Head to head

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card vs. Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card

On the criteria below, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins 3 of 3. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

Amex

Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card

Chase

At a glance

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins 3 of 3 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card leads on first-year math, annual fee, and earning ceiling, while Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card only ties the rest.

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

3 vs 0
  • 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 $79 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 4×).

By the numbers

Annual fee
$150
$229
Welcome offer (typical value)
$650
First-year net
+$500
$-229
Peak earning rate
12×
Top categories
Hotels Resorts, Dining, U.S. Supermarkets
Airfare, Gas, Dining
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.