American Express Gold Card vs. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
On the criteria below, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins 2 of 3. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
American Express Gold Card
Amex
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Amex
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins 2 of 3 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
American Express Gold Card wins on first-year math; Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins on annual fee and earning ceiling.
Pick the American Express Gold Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
1 vs 2- First-year math American Express Gold Card
American Express Gold Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card is $175 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 5×).
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $325
- $150
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $1,600
- $650
- First-year net
- +$1,275
- +$500
- Peak earning rate
- 5×
- 12×
- Top categories
- Dining Worldwide, U.S. Supermarkets, Prepaid Hotels
- Hotels Resorts, Dining, U.S. Supermarkets
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- Yes
- Yes
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- American Express Membership Rewards
- 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.