The best Hilton Honors credit card Honors, Surpass & Aspire from American Express to maximize your Hilton stays. Uncover rewards, annual fees, and elite perks across Hilton Honors American Express offerings.
Earn free nights, elite status, resort credits, and more with the suite of Hilton Honors American Express Cards. This comprehensive guide compares the popular Hilton Honors, Surpass, and Amex Aspire cards to help you select the best option based on your travel habits and spending.
We'll analyze the rewards, annual fees, status perks, credits, and other benefits across the Hilton Amex offerings. Read on to determine which card will unlock the most value and maximize your Hilton stays.
Hilton Honors Card from American Express/Hilton Honors Amex
The Hilton Honors Card from American Express makes a fantastic starter card for the Hilton loyalist, packed with perks sans an annual fee:
- 80,000 point welcome bonus - Highest ever offer
- Complimentary Silver status - Fifth night free on award stays
- 7X points on Hilton purchases
- 5X points on U.S. supermarkets, gas stations, and restaurants
- No foreign transaction fees - Great for international trips
Upgrading to Gold status is possible by spending $20,000 annually. While Silver status itself is fairly basic, it unlocks the fifth night free on award stays. Combined with the generous welcome bonus, you can book longer award trips affordably.
The 7X and 5X bonus categories accelerate point earnings on common purchases. And with no foreign fees, this free card makes an excellent travel companion abroad.
Overall, the Hilton Honors Card presents a solid everyday option for earning Hilton points and perks without an annual fee. But frequent guests may desire more.
Best Credit Cards for Travel Rewards in 2023
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
The Hilton Honors Surpass Card from American Express brings elevated benefits by adding a $95 annual fee:
- 130,000 point welcome bonus after spending $2,000 in 3 months
- Complimentary Gold status - Upgrade priority, free breakfast, resort credits
- 12X points at Hilton properties
- 6X points on U.S. supermarkets, gas stations, and restaurants
- 1 free weekend night reward with $15k in annual spending
The Surpass unlocks automatic Gold status, a major jump up from the basic Honors Card. This provides room upgrade priority, free continental breakfast, and a $15-$25 resort credit when staying at Hiltons in the U.S.
You'll also earn Hilton points faster with increased 12X and 6X bonus categories. The free weekend night reward each cardmember year further optimizes the $95 fee.
Between the elite status perks, higher earning rates, and free night perk, the Surpass clearly provides superior value over the Honors Card for a minimal annual fee. It's ideal for frequent Hilton guests who want to elevate their stays.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card/Aspire Amex
Sitting atop the Hilton Amex from American Express lineup is the premium Hilton Honors Aspire Amex Card with a $450 annual fee:
- 150,000 point new member bonus - Highest offer available
- Complimentary Diamond status - Hilton's top published tier
- Up to $250 air travel credit
- $250 Hilton resort credit per cardmember year
- 1 free weekend night reward each year
The Aspire grants outright Diamond status, exclusive only to the top-spending guests outside of credit cards. This unlocks suite upgrades, club lounge access, dedicated service and more.
You'll also receive up to $500 in statement credits annually covering air travel and Hilton resorts. Combine this with a free weekend night reward, and the $450 fee diminishes quickly in value.
With benefits this elite, the Aspire firmly caters to dedicated Hilton loyalists who stay regularly throughout the year. The perks justify the high annual fee for frequent guests.
Comparing the Honors, Surpass, and Aspire Cards
| Hilton Honors Amex Card | Surpass amex Card | Aspire Amex Card | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $95 | $450 |
| Welcome Bonus | 80,000 points | 130,000 points | 150,000 points |
| Earning Rates | 7X/5X/3X Hilton | 12X/6X/3X Hilton | 14X/12X/7X/3X Hilton |
| Elite Status | Silver | Gold | Diamond |
| Annual Credits | None | None | $250 Hilton + $250 air travel |
| Additional Perks | None | Free weekend night (15k spend) | Free weekend night |
The no-fee Hilton Honors Card offers solid rewards for beginners. But the Surpass and Aspire Amex cards quickly outpace it with luxury benefits justifying their annual fees.
