Hilton Surpass vs. Hilton Business: Which mid-tier Hilton card is better for you?
Editor's Note
If you're in the market for a new Hilton credit card, American Express has an impressive lineup — ranging from no annual fee to premium offerings.
Today, we'll look at the two mid-range Hilton cards: the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card.
Here's a closer look at both cards to help you decide which is worth adding to your wallet.
Hilton Surpass vs. Hilton Business comparison
| Hilton Surpass | Hilton Business | |
|---|---|---|
Annual fee | $150 (see rates and fees) | $195 (see rates and fees) |
Welcome offer | Earn 155,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. | Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $8,000 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, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations 4 points per dollar on U.S. online retail purchases 3 points per dollar on other eligible purchases | 12 points per dollar on eligible Hilton purchases
5 points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases (on up to $100,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 3 points per dollar) |
Statement credit | Up to $200 (up to $50 quarterly) statement credits annually for eligible purchases made with Hilton | Up to $240 (up to $60 quarterly) statement credits annually for eligible purchases made with Hilton |
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 Gold; upgrade to Diamond through the end of the next calendar year after spending $40,000 in a calendar year |
Other benefits | Free night reward after you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status (enrollment is required) Travel and purchase protections Complimentary ShopRunner membership (enrollment is required) No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees) | National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status (enrollment is required)
Travel and purchase protections No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees) |
Hilton Surpass vs. Hilton Business welcome offer
New Hilton Surpass applicants can earn 155,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. This welcome offer is worth $775 based on TPG's June 2025 valuations.
This isn't quite the highest offer we've seen for the Hilton Surpass, but it meets our criteria for when to apply.
Meanwhile, the Hilton Business card is currently offering 175,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. These points are worth up to $875 according to TPG's June 2025 valuations.
You don't have to have an office with dozens of employees to apply for a business card. A side hustle or consulting gig may be more than enough to qualify you for a small-business card.
But before applying for either, be sure to check Amex's application restrictions and ensure you're eligible for the bonus.
Winner: Hilton Honors Surpass - lower spend requirement compared to Honors Hilton Business.
Related: Better together: An ultimate guide to the best credit card pairings
Hilton Surpass vs. Hilton Business benefits
With both cards, you can enjoy a wide assortment of perks:
- Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold elite status: With Gold status, you'll earn an 80% points bonus on Hilton stays, the fifth night free on award redemptions, elite-tier rollover nights, complimentary breakfast or food and beverage credit at all Hilton hotels, room upgrades (when available) and more.
- National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status: Benefits include guaranteed upgrades, access to Executive Area cars (in the USA and Canada) and no second driver fees.
- Travel protections: Baggage insurance* and car rental loss and damage insurance** are included with both cards.
- No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees for Surpass and Hilton Business)
However, both cards do have some key differences.
The Hilton Surpass earns up to $200 in statement credits annually (up to $50 each quarter) on eligible purchases made with Hilton. These can include room reservations, incidentals or spa charges.
In addition, a huge perk of the Surpass is the ability to earn a free night reward after you spend $15,000 in a calendar year. Free night rewards can be used at select properties, although it's still an impressive list and can be combined with redemption bookings that take advantage of Hilton's fifth-night-free perk.
On the other hand, the Hilton Business provides up to $240 in statement credits annually on eligible purchases made with Hilton, which are split into $60 quarterly statement credits. The statement credit can be used for room reservations, incidentals, and charges at Hilton food and beverage outlets.
*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
**Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Winner: Hilton Surpass. Despite the lower statement credit, earning a free night reward based on spend is a useful perk.
Earning points with the Hilton Surpass vs. Hilton Business
With either the Hilton Business card or the Hilton Surpass card, you'll earn 12 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, which gives you a solid 6% return, according to TPG's June 2025 valuations.
The Hilton Business card also earns 5 Hilton points per dollar on the first $100,000 in purchases per calendar year and then 3 points per dollar after that.
Meanwhile, the Hilton Surpass earns 6 Hilton points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations. You'll also get 4 points per dollar spent on U.S. online retail purchases and 3 points per dollar spent on other eligible purchases.
While there is some overlap in terms of bonus categories, the biggest perk is that you'll earn 6 points per dollar spent on a total of three unique categories with the Hilton Surpass and 4 points per dollar with online retailers. In comparison, the Hilton Business card falls short by not offering any bonus categories and limiting point accrual for other purchases to the first $100,000 spent.
Winner: Hilton Surpass. There are far more chances to earn additional points with bonus categories and no spending limit.
Redeeming points with the Hilton Surpass vs. Hilton Business
The Hilton Surpass and Hilton Business earn Hilton Honor points through credit card spending. You can redeem your points for free nights (no blackout dates), Lyft rides, rental cars, transfers to airline partners, shopping and experiences.
The best redemption of points is to book free nights. However, since the Hilton Honors program lacks an award chart, the number of points you need to redeem for free nights depends on the hotel, room type, booking and stay dates. The Points Explorer tool by Hilton is a great way to determine how many points you need. Simply input your destination or travel theme and how many points you'd like to spend, and you'll be presented with a list of options that fit your specifications.
TPG managing editor Matt Moffitt enjoys redeeming his Hilton Honors points to book three—and four-star hotels abroad since those properties tend to offer a higher redemption value than those in the U.S. He maximizes his points by booking five-night stays to take advantage of the fifth-night-free perk.
Winner: Tie. Both cards earn the same points and offer the same redemption options.
Should I get the Hilton Surpass or the Hilton Business?
The Hilton Surpass is the better mid-tier Hilton card for most, thanks to its manageable $150 annual fee, automatic Hilton Honors Gold status, the opportunity to earn a free night reward and $200 statement credit. Despite the Hilton Business offering a higher annual statement credit of $260, it has a higher annual fee of $195, no free night rewards and a weaker earning structure than the Surpass.
Bottom line
There are some valuable benefits to having one — or both — of these cards in your wallet. If you already have or had either card in the past, consider applying for the other to expand your earning potential and maximize statement credits. From generous welcome bonuses to Hilton Honors Gold status, both cards compete well, but if you had to pick one, the Hilton Surpass takes the lead with a favorable earning rate and lower annual fee.
Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass
For rates and fees of the Hilton Business card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Surpass card, click here.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.