Amex Hilton Honors vs US Bank Cash+
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
Amex Hilton Honors wins 3-1. No-fee Hilton card, solid for occasional Hilton stays. US Bank Cash+ is still the right call if 5% on 2 chosen categories + 2% on 1 chosen, fully customizable..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Amex Hilton Honors | US Bank Cash+ |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | = No annual fee | = No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 7% (travel) | · 5% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | 3% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | No FX fee | · 3% |
| Welcome bonus | = 70,000 Hilton points after $2,000 spend in 6 months | = $200 statement credit after $1,000 spend in 120 days |
| Fee waiver threshold | = N/A (no fee) | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = None stated | = None stated |
| Min credit score | = 670 | = 670 |
| Editorial rating | · 4.1/5 | 4.4/5 |
Benefits compared
Amex Hilton Honors
- 7x Hilton Honors points at Hilton hotels
- 5x at US restaurants + gas stations
- 3x on everything else
- Hilton Honors Silver status
- No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees
US Bank Cash+
- 5% on 2 categories you choose ($2,000 quarterly cap)
- 2% on 1 chosen everyday category (gas, grocery, restaurants)
- 1% on everything else
- No annual fee
- Quarterly category swap
FAQ
›Amex Hilton Honors vs US Bank Cash+: which is better?
Amex Hilton Honors wins on more dimensions (3 vs 1). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern. Run your own monthly spend through the maximizer to see which one pays you more.
›Can I get both?
Yes, if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Amex Hilton Honors for its best categories, US Bank Cash+ for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Amex Hilton Honors: 70,000 Hilton points after $2,000 spend in 6 months. US Bank Cash+: $200 statement credit after $1,000 spend in 120 days.