American Express Hilton Honors Aspire or Chase United Explorer?
American Express Hilton Honors Aspire returns $269 over its fee and Chase United Explorer returns $230, so the fee difference comes down to which categories you use.


| CATEGORY | HILTON HONORS ASPIRE | UNITED EXPLORER |
|---|---|---|
| 🌎Travel | $819 | $200 |
| 🍽️Food & Dining | — | $120 |
| 🚗Transportation | — | $60 |
| Hotel Free Night Certificates | — | |
| Total credits | $819 | $380 |
| Annual fee | $550 | $150 |
| Net value | +$269 | +$230 |

You use travel.
You use food & dining, transportation. Food & Dining and Transportation alone are worth $180 here and nothing on the Amex Hilton Honors Aspire.
Where to use each card
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Frequently asked questions
Which is better, American Express Hilton Honors Aspire or Chase United Explorer?
The American Express Hilton Honors Aspire is better with $269 net annual value compared to the Chase United Explorer at $230. The American Express Hilton Honors Aspire wins by $39/year.
What's the difference between American Express Hilton Honors Aspire and Chase United Explorer?
The key differences: American Express Hilton Honors Aspire has a $550 annual fee and $819 in annual benefits, while Chase United Explorer has a $150 annual fee and $380 in annual benefits. The annual fee difference is $400.
Which has a lower annual fee, American Express Hilton Honors Aspire or Chase United Explorer?
The Chase United Explorer has a lower annual fee at $150 compared to the American Express Hilton Honors Aspire at $550. However, the American Express Hilton Honors Aspire offers $819 in total annual benefits.
Is the American Express Hilton Honors Aspire worth it compared to the Chase United Explorer?
Yes, the American Express Hilton Honors Aspire offers better value with $269 net annual value compared to $230 for the Chase United Explorer. Even though it has a higher annual fee ($550 vs $150), the American Express Hilton Honors Aspire provides more total benefits.
Amex vs Chase: which issuer is better?
For these specific cards, Amex's American Express Hilton Honors Aspire offers better value with $269 net annual value. Consider which issuer's broader ecosystem (transfer partners, redemption options) fits your needs.
Which card is better for travel?
The American Express Hilton Honors Aspire is better for travel with $819 in annual travel benefits compared to $200 for the Chase United Explorer.
Should I get the American Express Hilton Honors Aspire?
If you're deciding between the American Express Hilton Honors Aspire and Chase United Explorer, the American Express Hilton Honors Aspire is the better choice with $269 net annual value. However, make sure you can use the key benefits to maximize value. Compare the full benefit breakdown to see which fits your spending better.
Other comparisons
NET VALUE SHOWN FOR EACHMORE AMEX HILTON HONORS ASPIRE COMPARISONS
- vs. Amex Business Gold
- vs. Amex Business Platinum
- vs. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve
- vs. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business
- vs. Amex Gold
- vs. Amex Green
- vs. Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
- vs. Amex Platinum
- vs. Amex Platinum (Charles Schwab)
- vs. Amex Platinum (Morgan Stanley)
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Gold Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- vs. Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
- vs. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite
- vs. Capital One Venture X
- vs. Capital One Venture X Business
- vs. Hyatt
- vs. Sapphire Preferred
- vs. Sapphire Reserve
- vs. Sapphire Reserve for Business
- vs. United Club
- vs. United Quest
- vs. IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card
- vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
- vs. The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card
- vs. United Business Card
- vs. United Club Business Card
- vs. Citi AAdvantage Executive
- vs. Citi Strata Elite
- vs. U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
- vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey
MORE UNITED EXPLORER COMPARISONS
- vs. Amex Business Gold
- vs. Amex Business Platinum
- vs. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve
- vs. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business
- vs. Amex Gold
- vs. Amex Green
- vs. Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
- vs. Amex Platinum
- vs. Amex Platinum (Charles Schwab)
- vs. Amex Platinum (Morgan Stanley)
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Gold Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- vs. Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
- vs. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite
- vs. Capital One Venture X
- vs. Capital One Venture X Business
- vs. Hyatt
- vs. Sapphire Preferred
- vs. Sapphire Reserve
- vs. Sapphire Reserve for Business
- vs. United Club
- vs. United Quest
- vs. IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card
- vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
- vs. The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card
- vs. United Business Card
- vs. United Club Business Card
- vs. Citi AAdvantage Executive
- vs. Citi Strata Elite
- vs. U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
- vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey