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If you’re looking for ways to save on your next Hilton hotel stay and don’t mind paying an annual fee, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is worth considering. The card offers a terrific welcome bonus, great earning rates, and strong perks like Hilton Gold elite status. Plus, you’ll get a Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.
Review: Is the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass card the best credit card for you?
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card earns terrific rewards rates on multiple categories like Hilton hotel bookings, restaurants, gas stations, and more. Plus, it has excellent benefits like Hilton Gold status, 10 annual free Priority Pass airport lounge visits, and milestone bonuses. Currently, new cardholders get a Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.
You can earn a welcome bonus of 130,000 points after you spend at least $2,000 in your first 3 months of account opening. This is enough points to cover a splurge at luxurious Hilton brands like Waldorf Astoria and Conrad — or you can stretch your points for longer stays at budget-friendly favorites like Hampton Inn and Hilton Garden Inn.
The card doesn’t offer a 0% intro APR on balance transfers or purchases, but that’s not really what the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is designed for. It has a regular Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card APR).
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is best suited for Hilton loyalists and frequent travelers who spend big on travel bookings and on-the-road expenses like gas and dining. With that, if you’re looking to boost your Hilton balance quickly, using this card on everyday expenses is a great way to earn a ton of points.
But if you don’t want to be restricted to only earning points at Hilton hotels, you should look for a different hotel credit card that earns points at other hotel and properties locations without being tied to a specific hotel chain. The Hotels.com®️ Rewards Visa®️ Credit Card lets you stay at almost any hotel (even apartments and home rentals) around the world for no annual fee. However, the earning rates are limited as you can only collect stamps (1 stamp per $500 earned) at eligible hotel stays.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for even more perks and don’t mind a higher annual fee, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card can be an even better choice for frequent travelers, because it comes with top-tier Diamond status, airline fee and Hilton resort credits, and unlimited Priority Pass visits**. Or, for flexibility, consider a card that earns American Express Membership Rewards points like The Platinum Card® from American Express (which also offers Hilton Gold status**) or the American Express® Gold Card. You can transfer Amex points from these cards to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio, and occasionally there are transfer bonuses.
We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
How to earn points with the Amex Hilton Surpass card
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card earns the most points at Hilton hotels, but it’s also good for earning bonus points in useful everyday spending categories.
Cardholders earn:
12x points on eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio6x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery)6x points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets6x points on gas at U.S. gas stations3x points on all other eligible purchases
How to use Hilton points
Hilton points will be credited to your account between 8-12 weeks after the Threshold Amount is fulfilled. Based on Insider’s points and miles valuations, Hilton points are worth, on average, 0.5 cents apiece — so if you’re receiving that rate or better when you redeem your points, you’re getting a good deal. Of course, it’s possible to get even more value from your points, especially when you use them for stays at expensive luxury hotels.
Redeem on Hilton Hotel stays
The Hilton Honors program includes over 6,300 hotels in 118 countries, so it’s easy to redeem your points just about anywhere you go.
You can redeem Hilton points at the following brands:
Conrad Hotels & ResortsCanopy by HiltonCurio Collection by HiltonDoubleTree by HiltonEmbassy Suites by HiltonHampton Inn by HiltonHilton HotelsHilton Garden InnHilton Grand VacationsHome2 Suites by HiltonHomewood Suites by HiltonLXRMotto by HiltonSignia by HiltonTapestry Collection by HiltonTempo by HiltonTru by Hilton Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts
Typically, the most valuable way to redeem your Hilton points is on award nights, either for a completely free stay or by combining points and cash. It’s important to note, Hilton doesn’t have a standard award chart; instead, the price of an award night at a particular hotel fluctuates based on demand, cash price, and season.
Standard award nights start at 5,000 Hilton points up to 95,000 points (with a couple of exceptions that go up to 150,000 points), but premium awards — for better rooms, suites, or high-demand dates — can cost much more. Keep in mind the lowest-priced Hilton hotels are usually budget-friendly brands (like Tru by Hilton or Hampton Inn) located off the beaten path; upscale hotels in big cities or luxury resorts will cost more points.
For example, you can book an overwater villa at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island for 120,000 points a night instead of paying over $1,300 with cash. Or, you can stretch your points at hotels like the Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/N Loop/Michigan Avenue, where low-season rates are as little as 20,000 points per night. Always be sure to compare the cash price to the award rate, because sometimes the paid rate is so low it’s better to save your points for a higher-value redemption.
The Gold elite status you automatically receive with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card qualifies you for the fifth night free on award stays of five nights or more. This is another great way to stretch your points if you want to make them last.
Transfer Hilton points to airlines
Hilton Honors partners with over 25 airlines, and you can transfer points at varying ratios depending on the program. This typically won’t result in the best value, but if you won’t be using points for stays it’s an option for other types of travel.
