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$200 in Hilton Credits and Gold Status for a $150 Fee
Automatic Hilton Gold status, $200 in quarterly Hilton credits that exceed the $150 annual fee, a path to Diamond through $40K spend, and a free night award at $15K. Earn 12X at Hilton and 6X on everyday categories.
$150
Annual Fee
130,000
Hotel · Welcome Bonus
12X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$150
Authorized User Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
Network
—
Rewards Currency
Hilton Honors
Point Valuation
0.4–0.5 cpp (mid: 0.5)
Credit Required
Good to Excellent
Welcome Offer
130,000
Hotel
Spend $3,000 in the first 6 months
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. That's enough for 2-3 free nights at mid-tier Hilton properties.
12X
12X points at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio
6X
6X points at U.S. gas stations
6X
6X points on dining at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery
6X
6X points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets
4X
4X points U.S online retail purchases
Earn 12 Hilton Honors points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. With Gold status adding an 80% bonus, your total earning rate reaches 21.6X points per dollar at Hilton properties.
A $200/night Hilton stay earns 4,320 total points (21.6X with Gold), worth approximately $21.60 toward your next booking.
Earn 6 Hilton Honors points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery. One of the highest hotel-card dining multipliers at this price point.
Spending $300/month on dining earns 1,800 Hilton points monthly, or 21,600 points per year.
Earn 6 Hilton Honors points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets. Stack with Amex Offers for additional savings on your grocery runs.
$500/month in groceries earns 3,000 points monthly, or 36,000 points per year toward Hilton stays.
Earn 6 Hilton Honors points per dollar at U.S. gas stations, making this card a strong everyday spending companion alongside hotel benefits.
$200/month on gas earns 1,200 points monthly, or 14,400 points per year.
Benefits & Perks
Program & Transfers
More ways to earn. More ways to stay.
Hilton Honors is one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programs, with over 9,000 properties across 25 brands in 138 countries. The program offers a straightforward earning structure of 10 points per dollar at most brands, with elite members earning up to 120% bonus points on top of base earnings. Members earn points on eligible stays and can redeem for free night awards starting at 5,000 points, with dynamic pricing based on room rates. The fifth night free benefit on standard award stays of 5+ nights offers exceptional value, effectively a 20% discount on longer redemptions. The program features five elite tiers (Member, Silver, Gold, Diamond, and Diamond Reserve) with benefits including room upgrades, executive lounge access, free breakfast (Gold and above), and milestone bonuses. Elite status can be earned through paid nights, stays, or qualifying spend, with credit card holders receiving automatic Gold or Diamond status.
Reviews & Analysis
Details & Terms
| Purchase APR | 20.99%–29.99% (Variable) |
| Cash Advance APR | 29.99% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 |
| Authorized User Fee | $0 |
Hilton Honors points are valued at approximately 0.4-0.7 cents each, depending on redemption. Standard rooms average 0.5 cpp, while luxury properties and experiences can exceed 2 cpp. Dynamic pricing means value varies significantly by property and date.
Yes, Hilton Honors points expire after 24 months of account inactivity. Any qualifying activity (stays, points earning, or card usage) resets the 24-month clock. Holding an active Hilton Honors credit card keeps your account active.
$200 in Hilton Credits and Gold Status for a $150 Fee
Automatic Hilton Gold status, $200 in quarterly Hilton credits that exceed the $150 annual fee, a path to Diamond through $40K spend, and a free night award at $15K. Earn 12X at Hilton and 6X on everyday categories.
$150
Annual Fee
130,000
Hotel · Welcome Bonus
12X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$150
Authorized User Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
Network
—
Rewards Currency
Hilton Honors
Point Valuation
0.4–0.5 cpp (mid: 0.5)
Credit Required
Good to Excellent
Welcome Offer
130,000
Hotel
Spend $3,000 in the first 6 months
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. That's enough for 2-3 free nights at mid-tier Hilton properties.
12X
12X points at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio
6X
6X points at U.S. gas stations
6X
6X points on dining at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery
6X
6X points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets
4X
4X points U.S online retail purchases
Earn 12 Hilton Honors points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. With Gold status adding an 80% bonus, your total earning rate reaches 21.6X points per dollar at Hilton properties.
A $200/night Hilton stay earns 4,320 total points (21.6X with Gold), worth approximately $21.60 toward your next booking.
Earn 6 Hilton Honors points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery. One of the highest hotel-card dining multipliers at this price point.
Spending $300/month on dining earns 1,800 Hilton points monthly, or 21,600 points per year.
Earn 6 Hilton Honors points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets. Stack with Amex Offers for additional savings on your grocery runs.
