If you’re a Hilton Honors fan (or even just someone who enjoys great hotel perks), the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card is one of the best travel credit cards you can have in your wallet. From a valuable welcome bonus to elite status benefits, this card offers incredible value for anyone who stays at Hilton properties—even occasionally. Let’s break down why it’s worth having.
A Lucrative Welcome Bonus
New Hilton Honors Surpass cardmembers can earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Points plus a Free Night Reward after spending $3,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership. This offer is only available until April 29 — so if you’re considering it, now is the time to apply!
With a point value of $0.006 per point, this bonus is worth $780. And that doesn’t even include the value of the Free Night Reward, which could be worth hundreds of dollars, depending on where you redeem it.
Complimentary Hilton Gold Elite Status
One of the biggest perks of the Hilton Surpass card is that it automatically grants you Hilton Honors Gold elite status (terms apply). While many hotel loyalty programs have mid-tier status levels that don’t provide much value, Hilton Gold is a major exception. Here’s what you’ll get:
✅ 80% Bonus on Hilton Stays – Earn 80% more points on every Hilton hotel booking.
✅ Daily Food & Beverage Credit or Continental Breakfast – In the U.S., you’ll get a daily F&B credit; in other regions complimentary continental breakfast (varied by brand and region).
✅ Room Upgrades – Enjoy upgrades at most Hilton brands (excluding suites, but still a great perk!).
✅ Elite Rollover Nights – Carry over extra nights toward next year’s status qualification.
Additionally, if you spend $40,000 on the card in a calendar year, you’ll be upgraded to Hilton Honors Diamond status (terms apply). Diamond status brings even better upgrades, executive lounge access, and more bonus points. However, if you’re after instant Diamond status, you may want to consider the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, which includes it as a built-in benefit.
💡 Pro Tip: One of the best perks starting Silver status is the fifth-night-free benefit on award stays. When you book a Hilton stay using points, you get every fifth night free, effectively saving 20% on all five-night redemptions!
When you click on the referral link, you could earn a welcome bonus, and we could earn a referral bonus. Terms apply: Refferal Link to Hilton Honors Amex Welcome Offer
Hilton Statement Credits – Up to $200 Per Year
One of the best benefits of the Surpass card is its quarterly Hilton statement credit. When you use your card for Hilton purchases, you’ll receive up to $50 back every quarter, for a total of $200 per year.
Eligible purchases include room rates and incidental charges, such as dining, spa services, and more. This credit can essentially offset the card’s $150 annual fee (terms apply), making it even more of a no-brainer for Hilton guests.
Earn a Free Night Reward with Spending
If you spend $15,000 on the card in a calendar year, you’ll earn one Free Night Reward, which can be used for a standard room in nearly all Hilton hotels worldwide, except for certain excluded properties listed on Hilton’s website.
This benefit can have incredible value, especially if you redeem it at one of Hilton’s most luxurious properties. Imagine using your free night at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui, or another high-end Hilton resort where cash rates can exceed $1,000 per night!
Massive Bonus Points for Hilton Stays (and Other Spending!)
If you stay at Hilton hotels regularly, this card is one of the best options for earning Hilton Honors points quickly. Here’s what you’ll earn per dollar spent:
🔹 12X points on eligible Hilton purchases
🔹 6X points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations
🔹 4X points on U.S. online retail purchases
🔹 3X points on all other eligible purchases
With a point value of $0.006 per point, you’re looking at an effective 7.2% return on Hilton purchases when using this card — one of the highest returns for hotel spending across any travel card!
Conclusion
If you’re a frequent Hilton guest—or even if you just enjoy a few Hilton stays a year — the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card is absolutely worth having. With a fantastic welcome bonus, elite status perks, valuable Hilton statement credits, and strong earning potential on Hilton stays and everyday purchases, the card easily justifies its $150 annual fee.
And with the current limited-time welcome offer available until April 29, there’s never been a better time to apply!
What do you think? Are you considering the Hilton Honors Surpass Amex Card? Let us know in the comments!
When you click on the referral link, you could earn a welcome bonus, and we could earn a referral bonus. Terms apply: Refferal Link to Hilton Honors Amex Welcome Offer
