Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card vs. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Even split across the criteria below. Pick the one whose strengths match how you'll actually use it.
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Amex
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Amex
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card and Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card split the criteria evenly. Neither is the obvious all-rounder; the right pick depends on which dimensions matter to you.
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card wins on first-year math; Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins on earning ceiling.
Pick the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card if year-one math is your priority.
Who wins what
1 vs 1 (1 tie)- First-year math Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Tie
Same annual fee.
- Earning ceiling Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns more on its best category (12× vs 2×).
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $150
- $150
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $960
- $650
- First-year net
- +$810
- +$500
- Peak earning rate
- 2×
- 12×
- Top categories
- Dining, U.S. Supermarkets, Airfare
- Hotels Resorts, Dining, U.S. Supermarkets
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- No
- Yes
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- Delta SkyMiles
- 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.