Choosing between the Apple Card (no annual fee) 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.
3% at Apple and select merchants, 2% with Apple Pay, 1% with physical card. Earns a solid 2.0% on everything else.
Perfect if: You want solid rewards without paying an 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 | Apple Card | Hilton Honors American Express Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Sign-Up Bonus | None | 70,000 points after $2,000 spend in 6 months |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 0% | 0% |
| Base Reward Rate | 2.0% | <strong>3.0%</strong> |
| Travel Rewards | 2% | <strong>7.0%</strong> |
| Dining Rewards | 2% | <strong>5%</strong> |
| Groceries Rewards | 2% | <strong>5%</strong> |
| Gas Rewards | 2% | <strong>5%</strong> |
| Key Benefits | 3% at Apple and select merchants, 2% with Apple Pay, 1% with physical card. | 7x at Hilton hotels, 5x at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations. |
Hilton Honors American Express Card wins on travel, dining, groceries, gas.
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