The first assumption you might make when thinking about a premium hotel card is that it's only for that brand's most dedicated fans. That's an understandable guess, considering these cards come with high annual fees and a roster of brand-specific perks.

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card goes against initial expectations by offering value to virtually any Hilton fan, provided they stay at a Hilton property at least once each year. Its $550 annual fee (see rates and fees ) definitely signals premium, but fortunately it's easy to get that value back (and then some). Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

* Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

The Hilton Honors Aspire is Hilton's top-tier credit card. That means it comes with the most robust selection of benefits of any Hilton card.

Arguably, the card's two best benefits are its complimentary Diamond status in the Hilton Honors program and its annual free night reward . While Hilton Diamond is not the chain's highest elite status tier , it still grants you a much more elevated stay than what you'd get with no or low-tier status.

If maximized, the Hilton Aspire's free night reward can recoup the value of the card's $550 annual fee on its own. That means you can justify having this card by staying at a Hilton just once a year.

This is the main reason why I'm considering opening the Hilton Aspire. I'm a Hyatt fan first and foremost, but the Aspire's free night reward and Diamond status mean I don't have to give up my Hyatt favoritism to get value from this card.

Many of American Express' cards have drifted toward merchant-specific statement credits in recent years, but the Aspire has remained focused on Hilton benefits, for the most part.