$500/month in groceries earns 3,000 points monthly, or 36,000 points per year toward Hilton stays.
Earn 6 Hilton Honors points per dollar at U.S. gas stations, making this card a strong everyday spending companion alongside hotel benefits.
$200/month on gas earns 1,200 points monthly, or 14,400 points per year.
Benefits & Perks
Program & Transfers
More ways to earn. More ways to stay.
Hilton Honors is one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programs, with over 9,000 properties across 25 brands in 138 countries. The program offers a straightforward earning structure of 10 points per dollar at most brands, with elite members earning up to 120% bonus points on top of base earnings. Members earn points on eligible stays and can redeem for free night awards starting at 5,000 points, with dynamic pricing based on room rates. The fifth night free benefit on standard award stays of 5+ nights offers exceptional value, effectively a 20% discount on longer redemptions. The program features five elite tiers (Member, Silver, Gold, Diamond, and Diamond Reserve) with benefits including room upgrades, executive lounge access, free breakfast (Gold and above), and milestone bonuses. Elite status can be earned through paid nights, stays, or qualifying spend, with credit card holders receiving automatic Gold or Diamond status.
Reviews & Analysis
Details & Terms
| Purchase APR | 20.99%–29.99% (Variable) |
| Cash Advance APR | 29.99% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 |
| Authorized User Fee | $0 |
Hilton Honors points are valued at approximately 0.4-0.7 cents each, depending on redemption. Standard rooms average 0.5 cpp, while luxury properties and experiences can exceed 2 cpp. Dynamic pricing means value varies significantly by property and date.
Yes, Hilton Honors points expire after 24 months of account inactivity. Any qualifying activity (stays, points earning, or card usage) resets the 24-month clock. Holding an active Hilton Honors credit card keeps your account active.
$200 in Hilton Credits and Gold Status for a $150 Fee
Automatic Hilton Gold status, $200 in quarterly Hilton credits that exceed the $150 annual fee, a path to Diamond through $40K spend, and a free night award at $15K. Earn 12X at Hilton and 6X on everyday categories.
$150
Annual Fee
130,000
Hotel · Welcome Bonus
12X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$150
Authorized User Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
Network
—
Rewards Currency
Hilton Honors
Point Valuation
0.4–0.5 cpp (mid: 0.5)
Credit Required
Good to Excellent
Welcome Offer
130,000
Hotel
Spend $3,000 in the first 6 months
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. That's enough for 2-3 free nights at mid-tier Hilton properties.
12X
12X points at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio
6X
6X points at U.S. gas stations
6X
6X points on dining at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery
6X
6X points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets
4X
4X points U.S online retail purchases
Earn 12 Hilton Honors points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. With Gold status adding an 80% bonus, your total earning rate reaches 21.6X points per dollar at Hilton properties.
A $200/night Hilton stay earns 4,320 total points (21.6X with Gold), worth approximately $21.60 toward your next booking.
Earn 6 Hilton Honors points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery. One of the highest hotel-card dining multipliers at this price point.
Spending $300/month on dining earns 1,800 Hilton points monthly, or 21,600 points per year.
Earn 6 Hilton Honors points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets. Stack with Amex Offers for additional savings on your grocery runs.
$500/month in groceries earns 3,000 points monthly, or 36,000 points per year toward Hilton stays.
Earn 6 Hilton Honors points per dollar at U.S. gas stations, making this card a strong everyday spending companion alongside hotel benefits.
$200/month on gas earns 1,200 points monthly, or 14,400 points per year.
Benefits & Perks
Program & Transfers
More ways to earn. More ways to stay.
Hilton Honors is one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programs, with over 9,000 properties across 25 brands in 138 countries. The program offers a straightforward earning structure of 10 points per dollar at most brands, with elite members earning up to 120% bonus points on top of base earnings. Members earn points on eligible stays and can redeem for free night awards starting at 5,000 points, with dynamic pricing based on room rates. The fifth night free benefit on standard award stays of 5+ nights offers exceptional value, effectively a 20% discount on longer redemptions. The program features five elite tiers (Member, Silver, Gold, Diamond, and Diamond Reserve) with benefits including room upgrades, executive lounge access, free breakfast (Gold and above), and milestone bonuses. Elite status can be earned through paid nights, stays, or qualifying spend, with credit card holders receiving automatic Gold or Diamond status.
Reviews & Analysis
Details & Terms
| Purchase APR | 20.99%–29.99% (Variable) |
| Cash Advance APR | 29.99% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 |
| Authorized User Fee | $0 |
Hilton Honors points are valued at approximately 0.4-0.7 cents each, depending on redemption. Standard rooms average 0.5 cpp, while luxury properties and experiences can exceed 2 cpp. Dynamic pricing means value varies significantly by property and date.
