Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express vs. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
On the criteria below, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins 3 of 4. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
Amex
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Amex
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins 3 of 4 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express wins on annual fee; Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins on first-year math, earning ceiling, and foreign transactions.
Pick the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
1 vs 3- First-year math Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is $55 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns more on its best category (12× vs 6×).
- Foreign transactions Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has a lower (or zero) foreign transaction fee.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $95
- $150
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $300
- $650
- First-year net
- +$205
- +$500
- Peak earning rate
- 6×
- 12×
- Top categories
- U.S. Supermarkets, Streaming, Transit
- Hotels Resorts, Dining, U.S. Supermarkets
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- No
- Yes
- Foreign transaction fee
- 2.70%
- None
- Reward currency
- Cashback
- Hilton Honors
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.