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

The American Express Green Card costs $150/yr vs $0/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Green 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 Green Card have that the Hilton Honors American Express Card doesn't?

The American Express Green Card offers lounge access. The Hilton Honors American Express Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Should I get the American Express Green 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 Green Card if you spend enough to justify the $150/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

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

The American Express Green Card costs $150/yr vs $0/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Green 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 Green Card have that the Hilton Honors American Express Card doesn't?

The American Express Green Card offers lounge access. The Hilton Honors American Express Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Should I get the American Express Green 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 Green Card if you spend enough to justify the $150/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

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

The American Express Green Card costs $150/yr vs $0/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Green 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 Green Card have that the Hilton Honors American Express Card doesn't?

The American Express Green Card offers lounge access. The Hilton Honors American Express Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Should I get the American Express Green 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 Green Card if you spend enough to justify the $150/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

American Express Green Card vs Hilton Honors American Express Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Card ($0/yr) is better for everyday value, while the American Express Green Card ($150/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.

American Express Green Card

American Express

Hilton Honors American Express Card

American Express

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$150

Welcome Bonus

40,000 Flex point

80,000 Hotel

Earn Rates

Category	American Express Green 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 Green Card leads in 0.

Dining

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 5X vs 3X

Hilton Properties

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 7X vs 1X

Hilton Hotels Resorts

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 7X vs 1X

Grocery Stores

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 5X 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 Green Card costs $150/yr — that's $150 more than the Hilton Honors American Express Card (no annual fee). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $150 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.

The American Express Green Card offers lounge access. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

Bottom line: The $150 difference is moderate. If you spend consistently on travel and transit, the American Express Green Card's higher earn rates and benefits can easily cover the gap.

The Bottom Line

The Hilton Honors American Express Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $150), making it the more accessible option.

The American Express Green Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access.

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 Green Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the American Express Green Card worth the higher annual fee?: The American Express Green Card costs $150/yr vs $0/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Green 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 Green Card have that the Hilton Honors American Express Card doesn't?: The American Express Green Card offers lounge access. The Hilton Honors American Express Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the American Express Green 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 Green Card if you spend enough to justify the $150/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Amex Green Amex Blue Cash Preferred vs Hilton Honors Amex Amex Gold vs Hilton Honors Amex Amex Green vs Amex Platinum

Explore More

American Express Green 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 Green Card vs Hilton Honors American Express Card

American Express Green Card

American Express

Hilton Honors American Express Card

American Express

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$150

Welcome Bonus

40,000 Flex point

80,000 Hotel

Earn Rates

Category	American Express Green 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 Green Card leads in 0.

Dining

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 5X vs 3X

Hilton Properties

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 7X vs 1X

Hilton Hotels Resorts

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 7X vs 1X

Grocery Stores

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 5X 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 Green Card offers lounge access. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

Bottom line: The $150 difference is moderate. If you spend consistently on travel and transit, the American Express Green Card's higher earn rates and benefits can easily cover the gap.

The Bottom Line

The Hilton Honors American Express Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $150), making it the more accessible option.

The American Express Green Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the American Express Green Card worth the higher annual fee?: The American Express Green Card costs $150/yr vs $0/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Green 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 Green Card have that the Hilton Honors American Express Card doesn't?: The American Express Green Card offers lounge access. The Hilton Honors American Express Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the American Express Green 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 Green Card if you spend enough to justify the $150/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Amex Green Amex Blue Cash Preferred vs Hilton Honors Amex Amex Gold vs Hilton Honors Amex Amex Green vs Amex Platinum

Explore More

American Express Green 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 Green Card vs Hilton Honors American Express Card

American Express Green Card

American Express

Hilton Honors American Express Card

American Express

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$150

Welcome Bonus

40,000 Flex point

80,000 Hotel

Earn Rates

Category	American Express Green 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 Green Card leads in 0.

Dining

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 5X vs 3X

Hilton Properties

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 7X vs 1X

Hilton Hotels Resorts

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 7X vs 1X

Grocery Stores

Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 5X 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 Green Card offers lounge access. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

Bottom line: The $150 difference is moderate. If you spend consistently on travel and transit, the American Express Green Card's higher earn rates and benefits can easily cover the gap.

The Bottom Line

The Hilton Honors American Express Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $150), making it the more accessible option.

The American Express Green Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the American Express Green Card worth the higher annual fee?: The American Express Green Card costs $150/yr vs $0/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Green 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 Green Card have that the Hilton Honors American Express Card doesn't?: The American Express Green Card offers lounge access. The Hilton Honors American Express Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the American Express Green 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 Green Card if you spend enough to justify the $150/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Amex Green Amex Blue Cash Preferred vs Hilton Honors Amex Amex Gold vs Hilton Honors Amex Amex Green vs Amex Platinum

Explore More

American Express Green 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

Pros & Cons

Pros

+3X on travel, transit, and dining worldwide covers most everyday spending
+$189 CLEAR Plus credit more than offsets the $150 annual fee for CLEAR users
+$100 LoungeBuddy credit provides flexible airport lounge access
+No foreign transaction fees for international travel
+Made from reclaimed ocean plastic (environmentally friendly)

+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

−$150 annual fee is not waived first year
−No direct lounge network membership (LoungeBuddy is pay-per-use)
−CLEAR credit has limited value outside major airports
−Lower-tier welcome bonus compared to Gold or Platinum
−$35 authorized user fee adds up for multi-card households

−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

Pros & Cons

Pros

+3X on travel, transit, and dining worldwide covers most everyday spending
+$189 CLEAR Plus credit more than offsets the $150 annual fee for CLEAR users
+$100 LoungeBuddy credit provides flexible airport lounge access
+No foreign transaction fees for international travel
+Made from reclaimed ocean plastic (environmentally friendly)

+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

−$150 annual fee is not waived first year
−No direct lounge network membership (LoungeBuddy is pay-per-use)
−CLEAR credit has limited value outside major airports
−Lower-tier welcome bonus compared to Gold or Platinum
−$35 authorized user fee adds up for multi-card households

−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

Pros & Cons

Pros

+3X on travel, transit, and dining worldwide covers most everyday spending
+$189 CLEAR Plus credit more than offsets the $150 annual fee for CLEAR users
+$100 LoungeBuddy credit provides flexible airport lounge access
+No foreign transaction fees for international travel
+Made from reclaimed ocean plastic (environmentally friendly)

+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

−$150 annual fee is not waived first year
−No direct lounge network membership (LoungeBuddy is pay-per-use)
−CLEAR credit has limited value outside major airports
−Lower-tier welcome bonus compared to Gold or Platinum
−$35 authorized user fee adds up for multi-card households

−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

American Express Green Card vs Hilton Honors American Express Card

American Express Green Card

Hilton Honors American Express Card

Fees & Welcome Offer

Earn Rates

Category-by-Category Winner

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons

Explore More

American Express Green Card vs Hilton Honors American Express Card

American Express Green Card

Hilton Honors American Express Card

Fees & Welcome Offer

Earn Rates

Category-by-Category Winner

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons

Explore More

American Express Green Card vs Hilton Honors American Express Card

American Express Green Card

Hilton Honors American Express Card

Fees & Welcome Offer

Earn Rates

Category-by-Category Winner

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons

Explore More

Benefits & Features

Pros & Cons

What You Give Up

Which Card Is Right for You?

Benefits & Features

Pros & Cons

What You Give Up

Which Card Is Right for You?

Benefits & Features

Pros & Cons

What You Give Up

Which Card Is Right for You?