The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card has long been a solid choice for people looking to maximize hotel rewards, but recent updates have made it even better. With new benefits and higher earning potential, this mid-tier Hilton card now offers even more value. Here’s a breakdown of the latest changes and how to maximize the card’s perks.
Key Features and Recent Updates
The Hilton Honors Surpass now comes with a new annual fee ($150(Rates & Fees), an increase from its previous $95 fee. However, the additional benefits introduced more than offset this increase. Some of the most notable changes include:
Increased Welcome Offer: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.—one of the highest offers this card has ever seen.
New Earning Structure:
12x points per dollar at Hilton hotels
6x points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations
4x points per dollar on online U.S. retail purchases
3x points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
Hilton Gold Status: Complimentary Gold status provides an 80% bonus on base points, room upgrades, and free breakfast.
$200 Hilton Statement Credit: Earn a $50 statement credit per quarter, totaling $200 annually, to use at Hilton properties.
National Emerald Club Executive Status: A valuable perk for those who frequently rent cars, with the ability to match to Hertz and Enterprise elite status.
Trade-Offs and What’s Changed
With these new benefits come a few trade-offs. The annual fee increase is one, though it’s largely offset by the new Hilton credit. Plus, the card no longer includes Priority Pass Select membership, which previously granted access to select airport lounges. However, many premium credit cards, like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express, already offer Priority Pass (enrollment required), so this may not be a major loss for those with multiple travel cards.
Comparing Hilton Honors Cards
Hilton offers a variety of co-branded cards, each with different benefits and annual fees:
Hilton Honors American Express Card ($0, (Rates & Fees): A great entry-level option with solid earning rates.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card ($550(Rates & Fees): Offers automatic Diamond status, $400 in Hilton credits, $200 airline credits, Clear membership, and a free night award right away—ideal for frequent Hilton guests.
Booking a Free Stay Using the Hilton Honors Surpass
Earning and redeeming Hilton points is simple with this card. The welcome offer can go a long way, especially at mid-tier Hilton properties. For example, this bonus was used to book two free nights at a Hilton property in Prague, a stay that would have cost nearly $700 out of pocket.
To maximize value, cardholders should take advantage of Hilton’s 5th-night free perk for award stays, as well as Hilton Gold benefits like free breakfast and potential room upgrades.
Is the Hilton Honors Surpass Worth It?
For frequent Hilton guests, the Hilton Honors Surpass’s new benefits far outweigh the annual fee increase. The high earning rates, $200 Hilton credit, and Gold status make it an excellent option for those looking to maximize Hilton stays without committing to the more expensive Hilton Amex Aspire.
If you’re considering a Hilton card, there are some solid options on the market!
