Is the The Platinum Card from American Express worth the higher annual fee?

The The Platinum Card from American Express costs $895/yr vs $550/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the The Platinum Card from American Express or Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card?

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

What benefits does the The Platinum Card from American Express have that the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card doesn't?

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

Should I get the The Platinum Card from American Express or the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card?

Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the The Platinum Card from American Express if you spend enough to justify the $895/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the The Platinum Card from American Express worth the higher annual fee?

The The Platinum Card from American Express costs $895/yr vs $550/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the The Platinum Card from American Express or Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card?

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

What benefits does the The Platinum Card from American Express have that the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card doesn't?

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

Should I get the The Platinum Card from American Express or the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card?

Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the The Platinum Card from American Express if you spend enough to justify the $895/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the The Platinum Card from American Express worth the higher annual fee?

The The Platinum Card from American Express costs $895/yr vs $550/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the The Platinum Card from American Express or Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card?

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

What benefits does the The Platinum Card from American Express have that the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card doesn't?

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

Should I get the The Platinum Card from American Express or the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card?

Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the The Platinum Card from American Express if you spend enough to justify the $895/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

The Platinum Card from American Express vs Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card ($550/yr) is better for everyday value, while the The Platinum Card from American Express ($895/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.

No image

The Platinum Card from American Express

American Express

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

American Express

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$895

$550

Welcome Bonus

80,000 Flex point

150,000 Hotel

Earn Rates

Category	The Platinum Card from American Express	Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Hilton Properties	1X	14X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card wins in 6 of 6 categories. The The Platinum Card from American Express leads in 0.

Flights

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 7X vs 5X

Hotels

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 3X vs 1X

Hilton Properties

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 14X vs 1X

Car Rentals

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 7X vs 1X

Dining

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 7X vs 1X

Everyday purchases

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

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The The Platinum Card from American Express costs $895/yr — that's $345 more than the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card ($550/yr). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $345 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.

The The Platinum Card from American Express offers lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

Bottom line: The $345 gap is significant. Choose the The Platinum Card from American Express only if you spend heavily on flights and hotels and will use its premium benefits regularly — otherwise the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card delivers strong value at a fraction of the cost.

The Bottom Line

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has a lower annual fee ($550 vs $895), making it the more accessible option.

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the The Platinum Card from American Express worth the higher annual fee?: The The Platinum Card from American Express costs $895/yr vs $550/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the The Platinum Card from American Express or Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card?: The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has a higher base earn rate (3X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the The Platinum Card from American Express have that the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card doesn't?: The The Platinum Card from American Express offers lounge access. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the The Platinum Card from American Express or the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card?: Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the The Platinum Card from American Express if you spend enough to justify the $895/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

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The Platinum Card from American Express — Full Review All American Express Cards

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire 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.

The Platinum Card from American Express vs Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

No image

The Platinum Card from American Express

American Express

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

American Express

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$895

$550

Welcome Bonus

80,000 Flex point

150,000 Hotel

Earn Rates

Category	The Platinum Card from American Express	Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Hilton Properties	1X	14X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card wins in 6 of 6 categories. The The Platinum Card from American Express leads in 0.

Flights

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 7X vs 5X

Hotels

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 3X vs 1X

Hilton Properties

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 14X vs 1X

Car Rentals

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 7X vs 1X

Dining

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 7X vs 1X

Everyday purchases

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

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The The Platinum Card from American Express offers lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

The Bottom Line

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has a lower annual fee ($550 vs $895), making it the more accessible option.

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the The Platinum Card from American Express worth the higher annual fee?: The The Platinum Card from American Express costs $895/yr vs $550/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the The Platinum Card from American Express or Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card?: The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has a higher base earn rate (3X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the The Platinum Card from American Express have that the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card doesn't?: The The Platinum Card from American Express offers lounge access. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the The Platinum Card from American Express or the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card?: Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the The Platinum Card from American Express if you spend enough to justify the $895/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Gold vs Amex Platinum Amex Green vs Amex Platinum Amex Platinum vs Capital One Venture Amex Platinum vs Capital One Venture X

Explore More

The Platinum Card from American Express — Full Review All American Express Cards

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

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards

The Platinum Card from American Express vs Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

No image

The Platinum Card from American Express

American Express

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

American Express

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$895

$550

Welcome Bonus

80,000 Flex point

150,000 Hotel

Earn Rates

Category	The Platinum Card from American Express	Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Hilton Properties	1X	14X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card wins in 6 of 6 categories. The The Platinum Card from American Express leads in 0.

Flights

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 7X vs 5X

Hotels

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 3X vs 1X

Hilton Properties

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 14X vs 1X

Car Rentals

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 7X vs 1X

Dining

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 7X vs 1X

Everyday purchases

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

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The The Platinum Card from American Express offers lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

The Bottom Line

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has a lower annual fee ($550 vs $895), making it the more accessible option.

