Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve
Even split across the criteria below. Pick the one whose strengths match how you'll actually use it.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Amex
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve split the criteria evenly. Neither is the obvious all-rounder; the right pick depends on which dimensions matter to you.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins on annual fee and earning ceiling; Chase Sapphire Reserve wins on first-year math and lounge access.
Pick the Chase Sapphire Reserve 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 Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase Sapphire Reserve wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card is $645 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 8×).
- Lounge access Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase Sapphire Reserve includes lounge access; the other doesn't.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $150
- $795
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $650
- $2,550
- First-year net
- +$500
- +$1,755
- Peak earning rate
- 12×
- 8×
- Top categories
- Hotels Resorts, Dining, U.S. Supermarkets
- Chase Travel, Flights Direct, Hotels Direct
- Lounge access
- No
- chase-sapphire-lounge, priority-pass
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- Yes
- Yes
- 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.