5 Reasons to Get the Hilton Honors Amex Surpass Card

Hotel co-branded credit cards cater to a very specific audience – after all, if you’re not a regular visitor to the hotel chain in question, there’s probably not much reason to buy their credit card. But on the flip side, some co-branded hotel card better than others, especially when it comes to the additional benefits that come in handy during your stay at this chain’s properties.

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Cardwith an annual fee of $150 (see exchange rates and fees), is a great example of a co-branded hotel credit card that truly delivers value to frequent Hilton guests. This card has solid earning potential and offers a level of prestige that can greatly enhance your stay at Hilton properties.

Here are the top five reasons to consider getting a Hilton Honors Amex Surpass card.

Based on TPG June 2024 valuationThose bonus points are worth $780.

Since Hilton has more than 6,300 hotels worldwide, there are many ways to use these rewards points, such as hotel stays. DoubleTree by Hilton Universal Orlando Hotel in Florida or DoubleTree by Hilton Queenstown in New Zealand.

Related: 7 great ways to use your 100,000 Hilton Honors points and free night rewards

If you stay at Hilton hotels regularly — or even semi-regularly — there are few cards that offer cash back as good as Hilton Honors Surpass. You’ll earn 12 points per dollar spent on all eligible Hilton purchases and as of June 2024, TPG value Hilton Honors points are 0.6 cents each; In fact, you’re getting a 7.2% return on your stay at Hilton when you use this card.

There are three other cards that beat the Hilton Surpass when it comes to rewards for staying at Hilton:

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The information about the Hilton Honors Aspire Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

With the first two cards, you will have to book prepaid accommodation through American Express Travel to earn 5 Membership Rewards points for every dollar spent on hotels. The Hilton Aspire card has a fairly steep annual fee of $550 (see exchange rates and fees), and your earning rate is only slightly higher (14 points per dollar instead of 12).

Using the Hilton Surpass card, you can book cashback rooms directly with Hilton and get 12 points per dollar without paying a large annual fee. This gives you a lot more flexibility to move or cancel your stay if your plans change.

In addition to getting 12 points per dollar at Hilton (which includes all fees charged to your room during your stay), you’ll also get 6 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, super US cities and gas stations in the US, 4 points per dollar in the US. online retail purchases and 3 points per dollar on all other qualifying purchases with the Hilton Surpass card.

Related: Is the Hilton Surpass Amex Card Worth the Annual Fee?

Many hotel chains offer only mediocre elite benefits, but Hilton is an exception. The Hilton Honors Gold elite status is a great value and comes with an 80% bonus on points earned on Hilton stays, room upgrades across most brands (except suites), Daily food and beverage credit (at U.S. hotels only) or continental breakfast (at non-U.S. hotels) and welcome amenities.

The card also comes with the ability to upgrade Hilton Honors Diamond if you spend $40,000 on it in a calendar year — although if you really want to earn Diamond status, you’ll probably be better off with the Hilton Aspire.

In addition, cardholders also get free National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status. Enrollment in the Emerald Club Program is required. This gives you increased access to a car at a price comparable to a midsize car, with guaranteed upgrades and no charge for a second driver.

Related: Guide for Hilton Honors Travelers

When you redeem Hilton Honors points, you can use more of the points you earn if you have Hilton Honors Pass. Since this card gives you free Hilton Gold elite status, you can take advantage of one of the key benefits of this status: Thursday night free with redemption. That means you’ll save 20% on your points on all five-night reward stays.

Hilton uses a dynamic pricing system, so the value of your fifth night free is calculated by taking the average reward you pay over your five qualifying nights. Hilton also included clear language in its terms and conditions stating that this benefit only applies to standard rooms. However, this can be a great option to save some points on longer stays.

Related: Quick Tip: Get your fourth or fifth night free when you stay at a reward hotel

The Hilton passes Get up to $50 in quarterly statement credits (up to $200 per year) when you use your card to make purchases at Hilton.

Qualifying purchases include those made directly with Hilton hotels, including room rates and incidentals such as room or spa service, so this can be a great way to reward Enjoy a delicious dinner or receive a spa service or massage.

If you often have to pay out of pocket for additional services, this may be a good way to offset annual fees (see prices and fees) on the Surpass card.

Related: Best hotel credit cards

The Hilton Surpass card is great for both frequent and occasional Hilton travelers. With a healthy income and automatic Hilton Gold elite status, this could be a nice addition to your wallet. To learn more about this card, read on full review of Hilton Honors Surpass.

Register here: Hilton Honors Surpass Card with limited time welcome bonus ending July 31st.

For Amex Platinum rates and fees, click This.
For Amex Business Platinum rates and fees, click This.
For Hilton Honors Aspire card rates and fees, click This.
For Hilton Honors Surpass card rates and fees, click This.