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In our opinion, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card is well worth its $150 annual fee (see rates and fees) if you're a Hilton loyalist, as it offers valuable earnings rates and automatic Hilton Gold elite status (terms apply).
Hilton Gold status includes complimentary breakfast, room upgrades and boosted earnings when staying at Hilton brands, making it one of the most valuable automatic status perks on any card.
Keep reading to discover why this card is worth the annual price tag.
Hilton Surpass welcome offer New Hilton Surpass cardmembers can earn 130,000 bonus points plus a free night reward after spending $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card in the first six months of card membership.
The card's current offer meets our criteria for a great time to apply, as those points are worth $780 plus the value of a free night reward according to our March 2025 valuations.
THE POINTS GUYAmerican Express lists the following terms for the welcome offer:
You may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer if you have or have had this Card, the Hilton Honors Amex Ascend Card or previous versions of these Cards. You also may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer based on various factors, such as your history with credit card balance transfers, your history as an American Express Card Member, the number of credit cards that you have opened and closed and other factors. If you are not eligible for a welcome offer, we will notify you prior to processing your application so you have the option to withdraw your application. Before you submit your application, Amex will let you know whether you're eligible for the bonus.
Related: A complete guide to Amex's one-bonus-per-lifetime restrictions
Earn bonus points with Hilton The Hilton Surpass card earns 12 points per dollar spent at Hilton hotels and resorts, 6 points per dollar spent on dining at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery), U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations, 4 points per dollar spent on U.S. online retail purchases and 3 points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
BILL FINK/THE POINTS GUYThe non-Hilton spending returns aren't amazing, but you'll still earn considerable value with just your Hilton spending — another reason to consider this card if you're a Hilton loyalist.
It's worth mentioning here that the Hilton Gold status that comes complimentary with the Hilton Surpass grants additional bonus points for every dollar spent with Hilton. By using your Hilton Surpass on eligible Hilton purchases, you'll net 30 points per dollar.
Redemption options The simplest way to maximize your HILTONEligible purchases
"You may not be eligible to receive a Welcome Offer if you have or have had this Card," American Express notes regarding their welcome offer terms. "You also may not be eligible...based on various factors such as your history with credit card balance transfers."
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