The Amex Platinum Card vs. the Hilton Aspire Card [Detailed Comparison]

Key Takeaways

• The Platinum Card^® from American Express earns 5x points on flights (up to $500,000 per year, then 1x) and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com, plus it has travel benefits and statement credits.
• The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 14x points at Hilton, 7x points on flights, rental cars, and U.S. restaurants, and 3x points on all other purchases.
• Both cards are stellar examples of premium travel rewards cards, but they shine for different reasons.

If you’re comparing premium travel rewards cards, chances are you’re a frequent traveler, you value premium travel benefits, and you’re looking for a card that delivers it all.

Premium travel rewards cards, such as the ones we’re comparing today, offer a collection of benefits every frequent traveler can use. The challenge is to find the card best suited for your particular spending profile that has benefits that align with your priorities. You’ll also want to ensure the card you select allows you to redeem your rewards for what matters to you most. That’s a tall order, but premium travel credit cards are designed to meet the challenge.

We’re comparing the Platinum Card^® from American Express and the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, which shine for delivering benefits to frequent travelers. We’ll review the value of each card’s welcome offer, how they measure up with earnings and redemptions, and the benefits associated with each card.

Summary

Before discussing the specific details of each card, let’s start with an overview of our 2 featured cards.

Welcome Offer Showdown

A welcome offer for a travel rewards credit card is a valuable benefit you can earn immediately after being approved for the card. The Amex Platinum card and the Hilton Aspire card each have generous offers, and you can earn them by meeting the minimum spending requirements in the specified period.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the current welcome offers and card highlights.

Amex Platinum Card

+ NEW BENEFITS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$895

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than the Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards^® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel^® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection^®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club^® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
• More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card^® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card^® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
• More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel^® using the Platinum Card^®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card^® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card^®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
• More Value! $209 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card^®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card^® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts^® through American Express Travel^®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
• New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card^®.*Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
• $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card^®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Apply and find out if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of as high as 175,000 points with the Amex Platinum. Welcome offers may vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Membership Rewards points can be redeemed for travel for 1 cent per point. With this valuation, a 50,000-point welcome bonus offer could be redeemed for $500 in travel and a 100,000-point bonus for $1,000 in travel.

However, your welcome bonus could be worth much more, as it’s possible to receive greater value when transferring points to travel partners.

Hilton Aspire Card

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.

Welcome Offer

Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/14/2026.

175,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $875

Annual Fee

$550

APR

19.74%-28.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

Paying hundreds of dollars for an annual fee on a co-branded hotel card might seem ridiculous, but you should know that the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is much more than your run-of-the-mill hotel credit card.

The Hilton Aspire card is not only a phenomenal card for Hilton Honors loyalists, but even those who visit Hilton hotels just a few times a year can still get excellent value out of all the benefits that are packed into this card.

So let’s have a look at what makes the card so valuable to travelers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 14x points per $1 on Hilton purchases
• 7x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants
• 3x points per $1 on all other eligible purchases

Cons

• High annual fee of $550 (rates & fees)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/14/2026.
• Card Members can earn 14X Points on purchases made directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
• Card Members can earn 7X Points on purchases of Flights booked directly with airlines or flights booked through American Express Travel, Car rentals purchased directly from select car rental companies, and purchases at U.S. Restaurants.
• Card Members can earn 3X Points on all other eligible purchases.
• Enhance your hotel stay with complimentary Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status and enjoy a world of hotel privileges and benefits. Get exclusive perks at any of Hilton's 24 hotel brands, like a 100% Bonus on Base Points earned on every stay, Premium Wi-Fi and space-available room upgrades at select properties, and more.
• Enjoy an Annual Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors in your first year of Card Membership and every year upon Card renewal.
• $400 Hilton Resort Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually for eligible purchases made directly with participating Hilton Resorts on your Hilton Honors Aspire Card. That's up to $400 back annually.
• $200 Flight Credit: Get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter, for a total of up to $200 back each year, on flight purchases made directly with an airline or through amextravel.com using your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.
• Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you can earn an additional Free Night Reward from Hilton after you spend an additional $30,000 (for a total of $60,000) in purchases on your Card in the same calendar year.
• $209 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: You can receive up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you sign up and pay for a CLEAR Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your eligible Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.
• $100 Property Credit: How it Works: To receive up to $100 in credits for qualifying hotel charges, book a 2-night minimum stay at participating Waldorf Astoria^® Hotels & Resorts and Conrad^® Hotels & Resorts with your Card through hiltonhonorsaspirecard.com and select the Aspire Card Benefit rate option on the booking page or call Hilton Honors at (855) 292-5757 with the proper booking reference. See Terms & Conditions for further details.
• Hilton Honors Aspire Card Members can enjoy complimentary National Car Rental^® Emerald Club Executive^® status, including perks like Executive Area Access (for full-size reservations and above) in the USA and Canada. Card Members must enroll in the National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status through their American Express online account using their Card. Terms apply.
• $550 annual fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74%-28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The value of a welcome offer will depend on the selected hotel and the dates for which you’re redeeming points. However, you can generally count on a value of at least 0.5 cents per Hilton Honors point. This valuation would equate the current welcome offer to up to $875, but it’s possible to receive much greater value depending on the specific hotel redemption.