Yes, Hilton Honors points expire after 24 months of account inactivity. Any qualifying activity (stays, points earning, or card usage) resets the 24-month clock. Holding an active Hilton Honors credit card keeps your account active.
Fast track to top-tier perks
This card comes with 4 elite status and membership benefits that can unlock priority service, upgrades, and exclusive access.
Enjoy Gold Elite status with 80% bonus points, room upgrades, late checkout, and complimentary breakfast at select brands
Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of
Complimentary Executive status with choose-any-car benefit and priority service
Get free 2-day shipping* on eligible items at a growing network of 100+ online stores with ShopRunner.
You're not responsible for unauthorized charges. Amex covers 100% of fraudulent transactions when reported promptly.
Reimbursement for purchases damaged, stolen, or lost within 90 days. Premium cards up to $10K/item, $50K annual max.
Get an additional year of warranty protection on eligible electronics and appliances with original warranties of 5 years or less.
Coverage for rental vehicle damage or theft when you decline the rental company's insurance
Reimbursement up to $300/item ($1K annually) when merchant won't accept return within 90 days. Premium cards only.
Reimbursement for lost or damaged luggage in excess of carrier coverage
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi | 150,000 | — | — | — |
| Conrad Maldives Rangali Island | 120,000 | — | — | — |
| Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal | 120,000 | — | — | — |
| Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort | 110,000 | — | — | — |
| Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills | 120,000 | — | — | — |
| Conrad Algarve | 59,000 | — | — | — |
| Roku Kyoto, LXR | 70,000 | — | — | — |
| Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island | 100,000 | — | — | — |
| Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Paraiso, Mexico | 20,000 | — | — | — |
| Hilton Honors Experiences (Luxury Spa/Dining) | 10,000 | — | — | — |
| Canopy by Hilton (Select European Properties) | 50,000 | — | — | — |
The Hilton Surpass offers the best value-to-fee ratio in the Hilton card lineup. At $150 per year, the $200 quarterly Hilton credit alone exceeds the fee, and Gold status provides tangible upgrades and breakfast. The $40K path to Diamond makes this the only mid-tier hotel card with a realistic spending route to top-tier status.
The Hilton Honors Surpass Card suits casual Hilton loyalists with its valuable sign-up bonus and reasonable annual fee. Gold status and quarterly statement credits offset costs, while generous earning rates on everyday purchases help accumulate points quickly.
The Hilton Honors Surpass Card is ideal for the casual Hilton loyalist. The regular 130,000-point sign-up bonus offers excellent value if you're looking for a Hilton-specific card. While the $150 annual fee is notable, staying at Hilton properties a few times per year makes the perks worthwhile. These benefits include $200 in Hilton statement credits (distributed as $50 quarterly) and complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status. The card also offers valuable spending bonuses, such as earning 6x points on restaurants, groceries, and gas stations, helping you accumulate Hilton Honors points quickly.
The 130,000-point sign-up bonus provides great value for the Hilton Honors Surpass Card. It offers a balanced set of benefits for those who enjoy Hilton stays without traveling frequently enough to justify the more expensive Hilton Honors Aspire Card. The $150 annual fee can be offset by perks like complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status and the $200 Hilton statement credit. Remember that this credit comes as $50 quarterly increments, which is important to consider when deciding whether to keep the card long-term.
The earning structure is impressive. The Surpass Card offers:
- 12x points for spending directly with Hilton
- 6x points on restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations
- 4x points on online retail purchases
- 3x points on everything else
Here are a few scenarios where this card might not be ideal:
- You don’t value Hilton Gold status or stay at Hilton properties often enough to use the statement credits, especially since they are spread throughout the year.
- You travel frequently and prefer Hilton properties, so the higher-fee Hilton Honors Aspire Card ($550 annual fee) could offer more substantial benefits.
**Quality hotels but points go fast with high per night point cost.**
- Amex’s one-card-per-lifetime rule makes it difficult to accrue Hilton points using Hilton cards exclusively.
- Hilton is part of the Amex partner reward system and at 1:2 is a decent transfer value.
- Hilton has high quality hotels and excellent coverage both in the US and internationally.
- We recommend this system as more of a filler. Either as a specific destination or an upscale IHG when no Hyatt stays are available.
The Hilton Honors Surpass Card occupies a strategic middle position in Hilton's credit card lineup with its $150 annual fee. This placement makes it an attractive option for regular Hilton guests who want valuable benefits without paying premium prices.
