Hilton Honors Surpass

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is a mid-tier hotel rewards credit card designed for travelers who frequently stay at Hilton properties and seek to maximize their benefits within the Hilton Honors program. With a $150 annual fee, the card offers a range of perks, including elevated earning rates on Hilton stays and select everyday purchases, as well as automatic elite status.

Key Features:

• Rewards Structure:

• 12X Points at Hilton Properties:

• Earn 12 points per $1 spent directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.

• 6X Points on U.S. Dining, Supermarkets, and Gas Stations:

• Earn 6 points per $1 spent at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations.

• 4X Points on U.S. Online Retail Purchases:

• Earn 4 points per $1 spent on U.S. online retail purchases.

• 3X Points on Other Eligible Purchases:

• Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.

• Annual Fee: $150.

• Welcome Offer: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Offer ends April 29, 2025. Terms apply. 

Additional Benefits:

• Annual Hilton Statement Credits: Receive up to $200 in statement credits annually for eligible purchases made directly with Hilton properties, allocated as up to $50 per quarter. 

• Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status: Enjoy automatic Gold status, which includes benefits like complimentary breakfast or a daily food and beverage credit, space-available room upgrades, and an 80% bonus on base points earned during Hilton stays. 

• Pathway to Diamond Status: Achieve Hilton Honors Diamond status by spending $40,000 on eligible purchases within a calendar year, unlocking additional perks such as executive lounge access and a 100% bonus on base points. 

• Free Night Reward Opportunity: Earn a Free Night Reward after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, redeemable at most Hilton properties worldwide.

• National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive Status: Enroll to receive complimentary Emerald Club Executive status, offering benefits like expedited service and access to a wider selection of vehicles. Enrollment required; terms apply. 

• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Make purchases abroad without incurring additional fees.

Pros:

• Generous Rewards on Hilton Stays: Earning 12X points per dollar spent at Hilton properties accelerates point accumulation for future stays.

• Valuable Bonus Categories: The 6X points on U.S. dining, supermarkets, and gas stations, along with 4X points on U.S. online retail purchases, provide substantial rewards on everyday spending.

• Automatic Gold Status: Enjoying Gold status without meeting stay requirements enhances the Hilton experience with perks like complimentary breakfast and room upgrades.

• Annual Statement Credits: The potential to earn up to $200 in Hilton statement credits annually can effectively offset the card’s annual fee for frequent Hilton guests.

Cons:

• Annual Fee: The $150 fee may be a consideration for some, though it can be offset by utilizing the card’s benefits.

• Quarterly Credit Allocation: The $200 annual Hilton statement credit is divided into $50 per quarter, requiring consistent quarterly spending to maximize this benefit.

• Spending Requirements for Additional Perks: Earning the Free Night Reward and achieving Diamond status necessitate significant annual spending, which may not be feasible for all cardholders.

Considerations:

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is well-suited for individuals who frequently stay at Hilton properties and can leverage the card’s rewards and benefits to offset the annual fee. However, those who prefer a no-annual-fee option or do not anticipate utilizing the card’s Hilton-specific perks may find greater value in other credit cards.