Is the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card worth the higher annual fee?

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card costs $550/yr vs $79/yr for the TAP Miles&Go American Express®. The higher fee that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

What benefits does the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card have that the TAP Miles&Go American Express® doesn't?

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card focuses on earn rates, while the TAP Miles&Go American Express® offers lounge access.

Is the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card worth the higher annual fee?

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card costs $550/yr vs $79/yr for the TAP Miles&Go American Express®. The higher fee that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

What benefits does the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card have that the TAP Miles&Go American Express® doesn't?

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card focuses on earn rates, while the TAP Miles&Go American Express® offers lounge access.

Is the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card worth the higher annual fee?

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card costs $550/yr vs $79/yr for the TAP Miles&Go American Express®. The higher fee that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

What benefits does the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card have that the TAP Miles&Go American Express® doesn't?

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card focuses on earn rates, while the TAP Miles&Go American Express® offers lounge access.

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.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card vs TAP Miles&Go American Express®

The TAP Miles&Go American Express® ($79/yr) is better for everyday value, while the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card ($550/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

American Express

No image

TAP Miles&Go American Express®

Cardless

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$550

$79

Welcome Bonus

150,000 Hotel

40,000 miles

Earn Rates

Category	Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card	TAP Miles&Go American Express®
Hilton Properties	14X	1X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card wins in 7 of 7 categories. The TAP Miles&Go American Express® leads in 0.

Hilton Properties

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

Car Rentals

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 7X vs 2X

Flights

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

Dining

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

Hotels

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 3X vs 2X

Ridesharing

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 3X vs 2X

Everyday purchases

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

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card costs $550/yr — that's $471 more than the TAP Miles&Go American Express® ($79/yr). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $471 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.

The Bottom Line

The TAP Miles&Go American Express® has a lower annual fee ($79 vs $550), making it the more accessible option.

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

Choose the TAP Miles&Go American Express® if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card worth the higher annual fee?: The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card costs $550/yr vs $79/yr for the TAP Miles&Go American Express®. The higher fee that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card or TAP Miles&Go American Express®?: 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 Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card have that the TAP Miles&Go American Express® doesn't?: The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card focuses on earn rates, while the TAP Miles&Go American Express® offers lounge access.
Should I get the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card or the TAP Miles&Go American Express®?: Choose the TAP Miles&Go American Express® if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card if you spend enough to justify the $550/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Hilton Honors Amex vs Hilton Honors Aspire Hilton Honors Aspire vs Hilton Honors Surpass Hilton Honors Aspire vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant

Explore More

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

TAP Miles&Go American Express® — Full Review All Cardless Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards · Cardless 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.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card vs TAP Miles&Go American Express®

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

American Express

No image

TAP Miles&Go American Express®

Cardless

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$550

$79

Welcome Bonus

150,000 Hotel

40,000 miles

Earn Rates

Category	Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card	TAP Miles&Go American Express®
Hilton Properties	14X	1X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card wins in 7 of 7 categories. The TAP Miles&Go American Express® leads in 0.

Hilton Properties

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

Car Rentals

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 7X vs 2X

Flights

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

Dining

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

Hotels

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 3X vs 2X

Ridesharing

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 3X vs 2X

Everyday purchases

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

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Bottom Line

The TAP Miles&Go American Express® has a lower annual fee ($79 vs $550), making it the more accessible option.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card worth the higher annual fee?: The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card costs $550/yr vs $79/yr for the TAP Miles&Go American Express®. The higher fee that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card or TAP Miles&Go American Express®?: 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 Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card have that the TAP Miles&Go American Express® doesn't?: The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card focuses on earn rates, while the TAP Miles&Go American Express® offers lounge access.
Should I get the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card or the TAP Miles&Go American Express®?: Choose the TAP Miles&Go American Express® if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card if you spend enough to justify the $550/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Hilton Honors Amex vs Hilton Honors Aspire Hilton Honors Aspire vs Hilton Honors Surpass Hilton Honors Aspire vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant

Explore More

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

TAP Miles&Go American Express® — Full Review All Cardless Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards · Cardless cards

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card vs TAP Miles&Go American Express®

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

American Express

No image

TAP Miles&Go American Express®

Cardless

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$550

$79

Welcome Bonus

150,000 Hotel

40,000 miles

Earn Rates

Category	Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card	TAP Miles&Go American Express®
Hilton Properties	14X	1X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card wins in 7 of 7 categories. The TAP Miles&Go American Express® leads in 0.

Hilton Properties

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

Car Rentals

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 7X vs 2X

Flights

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

Dining

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

Hotels

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 3X vs 2X

Ridesharing

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 3X vs 2X

Everyday purchases

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

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Bottom Line

The TAP Miles&Go American Express® has a lower annual fee ($79 vs $550), making it the more accessible option.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card worth the higher annual fee?: The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card costs $550/yr vs $79/yr for the TAP Miles&Go American Express®. The higher fee that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card or TAP Miles&Go American Express®?: 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 Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card have that the TAP Miles&Go American Express® doesn't?: The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card focuses on earn rates, while the TAP Miles&Go American Express® offers lounge access.
Should I get the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card or the TAP Miles&Go American Express®?: Choose the TAP Miles&Go American Express® if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card if you spend enough to justify the $550/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Hilton Honors Amex vs Hilton Honors Aspire Hilton Honors Aspire vs Hilton Honors Surpass Hilton Honors Aspire vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant

Explore More

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

TAP Miles&Go American Express® — Full Review All Cardless Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards · Cardless cards

Benefits & Features

Network

AMEX

Key Benefits

✓Global Entry credit

✓Lounge access

✓Free checked bags

Pros & Cons

Pros

+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

−$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 Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

Bottom line: The $471 gap is significant. Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card only if you spend heavily on hilton properties and car rentals and will use its premium benefits regularly — otherwise the TAP Miles&Go American Express® delivers strong value at a fraction of the cost.

What You Give Up

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

Choosing TAP Miles&Go American Express® means losing:

-Global Entry credit

Choosing Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card means losing:

-Airport lounge access
-Free checked bags

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card if you:

+Spend $300+/month on restaurants and dining out
+Prefer a high flat rate across all spending

Get the TAP Miles&Go American Express® if you:

+Fly frequently and value airport lounge access
+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment

Benefits & Features

Network

AMEX

Key Benefits

✓Global Entry credit

✓Lounge access

✓Free checked bags

Pros & Cons

Pros

+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

−$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 Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

What You Give Up

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

Choosing TAP Miles&Go American Express® means losing:

-Global Entry credit

Choosing Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card means losing:

-Airport lounge access
-Free checked bags

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card if you:

+Spend $300+/month on restaurants and dining out
+Prefer a high flat rate across all spending

Get the TAP Miles&Go American Express® if you:

+Fly frequently and value airport lounge access
+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment

Benefits & Features

Network

AMEX

Key Benefits

✓Global Entry credit

✓Lounge access

✓Free checked bags

Pros & Cons

Pros

+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

−$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 Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

What You Give Up

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

Choosing TAP Miles&Go American Express® means losing:

-Global Entry credit

Choosing Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card means losing:

-Airport lounge access
-Free checked bags

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card if you:

+Spend $300+/month on restaurants and dining out
+Prefer a high flat rate across all spending

Get the TAP Miles&Go American Express® if you:

+Fly frequently and value airport lounge access
+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment