Hilton Honors Surpass Card: March 2024 Review

Considering a hotel rewards card and eyeing Hilton stays? The Hilton Honors Surpass Card might be worth a look. Let's dive into its current offerings and see if it fits your travel style.

Earning Rewards & Benefits Overview

As of March 2024, the Hilton Honors Surpass Card boasts a tempting welcome offer: a whopping 155,000 points after meeting spending requirements. That's a great start to building your Hilton Honors points balance. Keep in mind, that there is a $150 annual fee associated with the card.

Earning Potential

Here's where the card truly shines for Hilton loyalists. You'll earn 12x points per dollar spent directly at Hilton hotels and resorts. That translates to a significant return on your travel spending within the Hilton portfolio. Additionally, the card offers 6x points at select categories (details available on the issuer's website) and 4x points on U.S. online retail purchases. Everyday spending earns a respectable 3x points per dollar. Sweetening the deal further, there are no foreign transaction fees, so you can use the card globally without worrying about extra charges.

Cardholder Perks

The Hilton Honors Surpass Card elevates your travel experience beyond just points. Automatic Hilton Honors Gold Status unlocks benefits like room upgrades (subject to availability) and bonus points on Hilton stays. With enough spending, you can even reach the coveted Diamond Status, offering even more perks.

Travel and hotel benefits are another highlight. The card awards a free night reward certificate annually after meeting spending requirements. Plus, you can earn up to $200 in statement credits each year for eligible Hilton purchases, effectively offsetting a portion of the annual fee. For car rentals, the card grants National Emerald Club Executive Status, potentially expediting rentals and offering additional benefits.

Don't forget some bonus security features. The card offers purchase protection and extended warranty coverage on eligible purchases, providing peace of mind for your shopping sprees. On top of that, Amex Offers can grant you access to exclusive discounts and statement credits with various merchants.

Value Analysis: Is it Worth It?

With a $150 annual fee, the Hilton Honors Surpass Card requires some strategic use to justify its cost. If you stay at Hilton properties frequently and can maximize the points-earning categories, the free night certificate and statement credits can quickly offset the fee. However, if your hotel stays are rare or scattered across different brands, a card with no annual fee might be a better option.

For high spenders who truly bleed Hilton blue, the Aspire card offers even richer rewards and benefits, but with a significantly higher annual fee.

Bottom Line Recommendation

The Hilton Honors Surpass Card is a solid choice for frequent Hilton travelers who can take advantage of its bonus points categories and hotel benefits. The current welcome offer sweetens the deal even further. However, if your travel loyalty is more flexible, consider a no-fee card or the Aspire card if you're a Hilton die-hard.