Hilton Honors Surpass Amex: rewards, fees and who it fits
What it earns
Annual fee: $0 introductory first year, then $150
| Earn | Where to use it |
|---|---|
| 12X | Eligible Hilton purchasesBook and pay directly with participating Hilton properties. |
| 6X | U.S. restaurants, supermarkets and gas stationsQualifying merchants only; superstores and warehouse clubs are not supermarkets. |
| 4X | U.S. online retailEligible retail purchases, not every bill paid online. |
| 3X | Everything elseNo category cap listed; eligible purchases only. |
Standard purchase rates, checked Sep 13, 2026. Issuer terms (opens in a new tab). Limited-time bonuses are separate.
TL;DR
- For regular Hilton guests who can use Gold status.
- Budget $150 after the introductory year.
- Hotel points are not cash-back percentages.
New here? How to read these guides
Start with the earning table and TL;DR. Then check who the card fits, a spending example and how to redeem. Compare the live offer before applying.
- Cash back
- A percentage back on eligible spending. 3% on $100 = $3.
- Points / miles
- 2X means 2 points per $1 spent. It does not automatically mean 2% back. Each program has different redemption values.
- Welcome bonus / SUB
- Extra rewards for meeting an offer's spending requirement by its deadline. SUB means sign-up bonus.
- Churning
- Opening cards for welcome bonuses. Start with one card you can manage, not a pile of applications. Fees, interest and overspending can erase the upside.
- Transfer
- Moving rewards to an airline or hotel program. Often a one-way move.
The first rule: pay your statement balance in full. Interest can wipe out the rewards.
Who this card is for
A middle option between no-fee Hilton Honors and Aspire. Compare benefits you would use on stays you already book.
What that earns in real life
Illustration: $500 in eligible Hilton charges at 12X earns 6,000 card points. $300 in eligible U.S. supermarket spending at 6X adds 1,800.
How to use the rewards
Use Hilton points against reward-night prices, then compare the same room’s cash total. High earning rates do not guarantee cheap award nights.
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Before you apply
Check the live fee offer and benefit terms, including the timing and eligible properties for any hotel credits. Don’t assume status guarantees an upgrade or that every Hilton booking qualifies.
Only spend what you can pay off in full. A welcome bonus is not worth interest or purchases you didn’t need.
Pay your statement balance in full. Interest can cost more than the rewards you earn.
Quick questions
Does Hilton Honors Surpass Amex earn cash back or points?
It earns Hilton Honors points. The multiplier counts points or miles earned per dollar, not a cash-back percentage.
What is the Hilton Honors Surpass Amex annual fee?
$0 introductory first year, then $150. Compare the ongoing cost with benefits you will actually use, not the advertised total.
Sources & what to double-check
Published Sep 13, 2026. Reviewed Sep 13, 2026. Offers can change.
- Current application offer, fees and welcome-bonus eligibility.
- Category definitions, exclusions and credit enrollment requirements.