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$120
Annual Fee
-$150
Net Annual Value
-$30
The fifth night free benefit applies only to Silver elite members and above on standard room reward stays of 5+ consecutive nights booked entirely with points. Premium room awards, paid stays, and paid+points bookings do not qualify.
Yes. The Hilton Honors Surpass and Business cards grant automatic Gold status (25 elite nights, 80% bonus points). The Hilton Honors Aspire card grants automatic Diamond status (50 elite nights, 100% bonus points). These cards also provide elite night credits toward higher tiers.
Hilton Honors points can be transferred to other member accounts through pooling (max 11 members) or to most American Express Membership Rewards cards at a 2:1 ratio (2 Hilton points = 1 Membership Rewards point). New members must wait 30 days before using pooling.
Hilton operates 24 brands including luxury (Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, LXR), upper-midscale (Canopy, Signia, DoubleTree), midscale (Hilton, Curio), and economy (Hampton, Tru, Spark). All brands participate in Hilton Honors earning and elite benefits.
Hilton uses dynamic award pricing where nightly point costs adjust based on market demand and cash rates. Standard room awards currently cap at 150,000 points/night. Premium room awards on unavailable dates can exceed 1 million points and should generally be avoided.
Yes. Booking through third-party travel agencies (Expedia, Booking.com, etc.) does not earn Hilton Honors points or elite night credits. You must book through Hilton.com, the Hilton Honors app, or call the direct reservations line.
Review focusing on how the card helps earn free Hilton stays faster with big welcome bonus, high earning rates, and automatic Gold elite status benefits.
Comparison article examining the differences between the Hilton Surpass and Hilton Aspire cards, analyzing earning rates, free nights, elite status, and additional perks to help decide which card is best.
Comprehensive review covering the card's welcome bonus, earning rates, benefits including automatic Gold status, and how to maximize value from the $150 annual fee.
Analysis of whether the card's perks justify the annual fee, including automatic elite status, free night rewards after spending thresholds, and up to $200 in annual Hilton credits.
Detailed review highlighting the card as an ideal option for Hilton loyalists, with analysis of first-year vs. ongoing value, rewards potential, and comparison to other hotel cards.
Comprehensive review examining the card's earning structure, automatic Gold status benefits, and how it compares to other Hilton cards and hotel credit cards.
Forbes Advisor review with detailed analysis of rewards earning, redemption options, benefits including Gold status and annual credits, and methodology for how the card was rated.
Comparison guide ranking all four Hilton Honors credit cards, explaining which card makes the most sense based on spending patterns and travel frequency, with the Surpass card highlighted as easiest to justify.
Head-to-head comparison between the Surpass and Aspire cards, examining which card is better for different types of Hilton loyalists based on elite status needs and spending patterns.
| Source | Date | URL |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
Fast track to top-tier perks
This card comes with 4 elite status and membership benefits that can unlock priority service, upgrades, and exclusive access.
Enjoy Gold Elite status with 80% bonus points, room upgrades, late checkout, and complimentary breakfast at select brands
Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of
Complimentary Executive status with choose-any-car benefit and priority service
Get free 2-day shipping* on eligible items at a growing network of 100+ online stores with ShopRunner.
You're not responsible for unauthorized charges. Amex covers 100% of fraudulent transactions when reported promptly.
Reimbursement for purchases damaged, stolen, or lost within 90 days. Premium cards up to $10K/item, $50K annual max.
Get an additional year of warranty protection on eligible electronics and appliances with original warranties of 5 years or less.
Coverage for rental vehicle damage or theft when you decline the rental company's insurance
Reimbursement up to $300/item ($1K annually) when merchant won't accept return within 90 days. Premium cards only.
Reimbursement for lost or damaged luggage in excess of carrier coverage
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi | 150,000 | — | — | — |
| Conrad Maldives Rangali Island | 120,000 | — | — | — |
| Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal | 120,000 | — | — | — |
| Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort | 110,000 | — | — | — |
| Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills | 120,000 | — | — | — |
| Conrad Algarve | 59,000 | — | — | — |
| Roku Kyoto, LXR | 70,000 | — | — | — |
| Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island | 100,000 | — | — | — |
| Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Paraiso, Mexico | 20,000 | — | — | — |
| Hilton Honors Experiences (Luxury Spa/Dining) | 10,000 | — | — | — |
| Canopy by Hilton (Select European Properties) | 50,000 | — | — | — |
The Hilton Surpass offers the best value-to-fee ratio in the Hilton card lineup. At $150 per year, the $200 quarterly Hilton credit alone exceeds the fee, and Gold status provides tangible upgrades and breakfast. The $40K path to Diamond makes this the only mid-tier hotel card with a realistic spending route to top-tier status.