Frequent guests who will maximize the elite status perks, annual credits, and bonus categories should skip the basic Honors Card. Either upgrade pick delivers proportional value based on your Hilton spending habits.
Who Should Get the Hilton Surpass Card?
The Hilton Honors Surpass Card hits the sweet spot for travelers who stay at Hilton hotels several times a year. The automatic Gold status, free night perk, and accelerated earnings on Hilton purchases justify the $95 fee.
You'll come out ahead if you fully utilize the Gold status benefits like free breakfast and room upgrades. Occasional Hilton guests who won't visit enough to leverage the perks should stick to the no-fee Honors Card.
But for Hilton devotees who want to boost their stays affordably, the Surpass card presents an obvious choice. The elite status alone can more than offset the modest annual fee.
Who Should Get the Hilton Aspire Amex Card?
The premium Hilton Honors Aspire Card ranks among the top hotel credit cards yet carries a lofty $450 fee. It's squarely aimed at road warriors who stay at Hilton properties frequently throughout the year.
To maximize value, you must fully utilize the airline fee credit, Hilton resort credit, and unlimited complimentary Diamond status perks. Aspire also grants access to exclusive Aspire-only promotions periodically.
Infrequent travelers who only stay a few nights annually won't reap enough rewards to rationalize the high annual fee. You need to be a devoted Hilton guest for the Aspire to pay dividends.
Overall, the Aspire makes sense for VIP-level elites who desire the luxury treatment during their many Hilton visits. It grants amenities similar to top published status without massive spending required.
Hilton Honors American Express Card Comparison Overview
| No Annual Fee | Surpass | Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Occasional travelers | Frequent travelers | Road warriors |
| Annual fee | $0 | $95 | $450 |
| Welcome bonus | 80,000 points | 130,000 points | 150,000 points |
| Elite status | Silver | Gold | Diamond |
| Rewards rate | 7X/5X/3X Hilton | 12X/6X/3X Hilton | 14X/12X/7X/3X Hilton |
| Credits | None | None | $250 Hilton + $250 air travel |
| Perks | 5th night free award | Free weekend night | Free weekend night + more |
The above comparison table summarizes the key differences across the Hilton Honors, Surpass and Aspire cards from American Express. Evaluate your travel frequency, spending power, and brand loyalty to choose the optimal card tier for your needs.
Hotel Credit Card Showdown: Hilton vs. Marriott vs. Capital One
Comparing the Hilton Honors Amex and Marriott Bold Cards
When it comes to hotel credit cards, two giants stand above the rest - Hilton and Marriott. Both offer vast footprints spanning the entire globe. Most travelers are already loyal to one brand or the other.
But for those still deciding between Honors and Bonvoy, comparing the Hilton Honors Amex Card and Marriott Bold Card reveals key differences.
While both cards carry no annual fee, the Hilton version provides a more generous 80,000 point signup bonus after $1,000 spent. The Marriott Bold gives just 30,000 points after meeting the minimum spend.
The Hilton Honors Amex card also accelerates rewards on common purchases with 5x points at restaurants, groceries, and gas stations. The Marriott Bold earns only 3x points on stays, 2x on other travel, and 1x elsewhere.
One advantage of the Marriott Bold is the 15 elite night credits provided yearly. This essentially gifts Silver status and gives a head start toward the next tier. Hilton offers outright Silver status but no elite night progress.
The Bottom Line: The Hilton Honors Amex wins on earning potential and the signup bonus but comes up slightly short on status perks.
Surpass Card Elevates Hilton Benefits
For Hilton loyalists seeking more benefits, the Hilton Surpass Card warrants a look. The $95 annual fee unlocks valuable rewards like:
- Gold status - Upgrade priority, breakfast, resort credits
- 12x points at Hilton properties
- 6x points on dining and groceries
- Free weekend night certificate with $15k spend
As you can see, the Surpass provides automatic Gold status versus basic Silver with the no-fee version. This bump in status accelerates your progress toward higher tiers with more perks.
Between the elite status upgrade, expanded earnings, and free night certificate, the incremental $95 annual fee on the Surpass Card is easily justified for frequent Hilton guests.
The Bottom Line: The Surpass Card is the obvious choice for premium Hilton benefits on a budget.
Capital One VentureOne for Flexible Travel
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card merits consideration for those not wed to Hilton or Marriott. This flexible travel card earns 1.25x miles on all purchases without chasing rotating categories.
Miles can then be redeemed towards any past travel purchase made with the card. You also have the option to transfer Capital One miles to various airline and hotel partners.
With no annual fee and a solid signup bonus, the VentureOne Card gives you redemption flexibility and simplicity in earning. The caveat - no elite status perks or brand-specific benefits that hotel co-branded cards provide.
The Bottom Line: The VentureOne Card offers easy-to-earn travel rewards without restrictions to specific brands.
So in summary, weigh your preferred hotel brand and loyalty status against the flexibility of a general travel card like VentureOne. Both options provide avenues to rewarding redemptions.
| Hilton Honors Card | Marriott Bold | Hilton Surpass | VentureOne | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 | $95 | $0 |
| Welcome Bonus | 80k points | 30k points | 130k points | 20k miles |
| Elite Status | Silver | Silver | Gold | None |
| Bonus Categories | 7x/5x Hilton | 3x Marriott | 12x/6x Hilton | None |
Conclusion
Hilton and American Express collaborate to offer a trio of co-branded credit cards catering to all types of travelers. The Hilton Honors Card requires no annual fee yet still unlocks rewards and perks. The Surpass and Aspire cards provide escalating luxury benefits through annual fees, ideal for frequent guests.
Review your Hilton loyalty and travel patterns before applying. Occasional visitors should start with the Honors Card then upgrade later on if needed. But regular Hilton patrons will maximize elite perks and statement credits with the Surpass or Aspire right from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest Hilton Amex welcome bonus offer?
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card currently offers the highest welcome bonus at 150,000 Hilton points after spending $4,000 in 3 months.
Do authorized users get Hilton benefits on Amex cards?
No, authorized users on Hilton Amex cards do not receive their own set of benefits or elite status. Only primary cardholders enjoy the status perks, annual credits and other benefits.
Can you earn a free night with the no-fee Hilton Amex?
Unfortunately, the free Hilton weekend night reward is not included on the no-fee Hilton Honors Card. You need the Surpass or Aspire card to earn an annual free weekend night certificate.
What Hilton tier does the Surpass card offer?
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card provides automatic Gold status with Hilton. Gold status offers room upgrade priority, free breakfast, and resort credits during stays.
Does the Aspire card include airport lounge access?
No, the Hilton Aspire card does not offer priority pass lounge access like some premium cards. It instead provides up to $250 in annual air travel statement credits to cover incidental fees.
What is the highest American Express Hilton card?
The highest-tier American Express Hilton card is the Hilton Honors Aspire Card, offering premium benefits and rewards for frequent travelers.
Is the Hilton Amex hard to get?
The difficulty of getting a Hilton Amex card depends on your creditworthiness. Meeting the card's credit score and income requirements is essential.
Can you have 2 Hilton Amex cards?
Yes, you can have multiple Hilton Amex cards, but there may be limits on the number of active cards you can have at one time.
Can Hilton Amex be used anywhere?
Hilton Amex cards are widely accepted, but they are primarily beneficial for earning Hilton Honors points when used at Hilton properties and partner brands.
How to get a free night with Hilton Honors?
You can earn free nights with Hilton Honors by accumulating points through stays at Hilton hotels, credit card spending, or promotions.
What is the annual fee for Hilton Amex?
The annual fee varies depending on the specific Hilton Amex card, with some cards having no annual fee and others offering premium benefits for a higher fee.
Do I get Hilton Honors with Amex Platinum?
While Amex Platinum offers several travel benefits, it doesn't provide automatic Hilton Honors status. However, you can enroll in Hilton Honors and enjoy certain benefits.
Can I upgrade my Amex Hilton card?
You may be able to upgrade your Amex Hilton card to a higher-tier card, depending on your eligibility and the card's terms.
Does Hilton Honors Amex card charge a foreign transaction fee?
Many Hilton Honors Amex cards no longer charge foreign transaction fees, but it's essential to check the terms of the specific card.
Why is Hilton Honors American Express the best card?
Hilton Honors Amex is considered one of the best cards due to its generous rewards, travel benefits, and Hilton Honors status, making it ideal for Hilton enthusiasts.
Does Hilton Honors American Express have travel insurance?
Hilton Honors American Express cards may offer travel insurance, but the coverage can vary. Check your card's benefits guide for specific details.
How much does Hilton Honors American Express travel insurance cover?
In addition to the coverage offered by the Common Carrier, coverage can be granted for carry-on bags up to $1,250 and checked bags up to $500. There is a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip for residents of New York State. Please review the relevant limitations and exclusions.
How much does Hilton Honors American Express trip cancellation insurance cover?
For Trip Cancellation Insurance, the maximum compensation amount is $10,000 for each Covered Trip and $20,000 for each Eligible Card for a period of 12 straight months.
How to claim Hilton Honors American Express trip cancellation insurance cover?
To claim the Hilton Honors American Express trip cancellation insurance cover, you will need to follow these general steps:
Review the terms and conditions: Read the insurance policy associated with your Hilton Honors American Express credit card to understand the specific coverage details, limitations, and requirements for filing a claim.
Notify the insurance provider: Contact the insurance provider associated with your Hilton Honors American Express credit card. They will guide you on the documentation and information required to initiate the claim process. You can typically find the contact details on the insurance policy or by calling the customer service number on the back of your credit card.
Collect necessary documents: Gather all the required documents to support your claim. This might include copies of your travel itinerary, receipts, booking confirmations, cancellation notices, medical certificates (if applicable), and any other documentation specified by the insurance provider.
Complete the claim form: Fill out the claim form provided by the insurance provider accurately and thoroughly. Include all relevant information and attach the necessary supporting documents.
Submit the claim: Send the completed claim form and supporting documents to the insurance provider by the specified method, which might include online submission, email, or physical mail. Follow any additional instructions provided by the insurance provider.
Follow up: Keep a record of your claim submission and any communication with the insurance provider. If you haven't heard back within a reasonable timeframe, consider reaching out to inquire about the status of your claim.
Remember, the exact process may vary depending on the specific terms and conditions of your Hilton Honors American Express credit card and the insurance provider. It's important to consult the policy documentation and contact the insurance provider directly for accurate and up-to-date information on how to file a claim.
How to claim Hilton Honors American Express travel insurance cover?
To claim the Hilton Honors American Express travel insurance cover, you can follow these general steps:
Review the terms and conditions: Familiarize yourself with the insurance policy associated with your Hilton Honors American Express credit card. Understand the coverage details, limitations, and requirements for filing a claim.
Contact the insurance provider: Reach out to the insurance provider that services your Hilton Honors American Express travel insurance. You can find the contact information on the insurance policy documentation or by calling the customer service number on the back of your credit card.
Notify the insurance provider: Inform the insurance provider about the incident or situation that requires a claim. This could include trip interruption or cancellation, lost or delayed baggage, medical emergencies, or other covered events. The insurance provider will guide you on the next steps.
Provide necessary documentation: Prepare the documentation required to support your claim. This may include copies of travel itineraries, receipts, proof of expenses, medical certificates or reports (if applicable), police reports (for theft or loss), and any other relevant documents specified by the insurance provider.
Complete the claim form: Fill out the claim form provided by the insurance provider accurately and thoroughly. Include all relevant information and attach the necessary supporting documents.
Submit the claim: Send the completed claim form and supporting documents to the insurance provider according to their specified method. This can include online submission, email, or physical mail. Follow any additional instructions provided by the insurance provider.
Follow up and track the claim: Maintain a record of your claim submission and any correspondence with the insurance provider. If you don't receive a response within a reasonable timeframe, consider contacting the insurance provider to inquire about the status of your claim.
It's important to note that the specific process may vary depending on your Hilton Honors American Express credit card and the insurance provider. For accurate and up-to-date information on how to claim the Hilton Honors American Express travel insurance cover, refer to your policy documentation and reach out to the insurance provider directly.
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