Ranking Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

 

Rewards Program (30 points)

• Points, Miles, or Cash Back Rates (15 points): The card offers 12x Hilton Honors points on Hilton purchases, 6x points on dining, groceries, and gas, and 3x points on all other purchases. This is considered a high-earning rate, especially in the travel category.
  • Score: 15/15
• Redemption Flexibility (10 points): Points can be redeemed for Hilton stays and experiences, but the redemption options are limited primarily to Hilton-related travel. There’s no cash back or statement credit option.
  • Score: 5/10
• Rewards Expiration and Transfer Options (5 points): Hilton Honors points do not expire as long as there’s account activity within a year. The points can be transferred to airline partners, but the transfer ratio isn’t highly favorable.
  • Score: 3/5

 

Total Rewards Program Score: 23/30

 

Welcome Offer (20 points)

• Value (15 points): The card often offers 130,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months. This is valued at around $500 or more, depending on how the points are redeemed for hotel stays.
• • Score: 15/15
• Ease of Earning (5 points): The spending threshold of $2,000 in 3 months is moderate and achievable for most users.
  • Score: 3/5

 

Total Welcome Offer Score: 18/20

 

Fees (10 points)

• Annual Fee (6 points): The card has a $150 annual fee, which is considered moderate.
  • Score: 3/6
• Foreign Transaction Fees (4 points): There are no foreign transaction fees.
  • Score: 4/4

 

Total Fees Score: 7/10

 

APR and Financing Options (15 points)

• Introductory APR (5 points): There is no introductory APR offer for this card.
  • Score: 0/5
• Standard APR (5 points): The APR ranges from 20.99% to 29.99%, which is high.
  • Score: 2/5
• Balance Transfer Options (5 points): There are standard balance transfer fees and no notable balance transfer perks.
  • Score: 0/5

 

Total APR and Financing Score: 2/15

 

Cardholder Benefits (15 points)

• Travel Benefits (5 points): The card offers Priority Pass Select membership (10 complimentary lounge visits annually), no foreign transaction fees, and complimentary Hilton Gold status, which includes perks like free breakfast and room upgrades.
  • Score: 5/5
• Purchase Protection and Insurance (5 points): The card offers limited purchase protection, extended warranty, and travel accident insurance.
  • Score: 3/5
• Other Perks (5 points): Includes perks such as $100 Hilton Resort credit and exclusive Hilton event offers, but no cell phone protection or TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit.
  • Score: 4/5

 

Total Cardholder Benefits Score: 12/15

 

Subjective Prestige (10 points)

• Perceived Status and Exclusivity (10 points): The card offers Hilton Gold status, which is prestigious in the travel space but not seen as highly exclusive overall compared to premium cards.
  • Score: 5/10

 

Total Subjective Prestige Score: 5/10

 

Final Score:Total: 67/100

 

Recommendation:

 

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card scores 67/100, placing it in the category of “Recommended with reservations.” This card is a strong choice for Hilton loyalists and those who frequently stay at Hilton properties, but the high APR and limited redemption options outside of Hilton may make it less attractive to general travelers or those looking for broader flexibility.