Hilton Surpass AmEx Review | 130,000-Point Welcome, Gold Status and $200 Annual Credits
Turn Hilton stays into free nights with a 130,000-point welcome, automatic Gold status and $200 in annual credits to help offset the $150 annual fee
Hilton Surpass AmEx at a glance
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card is built for Hilton loyalists who want fast points and tangible perks. With a $150 annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, and a welcome offer of 130,000 Hilton Honors points after $3,000 in purchases in the first six months, the Surpass card can convert routine travel into free nights.
Key details to remember: earn 12x points at Hilton properties, 6x at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations, 4x on U.S. online retail, and 3x on other purchases. The variable APR sits around 20.99%–29.99%, so charge responsibly and use the card to maximize rewards rather than carry a balance.
Rewards, annual credits and real value
The Surpass welcome bonus of 130,000 points gives you a serious head start toward free nights — at roughly 0.5 cents per Hilton point that can mean meaningful value when redeemed at premium Hilton hotels. Regular spend categories help rack up points: use the card for dining, groceries and gas to accelerate earnings between stays.
A major draw is the up to $200 annual statement credits on eligible Hilton purchases, paid in $50 increments each quarter. That goes a long way to offset the $150 fee if you stay at Hiltons a few times a year, especially combined with the card’s 12x point earnings on hotel spend.
Elite perks and travel benefits
Automatic Gold status with Hilton Honors is a standout benefit: expect complimentary breakfast at many properties, potential room upgrades and an 80% bonus on base points earned during stays. That upgrade in benefits can drastically improve the value of your Hilton points and your in-stay experience.
Additional travel protections add practical value, like secondary car rental loss and damage coverage, baggage and trip delay protections when booked through American Express Travel, and access to AmEx Global Assist while traveling more than 100 miles from home. For frequent U.S. travelers, those protections matter.
Who should apply and final verdict
The Hilton Surpass AmEx is ideal for U.S.-based travelers who favor Hilton properties and can make regular use of the $200 Hilton credits and automatic Gold status. If you stay at Hilton hotels multiple times per year or spend heavily in the bonus categories, the Surpass card can more than justify the $150 annual fee.
If you value flexibility across airlines and hotels or prefer transferable points, consider alternatives like flexible travel cards. For brand-loyal Hilton guests seeking easy elite perks, a 130,000-point welcome and up to $200 in credits, the Hilton Surpass AmEx remains a top choice.