Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card Review

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is a mid-tier level travel card designed for people who travel from time to time and prefer the Hilton brand. With this card, you get a generous welcome offer and automatic Gold status. Gold status earns you extra bonus points, room upgrades when available, and complimentary breakfast. You can also get a free night when you spend $15,000 in a calendar year. If you travel a lot, you might prefer a premium credit card with more benefits. We dive into the details and your approval odds in this Hilton Honors Surpass review.

Our Rating
4.5/5.0

Welcome Offer
150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points + Free Night Reward

Annual Fee
$95

0% on Purchases

Reward Rate
3x to 12x points

0% on Balance Transfers

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points + a Free Night Reward after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership.

Features & Benefits

SecurityEMV Chip Enabled
Contactless PaymentsTap to Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay
BenefitsExtended Warranty Coverage, Purchase Protection, ShopRunner, 24/7 customer service
Travel PerksAccess to Special Events and Concerts, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Emergency Travel Assistance, Airport Lounge Access, Luggage Protection

Rewards

3x points
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 3x for each dollar spent on other eligible purchases.
6x points
U.S. supermarkets
Earn 6x at U.S supermarkets.
6x points
Dining
Earn 6x at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery.
6x points
Gas
Earn 6x points at U.S. gas stations.
12x points
Hotels
Earn 12x points for eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio.

Interest Rates & Fees

Annual Fee$95
Foreign Transaction FeeNone
Regular APR20.74% to 29.74% (V) APR

Insurance

Extended Warranty

When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year.

  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. 
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. 
  • Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Lost Baggage Insurance

Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Eligible Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a Common Carrier Vehicle ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible Account. Coverage can be provided for up to $1,250 for carry-on Baggage and up to $500 for checked Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus). For New York State residents, there is a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.

  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. 
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. 
  • Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

What Credit Score Is Required to Get the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved10/02/2022
770
Experian
$10,000
Approved10/25/2022
668
Experian
$1,000
Approved02/07/2022
744
Experian
$15,000
Approved10/25/2022
677
TransUnion
$1,000
Approved09/21/2022
759
Equifax
$4,000
Approved09/21/2022
778
TransUnion
$4,000
Approved09/21/2022
791
Experian
$4,000
Approved02/07/2022
731
TransUnion
$15,000
Approved02/07/2022
732
Equifax
$15,000
Denied10/09/2021
629
Equifax
---
Denied10/09/2021
641
Experian
---
Denied10/09/2021
651
TransUnion
---
Pros
  • Welcome offer
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Earn up to 12x points
Cons
  • Annual fee
  • High APR
  • Requires good credit

What Are the Best Alternatives?

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Rating

4.9

Rewards Range

1x - 5x points

Annual Fee

$95

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Rating

4.9

Rewards Range

2x - 10x

Annual Fee

$395

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Rating

4.4

Rewards Range

2x - 6x points

Annual Fee

$650

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