The Hilton Honors Surpass Card suits casual Hilton loyalists with its valuable sign-up bonus and reasonable annual fee. Gold status and quarterly statement credits offset costs, while generous earning rates on everyday purchases help accumulate points quickly.
The Hilton Honors Surpass Card is ideal for the casual Hilton loyalist. The regular 130,000-point sign-up bonus offers excellent value if you're looking for a Hilton-specific card. While the $150 annual fee is notable, staying at Hilton properties a few times per year makes the perks worthwhile. These benefits include $200 in Hilton statement credits (distributed as $50 quarterly) and complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status. The card also offers valuable spending bonuses, such as earning 6x points on restaurants, groceries, and gas stations, helping you accumulate Hilton Honors points quickly.
The 130,000-point sign-up bonus provides great value for the Hilton Honors Surpass Card. It offers a balanced set of benefits for those who enjoy Hilton stays without traveling frequently enough to justify the more expensive Hilton Honors Aspire Card. The $150 annual fee can be offset by perks like complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status and the $200 Hilton statement credit. Remember that this credit comes as $50 quarterly increments, which is important to consider when deciding whether to keep the card long-term.
The earning structure is impressive. The Surpass Card offers:
- 12x points for spending directly with Hilton
- 6x points on restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations
- 4x points on online retail purchases
- 3x points on everything else
Here are a few scenarios where this card might not be ideal:
- You don’t value Hilton Gold status or stay at Hilton properties often enough to use the statement credits, especially since they are spread throughout the year.
- You travel frequently and prefer Hilton properties, so the higher-fee Hilton Honors Aspire Card ($550 annual fee) could offer more substantial benefits.
**Quality hotels but points go fast with high per night point cost.**
- Amex’s one-card-per-lifetime rule makes it difficult to accrue Hilton points using Hilton cards exclusively.
- Hilton is part of the Amex partner reward system and at 1:2 is a decent transfer value.
- Hilton has high quality hotels and excellent coverage both in the US and internationally.
- We recommend this system as more of a filler. Either as a specific destination or an upscale IHG when no Hyatt stays are available.
The Hilton Honors Surpass Card occupies a strategic middle position in Hilton's credit card lineup with its $150 annual fee. This placement makes it an attractive option for regular Hilton guests who want valuable benefits without paying premium prices.
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$120
Annual Fee
-$150
Net Annual Value
-$30
The fifth night free benefit applies only to Silver elite members and above on standard room reward stays of 5+ consecutive nights booked entirely with points. Premium room awards, paid stays, and paid+points bookings do not qualify.
Yes. The Hilton Honors Surpass and Business cards grant automatic Gold status (25 elite nights, 80% bonus points). The Hilton Honors Aspire card grants automatic Diamond status (50 elite nights, 100% bonus points). These cards also provide elite night credits toward higher tiers.
Hilton Honors points can be transferred to other member accounts through pooling (max 11 members) or to most American Express Membership Rewards cards at a 2:1 ratio (2 Hilton points = 1 Membership Rewards point). New members must wait 30 days before using pooling.
Hilton operates 24 brands including luxury (Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, LXR), upper-midscale (Canopy, Signia, DoubleTree), midscale (Hilton, Curio), and economy (Hampton, Tru, Spark). All brands participate in Hilton Honors earning and elite benefits.
Hilton uses dynamic award pricing where nightly point costs adjust based on market demand and cash rates. Standard room awards currently cap at 150,000 points/night. Premium room awards on unavailable dates can exceed 1 million points and should generally be avoided.
Yes. Booking through third-party travel agencies (Expedia, Booking.com, etc.) does not earn Hilton Honors points or elite night credits. You must book through Hilton.com, the Hilton Honors app, or call the direct reservations line.
Review focusing on how the card helps earn free Hilton stays faster with big welcome bonus, high earning rates, and automatic Gold elite status benefits.
Comparison article examining the differences between the Hilton Surpass and Hilton Aspire cards, analyzing earning rates, free nights, elite status, and additional perks to help decide which card is best.
Comprehensive review covering the card's welcome bonus, earning rates, benefits including automatic Gold status, and how to maximize value from the $150 annual fee.
Analysis of whether the card's perks justify the annual fee, including automatic elite status, free night rewards after spending thresholds, and up to $200 in annual Hilton credits.
Detailed review highlighting the card as an ideal option for Hilton loyalists, with analysis of first-year vs. ongoing value, rewards potential, and comparison to other hotel cards.
Comprehensive review examining the card's earning structure, automatic Gold status benefits, and how it compares to other Hilton cards and hotel credit cards.
