Hilton Honors American Express 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.
Hilton Honors American Express 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.
Hilton Honors American Express Card wins on annual fee; Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins on first-year math and earning ceiling.
Pick the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Hilton Honors American Express Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
1 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 Card
Hilton Honors American Express Card is $150 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 7×).
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- Free
- $150
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $400
- $650
- First-year net
- +$400
- +$500
- Peak earning rate
- 7×
- 12×
- Top categories
- Hotels Resorts, Dining, U.S. Supermarkets
- 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
- 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.