Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card vs. United Explorer Card
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
United Explorer Card
Chase
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card and United Explorer Card 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 earning ceiling; United Explorer Card wins on first-year math.
Pick the United Explorer Card if year-one math is your priority.
Who wins what
1 vs 1 (1 tie)- First-year math United Explorer Card
United Explorer Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Tie
Same annual fee.
- 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
- $150
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $650
- $910
- First-year net
- +$500
- +$760
- Peak earning rate
- 12×
- 2×
- Top categories
- Hotels Resorts, Dining, U.S. Supermarkets
- Airfare, Hotels Resorts, Dining
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- Yes
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- Hilton Honors
- United MileagePlus
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.