Credit Cards » Credit Card Reviews » Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card Review 2023
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Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card Review 2023

The Hilton Honors Surpass card offers automatic gold elite status, free night award and other travel benefits. But, there are drawbacks.
Author: Andrew O'Malley
Andrew O'Malley

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Andrew O’Malley has a BSc in Economics and Finance. He has worked in the finance industry as a risk analyst and is now pursuing a career in writing. In recent years, he has written for a number of leading publications. He studied Economics and Finance and has been fascinated with the financial markets since his teens.

Review & Fact Check: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Financial Expert, The Smart Investor CEO

Experience

Baruch Mann (Silvermann) is a financial expert and founder of The Smart Investor. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.
Author: Andrew O'Malley
Andrew O'Malley

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Andrew O’Malley has a BSc in Economics and Finance. He has worked in the finance industry as a risk analyst and is now pursuing a career in writing. In recent years, he has written for a number of leading publications. He studied Economics and Finance and has been fascinated with the financial markets since his teens.

Review & Fact Check: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Financial Expert, The Smart Investor CEO

Experience

Baruch Mann (Silvermann) is a financial expert and founder of The Smart Investor. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.

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Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Hilton Honors Surpas card

Rewards Plan

3X – 12X Earn 12x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 6x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 6x Points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 6x Points on gas at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus

150,000 points 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Credit Rating

Good – Excellent

0% Intro

N/A

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.24% – 29.24% variable
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Hilton Honors Surpas card

Rewards Plan

3X – 12X Earn 12x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 6x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 6x Points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 6x Points on gas at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus

150,000 points 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

0% Intro

N/A

PROS

CONS

APR

20.24% - 29.24% variable

Annual Fee

$95

Balance Transfer Fee

N/A

Credit Requirements

Good - Excellent

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card is a hotel rewards credit card for those who frequently stay at Hilton properties. This card offers a range of benefits, including bonus points on Hilton purchases, automatic elite status, and valuable travel perks.

Cardholders earn Earn 12x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 6x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 6x Points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 6x Points on gas at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.

Cardholders also receive complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, which includes benefits such as room upgrades, late check-out, 80% points earning Bonus on Stays, fifth night free, and daily food and beverage credit or continental breakfast.

However, there is $95 annual fee and while the points rewards ratio is good, the value of Hilton points is about $0.6, the lowest compared to other hotel cards.

  • Generous Rewards Program + Welcome Bonus
  • Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status
  • 10 Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees
  • Free Night Reward
  • Annual Fee
  • Low Point Value
  • No Travel Credit

XX

In this Review

Estimating Your Rewards: A Practical Simulation

In the following table, you will find a simulation that provides an overview of the expected rewards for the Hilton Honors Amex Surpass card.

This breakdown is based on both general usage and spending across various categories. By utilizing this table, you can gain a better understanding of the potential benefits that come with using this particular credit card.

It's important to note that the figures presented in this simulation are estimates, and actual rewards may vary depending on individual spending habits and other factors.

Hilton Honors Surpas card

Spend Per Category
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
$10,000 – U.S Supermarkets
60,000 points
$4,000 – Restaurants
24,000 points
$4,000 – Airline
12,000 points
$5,000 – Hotels
60,000 points
$4,000 – Gas
24,000 points
Estimated Total Annual Points
180,000 Points

Pros and Cons

Just like any other credit card, the Hilton Honors Surpass has some advantages and disadvantages:

Pros
Cons
Generous Rewards Program + Welcome Bonus
Annual Fee
Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status
Low Point Value
10 Complimentary Airport Lounge Visits
No Travel Credit
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Free Night Reward

The card offers Earn 12x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 6x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 6x Points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 6x Points on gas at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.

New cardholders can earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Cardholders receive complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, which provides benefits such as room upgrades, free breakfast, and late check-out.

cardholders receive 10 complimentary visits and enjoy access to over 1,200 Priority Pass airport lounges in more than 130 countries each  Membership year.

Editorial Note: Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollments may be required for select benefits. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more

Cardholders can earn a free night reward after spending $15,000 on purchases in a calendar year.

The card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a good option for international travel.

The card has an annual fee of $95.

Hilton offers about $0.6 per point, the lowest value compared to other hotel card or general travel cards.

The card doesn't offer premium benefits such as airline fee credit or property credit. 

Unlocking Rewards: Points Redemption Options

With the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card, you can redeem your Hilton Honors points for a variety of rewards, including free hotel stays, experiences, merchandise, and more. Here are some of the redemption options available to cardholders:

  • Free hotel stays: One of the most obvious ways to redeem Hilton Honors points is by using them for free hotel nights at any of the 6,800 Hilton hotels and resorts worldwide. Use the Hilton search tool to check for award availability.

  • Experiences: Hilton Honors offers unique experiences, such as VIP concert tickets, culinary experiences, and sporting events, that can be purchased using your points.

  • Shopping: You can use your points to purchase merchandise, such as electronics, fashion, and home goods, through the Hilton Honors shopping portal. 

  • Travel: You can use your points to book flights, car rentals, and other travel-related expenses through the Hilton Honors travel portal.

  • Transferring points: With the Hilton Honors program,  can transfer your points to other loyalty programs, such as airline or hotel partners, for even more redemption options.

hilton select a room and pay in points
Example: Hilton hotel stay order with points (Screenshot from hilton.com)

Is This Card Right for You?

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card is a great option for those who frequently stay at Hilton properties and want to earn rewards on their hotel stays and everyday purchases. Here are some situations where you may want to consider the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card:

  • You frequently stay at Hilton hotels: If you're a frequent traveler and often stay at Hilton properties, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card can provide significant rewards and benefits.

  • You want to earn rewards also on everyday purchases: With bonus points on U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card is a great option for those who want to earn rewards on their everyday purchases.

  • You want automatic elite status: The card comes with automatic Gold status with Hilton Honors, which includes benefits such as room upgrades and late check-out.

You can look at additional Hilton cards if it's not the right card for your needs.

Card
Rewards
Bonus
Annual Fee

hilton card

3X – 7X 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
100,000 points 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Hilton Honors Surpas card

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
3X – 12X Earn 12x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 6x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 6x Points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 6x Points on gas at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases
150,000 points 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
3x – 14x 14X Hilton Honors bonus points when you make eligible purchases on your card at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton Portfolio, 7X Hilton Honors bonus points on eligible purchases on your card for: Flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies and U.S. restaurants, 3X Hilton Honors bonus points on other eligible purchases
165,000 points 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 3 Months of Card Membership
$450

How To Apply For The Hilton Honors Surpass Card?

Here are the steps to apply for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card:

  1. Visit the American Express website: Navigate to the American Express website and search for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card.

  2. Submit your application: Complete the online application form with your personal and financial information. If you have a credit score of at least 680, there is a good chance for approval.

  3. Wait for a decision: After submitting your application, American Express will review your application and may request additional information. If approved, you'll receive your card in the mail within 5-10 days.

  4. Activate your card: Once you receive your card, you'll need to activate it online or by phone before you can start using it.

Andrew O'Malley

Andrew O'Malley

Andrew O’Malley has a BSc in Economics and Finance. He has worked in the finance industry as a risk analyst and is now pursuing a career in writing. In recent years, he has written for a number of leading publications. He studied Economics and Finance and has been fascinated with the financial markets since his teens.

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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We look at cards related to good or excellent credit ratings that will then provide a range of different benefits and improvements for someone who has these scores. We also look at low fees when it comes to those who have lower credit scores.