Bottom Line:

The ultimate value of a welcome offer will depend on how you redeem your points. You can determine the value you’re receiving for your redeemed points by finding the cash price of the travel you’re interested in, then dividing that price by the number of points you’d be redeeming. This will give you the value per point you’ll receive for your redemption. 

Membership Rewards Points vs. Hilton Honors Points

Both cards we’re comparing earn well on travel purchases. The Amex Platinum card earns more on flights and prepaid hotels, while the Hilton Aspire card has a slightly broader range of categories for elevated earnings.

Here’s how the cards compare when it comes to earnings.

Earning Potential

While earnings vary widely on these cards, the value you receive for your points at redemption time ultimately determines the more valuable rewards currency for your situation.

Membership Rewards points are some of the most valuable travel rewards points you can earn because they are flexible at redemption time.

Conversely, Hilton Honors points are easy to earn and provide good value when booking free hotel nights.

Here’s how you earn points on each of these cards.

Bottom Line:

If you spend a lot on flights and prepaid hotels, you’ll earn well on the Amex Platinum card. If you’re a Hilton loyalist, the earnings on the Hilton Aspire card add up substantially when spending at Hilton and on flights, rental cars, and dining. 

Redemption Options

When it’s time to redeem your points, you’ll find greater flexibility with Membership Rewards points. You can redeem travel points or transfer points to the Amex transfer partners for even greater potential value.

Hilton Honors points can be redeemed at nearly 6,500 hotel properties worldwide using variable award pricing. You can also redeem Hilton Honors points by transferring to airline partners at a lesser value.

While both cards offer various redemption options, just a few offer the best value for your points.

Refer to our article for some excellent redemption options with maximum value for your Membership Rewards points.

For some of the best ways to redeem your Hilton Honors points, we invite you to review our guide, which includes creative ideas that can deliver the most value for your points.

Bottom Line:

Transferring Membership Rewards points to airline partners and redeeming Hilton Honors points for free hotel rooms can result in the best value for your points. While redemption options vary in value, you’ll want to strive to exceed 1 cent per point for your Membership Rewards points and 0.5 cents per point in value for Hilton Honors points. 

Statement Credits Compared

Statement credits provide direct value that can help offset a card’s annual fee. Some may require enrollment.

Here are the statement credits you can expect to receive from specific purchases made on your Amex Platinum card or Hilton Aspire card (some benefits may require enrollment):

Bottom Line:

The Amex Platinum card offers the opportunity for thousands of dollars in statement credits, while the Hilton Aspire card offers just over $900. However, the ultimate value you receive will depend on how many of these statement credit offers you will actually use. 

Air Travel Advantages

Airport Lounge Access

Frequent travelers value the sanctuary, culinary options, and refreshment aspects of premium airport lounge access. Fortunately, you’ll find complimentary access to over 1,550 lounge properties worldwide with either of the cards we’re comparing.

The value of airport lounge access can be significant. Here is a sampling of current comparative lounge membership costs.

• Delta Sky Club: $545 single annual membership, additional guests $29 per person, per visit
• Priority Pass: $469 single annual membership, additional guests $35 per person, per visit

Depending on the frequency of travel, receiving complimentary lounge access with access for guests could be worth hundreds (if not thousands), of dollars annually.

