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Amex Hilton Surpass Review: Fast-Track Free Hotel Stays

Review Updated
Joel O'Leary
Author: Joel O'Leary
Joel O'Leary
Joel O'Leary
Full-Time Personal Finance Writer

Joel is a full-time Personal Finance Writer at Motley Fool Money, where he brings a clear, approachable voice to topics ranging from credit cards to side hustles. He’s been writing about money since 2018, covering topics like credit cards, savings hacks, and the FIRE movement. Before joining the team, he managed editorial content for the How To Money podcast. When he’s not behind the laptop, Joel is likely at the beach surfing, or out and about with his family.

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Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures that our product ratings are not influenced by compensation.

Hilton offers three cobranded cards through American Express, each tailored to a different type of traveler. The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card sits right in the middle, giving you more perks than the entry-level card, but without the hefty price tag of the premium card.

Think of it as the Goldilocks option: not too basic, not too bougie. Just right for Hilton fans who want to earn free stays faster, enjoy meaningful perks like free breakfast and room upgrades, and still keep their annual fee in check.

Ratings Methodology

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Apply Now for Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

On American Express' Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Apply Now for Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

On American Express' Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APR

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: N/A

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio. Earn 6X Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations. Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases. Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card. Terms apply.

3X - 12X points

Annual Fee

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 8/13/2025. Terms apply.

130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points

  • Automatic Hilton Honors ™ Gold Status is one of the many lucrative perks, including sky-high points for Hilton stays and for restaurants, groceries, and gas.

    • Big welcome offer
    • Automatic Hilton Honors ™ Gold Status status
    • Earn an annual free night award
    • Bonus rewards in several spending categories
    • U.S.-centric bonus categories
    • Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 8/13/2025.
    • Get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with a property in the Hilton portfolio on your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card. That's up to $200 in statement credits annually.
    • Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
    • Earn 6X Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
    • Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases.
    • Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
    • Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
    • Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors ™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.
    • Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status through the end of the next calendar year.
    • As a Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card Member, you can enroll to receive complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status through the link on your American Express online account. After you're enrolled, you can reserve a rental car by calling National Car Rental directly, using your travel service, or by booking online or through the National Car Rental mobile app. Terms apply.
    • No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
    • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
    • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
    • Terms Apply.

At Motley Fool Money, we rate credit cards on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rates and 0% intro APR offers, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and purchase protections.

Our highest-rated credit cards have:

  • ​​High value through rewards or 0% intro APR offers
  • Attainable welcome bonuses that make up for any annual fees
  • Low annual fees or a balance transfer fee of 3%
  • Top perks such as purchase and travel protections, no foreign transaction fees, travel credits, and status upgrades

We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best credit card recommendations. Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.

Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.

At Motley Fool Money, we rate credit cards on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rates and 0% intro APR offers, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and purchase protections.

Our highest-rated credit cards have:

  • ​​High value through rewards or 0% intro APR offers
  • Attainable welcome bonuses that make up for any annual fees
  • Low annual fees or a balance transfer fee of 3%
  • Top perks such as purchase and travel protections, no foreign transaction fees, travel credits, and status upgrades

We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best credit card recommendations. Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.

Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.

What I like about the Amex Hilton Surpass

Here are the standout features that make this card worth considering:

Solid, everyday rewards

When you're choosing a travel credit card, you'll ideally want to match the highest rewards rates with where you spend the most. That's exactly where this Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card shines -- it's made to reward Hilton hotel stays primarily, but also give you points for everyday categories like gas, groceries, and dining.

Here are the ways to earn:

  • 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio
  • 6X Points on for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations
  • 4X Points on for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases
  • 3X Points on for all other eligible purchases on your Card

Hilton points are generally worth around $0.06 each, so the rewards might not be quite as rich as they look at first glance. Still, if you travel often or spend big on dining and groceries, it's pretty easy to squeeze out over 2%-5% back in value. Terms apply.

A decent size welcome offer

New cardholders can earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months. Terms apply.

This bonus competes with some of the top credit card welcome offers available right now. It's especially good for a mid-tier travel card.

Automatic Hilton Gold status

I'll be honest, my favorite thing about staying in a hotel is getting a free breakfast. There's just something magical about sipping coffee you didn't have to make and piling your plate with waffles, eggs, and bacon… all included.

That's why Hilton Gold status is so cool. With the Amex Hilton Surpass card, you get:

  • Free daily breakfast or a food and beverage credit
  • Room upgrades (hello better views and more space)
  • Late checkout when available

It's one of those perks you don't really appreciate until you experience it. And once you do, it's hard to go back to "standard guest" status. Terms apply; enrollment may be required.

Free night reward (almost)

If you can spend $15,000 in a calendar year, you'll earn a Free Night Reward, valid at almost any Hilton property (no blackout dates at standard rooms). Terms apply.