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the The Platinum Card from American Express worth the higher annual fee?: The The Platinum Card from American Express costs $895/yr vs $550/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the The Platinum Card from American Express or Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card?: The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has a higher base earn rate (3X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the The Platinum Card from American Express have that the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card doesn't?: The The Platinum Card from American Express offers lounge access. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the The Platinum Card from American Express or the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card?: Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the The Platinum Card from American Express if you spend enough to justify the $895/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Gold vs Amex Platinum Amex Green vs Amex Platinum Amex Platinum vs Capital One Venture Amex Platinum vs Capital One Venture X

Explore More

The Platinum Card from American Express — Full Review All American Express Cards

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

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards

Pros & Cons

Pros

+Access to 9 lounge networks including exclusive Centurion Lounges with 2 guests free
+$200/year Uber credit plus complimentary Uber One membership ($168 value)
+$400/year Resy dining credit at select restaurants
+Automatic Marriott Gold and Hilton Gold status with room upgrades and breakfast
+5X points on flights booked direct or via Amex Travel

+Automatic Hilton Diamond status - highest published tier with room upgrades and executive lounge access
+$400 Hilton resort credit ($200 semi-annually) covers significant portion of annual fee
+$200 airline fee credit ($50 quarterly) for incidentals
+$209 CLEAR Plus credit for expedited airport security
+Up to 3 free night awards annually (anniversary + $30K and $60K spend milestones)

Cons

−$895 annual fee requires significant credit utilization to break even
−Many credits require specific merchants (Saks, Equinox, SoulCycle)
−Only 1X points on non-travel purchases limits everyday earning
−Secondary car rental coverage unless paying $24.95/rental for primary
−$195 authorized user fee after first 3 free cards

−$550 annual fee is substantial even with credits
−Resort credit only valid at Hilton resort properties, not standard hotels
−Hilton points valued lower than Hyatt at ~0.5 cents per point
−Diamond Reserve tier introduced in 2026 means Diamond is no longer the absolute top
−Welcome bonus of 150K points lower than previous 175K elevated offer

Pros & Cons

Pros

+Access to 9 lounge networks including exclusive Centurion Lounges with 2 guests free
+$200/year Uber credit plus complimentary Uber One membership ($168 value)
+$400/year Resy dining credit at select restaurants
+Automatic Marriott Gold and Hilton Gold status with room upgrades and breakfast
+5X points on flights booked direct or via Amex Travel

+Automatic Hilton Diamond status - highest published tier with room upgrades and executive lounge access
+$400 Hilton resort credit ($200 semi-annually) covers significant portion of annual fee
+$200 airline fee credit ($50 quarterly) for incidentals
+$209 CLEAR Plus credit for expedited airport security
+Up to 3 free night awards annually (anniversary + $30K and $60K spend milestones)

Cons

−$895 annual fee requires significant credit utilization to break even
−Many credits require specific merchants (Saks, Equinox, SoulCycle)
−Only 1X points on non-travel purchases limits everyday earning
−Secondary car rental coverage unless paying $24.95/rental for primary
−$195 authorized user fee after first 3 free cards

−$550 annual fee is substantial even with credits
−Resort credit only valid at Hilton resort properties, not standard hotels
−Hilton points valued lower than Hyatt at ~0.5 cents per point
−Diamond Reserve tier introduced in 2026 means Diamond is no longer the absolute top
−Welcome bonus of 150K points lower than previous 175K elevated offer

Pros & Cons

Pros

+Access to 9 lounge networks including exclusive Centurion Lounges with 2 guests free
+$200/year Uber credit plus complimentary Uber One membership ($168 value)
+$400/year Resy dining credit at select restaurants
+Automatic Marriott Gold and Hilton Gold status with room upgrades and breakfast
+5X points on flights booked direct or via Amex Travel

+Automatic Hilton Diamond status - highest published tier with room upgrades and executive lounge access
+$400 Hilton resort credit ($200 semi-annually) covers significant portion of annual fee
+$200 airline fee credit ($50 quarterly) for incidentals
+$209 CLEAR Plus credit for expedited airport security
+Up to 3 free night awards annually (anniversary + $30K and $60K spend milestones)

Cons

−$895 annual fee requires significant credit utilization to break even
−Many credits require specific merchants (Saks, Equinox, SoulCycle)
−Only 1X points on non-travel purchases limits everyday earning
−Secondary car rental coverage unless paying $24.95/rental for primary
−$195 authorized user fee after first 3 free cards

−$550 annual fee is substantial even with credits
−Resort credit only valid at Hilton resort properties, not standard hotels
−Hilton points valued lower than Hyatt at ~0.5 cents per point
−Diamond Reserve tier introduced in 2026 means Diamond is no longer the absolute top
−Welcome bonus of 150K points lower than previous 175K elevated offer

The Platinum Card from American Express vs Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

The Platinum Card from American Express

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire 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

The Platinum Card from American Express vs Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

The Platinum Card from American Express

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire 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

The Platinum Card from American Express vs Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

The Platinum Card from American Express

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire 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?