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

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 2 we are 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 make sure the card you select allows you to redeem your rewards for what matters to you most. That’s a tall order to fill, but premium travel credit cards are designed to meet the challenge.

We’re going to be comparing The Platinum Card^® from American Express and the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, 2 cards that shine for delivering benefits to frequent travelers. We’ll look at the value of each card’s welcome offer, how they measure up with earnings and redemptions, and review the benefits associated with each card.

Both cards are stellar examples of premium travel rewards cards, but they shine for different reasons. Let’s look at what makes each of these cards the right choice for the matching frequent traveler.

Amex Platinum Card vs. Hilton Aspire Card — Summary

Prior to getting into the specific details of each card, let’s start with an overview of our 2 featured cards.

The Value of a Welcome Offer

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 a generous offer for which you can qualify by meeting the minimum spending requirements in the initial specified time period.

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

Amex Platinum Card

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Membership Rewards points can be redeemed for travel for 1 cent per point. With this valuation, a 50,000-point welcome bonus 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 is possible to receive greater value when transferring points to travel partners.

Hilton Aspire Card

While welcome bonuses vary, bonuses on the Hilton Aspire card can range from 100,000 Hilton Honors points up to 150,000 Hilton Honors points after completing minimum spending requirements within the first 90 days after card approval.

The value of a welcome bonus will depend on the selected hotel and 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 to $750 in value for a 150,000-point welcome bonus, but it is possible to receive much greater value depending on the specific hotel redemption.

Bottom Line: The ultimate value of a welcome bonus will depend on how you redeem your points. You can determine the value you’re receiving for your redeemed points by first finding the cash price of the travel in which you’re interested, 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 chosen redemption. 

Membership Rewards Points vs. Hilton Honors Points

Both cards we’re comparing earn well on travel purchases. The Amex Platinum card earns greater 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.

Comparing Earning Potential

While earnings vary widely on these 2 cards, the value you receive for your points at redemption time ultimately determines which is the more valuable rewards currency for your situation.

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

On the flip side, 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. 

Comparing Redemption Options

When it’s time to redeem your points, you’ll find greater flexibility with Membership Rewards points. This is because you can redeem points for travel or have the additional option of transferring 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, but at a lesser value.

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

Make sure you’re receiving maximum value for your Membership Rewards points by referencing our article containing some amazing redemption options.

For some of the best ways to redeem your Hilton Honors points, we invite you to review our guide for a list of 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 in value for your Membership Rewards points and 0.5 cents per point in value for Hilton Honors points. 

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 1,300 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
• Delta Sky Club (cardholder access only; must be flying the same day with Delta)
• Escape Lounges — The Centurion Studio Partner
• Select Lufthansa Lounges
• Plaza Premium Lounges
• Priority Pass Select — third and subsequent guests are $32 each, per visit
• Select Virgin Clubhouses

Hilton Aspire Lounge Network

The Hilton Aspire offers complimentary Priority Pass Select membership for the cardholder plus access for up to 2 additional guests to access over 1,300 worldwide Priority Pass lounges.

• Priority Pass Select — third and subsequent guests are $35 per person, per visit

Comparing Authorized User Lounge Access

Amex Platinum Card — Authorized users have full worldwide lounge access with the same cardholder and guest privileges as the primary member. You can add authorized users for a $195 annual fee per person (rates and fees).

Hilton Aspire Card — Authorized users do not receive Priority Pass Select membership.

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, Delta Sky Club, 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. 

Hotel and Rental Car Program Benefits

Hotel Program Benefits — 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 within 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.

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.

Be sure to 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 and receive a $100 credit towards on-site qualifying dining, spa, and resort activities. Additionally, you’ll earn 5x Membership Rewards on prepaid bookings.

Hotel Program Benefits — 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
• $250 in annual hotel credits at Hilton resorts, and $100 credit at Waldorf, and Conrad properties, for a total of $350

Rental Car Program Benefits — Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum provides the following rental car program benefits:

• 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

Rental Car Program Benefits — 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. 

Statement Credits and Additional Benefits

Statement credits provide direct economic value that can help to offset any annual fee you’ll have to pay on a card.

Here are the statement credits you can expect to receive from specific purchases made on your Amex Platinum card or Hilton Aspire card:

Statement Credits

Bottom Line: The Amex Platinum card offers the opportunity for over $1,700 in statement credits while the Hilton Aspire card offers just $600. However, the ultimate amount of value you actually receive will depend on how many of these statement credit offers you will actually use. 

Travel Benefits and Protections

Since both the Amex Platinum card and Hilton Aspire card are premium cards issued by American Express, the list of travel benefits and protections is similar for each card. 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.
• International Airline Program (Amex Platinum Card Only) — Access 20 international airlines to book discounted premium flights.
• 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 for 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 making your travel arrangements.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees — Neither of our featured cards charges foreign transaction fees.

Hot Tip: Benefits that come with premium travel rewards cards frequently require registration before benefits will be activated. When you receive your card, sign in to your online card account and you register for any desired benefits under the benefits section.

Shopping Benefits and Protections

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

• TRUECar Auto Purchasing Program — Save thousands of dollars on your vehicle purchase, plus use your American Express card to pay at least $2,000 or more towards the purchase.
• Amex Offers — Receive potentially significant savings with ongoing offers for rebates and bonus points on specific purchases.
• 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 you need it. 

Adding Additional Users

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

Authorized users added to the Amex Platinum card receive full worldwide lounge access, hotel elite status, and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck statement credit, for $195 per card (rates and fees).

While there is no additional fee 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 authorized users, the Amex Platinum card offers significantly more benefits. However, you will have to pay a fee to add authorized users to the card. 

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.

The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, click here.