The Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express is designed for those with good credit who frequently stay at Starwood hotels and resorts and plan to take advantage of the various benefits and services that are provided. In reference to the reward program, one point is earned for every dollar spent on the card and double points are earned at participating Starwood properties and retail outlets. Cardholders also earn one additional point per $1 spent on qualified purchases through their membership in the Starwood Preferred Guest® loyalty program. Points can be redeemed for various travel services, such as free hotel stays and airline travel. Cardholders also earn 10,000 bonus points after their first purchase, which is enough for up to three free nights and 15,000 Bonus Starpoints® after spending $15,000 In 6 months. Points do not expire as long as the account is active within a one-year period. Perhaps what is most impressive about the program is the fact that cardholders can transfer earned points to a variety of frequent flyer programs. Aside from the reward program, the card does offer a variety of benefits such as travel accident insurance, auto rental insurance, discounts via the Offer Zone, and various fraud protection services (see website for all benefits available). The interest rate for purchases is average (for a reward card), and there is an annual fee of $45 that is waived the first year. There is also a low introductory rate for purchases and balance transfers for the first six months. Future balance transfers will be 9.99% + the current Prime Rate. Therefore, those who can afford to pay in full each month after the introductory rate expires (to avoid finance charges), frequently stay at Starwood hotels and resorts (to earn additional points), and can accumulate enough points for a free hotel stay or other travel-related service within a two-year period will benefit most from what the Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express has to offer.

The Hilton HHonors® Platinum Credit Card from American Express is designed for those with very good credit who frequently stay at Hilton Hotels. Through the reward program, cardholders earn three points for every dollar spent on the card for general purchases (a rare benefit, as most reward programs only offer one point per dollar spent for general purchases) and five points for every dollar spent at Hilton Hotels, grocery stores, drugstores, gas stations, restaurants, the U.S Postal Service, and wireless phone bills. Earned points do not expire; however, points are limited to $100,000 in annual spending. Cardholders will be awarded two points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases exceeding $100,000. The reward program can be combined with the Hilton's HHonors® reward program that offers various benefits to cardholders including a chance to earn both points and frequent flyer miles for a qualifying hotel stay. Cardholders will also receive 10,000 bonus points after their first purchase, which must be made within one month of approval, 15,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in 5 months, and up to 10,000 bonus points for their first four stays at any Hilton. In addition to the reward program, the card does offer many of the common benefits and services provided by American Express®, such as auto rental insurance, travel accident insurance, various purchase protection related services, and discounts through the Offer Zone (which provides access to offers, discounts, and special events). There is no annual fee on the card, and a low introductory rate is available for purchases and balance transfers for the first six months (balance transfers must be submitted during the application process). The interest rate for purchases and balance transfers is above average for a reward credit card and is not ideal for those who plan to carry a balance after the low introductory rate expires. Overall, the Hilton HHonors® Platinum Credit Card from American Express is best for those who frequently stay at Hilton Hotels and will be able to take advantage of the reward program as well as the many cardholder benefits provided by American Express®.