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 7X vs 1X

U.S. Gas Stations

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 5X vs 1X

Everyday purchases

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 3X on all other spending vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

The Bottom Line

The Hilton Honors American Express Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $325), making it the more accessible option.

The American Express Gold Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like travel credits.

For everyday spending, the Hilton Honors American Express Card earns more with its 3X base rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the American Express Gold Card worth the higher annual fee?: The American Express Gold Card costs $325/yr vs $0/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Gold Card or Hilton Honors American Express Card?: The Hilton Honors American Express Card has a higher base earn rate (3X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the American Express Gold Card have that the Hilton Honors American Express Card doesn't?: The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. The Hilton Honors American Express Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Hilton Honors American Express Card?: Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the American Express Gold Card if you spend enough to justify the $325/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Amex Gold Amex Blue Cash Preferred vs Hilton Honors Amex Amex Gold vs Amex Platinum Amex Gold vs Bank Of America Customized Cash

Explore More

American Express Gold Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

Hilton Honors American Express Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards

Benefits & Features

Network

AMEX

Key Benefits

✓Travel credit

✓Travel insurance

✓Purchase protection

None

Pros & Cons

Pros

+4X points on dining worldwide - industry leading
+4X at U.S. supermarkets up to $25k/year
+$424 in annual credits offset $325 fee
+No foreign transaction fees
+Transfer to 20+ airline and hotel partners

+No annual fee ever
+Automatic Hilton Silver status with 20% bonus points and late checkout
+Path to Gold status after $20,000 annual spend
+Solid 7X earning at Hilton properties, 5X at restaurants/supermarkets/gas
+No foreign transaction fees

Cons

−$325 annual fee with no waived first year
−4X grocery excludes Costco, Walmart, Target
−No lounge access included
−Limited non-food spending categories
−Amex acceptance less universal than Visa/MC

−Only Silver status (lower than Surpass/Aspire Gold grants)
−Lower earn rates than premium Hilton cards (7X vs 12X at Hilton)
−No annual credits or free night rewards
−Points locked to Hilton with no transfer flexibility
−Amex network less accepted internationally than Visa/Mastercard

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

Choosing Hilton Honors American Express Card means losing:

-Annual travel credit
-Purchase protection
-Travel insurance

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the American Express Gold Card if you:

+Travel enough to fully use annual credits and premium perks

Get the Hilton Honors American Express Card if you:

+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment
+Prefer a high flat rate across all spending

Benefits & Features

Network

AMEX

Key Benefits

✓Travel credit

✓Travel insurance

✓Purchase protection

None

Pros & Cons

Pros

+4X points on dining worldwide - industry leading
+4X at U.S. supermarkets up to $25k/year
+$424 in annual credits offset $325 fee
+No foreign transaction fees
+Transfer to 20+ airline and hotel partners

+No annual fee ever
+Automatic Hilton Silver status with 20% bonus points and late checkout
+Path to Gold status after $20,000 annual spend
+Solid 7X earning at Hilton properties, 5X at restaurants/supermarkets/gas
+No foreign transaction fees

Cons

−$325 annual fee with no waived first year
−4X grocery excludes Costco, Walmart, Target
−No lounge access included
−Limited non-food spending categories
−Amex acceptance less universal than Visa/MC

−Only Silver status (lower than Surpass/Aspire Gold grants)
−Lower earn rates than premium Hilton cards (7X vs 12X at Hilton)
−No annual credits or free night rewards
−Points locked to Hilton with no transfer flexibility
−Amex network less accepted internationally than Visa/Mastercard

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

Choosing Hilton Honors American Express Card means losing:

-Annual travel credit
-Purchase protection
-Travel insurance

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the American Express Gold Card if you:

+Travel enough to fully use annual credits and premium perks

Get the Hilton Honors American Express Card if you:

+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment
+Prefer a high flat rate across all spending

Benefits & Features

Network

AMEX

Key Benefits

✓Travel credit

✓Travel insurance

✓Purchase protection

None

Pros & Cons

Pros

+4X points on dining worldwide - industry leading
+4X at U.S. supermarkets up to $25k/year
+$424 in annual credits offset $325 fee
+No foreign transaction fees
+Transfer to 20+ airline and hotel partners

+No annual fee ever
+Automatic Hilton Silver status with 20% bonus points and late checkout
+Path to Gold status after $20,000 annual spend
+Solid 7X earning at Hilton properties, 5X at restaurants/supermarkets/gas
+No foreign transaction fees

Cons

−$325 annual fee with no waived first year
−4X grocery excludes Costco, Walmart, Target
−No lounge access included
−Limited non-food spending categories
−Amex acceptance less universal than Visa/MC

−Only Silver status (lower than Surpass/Aspire Gold grants)
−Lower earn rates than premium Hilton cards (7X vs 12X at Hilton)
−No annual credits or free night rewards
−Points locked to Hilton with no transfer flexibility
−Amex network less accepted internationally than Visa/Mastercard

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

Choosing Hilton Honors American Express Card means losing:

-Annual travel credit
-Purchase protection
-Travel insurance

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the American Express Gold Card if you:

+Travel enough to fully use annual credits and premium perks

Get the Hilton Honors American Express Card if you:

+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment
+Prefer a high flat rate across all spending