Forbes Advisor review with detailed analysis of rewards earning, redemption options, benefits including Gold status and annual credits, and methodology for how the card was rated.
Comparison guide ranking all four Hilton Honors credit cards, explaining which card makes the most sense based on spending patterns and travel frequency, with the Surpass card highlighted as easiest to justify.
Head-to-head comparison between the Surpass and Aspire cards, examining which card is better for different types of Hilton loyalists based on elite status needs and spending patterns.
| Source | Date | URL |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
Fast track to top-tier perks
This card comes with 4 elite status and membership benefits that can unlock priority service, upgrades, and exclusive access.
Enjoy Gold Elite status with 80% bonus points, room upgrades, late checkout, and complimentary breakfast at select brands
Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of
Complimentary Executive status with choose-any-car benefit and priority service
Get free 2-day shipping* on eligible items at a growing network of 100+ online stores with ShopRunner.
You're not responsible for unauthorized charges. Amex covers 100% of fraudulent transactions when reported promptly.
Reimbursement for purchases damaged, stolen, or lost within 90 days. Premium cards up to $10K/item, $50K annual max.
Get an additional year of warranty protection on eligible electronics and appliances with original warranties of 5 years or less.
Coverage for rental vehicle damage or theft when you decline the rental company's insurance
Reimbursement up to $300/item ($1K annually) when merchant won't accept return within 90 days. Premium cards only.
Reimbursement for lost or damaged luggage in excess of carrier coverage
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi | 150,000 | — | — | — |
| Conrad Maldives Rangali Island | 120,000 | — | — | — |
| Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal | 120,000 | — | — | — |
| Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort | 110,000 | — | — | — |
| Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills | 120,000 | — | — | — |
| Conrad Algarve | 59,000 | — | — | — |
| Roku Kyoto, LXR | 70,000 | — | — | — |
| Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island | 100,000 | — | — | — |
| Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Paraiso, Mexico | 20,000 | — | — | — |
| Hilton Honors Experiences (Luxury Spa/Dining) | 10,000 | — | — | — |
| Canopy by Hilton (Select European Properties) | 50,000 | — | — | — |
The Hilton Surpass offers the best value-to-fee ratio in the Hilton card lineup. At $150 per year, the $200 quarterly Hilton credit alone exceeds the fee, and Gold status provides tangible upgrades and breakfast. The $40K path to Diamond makes this the only mid-tier hotel card with a realistic spending route to top-tier status.
The Hilton Honors Surpass Card suits casual Hilton loyalists with its valuable sign-up bonus and reasonable annual fee. Gold status and quarterly statement credits offset costs, while generous earning rates on everyday purchases help accumulate points quickly.
The Hilton Honors Surpass Card is ideal for the casual Hilton loyalist. The regular 130,000-point sign-up bonus offers excellent value if you're looking for a Hilton-specific card. While the $150 annual fee is notable, staying at Hilton properties a few times per year makes the perks worthwhile. These benefits include $200 in Hilton statement credits (distributed as $50 quarterly) and complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status. The card also offers valuable spending bonuses, such as earning 6x points on restaurants, groceries, and gas stations, helping you accumulate Hilton Honors points quickly.
The 130,000-point sign-up bonus provides great value for the Hilton Honors Surpass Card. It offers a balanced set of benefits for those who enjoy Hilton stays without traveling frequently enough to justify the more expensive Hilton Honors Aspire Card. The $150 annual fee can be offset by perks like complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status and the $200 Hilton statement credit. Remember that this credit comes as $50 quarterly increments, which is important to consider when deciding whether to keep the card long-term.
The earning structure is impressive. The Surpass Card offers:
- 12x points for spending directly with Hilton
- 6x points on restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations
- 4x points on online retail purchases
- 3x points on everything else
Here are a few scenarios where this card might not be ideal:
- You don’t value Hilton Gold status or stay at Hilton properties often enough to use the statement credits, especially since they are spread throughout the year.
- You travel frequently and prefer Hilton properties, so the higher-fee Hilton Honors Aspire Card ($550 annual fee) could offer more substantial benefits.
**Quality hotels but points go fast with high per night point cost.**
- Amex’s one-card-per-lifetime rule makes it difficult to accrue Hilton points using Hilton cards exclusively.
- Hilton is part of the Amex partner reward system and at 1:2 is a decent transfer value.
- Hilton has high quality hotels and excellent coverage both in the US and internationally.
- We recommend this system as more of a filler. Either as a specific destination or an upscale IHG when no Hyatt stays are available.
The Hilton Honors Surpass Card occupies a strategic middle position in Hilton's credit card lineup with its $150 annual fee. This placement makes it an attractive option for regular Hilton guests who want valuable benefits without paying premium prices.
