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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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Hilton Surpass vs. Hilton Amex: Is it worth paying $150 for extra perks?
Credit card writer Danyal Ahmed is an avid traveler, averaging about 100,000 aeronautical miles per year. He regularly applies that knowledge and his expertise in credit cards to his role as a credit card writer at TPG.
April 15, 2025 • 8 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
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Quick summary
This article compares two popular hotel loyalty credit cards tailored for Hilton enthusiasts, highlighting their core differences in benefits and rewards.
One card offers elevated elite status, quarterly hotel credits and the opportunity to earn a free night after meeting a spending threshold, making it appealing for semi-frequent travelers.
The entry-level option provides complimentary Silver status and a straightforward way to start earning loyalty points without an annual fee.
Both cards allow point redemptions for Hilton stays, with dynamic pricing and a fifth-night-free benefit on award bookings.
What to consider
Upgrading from the entry-level to the mid-tier card is possible, but may affect eligibility for future welcome bonuses due to a one-bonus-per-lifetime policy.
Enrollment is required for select benefits, and terms apply to all features described.
Point values are estimated at 0.4 cents each as of September 2026 per TPG's valuations.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed side-by-side comparison of benefits, earning structures and redemption strategies to help you choose the best fit for your Hilton travel goals.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
For those trying to decide between these two excellent card options, here are the major points of difference and factors to remember as you decide which is best for your wallet.
Earn 130,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Earn 70,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Earning rates
12 points per dollar on eligible Hilton purchases
6 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations
4 points per dollar on U.S. online retail purchases
3 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
7 points per dollar on eligible Hilton purchases
5 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations
3 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
Elite status
Hilton Honors Gold; upgrade to Diamond through the end of the next calendar year by spending $40,000 in a calendar year
Hilton Honors Silver
Free nights
Free night reward after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year
None
Other benefits*
Up to $50 quarterly Hilton statement credit
National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status (enrollment required)
No foreign transaction fees (see )
Travel and shopping protections
No foreign transaction fees (see )
Travel and shopping protections
*Enrollment required for select benefits; terms apply
Hilton Surpass vs. Hilton Amex welcome offer
New Hilton Surpass cardmembers can earn 130,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Conversely, new Hilton Amex cardmembers can earn 70,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
GRAND WAILEA MAUI
According to our September 2026 valuations, the points with the Surpass offer are worth $520 and the Hilton Amex worth $280.
