Is the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card Worth It?
Discover the perks and evaluate if this credit card aligns with your travel habits.
Introduction
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card has undergone significant changes, bringing new benefits and a higher annual fee. This review dives into the features, perks, and potential drawbacks to help you determine if this card is a worthy addition to your wallet.
What’s New in 2024?
Hilton’s mid-tier credit card has introduced several new benefits, albeit with an increased annual fee of $150, up from $95. Here’s a breakdown of the latest perks:
$200 Annual Statement Credit for Hilton Purchases
Cardholders can now receive up to $200 back each year on Hilton purchases, split into $50 per quarter. This means to fully benefit, you’ll need to make a Hilton purchase every quarter.
4X Points on Online Retail Purchases
Another significant addition is the ability to earn 4 Hilton Honors points per dollar on online retail purchases. This is in addition to the existing bonus categories for spending at Hilton properties, U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations.
National Car Rental Executive Elite Status
The card now offers Executive Elite status with National Car Rental’s Emerald Club, providing benefits such as earning free rental days faster and complimentary upgrades.
Priority Pass Membership Ending
A notable downside is the removal of the 10 annual airport lounge visits through Priority Pass Select. Existing cardholders will lose this benefit starting February 1, 2024, depending on their enrollment date.
Existing Hilton Honors Surpass Card Perks
Welcome Bonus
New cardholders can earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after spending $3,000 within the first six months. This offer is available until July 31, 2024.
Earning Rates
| Category | Points Earned per $1 |
|---|---|
| Hilton Purchases | 12X |
| U.S. Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas Stations | 6X |
| Online Retail Purchases | 4X |
| All Other Purchases | 3X |
Additional Benefits
- Automatic Gold Status: This includes perks like bonus points on Hilton stays, room upgrades, and more.
- Free Night Reward: Earn a free night after spending $15,000 in a calendar year.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers.
Evaluating the Perks
Maximizing Points
Hilton Honors points are valued at approximately 0.5 cents each. With 130,000 points from the welcome bonus, you could potentially cover several nights at mid-tier properties or one to two nights at high-end locations.
For instance:
- Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel: Two nights could be covered with the bonus points, where a night costs around 770 euros ($812 USD).
- Hilton Playa del Carmen: A few nights at this all-inclusive resort could be covered, with points rates around 56,000 points per night.
Free Night Reward and Statement Credits
Combining the free night reward and the $200 in Hilton credits can significantly offset the annual fee, especially if redeemed at high-end properties.
Gold Elite Status Benefits
Gold status offers additional perks like complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and the fifth night free on award stays, which can result in substantial savings, especially with waived resort fees.
FAQ
Is the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card worth the $150 annual fee?
It depends on your travel habits. If you frequently stay at Hilton properties and can maximize the new perks, the benefits can easily outweigh the fee.
How do I earn the welcome bonus?
You need to spend $3,000 on purchases within the first six months to earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points and a Free Night Reward.
What is the value of Hilton Honors points?
Hilton Honors points are valued at about 0.5 cents each. This valuation can vary depending on how you redeem them.
Can I still use the Priority Pass lounges?
No, the Priority Pass lounge access benefit is being discontinued. Existing cardholders will lose this benefit starting February 1, 2024, based on their enrollment date.
How does the $200 statement credit work?
You can earn up to $200 in statement credits each year for Hilton purchases, capped at $50 per quarter.
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card offers a robust suite of benefits for frequent Hilton guests, particularly those who can take advantage of the new and existing perks. While the increased annual fee might be a deterrent, the potential rewards and savings can justify the cost for the right traveler.
If you stay at Hilton properties regularly, enjoy elite status benefits, and can utilize the statement credits and free night rewards, this card could be a valuable addition to your travel toolkit.
By focusing on the updated features and existing benefits, this review aims to help you decide if the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card aligns with your travel needs without providing explicit advice.