That's a hefty spend for most folks. But if you travel a lot for work it's always nice getting a free stay out of it!

Credit card comparison

We recommend comparing options to ensure the card you're selecting is the best fit for you. To make your search easier, here's a short list of standout credit cards.

Offer Our Rating Welcome Offer Rewards Program APR Learn More
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for cash back on rotating categories 		Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. Circle with letter I in it. INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300. 1% - 5% Cashback Circle with letter I in it. Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Intro:

Purchases: 0%, 15 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months

Regular: 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR

Apply Now for Discover it® Cash Back

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for cash rewards on everyday spending 		$200 cash rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. 2% cash rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

Intro: Circle with letter I in it. 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers

Purchases: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening

Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers

Regular: 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for unlimited rewards on purchases 		25,000 points Circle with letter I in it. 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases 1.5-3 points per dollar Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.

Intro: Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee for 60 days from account opening, then 4% fee applies to all balance transfers. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.

Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases

Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

Regular: 18.24% - 28.24% (Variable)

Apply Now for Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

On Bank of America's Secure Website.

Downsides you should know

While the Amex Hilton Surpass card has a lot going for it, there are a couple of trade-offs to keep in mind before you apply.

Points only valid at Hilton

Hilton points can only be used through Hilton, so this isn't the best pick if you want flexible travel rewards. If you're looking for more redemption options, you'll be better off with a general travel credit card.

That being said, cobranded credit cards can be amazing if you're loyal to a specific brand. If that's you and Hilton, this downside is a nonissue.

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 annual fee

While this is far cheaper than most luxury cards, this card does come with a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 annual fee (see rates and fees). It's worth it if you use the benefits, but casual travelers may not get full value.

No more lounge access

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card used to offer 10 annual complimentary airport lounge visits through Priority Pass Select. But they canned that benefit last year. Not a total bummer, but some mid-tier travel cards give you lounge access which is a really handy travel perk.

Is the annual fee worth it?

If you stay at Hilton hotels at least a couple times per year, yes the $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 annual fee can be worth it. The free breakfast and Gold status perks alone can offset the fee and make it a great option for mid-tier travelers.

Not to mention, if you qualify for the current welcome bonus, that value makes up for the annual fee several times over. But you've got to stay at Hilton properties for it to make sense.

If you're not loyal to Hilton or don't want to pay an annual fee, a no-annual fee card might be a better fit.

How to apply for the Amex Hilton Surpass

Step 1: Check your credit score

First up, check your credit score. This card typically is best suited for good to excellent credit, which means you'll generally want a FICO® Score of 670 or higher.

Step 2: Submit your application

Once you've confirmed your credit standing:

  1. Visit this application page here.
  2. Fill out the form: It will ask for all your personal information like full name, address, income, and employment details.
  3. Review and submit: Double-check your information for accuracy before submitting your application.

That's it! Most applicants receive a decision within minutes. But if additional information is needed, it may take up to seven to 10 business days to process.

Step 3: Receive and activate your card

If approved, your physical card should arrive within seven to 10 business days. In some cases, you may receive a digital card number immediately, allowing you to start using your card for online purchases right away.

Step 4: Start using your card ASAP to earn the welcome bonus

Remember to earn the 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points, you need to spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months of card membership.

So make sure you start spending on it right away to reach the threshold.

If your application is denied

If your application isn't approved, don't freak out. It happens more often than you think. Here are a few next steps if this happens:

  1. Review the denial reason: You'll receive a notice explaining why your application was denied, so always seek to learn why. It will help you in future applications.
  2. Contact the reconsideration line: If you think there's been an error or want to be reconsidered, call American Express to discuss. Sometimes, providing additional information or clarification can lead to approval.
  3. Improve your credit profile: If the denial was due to credit issues, focus on improving your credit score over time. These other American Express cards might be a better fit to start slow and build a stronger credit history.

Final thoughts

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is ideal for travelers who want Hilton perks without going full luxury. You'll earn big on Hilton stays and daily spending, score free breakfast and upgrades, and potentially snag a big welcome offer right out of the gate. It's one of the most well-rounded hotel cards for folks who like Hilton but don't want to pay for the top-tier version.

Ready to start earning free Hilton nights? Click here to apply for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card now.

FAQs

  • Nope! The Amex Hilton Surpass has no foreign transaction fees, making it great for all you globe trotters (see rates and fees).

  • Yes, many cardholders receive targeted offers to upgrade to the Amex Hilton Honors Aspire card after several months of on-time payments.

  • Yes, Hilton points expire after 24 months of inactivity. But any qualifying activity (spend, earn, redeem) will reset the clock, so it's relatively easy to keep your points alive.