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$120
Annual Fee
-$150
Net Annual Value
-$30
The fifth night free benefit applies only to Silver elite members and above on standard room reward stays of 5+ consecutive nights booked entirely with points. Premium room awards, paid stays, and paid+points bookings do not qualify.
Yes. The Hilton Honors Surpass and Business cards grant automatic Gold status (25 elite nights, 80% bonus points). The Hilton Honors Aspire card grants automatic Diamond status (50 elite nights, 100% bonus points). These cards also provide elite night credits toward higher tiers.
Hilton Honors points can be transferred to other member accounts through pooling (max 11 members) or to most American Express Membership Rewards cards at a 2:1 ratio (2 Hilton points = 1 Membership Rewards point). New members must wait 30 days before using pooling.
Hilton operates 24 brands including luxury (Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, LXR), upper-midscale (Canopy, Signia, DoubleTree), midscale (Hilton, Curio), and economy (Hampton, Tru, Spark). All brands participate in Hilton Honors earning and elite benefits.
Hilton uses dynamic award pricing where nightly point costs adjust based on market demand and cash rates. Standard room awards currently cap at 150,000 points/night. Premium room awards on unavailable dates can exceed 1 million points and should generally be avoided.
Yes. Booking through third-party travel agencies (Expedia, Booking.com, etc.) does not earn Hilton Honors points or elite night credits. You must book through Hilton.com, the Hilton Honors app, or call the direct reservations line.
Review focusing on how the card helps earn free Hilton stays faster with big welcome bonus, high earning rates, and automatic Gold elite status benefits.
Comparison article examining the differences between the Hilton Surpass and Hilton Aspire cards, analyzing earning rates, free nights, elite status, and additional perks to help decide which card is best.
Comprehensive review covering the card's welcome bonus, earning rates, benefits including automatic Gold status, and how to maximize value from the $150 annual fee.
Analysis of whether the card's perks justify the annual fee, including automatic elite status, free night rewards after spending thresholds, and up to $200 in annual Hilton credits.
Detailed review highlighting the card as an ideal option for Hilton loyalists, with analysis of first-year vs. ongoing value, rewards potential, and comparison to other hotel cards.
Comprehensive review examining the card's earning structure, automatic Gold status benefits, and how it compares to other Hilton cards and hotel credit cards.
Forbes Advisor review with detailed analysis of rewards earning, redemption options, benefits including Gold status and annual credits, and methodology for how the card was rated.
Comparison guide ranking all four Hilton Honors credit cards, explaining which card makes the most sense based on spending patterns and travel frequency, with the Surpass card highlighted as easiest to justify.
Head-to-head comparison between the Surpass and Aspire cards, examining which card is better for different types of Hilton loyalists based on elite status needs and spending patterns.
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Hilton's credit card hierarchy offers clear choices for different traveler profiles:
- **Entry Level: Hilton Honors American Express**($0 annual fee)
- Offers an 80,000-point sign-up bonus after spending $1,000 in six months
- Provides basic benefits but lacks the premium perks of higher-tier cards
- Best for infrequent Hilton guests who want to earn points with no ongoing cost
- **Mid-Tier: Hilton Honors Surpass Card**($150 annual fee)
- Balances cost with meaningful benefits for regular Hilton guests
- Features quarterly $50 statement credits that can offset the annual fee
- Includes automatic Gold status, enhancing the value of each Hilton stay
- **Premium: Hilton Honors Aspire Card**($550 annual fee)
- Provides luxury benefits justified only for frequent Hilton travelers
- Significantly more expensive but offers correspondingly greater perks
For business travelers, the Hilton Honors American Express Business card ($195 annual fee) presents an alternative to the Surpass with similar benefits. Its key advantage is that it doesn't count against Chase's 5/24 rule, making it worth considering if you're approaching this limit but still want access to the Hilton ecosystem.
The Surpass card's position makes it particularly valuable for those who might start with the no-fee card but want more benefits as their Hilton stays increase. It also serves as an excellent entry point if you're planning even a single Hilton stay, as the sign-up bonus alone can justify the first year's fee, with the option to downgrade before the second year if needed.
You may be surprised that I really liked this card because, as previously mentioned, I’m not a huge fan of Amex and I’m not loyal to Hilton. But I had a specific destination in mind, Japan, and after doing a little research, I realized that Hilton had more options for us than other brands. Since we were staying in Hiltons and traveling abroad, the Gold status with free breakfast, room upgrades, the fifth night free, and no foreign transaction fees were all useful.
