Is the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card Worth the $150 Annual Fee?
Breaks even at about $3,299/month of typical-mix spending versus the no-fee Hilton Honors American Express Card. On a $2,400/month profile it falls $41 short.
Rates verified 2026-05-12.
Method: we compare what the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns against the best no-annual-fee card in the same category — the Hilton Honors American Express Card — because the alternative to paying a fee is not earning nothing, it is a good free card. Full methodology.
Three spending levels
| Profile | Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card | Hilton Honors American Express Card | After the $150 fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light spender ($1,200/mo) | $598/yr | $542/yr | −$95 behind |
| Typical spender ($2,400/mo) | $1,192/yr | $1,082/yr | −$41 behind |
| Heavy spender ($4,500/mo) | $2,236/yr | $2,030/yr | $55 ahead |
The breakeven curve
| Monthly spend | Margin vs. Hilton Honors American Express Card (after fee) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| $500 | −$127 | keep the free card |
| $1,000 | −$105 | keep the free card |
| $1,500 | −$82 | keep the free card |
| $2,400 | −$41 | keep the free card |
| $3,500 | $9 | fee pays for itself |
| $5,000 | $78 | fee pays for itself |
| $7,500 | $191 | fee pays for itself |
Caveats that can move this math: 12X Hilton. Statement credits and perks are not counted unless you would have spent that money anyway.