Let’s look at the level of airport lounge access each card provides.

Amex Platinum Lounge Networks

The Amex Platinum card excels in offering complimentary access to a wide selection of global lounge networks, including the prestigious Centurion Lounge network. Access is provided (except where noted) for the primary cardholder plus up to 2 additional guests.

• Centurion Lounge: Complimentary guest access for up to 2 guests is unlocked after spending $75,000 in a calendar year
• 10 visits to Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta) with the ability to unlock unlimited visits through spend
• Escape Lounges — The Centurion Studio Partner
• Select Lufthansa Lounges
• Plaza Premium Lounges
• Priority Pass Select (enrollment required) — 2 complimentary guest passes; $35 per additional guest
• Select Virgin Clubhouses

Comparing Authorized User Lounge Access

Amex Platinum Card: Additional users have full worldwide lounge access with the same cardholder and guest privileges as the primary member. You can have additional Platinum cardholders for a $195 annual fee per person (rates & fees).

Bottom Line:

Both the Amex Platinum card and Hilton Aspire card provide a wide variety of lounge experience options but the Amex Platinum card wins with its unique additional access to Centurion Lounges, 10 visits to Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta) with the ability to unlock unlimited visits through spend, Escape Lounges — The Centurion Studio Partner, Lufthansa Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and Virgin Clubhouses. Both Amex Platinum card primary cardholders and authorized users also have full lounge access privileges, versus the Hilton Aspire card’s limitation to just the primary cardholder. 

International Airline Program (Amex Platinum Card Only)

Access 37 international airlines to book discounted premium flights through the International Airline Program.

Hotel Program Perks

Amex Platinum Card

While you might not expect a high level of hotel elite benefits from a general travel rewards card, the Amex Platinum card fares quite well in this category.

You’ll find the following hotel loyal program benefits with the Amex Platinum card:

Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status

Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite members receive upgraded rooms (when available), free Wi-Fi, welcome points, 25% bonus points on earnings, and late checkout.

Leaders Club Sterling Status

Members can enroll in Sterling status, the only elite tier in the Leaders Club program. Benefits include upgrade priority at check-in, 5% bonus earnings, and 5 pre-arrival upgrade awards annually.

Hilton Honors Gold Elite Status

Receive upgraded rooms, free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast or a food and beverage credit in the U.S., and earn 18 points per dollar spent at Hilton properties, thanks to Hilton Honors Gold status.

Enroll for these benefits via your online Amex Platinum card account under the Rewards and Benefits section.

American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts

When you book a Fine Hotels + Resorts property, you’ll receive these amazing benefits:

The Hotel Collection

Stay 2 nights or more with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards on-site qualifying dining, spa, and resort activities. Additionally, you’ll earn 5x Membership Rewards on prepaid bookings.

Remember that cardholders can enjoy up to $600 in annual statement credits to offset costs of booking a hotel with Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection. This is available as up to $300 semi-annually.

Hilton Aspire Card

You should expect a premium hotel credit card to have a nice collection of elite-style benefits and the Hilton Aspire card delivers. The Hilton Aspire card offers top elite status, elevated earnings, free hotel nights, and more.

• Hilton Honors Diamond elite status
  • 20 points earned per dollar spent at Hilton properties
  • Suite upgrades when available
  • Complimentary breakfast (or a food and beverage credit in the U.S.) and executive lounge access
• Free hotel night shortly after card approval and at each subsequent card anniversary
• Additional free night after spending $60,000 on the card each year
• 14 Hilton Honors points per $1 spent on the card (for a total of 34 points per $1 spent) at Hilton family properties
• Up to $400 in annual hotel credits at Hilton resorts, and $100 credit at Waldorf, and Conrad properties

Rental Car Program Benefits

Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum provides the following rental car program benefits upon enrollment:

• Avis Preferred Club: 25% discount on base rates and 1 car class upgrade when available
• Hertz Gold Plus Rewards: Hertz President’s Circle status; receive a 1 car class upgrade when you rent an intermediate size vehicle or greater
• National Emerald Club Executive: Preferred car selection, easy returns, 1 class upgrade when renting full size or greater, accelerated earnings towards free rentals

Hilton Aspire Card

Hilton Honors members receive discounted rates and bonus point earnings when booking with Alamo, Enterprise, and National.