You’ll want to wait for a sign up offer that includes one free night, since that will completely offset the annual fee. I’m also the kind of hobbyist who doesn’t want to keep track of which quarter I’m in to get the most from my cards, which is why the $50 quarterly credits feel tiresome to remember. On the flip side, I love that this card earns 6x points at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, and 4x on U.S. online purchases. Those are my biggest spend categories, so for me it made sense.
Hilton's credit card hierarchy offers clear choices for different traveler profiles:
- **Entry Level: Hilton Honors American Express**($0 annual fee)
- Offers an 80,000-point sign-up bonus after spending $1,000 in six months
- Provides basic benefits but lacks the premium perks of higher-tier cards
- Best for infrequent Hilton guests who want to earn points with no ongoing cost
- **Mid-Tier: Hilton Honors Surpass Card**($150 annual fee)
- Balances cost with meaningful benefits for regular Hilton guests
- Features quarterly $50 statement credits that can offset the annual fee
- Includes automatic Gold status, enhancing the value of each Hilton stay
- **Premium: Hilton Honors Aspire Card**($550 annual fee)
- Provides luxury benefits justified only for frequent Hilton travelers
- Significantly more expensive but offers correspondingly greater perks
For business travelers, the Hilton Honors American Express Business card ($195 annual fee) presents an alternative to the Surpass with similar benefits. Its key advantage is that it doesn't count against Chase's 5/24 rule, making it worth considering if you're approaching this limit but still want access to the Hilton ecosystem.
The Surpass card's position makes it particularly valuable for those who might start with the no-fee card but want more benefits as their Hilton stays increase. It also serves as an excellent entry point if you're planning even a single Hilton stay, as the sign-up bonus alone can justify the first year's fee, with the option to downgrade before the second year if needed.
You may be surprised that I really liked this card because, as previously mentioned, I’m not a huge fan of Amex and I’m not loyal to Hilton. But I had a specific destination in mind, Japan, and after doing a little research, I realized that Hilton had more options for us than other brands. Since we were staying in Hiltons and traveling abroad, the Gold status with free breakfast, room upgrades, the fifth night free, and no foreign transaction fees were all useful.
You’ll want to wait for a sign up offer that includes one free night, since that will completely offset the annual fee. I’m also the kind of hobbyist who doesn’t want to keep track of which quarter I’m in to get the most from my cards, which is why the $50 quarterly credits feel tiresome to remember. On the flip side, I love that this card earns 6x points at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, and 4x on U.S. online purchases. Those are my biggest spend categories, so for me it made sense.
Hilton's credit card hierarchy offers clear choices for different traveler profiles:
- **Entry Level: Hilton Honors American Express**($0 annual fee)
- Offers an 80,000-point sign-up bonus after spending $1,000 in six months
- Provides basic benefits but lacks the premium perks of higher-tier cards
- Best for infrequent Hilton guests who want to earn points with no ongoing cost
- **Mid-Tier: Hilton Honors Surpass Card**($150 annual fee)
- Balances cost with meaningful benefits for regular Hilton guests
- Features quarterly $50 statement credits that can offset the annual fee
- Includes automatic Gold status, enhancing the value of each Hilton stay
- **Premium: Hilton Honors Aspire Card**($550 annual fee)
- Provides luxury benefits justified only for frequent Hilton travelers
- Significantly more expensive but offers correspondingly greater perks
For business travelers, the Hilton Honors American Express Business card ($195 annual fee) presents an alternative to the Surpass with similar benefits. Its key advantage is that it doesn't count against Chase's 5/24 rule, making it worth considering if you're approaching this limit but still want access to the Hilton ecosystem.
The Surpass card's position makes it particularly valuable for those who might start with the no-fee card but want more benefits as their Hilton stays increase. It also serves as an excellent entry point if you're planning even a single Hilton stay, as the sign-up bonus alone can justify the first year's fee, with the option to downgrade before the second year if needed.
You may be surprised that I really liked this card because, as previously mentioned, I’m not a huge fan of Amex and I’m not loyal to Hilton. But I had a specific destination in mind, Japan, and after doing a little research, I realized that Hilton had more options for us than other brands. Since we were staying in Hiltons and traveling abroad, the Gold status with free breakfast, room upgrades, the fifth night free, and no foreign transaction fees were all useful.
You’ll want to wait for a sign up offer that includes one free night, since that will completely offset the annual fee. I’m also the kind of hobbyist who doesn’t want to keep track of which quarter I’m in to get the most from my cards, which is why the $50 quarterly credits feel tiresome to remember. On the flip side, I love that this card earns 6x points at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, and 4x on U.S. online purchases. Those are my biggest spend categories, so for me it made sense.
