Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred
On the criteria below, Chase Sapphire Preferred wins 2 of 3. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Amex
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase
Chase Sapphire Preferred wins 2 of 3 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins on earning ceiling; Chase Sapphire Preferred wins on first-year math and annual fee.
Pick the Chase Sapphire Preferred if year-one math is your priority; take the Chase Sapphire Preferred if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
1 vs 2- First-year math Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Sapphire Preferred wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Sapphire Preferred 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 5×).
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $150
- $95
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $650
- $1,275
- First-year net
- +$500
- +$1,180
- Peak earning rate
- 12×
- 5×
- Top categories
- Hotels Resorts, Dining, U.S. Supermarkets
- Chase Travel Portal, Dining, Travel
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- Yes
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- Hilton Honors
- Chase Ultimate Rewards
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.