Hilton Honors Surpass Upgrade Options: Should You Upgrade?
The Hilton Honors Surpass from American Express is one of the most competitive credit cards in the hotel credit cards category. With a rating of 7/10, it offers a $150 annual fee and impressive rewards including 12x hilton, 6x dining/groceries/gas, 4x else.
In this comprehensive review, we break down everything you need to know about the Hilton Honors Surpass: rewards structure, fees, APR, welcome bonus, and how it compares to competitors. Whether you are looking for your first rewards card or adding to your wallet, this guide covers it all.
Hilton Honors Surpass Overview
The Hilton Honors Surpass is issued by American Express and is designed for consumers with Good-Excellent (700+). It carries a rating of 7/10 from our experts. For those with good to excellent credit, this card can be a valuable addition to your wallet.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuer | American Express |
| Annual Fee | $150 |
| Intro APR | N/A |
| Regular APR | 19.24% - 27.24% Variable |
| Rewards | 12x Hilton, 6x dining/groceries/gas, 4x else |
| Welcome Bonus | 170,000 points after $3,000 in first 3 months |
| Credit Score | Good-Excellent (700+) |
| Foreign Tx Fee | 0% |
Rewards & Benefits Breakdown
The Hilton Honors Surpass earns 12x hilton, 6x dining/groceries/gas, 4x else. Here is the detailed breakdown of earning rates:
| Category | Reward Rate |
|---|---|
| All Purchases | 12x Hilton, 6x dining/groceries/gas, 4x else |
| Welcome Bonus | 170,000 points after $3,000 in first 3 months |
| Intro APR | N/A |
| Credit Score | Good-Excellent (700+) |
To offset the $150 annual fee, make sure you earn at least $7500 in rewards annually through everyday purchases.
Fees & APR Analysis
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $150 |
| Purchase APR | 19.24% - 27.24% Variable |
| Balance Transfer APR | 19.24% - 27.24% Variable |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 0% |
Hilton Honors Surpass vs Competitors
See how Hilton Honors Surpass stacks up against similar cards.
| Card | Fee | Rewards | Bonus | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| World of Hyatt | $95 | 4x Hyatt, 2x dining/flight/transit, 1x else | 30,000 points after $3,000 in first 3... | 8/10 |
| IHG Rewards Premier | $99 | 5x IHG, 2x dining/gas/grocery, 1x else | 140,000 points after $3,000 in first ... | 7/10 |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant | $650 | 6x Marriott, 3x dining/flights, 2x else | 185,000 points after $6,000 in first ... | 7/10 |
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Competitive rewards rate: 12x Hilton, 6x dining/groceries/gas, 4x else
- Welcome bonus: 170,000 points after $3,000 in first 3 months
- No foreign transaction fees
- Issued by reputable American Express
❌ Cons
- Annual fee of $150
The Hilton Honors Surpass is best for consumers who spend heavily in bonus categories and can justify the annual fee. If you have Good-Excellent (700+) credit and spend $585/month on average, this card could earn you significant value.
How to Apply for Hilton Honors Surpass
Applying for the Hilton Honors Surpass is straightforward. Here is the step-by-step process:
- 1
Check Your Credit Score
Before applying, check your credit score. You need Good-Excellent (700+) for the best approval odds.
- 2
Compare Your Options
Compare the Hilton Honors Surpass with similar cards from other issuers to ensure it is the right fit.
- 3
Gather Required Information
You will need your Social Security number, income information, and address to apply.
- 4
Complete the Online Application
Visit American Express.com or the American Express mobile app. The application takes about 5-10 minutes.
- 5
Await Approval Decision
Most applicants receive an instant decision. If approved, your card will arrive in 7-10 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
You need Good-Excellent (700+) credit to be approved for the Hilton Honors Surpass. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on your overall credit profile.
The $150 annual fee can be easily offset if you earn the welcome bonus and use the card for everyday spending.
The purchase APR is 19.24% - 27.24% Variable.
No, the Hilton Honors Surpass does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it great for international travel.
Rewards can be redeemed through your American Express online account. Options typically include statement credits, gift cards, travel bookings, and direct deposits.
Conclusion
The Hilton Honors Surpass is a solid choice in the hotel credit cards category. With a $150 annual fee and competitive rewards, it offers good value for the right consumer.
We recommend this card for anyone with Good-Excellent (700+) credit looking for cash back on their everyday spending. Compare it with other cards in our list to find the best fit for your wallet.
The Hilton Honors Surpass earns 12x hilton, 6x dining/groceries/gas, 4x else. With a rating of 7/10, it is one of the better options in the hotel credit cards space. Recommended for consumers with Good-Excellent (700+) credit.