Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $150
• APR: 22.49%-30.49% variable
• Rewards: 12X Hilton, 6X restaurants/supermarkets/gas, 3X everything else
• Bonus: 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after $3,000 in purchases in 3 months
• Best For: Regular Hilton guests who want Gold status and a free night certificate each year
• Credit Needed: Good to Excellent (670+)

Overview

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card is the mid-tier option in the Hilton co-branded lineup and arguably the best value for regular Hilton travelers. For a $150 annual fee, you get complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, which includes room upgrades when available, complimentary breakfast at select brands, and an 80% bonus on base points earned during stays. You also receive a free night reward certificate each year after your card anniversary.

The earning rates are strong: 12X points at Hilton hotels, 6X at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, and 3X on all other purchases. The 130,000-point welcome bonus after $3,000 in spending within three months can be worth two to three free nights at mid-range Hilton properties. When you factor in the annual free night certificate, the card often pays for itself.

Spend $15,000 on the card in a calendar year and you can earn an additional free night certificate, plus a pathway to Diamond status by spending $40,000. The Surpass strikes an excellent balance between annual fee and benefits, making it the sweet spot for people who stay at Hilton 5 to 15 nights per year.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: 22.49%-30.49% variable
• Balance Transfer APR: N/A
• Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable
• Penalty APR: None

Note: Your APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. American Express does not charge a penalty APR on this product.

Benefits Overview

Elevated Earning Rates

• 12X points on eligible Hilton hotel purchases
• 6X points at U.S. restaurants
• 6X points at U.S. supermarkets
• 6X points at U.S. gas stations
• 3X points on all other eligible purchases

Hilton Honors Gold Status

• Complimentary Gold status with room upgrades when available
• Complimentary breakfast at select Hilton brands
• 80% bonus on base points earned during stays
• Fifth-night-free on standard reward stays
• Late checkout when available

Free Night Certificates

• Free night reward certificate on card anniversary each year
• Additional free night certificate after $15,000 in spending per calendar year
• Pathway to Diamond status after $40,000 in annual spending

Travel Benefits

• No foreign transaction fees
• Priority Pass Select lounge access after spending $75,000 in a calendar year
• Travel accident insurance up to $500,000

Rewards & Points

• 12X points on eligible Hilton hotel purchases
• 6X points at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations
• 3X points on all other eligible purchases

The annual free night certificate can be used at most Hilton properties, though availability may vary. Earning an additional certificate after $15,000 in annual spending provides strong incentive to use this card for everyday purchases. Gold status complimentary breakfast alone can save $20 to $50 per stay.

Welcome Bonus

Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new card within the first 3 months of card membership. At average redemption values, this bonus is worth approximately $650 to $780 toward free hotel nights and can cover two to three nights at mid-range Hilton properties.

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $150
• Balance Transfer Fee: N/A
• Cash Advance Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount, whichever is greater
• Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40

Who This Card Is Best For

Ideal For

• Regular Hilton travelers who stay 5 to 15 nights per year and value Gold status perks
• Dining and grocery spenders who want 6X on restaurants, supermarkets, and gas
• Free night maximizers who can hit $15,000 in annual spending for a second certificate
• Moderate-fee seekers who want premium hotel benefits without a $500+ annual fee

Not Good For

• Infrequent hotel guests who stay fewer than three nights per year at Hilton
• Budget-focused cardholders who prefer $0 annual-fee cards
• Multi-brand travelers who split stays across hotel chains and want flexible points

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• 12X Hilton earning rate is one of the highest co-branded hotel rates available
• Gold status provides complimentary breakfast and room upgrades at select brands
• Annual free night certificate often covers the $150 fee by itself
• Second free night available after $15,000 in annual card spending
• 130,000-point welcome bonus is worth two to three free nights
• 6X at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas makes it strong for daily use
• No foreign transaction fees
• Pathway to Diamond status via $40,000 annual spending
• Fifth-night-free on reward stays adds significant value for longer trips

Cons

• $150 annual fee requires regular Hilton stays to justify
• Hilton points are worth 0.5 to 0.6 cents each, less than some competing programs
• Gold status breakfast benefit does not apply at all Hilton brands
• Points are largely restricted to the Hilton ecosystem
• No resort or airline credit to offset the annual fee
• 6X bonus categories apply only to U.S. merchants
• Priority Pass access requires $75,000 in annual spending, which is unrealistic for most
• Free night certificate may have limited availability at popular properties

Alternatives to Consider

How the Rewards Add Up

Example Annual Value

Total estimated first-year value: $1,406 including the welcome bonus at $650 and one free night certificate at $150, minus the $150 annual fee. Based on Hilton points at 0.6 cents each.

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Get It If...

• You stay at Hilton hotels five or more nights per year
• You value Gold status perks like complimentary breakfast and room upgrades
• You spend enough in everyday categories to earn a second free night certificate
• You want the strongest mid-tier Hilton earning rates at restaurants and supermarkets
• You can use the annual free night certificate at a property worth more than $150
• You travel internationally and need no foreign transaction fees

You Should Skip It If...

• You rarely stay at Hilton properties and cannot use the free night certificate
• You prefer flexible points that work across multiple hotel chains
• You want Diamond status and resort credits and would rather pay up for the Aspire
• You spend less than $10,000 per year on the card and cannot maximize earning
• You are looking for a no-annual-fee travel card

Apply Now

Apply for Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

Information accurate as of May 2026. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.