Disclosure: The Points Pundit receives NO compensation from credit card affiliate partnerships. Support the blog by applying for a card through my personal referral links. This article is meant for information purposes only and doesn’t constitute personal finance, legal, health, or investment advice. Please consult a licensed professional for advice pertaining to your situation.
Introduction
For frequent readers of The Points Pundit blog, it’s no secret that I have a strong preference for booking my hotel stays with Hilton. Despite Hilton’s devaluation over the years, I find their points easy to earn and their global footprint perfect for my international travel style. In October 2023, American Express refreshed the Hilton Aspire Card and the Hilton Surpass card, introducing new benefits and credits. While the annual fees on these cards increased, they also offer elevated welcome bonuses. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Hilton Surpass card and its benefits.
Hilton Surpass Card Welcome Bonus
American Express is currently offering a sign-up bonus of 155,000 Hilton Honors points on the Hilton Surpass card. To earn this bonus, you’ll need to spend $3,000 in the first 6 months. This minimum spend requirement should be achievable for most people, as it averages out to just $500 per month.
Hilton Surpass Card: A $150 Annual Fee Card with Gold Elite Status
If you’re not keen on paying a premium annual fee for a card like the Hilton Aspire Card, the Hilton Surpass card is a great alternative with an annual fee of $150. With the Hilton Surpass card, you’ll automatically receive Gold elite status, which is considered one of the most valuable mid-tier status levels among major hotel chains. Some of the benefits you’ll enjoy with Gold elite status include complimentary WiFi, 80% bonus points earning on stays, a 5th night free on award stays, free breakfast at Hilton properties, space-available room upgrades, and more.
Points Earning Potential
For a card with an annual fee of $150, the Hilton Surpass card offers a solid points-earning potential, including:
– 12x Hilton Honors points on eligible purchases in the Hilton portfolio
– 6x points on dining, gas, and groceries in the US
– 3x points on all other purchases
$200 in Credits
A new benefit added by American Express is $50 in statement credits each quarter on purchases made with hotels in the Hilton portfolio. This benefit is easy to use, requiring only a qualifying purchase each quarter at a Hilton property. For frequent Hilton guests, maxing out the $200 credit annually should be straightforward.
Other Benefits
In addition to points earning potential and credits, the Hilton Surpass card offers additional benefits and protections, including:
– No foreign transaction fees
– Car rental loss and damage insurance
– Add authorized users for no fee
– Complimentary car rental elite status with National car rental
The Pundit’s Mantra
With a 155,000 points bonus requiring just $3,000 in spend, the Hilton Surpass card offers a lucrative sign-up bonus. If this card doesn’t suit your preferences, the no annual fee Hilton Honors card is also currently offering an elevated bonus of 100,000 Hilton Honors points. Ultimately, the choice of co-branded Hilton Honors card comes down to personal preferences and travel habits.
Conclusion
The Hilton Surpass card from American Express offers a range of benefits, including a generous welcome bonus, Gold elite status, solid points earning potential, statement credits, and additional perks. For travelers who frequent Hilton properties, this card can provide significant value and enhance the overall travel experience. Consider applying for the Hilton Surpass card through the Points Pundit’s referral links to support the blog and access exclusive offers.