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The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card vs The New United℠ Explorer Card
This comparison aims to assist users in deciding between The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card and The New United℠ Explorer Card based on their features, rewards, and benefits. Both cards cater to different travel and spending habits, making it essential to evaluate them carefully.
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is designed for business owners who frequently stay at Hilton properties. With generous rewards on hotel spending and additional benefits for Hilton Honors members, this card is ideal for those who prioritize hotel loyalty and travel accommodations.
The New United℠ Explorer Card
The New United℠ Explorer Card is tailored for travelers who often fly with United Airlines. This card offers a combination of travel rewards, perks, and credits that enhance the flying experience, making it suitable for United loyalists and frequent travelers looking for additional benefits during their journeys.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card | The New United℠ Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $195 | $0 Intro Annual fee for the First Year, then $150 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first six months. | Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months. |
| Rewards Structure | 12X on Hilton purchases, 5X on other purchases (first $100,000), 3X thereafter. | 2X on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays booked with the hotel; 1X on all other purchases. |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None |
| Other Fees | Terms apply. | Terms apply. |
| Additional Benefits | Complimentary Gold Status, $60 quarterly statement credit for Hilton stays, and rental car status. | Priority boarding, free first checked bag, and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit. |
Rewards Highlights
The New United℠ Explorer Card Rewards
- Debut Offer: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel.
- 1x mile on all other purchases.
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card Rewards
- Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible Hilton purchases.
- Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on other purchases made using the Hilton Honors Business Card on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year.
- 3X on all other eligible purchases. Terms & Limitations Apply.
Pros and Cons
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
- Pros:
- High rewards rate on Hilton purchases.
- Complimentary Gold Status and potential Diamond Status.
- Quarterly statement credits for Hilton stays.
- Cons:
- High annual fee compared to some other cards.
- May be less beneficial for non-Hilton travelers.
The New United℠ Explorer Card
- Pros:
- No annual fee for the first year.
- Multiple travel perks including free checked bag and priority boarding.
- Good rewards on dining and travel-related purchases.
- Cons:
- Limited to United Airlines and partners for maximum benefits.
- Average rewards rate on non-travel purchases.
Who Should Consider Which Card?
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is ideal for business owners and frequent Hilton guests who want to maximize hotel rewards and benefits. It's particularly suited for those who travel often for work and can take advantage of the Gold and potential Diamond status perks.
The New United℠ Explorer Card is best for travelers who frequently fly with United Airlines or value travel-related perks such as priority boarding and travel credits. This card is a great choice for those who often dine out and want to earn miles on their everyday spending.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card and The New United℠ Explorer Card comes down to individual travel preferences and spending habits. Consider your typical travel patterns, hotel loyalty, and how you plan to use the card to find the best fit for your financial goals.