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Program Comparison

Amex Membership Rewards vs Hilton Honors

A detailed comparison of Amex Membership Rewards and Hilton Honors to help you decide which loyalty program is the best fit for your travel needs.

Amex Membership Rewards

American Express

Hilton Honors

Hilton

None
Alliance
None
points
Currency
points
1-5x points per $1 depending on card and category. Earned through Platinum, Gold, and Green cards
Earn Rate
10 base points per $1 at most brands, 5 pts/$1 at select brands. Elite bonuses: Silver +20%, Gold +80%, Diamond +100%, Diamond Reserve +120%
1.8¢ per point
Avg Value
0.5¢ per point
None
Elite Tiers
Silver, Gold, Diamond, Diamond Reserve
Points do not expire while at least one MR-earning card is open
Expiration
Points expire after 24 months of inactivity. Account deactivation possible after 5 years of inactivity
Delta SkyMiles, JetBlue TrueBlue, British Airways Avios, Air France FlyingBlue, Singapore KrisFlyer, Cathay Asia Miles, Air Canada Aeroplan, ANA Mileage Club, Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest, Avianca LifeMiles, Hawaiian Airlines, Iberia Plus, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, Choice Privileges
Transfer Partners
Amex Membership Rewards (incoming at 1:2 ratio)
Travelers wanting the widest range of airline and hotel transfer partners
Best For
Travelers who prefer no-blackout-date redemptions and value fifth-night-free perks

Choose Amex Membership Rewards if you...

Travelers wanting the widest range of airline and hotel transfer partners. American Express's transferable points currency with 21 transfer partners (18 airlines, 3 hotels), the widest selection of any credit card program.

Choose Hilton Honors if you...

Travelers who prefer no-blackout-date redemptions and value fifth-night-free perks. Hilton's loyalty program featuring no blackout dates, fifth night free on award stays, and a new Diamond Reserve tier in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Amex Membership Rewards or Hilton Honors?

It depends on your travel patterns. Amex Membership Rewards is best for travelers wanting the widest range of airline and hotel transfer partners. Hilton Honors is best for travelers who prefer no-blackout-date redemptions and value fifth-night-free perks. Consider your home airport, preferred destinations, and how often you travel when choosing.

Do Amex Membership Rewards or Hilton Honors miles expire?

Amex Membership Rewards: Points do not expire while at least one MR-earning card is open. Hilton Honors: Points expire after 24 months of inactivity. Account deactivation possible after 5 years of inactivity.

Can I transfer points between Amex Membership Rewards and Hilton Honors?

There is no direct transfer relationship between Amex Membership Rewards and Hilton Honors. You would need to earn points separately in each program.

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