Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Overview of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is a premium travel rewards credit card that offers a robust array of benefits for frequent travelers, especially those loyal to the Hilton brand. This card is tailored for individuals who wish to earn Hilton Honors points quickly while enjoying various travel perks. Cardholders can earn up to 12x points on eligible purchases at participating Hilton hotels and 6x points at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations. Additionally, cardholders receive 3x points on all other eligible purchases, making it a versatile option for everyday spending.
Key Benefits of the Card
One of the standout features of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is its generous welcome bonus. New cardholders can earn a significant number of Hilton Honors points after spending a specified amount within the first few months of account opening. These points can be redeemed for free nights at Hilton hotels, making the card an attractive choice for anyone looking to maximize their travel experiences.
Moreover, the card provides automatic Gold status in the Hilton Honors loyalty program, which grants cardholders additional benefits such as room upgrades, late check-out, and bonus points on eligible stays. This status enhances the overall travel experience and allows cardholders to enjoy more luxurious accommodations without the associated costs. Additionally, the card has no foreign transaction fees, making it an optimal choice for international travelers.
Annual Fee and Earning Structure
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card comes with an annual fee of $95. While this fee might seem steep, the earning potential and benefits far outweigh the cost for frequent travelers. Below is a breakdown of the earning structure:
- 12x points at Hilton hotels.
- 6x points at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations.
- 3x points on all other eligible purchases.
This tiered earning structure allows cardholders to accumulate points quickly, especially when booking stays at Hilton properties or dining out. Cardholders can leverage their spending to unlock free nights and other rewards, making the card a valuable addition to their wallets.
Redemption Options
One of the most appealing aspects of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is the flexibility in redeeming points. Hilton Honors points can be used for free nights, room upgrades, and even experiences like dining and activities. The redemption process is straightforward, allowing cardholders to book stays at over 6,500 Hilton hotels worldwide, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, and more.
Additionally, the card allows for Points + Money rewards, where cardholders can use a combination of points and cash to book their stays. This option is particularly beneficial for those who may not have enough points for a full redemption. The value of Hilton Honors points can vary, but cardholders often find that redeeming points for hotel stays can yield a higher value compared to other redemption options.
Additional Perks and Features
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card offers several additional perks that enhance the travel experience. Cardholders can take advantage of complimentary access to the Hilton Honors app, which provides features such as digital check-in and the ability to select rooms prior to arrival. This level of convenience can significantly improve the overall travel experience.
Moreover, the card includes travel protections such as car rental loss and damage insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage, ensuring that cardholders have peace of mind while traveling. The card also provides access to Amex Offers, where cardholders can find additional discounts and promotional offers at various retailers, further maximizing their spending potential.
Comparing the Surpass® Card to Other Hilton Cards
When considering the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, it's essential to compare it with other cards in the Hilton Honors lineup. Below is a comparison of the Surpass® Card with the Hilton Honors American Express Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card:
| Feature | Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card | Hilton Honors American Express Card | Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | Earn points after spending a certain amount | Earn points after spending a lower amount | Earn a higher number of points after spending the highest amount |
| Annual Fee | $95 | No annual fee | $450 |
| Points on Hilton Stays | 12x | 7x | 14x |
| Gold Status | Yes | No | Yes |
| Luxury Benefits | Basic | Basic | Premium luxury benefits |
As shown in the table, the Surpass® Card strikes a balance between earning potential and annual fee, making it an ideal choice for those who want to earn points without committing to the higher fees associated with the Aspire Card.