Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card Review (2024)

12.01.2024 - 22:19 / cntraveler.com / Ihg

Condé Nast Traveler has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Condé Nast Traveler and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. We don't review or include all companies, or all available products. Moreover, the editorial content on this page was not provided by any of the companies mentioned, and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are entirely those of Condé Nast Traveler's editorial team.

In 2019, with a trip to Europe on the horizon, I signed up for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card—the second AmEx hotel co-branded card I’ve had in my wallet—to help lower travel costs to London. Since then, I’ve used it to earn enough points for free night redemptions in London, South Africa, and Colombia.

For those interested in applying for this hotel credit card, I've broken down everything you need to know about its annual fee, earning structure, and top benefits.

Yes. The card pays for itself, as you can receive statement credits of up to $50 each quarter. Also, the points you receive per dollar spent at Hilton Hotels and Resorts and the bonus points you receive as a Gold member make the fee worth it. This card helps you achieve points fast to redeem for more stays.

However, the card provides a limited number of benefits outside of Hilton stays. The card previously included a Priority Pass membership, with 10 visits to a priority pass lounge allowed each year. If you enrolled in Priority Pass on or before January 31, 2023, this benefit ends on February 1, 2024. If you enroll between February 1, 2023, and January 31, 2024, your Priority Pass membership is valid until October 31, 2024 (terms apply). I enjoyed visiting various airport lounges regardless of the airline I was flying. Since I live near a Delta hub, I've since pivoted to the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for Delta Sky Club access.

If you don't stay at Hilton hotels often, this card may not be for you. Other travel credit cards allow you to get more points and perks without committing to a specific hotel chain, or offer partnerships with brands you might book more often. For example, with my IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, I receive a free night at an IHG hotel above the 40,000-point redemption level on my card's anniversary.

Hilton Honors Gold status: With this card, you will receive complimentary Hilton Gold status (terms apply). Gold status comes with an 80 percent points bonus on stays, which helps you earn points faster to redeem for free nights quicker. As a Hilton Honors member, you earn 10 Hilton Honors base points per US dollar spent on room rates and room service for every Hilton portfolio