The Amex Platinum Card vs. the Hilton Aspire Card [2026 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.

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 to your spending profile that offers benefits aligned with your priorities. You’ll also want to ensure the card you select lets you redeem your rewards for what matters most to you.

That’s a tall order, but these 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. We’ll review the value of each card’s welcome offer, how they compare 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 after approval. 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

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 you spend $12,000 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. 

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
• Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash and Uber One, Resy, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, lululemon credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR+ credit, and Equinox credit)
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
• Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts and Amex International Airline Program
• Access to Amex transfer partners
• No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

 

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 $12,000 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.
• 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.
• $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.
• $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
• $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.
• $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. 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.
• $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your 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, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
• $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.
• 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, here at Upgraded Points, we value Amex points at 2.2 cents per point, meaning if you transfer your points or seek high-value redemptions, 50,000 points could actually be worth $1,100 — or potentially even more.

Hot Tip:

Consult our travel points and mile valuations to understand what your points are worth.

Hilton Aspire Card

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 150,000 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.

150,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $750

Annual Fee

$550

APR

19.49%-28.49% 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 150,000 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.
• 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 25 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.
• 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.
• $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 airlines or via AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App using your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.
• $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.
• 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.
• $100 Property Credit: Receive up to a $100 credit for qualifying charges at Waldorf Astoria^® Hotels & Resorts and Conrad^® Hotels & Resorts properties when you book a 2 night minimum stay with your Card at 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.
• 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.
• Pay It Plan It^®: Pay It^® lets you tap in the American Express^® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It^® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
• Whenever you travel more than 100 miles from home, Global Assist^® Hotline§ is available for 24/7 emergency assistance and coordination services, including medical and legal referrals, emergency cash wires, and missing luggage assistance. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Other terms and conditions apply.
• Points don’t expire while your Hilton Honors American Express Card is active and in good standing.
• $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: 19.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The value of a welcome offer depends on the selected hotel and the dates 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 $750, but you could receive much greater value depending on the specific hotel redemption.

Bottom Line:

The ultimate value of a welcome offer depends 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 gives you the value per point you’d receive for your redemption. 

Membership Rewards Points vs. Hilton Honors Points

Both of these cards 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 in terms of 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 solid 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’d earn well on the Amex Platinum card. If you’re a Hilton loyalist, the earnings on the Hilton Aspire card would 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’d have more flexibility with Membership Rewards points. You can redeem travel points or transfer points to the Amex transfer partners for even greater potential value. It’s worth noting that Amex Membership Rewards points transfer to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio.

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 redemptions, just a few offer the best value for your points.

Hot Tip:

To get the most value out of your Membership Rewards points, you have to get creative. Same goes for Hilton Honors redemptions; it takes time and research to figure out where and how you can obtain the most value.

Statement Credits Comparison

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 depends on how many of these statement credit offers you actually use. 

Air Travel Advantages

Airport Lounge Access (Amex Platinum Card Only)

Frequent travelers value the sanctuary, better food, and refreshment aspects of premium airport lounge access. Only one of the card’s we’re comparing today offers lounge access, and that’s the Amex Platinum card. The Hilton Aspire card no longer offers airport lounge access.

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

• Delta Sky Club: $695 single annual membership, additional guests $50 per person each visit
• Priority Pass: $469 single annual membership, additional guests $35 per person each visit

Amex Platinum Card Lounge Networks

The Amex Platinum card excels in offering 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 Lounges: Complimentary guest access for up to 2 guests 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; guests are $50 per person each visit
• 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
• Some Virgin Clubhouses

Amex Platinum Card’s Additional Platinum Card Lounge Access

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

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.

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 prearrival 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 $1 spent at Hilton properties, thanks to Hilton Honors Gold status.

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

American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts

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

The Hotel Collection

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

Remember that cardholders can get up to $600 in annual statement credits to offset the costs of booking a hotel with Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection. This is available as up to $300 semiannually (a stay of 2 nights or more is required for using the credit on Hotel Collection bookings).

Hilton Aspire Card

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

• Hilton Honors Diamond elite status
  • 20 points earned per $1 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
• Earn an additional free night after spending $30,000 and $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 card provides the following rental car program benefits upon enrollment:

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

Hilton Aspire Card

Cardholders get National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive Status (enrollment is required).

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 and trip interruption: Purchase your common carrier ticket with your card and you and any eligible travelers may qualify for protection from trip cancellation or trip disruption caused by unexpected or unforeseen events. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per trip and $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 can also 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 to $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.

Fees and Authorized Users

Each of these cards has specific fees you should be aware of before applying:

No Foreign Transaction Fees

Neither of our featured cards charges foreign transaction fees.

Additional Cards and Fees

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

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

Though there is no additional fee (rates & fees) to add authorized users to your Hilton Aspire card, they don’t receive 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 and protections.

Bottom Line:

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

Final Thoughts

While there are definitely overlaps in the benefits on these cards, deciding between the two is not difficult.

If you are a Hilton loyalist, you’d 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. And remember, you can always transfer Membership Rewards points to Hilton Honors points.