The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is well worth the card’s $95 annual fee (see rates and fees) if you’re a Hilton loyalist, as it offers valuable earnings rates and automatic Hilton Gold elite status.
Hilton Gold status includes complimentary breakfast, room upgrades and boosted earnings when staying at Hilton brands, one of the most valuable automatic status perks on any card.
Keep reading to find out why this card is worth the annual price tag.
Lucrative welcome offer
Right now, the Hilton Surpass is offering 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points and a free night reward after spending $2,000 in purchases on the card in the first three months of card membership. This offer ends July 19.
American Express lists the following terms for the welcome offer:
Welcome Offer not available to applicants who have or have had the Hilton Honors Surpass® Card or the Hilton Honors Amex Ascend Card. American Express may also consider the number of American Express Cards you have opened and closed as well as other factors in making a decision on your welcome offer eligibility.
Before you submit your application, Amex will let you know whether you’re eligible for the bonus.
Related: A complete guide to Amex’s one-bonus-per-lifetime restrictions
Solid points earning with Hilton
The Hilton Surpass card earns 12 points per dollar spent at Hilton hotels and resorts; 6 points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery), U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations; and 3 points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
The non-Hilton spending returns aren’t amazing, but you’ll still earn considerable value with just your Hilton spending — another reason to consider if you’re a Hilton loyalist.
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Related: Booking direct: How much value does Hilton status provide?
Redemption options
The simplest way to maximize your Hilton Honors points is to redeem them for free nights. You’ll want to make note of Hilton’s dynamic pricing system, where the number of points for a redemption can fluctuate based on the time of year and other factors.
Hilton Honors also allows members to earn and redeem Hilton points with partners. However, most non-hotel redemption options provide relatively low value for your points, so you’ll likely want to steer clear of these options.
Related: 5 ways Hilton Honors should improve its loyalty program
Gold status
The Surpass card offers complimentary Hilton Gold status, which TPG values at a whopping $1,255 per year. It includes the following perks:
Additionally, if you spend more than $40,000 on the card in a calendar year, you’ll earn Diamond status, Hilton’s top-tier offering, through the end of the next calendar year.
Related: Points of View: Which credit card should you use for Hilton stays?
Priority Pass lounge access
The Surpass offers Priority Pass Select membership, which provides 10 lounge visits per year after enrollment — a great perk for semi-frequent travelers that mirrors similar perks on premium travel rewards credit cards with higher annual fees.
Bringing a guest into the lounge will use up one of your visits, but you can pay for additional Priority Pass lounge visits.
Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access
Free night reward
The Surpass offers a free night reward when you spend $15,000 on purchases on the card in a calendar year. It can be used at almost any Hilton property worldwide.
If you value that free night at, say, $300, that still makes for a 2% return on the $15,000 in spending.
Related: How to get maximum value from Hilton free night certificates
Other benefits
Finally, the Hilton Surpass includes no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees) when traveling outside the U.S., free two-day shipping with ShopRunner and Amex’s “Send & Split” feature, which lets you divide bills like a group dinner with friends. Additionally, the card comes with Amex’s “Plan It” perk, which makes it possible to pay large purchases over time, plus secondary rental car insurance of up to $50,000 for theft or damage.*
*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Related: 6 reasons to get the Hilton Honors Amex Surpass card
Bottom line
The Surpass doesn’t have the flexibility or over-the-top perks of some other cards, but it could be just what you’re looking for if you’re a semi-frequent traveler who’s partial to Hilton. Automatic Gold status, high points-earning opportunities at Hilton properties and 10 lounge passes to use each year make this card a great option for Hilton loyalists.
Official application link: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
For rates and fees of the Hilton Surpass Card, click here.
