Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card vs. Sam's Club Mastercard
On the criteria below, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins 3 of 4. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Amex
Sam's Club Mastercard
Synchrony
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins 3 of 4 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins on first-year math, earning ceiling, and travel insurance; Sam's Club Mastercard wins on annual fee.
Pick the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Sam's Club Mastercard if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
3 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 Sam's Club Mastercard
Sam's Club Mastercard is $150 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×).
- Travel insurance Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card carries built-in travel insurance.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $150
- Free
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $650
- $30
- First-year net
- +$500
- +$30
- Peak earning rate
- 12×
- 5×
- Top categories
- Hotels Resorts, Dining, U.S. Supermarkets
- Gas Ev Charging, Dining, Sams Club Purchases
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- No
- Elite status
- Yes
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- Hilton Honors
- Sam's Cash
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.