Hilton Honors American Express Aspire 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.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Amex
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Amex
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire 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.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card wins on earning ceiling and lounge access; Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins on first-year math and annual fee.
Pick the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass 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
2 vs 2- First-year math Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card is $400 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns more on its best category (14× vs 12×).
- Lounge access Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card includes lounge access; the other doesn't.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $550
- $150
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $750
- $650
- First-year net
- +$200
- +$500
- Peak earning rate
- 14×
- 12×
- Top categories
- Hotels Resorts, Airfare, Car Rentals
- Hotels Resorts, Dining, U.S. Supermarkets
- Lounge access
- priority-pass
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- Yes
- Yes
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- Hilton Honors
- 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.