Redeem Hilton points for experiences, events, merchandise, and more
Other options for redeeming Hilton points also won’t get you the highest value, but they could be helpful in certain circumstances:
Hilton experiences — Use points for exclusive events, dining, and toursUse Hilton points for event credits — Starting at 25,000 points for up to $50 creditRedeem Hilton points at Amazon — A poor value; you’ll get just 0.2 cents per pointDonate Hilton points to charity — For every 10,000 points you donate, Hilton will send $25 to a charity of your choiceUse Hilton points toward Lyft rides — Again, not the best value; you’ll typically get around 0.2 cents per pointPool or transfer Hilton points to a friend — Send up to 2 million points per year to friends or family with no fee, or pool your points with up to 11 people to save for a redemption
Hilton points expire if there’s no activity in your account for 24 months, but due to the pandemic, the chain has paused points expiration until December 31, 2022. Spending on a Hilton credit card like the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is an easy way to keep your points from expiring until you’re ready to travel.
Amex Hilton Honors Express Surpass benefits and features
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card comes with a lot of useful perks that can improve your travel experience and save you money.
Free night award certificate
When you spend $15,000 or more on eligible purchases in a calendar year with your card, you can receive a free weekend night. Hilton free night awards are usually only valid on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday nights, but due to the pandemic, unexpired certificates, even those issued in 2022, can be used on any night of the week.
Automatic Hilton Gold elite status
Cardholders receive Hilton Gold status as long as their card is open and in good standing.
Hilton’s mid-level Gold elite tier comes with surprisingly good benefits, including:
Free continental breakfast (currently awarded as a food and beverage credit at US properties)Room upgrades when availableFifth night free on award stays of five nights or more80% points bonus on paid staysFree bottled water Elite rollover nights
Keep in mind that if you spend $40,000 or more on eligible purchases in a calendar year with your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, you’ll get upgraded to Hilton Diamond elite status through the end of the following calendar year. Hilton Diamond status is even more valuable as it comes with all the benefits of Gold status, plus a 100% points bonus on paid stays, better upgrades, executive lounge access, and premium Wi-Fi.
Priority Pass airport lounge access
When you have the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, you can enroll in a complimentary Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership**, with 10 free visits included per year. While other, more premium cards offer a membership with unlimited visits, you’ll usually have to pay a much higher annual fee — so this is a good option if you only travel a few times a year.
Car rental loss and damage insurance
When you pay for your car rental with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental counter, you can get secondary coverage for damage to or theft of the vehicle. Some countries and vehicle types are excluded, so be sure to read the terms and conditions before you rent and note that liability insurance isn’t included.
Secondary car rental insurance will only cover amounts left over after your primary (personal) car insurance pays out. Some credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, offer primary car rental insurance, which doesn’t require you to file a claim with your personal policy to get reimbursed.
Baggage insurance plan
If you pay for a covered trip with Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, you can be covered for baggage loss or damage, up to $500 per person for checked bags, and $1,250 per person for carry-on luggage.
There are exclusions for high-risk items and some states have different limits, so check the terms and conditions for specific details.
Purchase protection
When you pay for an eligible item with Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, purchase protection can cover theft or damage that occurs within 90 days of purchase, up to a maximum of $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account per calendar year.
Extended warranty
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card comes with up to one additional year of extended warranty coverage for eligible new purchases in the US or its territories, on manufacturer’s warranties of five years or less.
Global Assist Hotline
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card members can access Amex’s Global Assist Hotline when they’re traveling 100 or more miles from home.
This service can provide help with issues like translation services, missing luggage, and emergency legal and medical referrals, and lost passports, but you’ll be responsible for any third-party costs.
Fees and costs
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card has a Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card APR. There’s a $95. It charges a cash advance fee, a late payment fee, and a returned payment fee (both up to $40).
But Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, so it’s a good choice for international purchases.
