Choosing between the American Express Gold Card ($325/yr) and the Hilton Honors American Express Card (no annual fee) comes down to where you spend most. Both cards can deliver real value — let’s break it down, then run your numbers to find the winner.
Strongest in dining at 4% (up to $50,000/yr). 4X points at restaurants worldwide, 4X on U.S. supermarkets, 3X on flights.
Perfect if: You spend enough in bonus categories to easily offset the annual fee.
Apply NowStrongest in travel at 7.0%. 7x at Hilton hotels, 5x at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations. Earns a solid 3.0% on everything else.
Perfect if: You want solid rewards without paying an annual fee.
Apply Now| Feature | American Express Gold Card | Hilton Honors American Express Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $325 | $0 |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 60,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months | 70,000 points after $2,000 spend in 6 months |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 0% | 0% |
| Base Reward Rate | 1.0% | <strong>3.0%</strong> |
| Travel Rewards | 3% | <strong>7.0%</strong> |
| Dining Rewards | 4% (up to $50,000/yr) | <strong>5%</strong> |
| Groceries Rewards | 4% (up to $25,000/yr) | <strong>5%</strong> |
| Gas Rewards | 1% | <strong>5%</strong> |
| Key Benefits | 4X points at restaurants worldwide, 4X on U.S. supermarkets, 3X on flights. | 7x at Hilton hotels, 5x at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations. |
Hilton Honors American Express Card wins on travel, dining, groceries, gas.
The $325/year fee difference means American Express Gold Card needs to earn at least that much more in rewards to justify its cost.
Not sure which fits your life? Enter your spending below and we’ll do the math.
Enter your typical monthly spending and we’ll show you exactly which card earns more — including fees and bonuses.