Bottom Line:

The Amex Platinum card offers a broad collection of hotel and car rental program benefits. The Hilton Aspire card excels in creating an elevated experience, accelerated earnings, and perks specifically designed for those who frequent Hilton properties. 

Notable Travel Protection and Insurance

Since the Amex Platinum card and the Hilton Aspire card are premium cards issued by American Express, the travel benefits and protections are similar. The benefits listed apply to both cards unless specifically noted:

• Trip cancellation/interruption: Purchase your common carrier ticket with your card, and you, plus any eligible travelers, may qualify for cancellation or trip disruption due to unexpected or unforeseen events. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per trip, $20,000 per card account for each 12-month period.
• Car rental loss and damage insurance: Use either card to pay for your rental car, decline the rental car agency’s collision damage waiver coverage, and receive secondary car rental insurance if the car is damaged or stolen. Cardholders also have the option to purchase Premium Protection for 1 low price that covers the entire rental period. Terms apply.
• Baggage insurance plan: Lost, damaged, or stolen baggage is covered up $3,000. Coverage is excess over other insurance.
• Premium Global Assist: Legal, financial, and medical emergency assistance services are provided 24/7 worldwide.
• Concierge services: You’re just a call away from help with reservations and assistance with making your travel arrangements.

Hot Tip:

Benefits offered by premium travel rewards cards frequently require registration before they can be activated. When you receive your card, sign in to your online card account, and register for any desired benefits under the benefits section.

Comparing Shopping Benefits and Protections

The Amex Platinum card and Hilton Aspire card offer these shopping benefits and protections:

• Amex Offers: Receive potentially significant savings with ongoing offers for rebates and bonus points on specific purchases. Enrollment is required.
• American Express Presale and Preferred Seating: Members receive early access to event tickets and priority seating.
• Entertainment access: Receive access to member-only events and special experiences.
• Return protection: If an item you purchased is not accepted as a return by the merchant within 90 days of purchase, the purchase price could be refunded. Limits apply.
• Extended warranty: Up to 1 additional year is added to the manufacturer’s warranty of 5 years or less on eligible purchases.
• Purchase protection: Pay for your eligible purchase and receive up to $10,000 per occurrence ($50,000 per account per calendar year) if the item is accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost. Coverage is provided for 120 days (90 days in New York) from the date of purchase.

Bottom Line:

When we compare the Amex Platinum card with the Hilton Aspire card, both deliver plenty of benefits that can save you money, protect you when you travel, grant special entertainment access, and provide travel assistance when needed. 

Fees and Authorized Users

No Foreign Transaction Fees

Neither of our featured cards charges foreign transaction fees.

Additional Users and Fees

Authorized users receive some of the same benefits as primary cardholders.

Additional Platinum Cardholders of the Amex Platinum card receive full worldwide lounge access, hotel elite status, and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit, for $195 per card (rates & fees).

While there is no additional fee (rates & fees) to add authorized users to your Hilton Aspire card, they will not receive lounge access, hotel elite status, or additional statement credits. The charges made by authorized users earn points that are credited to the primary cardholder account. Authorized users do receive travel and shopping benefits/protections.

Bottom Line:

When we compare benefits for additional cardholders, the Amex Platinum card offers significantly more benefits, however, you will have to pay a fee. 

Final Thoughts

While there are definitely benefit overlaps between these 2 cards, deciding between the 2 cards is not difficult.

If you are a Hilton loyalist, you’ll benefit greatly from having the Hilton Aspire card.

If you’re a frequent international traveler, enjoy Centurion Lounges, purchase a lot of flights, and have little hotel loyalty, you may fare better with the Amex Platinum card.

Both cards offer significant value when matched with the right frequent traveler.

Learn more about some additional great choices for the best travel rewards cards in our related article on this specific topic.

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the Platinum Card^® from American Express, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance benefits of the Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the extended warranty and purchase protection benefit of the Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the Premium Global Assist Hotline benefit of the Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, card members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

For the return protection benefit of the Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance benefits of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the extended warranty and purchase protection benefit of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the Premium Global Assist Hotline benefit of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, card members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

For the return protection benefit of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.