Hilton Surpass vs. Hilton Amex: Is it worth paying $150 for extra perks?

Hilton Surpass vs. Hilton Amex benefits

Both cards are geared toward those who stay at Hilton portfolio properties, so you can expect to find a variety of benefits relating to Hilton property stays. (Enrollment required for select benefits; terms apply.)

With complimentary elite status, you’ll receive your fifth night free on award stays on both cards.

With the Hilton Amex you’ll receive complimentary Silver status, including a 20% bonus when staying at Hilton properties.

Meanwhile, the Surpass gives you superior Gold status, including free breakfast and a 80% bonus. And you can upgrade to Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year by spending $40,000 in a calendar year on the Surpass.

You can also earn a free night reward for use at eligible properties after spending $15,000 in a calendar year on the Surpass.

With the Surpass, you’ll also receive an up to $50 quarterly Hilton property statement credit, which more than offsets the annual fee. And you’ll receive complimentary National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status, too.

Lastly, while both cards are similar in their benefits of no foreign transaction fees and car rental insurance, the Surpass has more shopping and travel protections.

Winner: Hilton Surpass. It provides a higher level of Hilton Honors status, better protections and the chance to earn a free night reward.

Related: Hilton Honors elite status: What it is and how to earn it

Earning points with the Hilton Surpass vs. Hilton Amex

While both cards offer the same earning rate on everyday spending (3 points per dollar), the Hilton Surpass earns more in every bonus category:

• 12 points per dollar (vs. 7 points with the Hilton Amex) on eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio
• 6 points per dollar (vs. 5 points) on dining at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery), U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations

The Surpass also earns you 4 points per dollar on U.S. online retail purchases; the Hilton Amex doesn’t have this category.

Winner: Hilton Surpass. It earns more in every bonus category.

Related: 16 best ways to earn more Hilton Honors points

Redeeming points with the Hilton Surpass vs. Hilton Amex

Both cards have the same redemption options. You can redeem your points for free nights within the Hilton portfolio, Lyft rides, rental cars, transfers to airline partners, shopping and experiences.

Hilton uses dynamic award pricing, so the points you need for a free night vary depending on the hotel, room type, booking and stay dates.

The Points Explorer Tool that Hilton offers is an excellent way to determine how many points you’ll need for a stay. Just enter how many points you’re working with, where you wish to travel or a destination type, and the tool will provide you with a list of results that match your criteria.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

I always recommend using your points for Hilton stays since that will give you the most value.

TPG contributing editor Matt Moffitt likes to redeem his Hilton Honors points to book three- and four-star hotels abroad as they offer better redemption value than properties in the U.S. And he aims to book five-night stays so he can take advantage of the fifth-night free award that comes with Hilton cobranded cards.

Winner: Tie

Transferring points with the Hilton Surpass vs. Hilton Amex

Although it’s not a great use of your points, you can transfer Hilton points to a number of airline partners. I only recommend using this method if you need to top off one of your airline loyalty accounts for a specific redemption. Otherwise, I always advise using your Hilton points for hotel bookings.

Winner: Tie

Related: Should you transfer hotel points to airline partners?

Should I get the Hilton Surpass or the Hilton Amex?

The Hilton Surpass is one of the best mid-tier hotel credit cards out there and offers outsize value for a moderate annual fee. However, if you don’t need Gold status and prefer a no-annual-fee card that comes with complimentary Silver status to help you establish loyalty with Hilton, then the Hilton Amex is the better choice.

Related: 8 ways to redeem points with the Hilton Honors program

How to upgrade from the Hilton Amex to the Hilton Surpass

Upgrading from the Hilton Amex to the Hilton Surpass is simple — just call American Express customer service at the number on the back of your card.

However, switching to the Hilton Surpass won’t allow you to earn a welcome bonus unless you’re targeted for an upgrade offer. This may also make you ineligible to earn one in the future due to Amex’s one-bonus per-lifetime policy.

Bottom line

The Hilton Surpass is the better option for semi-frequent Hilton travelers. It provides Gold status, quarterly Hilton credits, the opportunity to earn a free night reward and a lucrative earning structure — all for a modest annual fee.

However, if you are just starting out with Hilton, the Hilton Amex will earn you a healthy boost of bonus points and Silver status without worrying about an annual fee.

To learn more, check out our full reviews of the Hilton Surpass and the Hilton Amex.

Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Card

For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card, click here.