The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is the intermediate option and Hilton Honors American Express Card is an entry-level option for those looking to open a personal Hilton Honors credit card.
For those trying to decide between these two great card options, here are the key differences and factors to remember as you decide which one is best for your wallet.
Compare Hilton Surpass and Hilton Amex
| Card | Pass the Hilton | Hilton Amex |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $150 (see exchange rates and fees) | $0 (see exchange rates and fees) |
| Welcome offer | Earn 155,000 Hilton Honors points after you spend $3,000 on card purchases within the first six months of card membership. Offer ends April 17. | Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors points after you spend $2,000 on purchases on your new card within the first six months of card membership. Offer ends April 17. |
| Income ratio | 12 points per dollar on eligible Hilton purchases
6 points per dollar at US restaurants, US supermarkets and US gas stations 4 points per dollar on online retail purchases in the US 3 points per dollar on all other qualifying purchases |
7 points per dollar on eligible Hilton purchases
5 points per dollar at US restaurants, US supermarkets and US gas stations 3 points per dollar on all other qualifying purchases |
| Elite status | Hilton Honors Gold; Upgrade to Diamond by spending $40,000 in a calendar year | Hilton Honorary Silver |
| Free nights | Free night rewards after you spend $15,000 on qualifying purchases in a calendar year | Do not have |
| Other benefits | Up to $200 annual credit on eligible Hilton purchases (up to $50 per quarter)
Emerald National Car Rental Club Executive Status There are no foreign transaction fees (see exchange rates and fees) Car rental insurance* Extended warranty protection** Purchase Protection** Baggage insurance** ShopRunner membership is free Registration is required to receive select benefits |
There are no foreign transaction fees (see exchange rates and fees)
Car rental insurance* Purchase Protection** ShopRunner membership is free Registration is required to receive select benefits |
*Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are available and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit Americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Insurance Company. Insurance is offered through American Express, Inc. Travel Related Services.
**Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit Americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Insurance Company.
Hilton Surpass Welcome Offer vs. Hilton Amex
The Pass the Hilton is currently offering 155,000 Hilton Honors points after you spend $3,000 on purchases with the card within the first six months of card membership. TPG value Hilton charges .60 cents per person, so the welcome offer is worth $930 worth of travel.
The Hilton Amex is currently offering 100,000 Hilton Honors points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card within the first six months of card membership. TPG values each Hilton point at 0.60 cents, so the welcome offer is worth $600 in travel.
Both welcome offers are responsive Our criteria for when to applySo now is a great time to add either of these cards to your wallet.
Winner: Pass the Hilton. The Surpass welcome offer lets you earn an extra 55,000 points while spending just $1000 more.
Related: How to use 100.00 Hilton Honors points
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Benefits of Hilton Surpass vs. Hilton Amex
Both cards are geared toward those staying at Hilton properties, so you can expect to find a variety of benefits associated with staying at a Hilton property, along with additional benefits. other benefits.
The Pass the Hilton comes with an annual fee of $150 and offers free Gold status, which includes perks like Thursday night free on award stays and an 80% bonus on all base points. You can be upgraded to Diamond status by spending $40,000 in a calendar year. You’ll also receive free night rewards to use at eligible properties after spending $15,000 in a calendar year.
Opposite, Hilton Amex has no annual fee and offers complimentary Silver status, including a free fifth night on award stays and a 20% bonus on all base points earned at properties within Hilton portfolio.
Both cards are similar in their benefits of no foreign transaction fees, car rental insurance, and a free ShopRunner membership, but Surpass has more shopping and travel protections.
Winner: Pass the Hilton. Surpass offers higher levels of Hilton Honors status, higher earning potential, and more perks.
Related: Hilton Honors elite status: What it is and how to earn it
Earn points with Hilton Surpass vs. Hilton Amex
The Pass the Hilton Earn 12 points per dollar on purchases of eligible hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Plus, it earns 6 points per dollar on dining at US restaurants (including takeout and delivery) and at US supermarkets and gas stations, 4 points per dollar on purchases US online retail and 3 points per dollar on other qualifying purchases.
Income potential of Hilton Amex Slightly lower but still competitive for a card with no annual fee. It earns 7 points per dollar on purchases of eligible hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. It also earns 5 points per dollar on dining at US restaurants (including takeout and delivery), at US supermarkets and US gas stations as well as 3 points per dollar on purchases other qualified goods.
Winner: Pass the Hilton. Surpass earns more points at Hilton properties and in other rewards categories.
Related: The 16 best ways to earn more Hilton Honors points
Redeem points with Hilton Surpass vs. Hilton Amex
Both cards earn Hilton Honors points whenever the card is used to make a purchase, and the points are deposited into your Hilton Honors account. You can redeem your points for free nights (no layover days), Lyft rides, car rentals, transfers with airline partners, shopping, and experiences.
Hilton has flexible rewards pricing, so the number of points you need for a free night will vary depending on the hotel, room type, booking date, and stay date.
The Point discovery tool Hilton offers a great way to determine how many points you need for a vacation. Simply enter the number of destinations you’re working in, where you want to travel, or the type of destination, and the tool will give you a list of results that match your criteria.
TPG Managing Editor Matt Moffitt like to redeem their Hilton Honors points to book three- and four-star hotels abroad because they offer better redemption value than U.S. properties. He aims to book a five-night stay so he can take advantage of the fifth night free award that comes with it Hilton co-branded card.
Winner: Tie. Both cards can redeem Hilton Honors points.
Should I buy Hilton Surpass or Hilton Amex?
The Pass the Hilton is one of the best midsize hotel credit cards available and offers outstanding value with a low $150 annual fee. However, if you don’t need Hilton Honors Gold or the up to $200 annual Hilton credit and want a no-annual-fee card to help you establish your Hilton loyalty, then Hilton Amex is suitable for you.
How to upgrade from Hilton Amex to Hilton Surpass
Upgrading from Hilton Amex to Hilton Surpass is simple — just call American Express customer service on the number on the back of your card.
However, switching to Hilton Surpass will not entitle you to earn a welcome bonus unless you are targeted for an upgrade offer. This may also disqualify you from future earnings due to Amex One-time, lifetime bonus policy.
Bottom line
The Pass Hilton The card offers Hilton Honors Gold status, up to $200 in Hilton credit, the opportunity to earn free night rewards, and a lucrative earning structure for a modest $150 annual fee. However, if you’re starting out with Hilton Honors, you might want to choose Hilton Amex to earn one the luck of bonus points and enjoy Silver status without worrying about annual fees.
For more information, please see our Full review of Hilton Surpass and ours Full review of Hilton Amex.
Register here: Hilton Honors American Express Pass Card
Register here: Hilton Honors American Express Card
For rates and fees on the Hilton Honors American Express Card, click This.
For rates and fees on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, click This.
