Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card vs. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit 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 Surpass Card
Amex
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
Chase
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins 2 of 3 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins on first-year math and earning ceiling; Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card wins on annual fee.
Pick the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
2 vs 1- First-year math Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is $51 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 2×).
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $150
- $99
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $650
- —
- First-year net
- +$500
- $-99
- Peak earning rate
- 12×
- 2×
- Top categories
- Hotels Resorts, Dining, U.S. Supermarkets
- Airfare, Gas, Groceries
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- Yes
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- Hilton Honors
- Southwest Rapid Rewards
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.