Hilton Surpass card vs other Hilton credit cards
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Annual fee
$95
Hilton Honors American Express Card
$450
Rewards rate
12x points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels
6x points per dollar spent at eligible U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations
3x points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
7x points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels
5x points per dollar spent at eligible U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations
3x points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
14x points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels
7x points per eligible dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel, on car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies, and at eligible U.S. restaurants
3x points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
Welcome bonus offer
130,000 points after you spend at least $2,000 in your first 3 months of account opening
80,000 points after you spend at least $1,000 in your first 3 months of account opening
150,000 points after you spend at least $4,000 in your first 3 months of account opening
Travel benefits
Hilton Gold elite status
Upgrade to Diamond status after you spend $40,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year
Free weekend night certificate after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year
Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership with 10 free visits per year
Secondary car rental insurance
Baggage insurance plan
Global Assist Hotline
Purchase protection
Extended warranty
Access to discounts and bonus points through Amex Offers**
No foreign transaction fees
Hilton Silver elite status
Upgrade to Gold status after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year
Secondary car rental insurance
Global Assist Hotline
Purchase protection
Extended warranty
Access to discounts and bonus points through Amex Offers**
No foreign transaction fees
Hilton Diamond elite status
Free weekend night certificate each year on your card anniversary
Another free weekend night certificate after you spend a total of $60,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year
Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership
Up to $250 in airline incidental fee credits per calendar year
Up to $250 in Hilton resort credits each cardmember year
Up to $100 in on-property credits for minimum stays of two nights at participating Waldorf Astoria and Conrad properties
Secondary car rental insurance
Baggage insurance plan
Premium Global Assist Hotline
American Express Concierge
Return protection
Purchase protection
Extended warranty
Access to discounts and bonus points through Amex Offers**
No foreign transaction fees
Review
Hilton Honors American Express Card review
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card review
Hilton Honors Surpass vs other hotel credit cards
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card
IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card
Annual fee
$95
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card
IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card
Rewards rate
12x points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels
6x points per dollar spent at eligible U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations
3x points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
17x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
2x points on everything else
10x points on purchases at IHG Hotels and Resorts (up to 26x)*
10x points with this card*
Up to 10x points for being an IHG Rewards Member*
Up to 6x points with Platinum Elite Status*
5x points on eligible purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants
3 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases
Welcome bonus offer
130,000 points after you spend at least $2,000 in your first 3 months of account opening
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card
IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card
Travel benefits
Hilton Gold elite status
Upgrade to Diamond status after you spend $40,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year
Free weekend night certificate after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year
Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership with 10 free visits per year
Secondary car rental insurance
Baggage insurance plan
Global Assist Hotline
Purchase protection
Extended warranty
Access to discounts and bonus points through Amex Offers
No foreign transaction fees
Marriott Silver elite status
Upgrade to Gold status after you spend $35,000 on eligible purchases in an account anniversary year
Free night certificate each card anniversary, valid at Marriott hotels that cost 35,000 points or less
15 elite night credits each calendar year
Car rental insurance (secondary in the US, primary otherwise)
Lost luggage reimbursement
Trip delay reimbursement
Baggage delay insurance
Purchase protection
Extended warranty
Travel and emergency assistance services
Visa Signature concierge
No foreign transaction fees
IHG Platinum elite status
Free night certificate each card anniversary, valid at IHG hotels that cost 40,000 points or less
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee credit
Fourth reward night free on standard award stays of three nights or longer
10,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases and make one additional purchases each account anniversary year
20% discount on points purchases
Car rental insurance (secondary in the US, primary otherwise)
Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
Travel accident insurance
Lost luggage reimbursement
Baggage delay insurance
Travel and emergency assistance services
Purchase protection
Extended warranty
No foreign transaction fees
Review
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card review
IHG Rewards Premier card review
Hilton Surpass card frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is the Hilton Honors Surpass card worth it?
Even if you only stay with Hilton occasionally, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is worth it for the perks it offers, and you’ll get a $95. In the first year, the welcome bonus offer alone is worth many times more than the fee, and benefits like Hilton Gold status and Priority Pass airport lounge access can save you money and make your travels more comfortable.
That said, if you’re completely opposed to paying an annual fee, you still have options. The no-annual-fee Hilton Honors American Express Card also offers a great welcome bonus offer, and although it doesn’t come with as many benefits, it’s still a good choice for infrequent Hilton travelers.
What credit score do you need for the Hilton Surpass card?
Most people who are approved for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card have a good to excellent credit score. This means a FICO score of at least 670, or a VantageScore of at least 700.
If you’re still working on your credit, read our guides on increasing your credit score and how using credit cards can help boost your score.
Can you add authorized users to the Hilton Surpass card?
It’s free to add authorized users to your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, as long as they’re at least 13 years old. Any points earned from their spending will be credited to the primary cardholder’s Hilton account and count toward meeting spending thresholds for higher elite status and free night certificates.
Keep in mind you’ll be responsible for any purchases made by your authorized users. Authorized users do not receive additional benefits like Hilton Gold status or Priority Pass Select membership.
Who is eligible for the Amex Hilton Surpass card?
If you already have a Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card open, you won’t be able to open another one. Amex also has a one bonus, per person, per lifetime rule, so if you’ve already received the bonus on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in the past (even when it was previously called the Hilton Honors Amex Ascend Card), you aren’t eligible to receive it again.
However, it is possible to have more than one type of Hilton card open at a time. So, for example, if you already have The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, Hilton Honors American Express Card, or Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, you could still qualify for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.