Unlocking Rewards: Look At The American Express Surpass Card
Exploring the Benefits of the American Express Surpass Card: Is It Right for You?
Ever wonder what is a good choice for your next travel reward credit card? In a world with so many options for travel credit cards, it can become overwhelming. For me, the American Express Hilton Honors Surpass Credit Card was the gateway to the world of travel hacking.
Let's dive into why this hotel credit card serves as an excellent next card for your travel hacking adventures. Whether you're a novice to using travel reward points or seeking to accumulate points specifically with Hilton, this card is a good starting point. American Express offers 3 Hilton credit cards. The Hilton Honors American Express card, American Express Hilton Surpass card, and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire card. Part of our travel hacking theories is to start with the lowest level card first and work your way up in the co-brand group. In this case, the Surpass would be the second Hilton credit card you apply for. To learn more about the order to apply in a cobranded group check out our post on “Starting with the Lowest Level Card First”.
Introduction to the American Express Surpass Card
The American Express Surpass Card is a travel reward credit card designed to cater to the needs of travel hackers and individuals seeking elevated rewards and exclusive benefits. It has become my go-to card, for groceries, restaurants, and gas stations due to its bonus categories. The Amex Hilton Surpass is the mid-level Amex Hilton Card. According to our travel hacking strategy, this would be the second Amex Hilton Card you would apply for.
The Key Features of the Hilton Honors Surpass Card:
1. Generous Welcome Offer:
Upon approval, cardholders often enjoy a substantial welcome bonus after meeting the required spending threshold within the initial months. This influx of points adds to your journey with Hilton Honors on a high note. The current offer for this card is a 130,000 sign-up bonus after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months.
2. Earn Hilton Honors Points:
Every swipe with the Amex Hilton Honors Credit Card earns you Hilton Honors Bonus Points. Earn bonus points on eligible categories like:
12 x Hilton Honors bonus points per $1 at Hilton properties
6 x points per $ at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations.
4 x points per $1 at U.S. Online retail purchases
These additional points can later be redeemed for free nights within the extensive Hilton portfolio.
3. Elite Status Benefits:
Cardholders automatically receive complimentary Gold status within the Hilton Honors program, unlocking a spectrum of exclusive benefits such as room upgrades, late check-outs, and complimentary breakfasts. You To learn more about the different Hilton Honors status levels check out our post.
3. $200 Hilton Credit:
Enjoy up to $200 in statement credits for eligible purchases made directly with Hilton.
4. Free Night Award:
Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Free night rewards can be used at any Hilton property for a standard room, regardless of the points. To learn more about Hilton Free Night Certificates and how best to use them check out our post.
5. Additional Benefits:
In addition, you will receive complimentary Emerald Club status at National car rental with the Hilton Surpass Card. Plus, spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year. This card also offers no foreign transaction fees which is helpful when traveling abroad.
Hilton Honors Daily Food & Beverage credit is offered to Hilton Honors members with Gold or Diamond elite status. It is a statement credit that covers purchases made at restaurants in Hilton Hotels and charged to your room. This card's annual fee is $150. Many travel reward cards have a higher annual fee, however, the benefits of these cards can out way the fee. In the case of the Surpass, between the statement credits, food and beverage credit, and the free night award you can earn, the benefits are greater than the $150 annual fee.
Is it Right for You?
Before diving into the world of Hilton Honors with this credit card, it's essential to assess whether it aligns with your travel habits and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
Frequent Hilton Stays: If you often find yourself booking accommodations within the Hilton portfolio, the rewards of this card can amplify your experience and savings.
Fifth night free- Receive the 5th night free when booking a stay using only Hilton points.
Travel Lifestyle: The card caters to those who prioritize travel and seek value from their credit card through hotel stays, upgrades, and experiences.
Responsible Spending: To maximize the benefits, ensure that you can manage your spending responsibly and pay off your balance monthly to avoid accruing interest charges. Travel hacking is not an excuse to live outside of your budget. Ensure you do not overspend to accrue points.
To learn more about my adventures with starting with Amex Hilton cards check out my post about our Lake Placid free trip. Using American Express Hilton credit cards we have traveled to Lake Placid several times, Jamaica, Trinidad, Florida, Washington DC, and many more.
Our Travel Hacking Strategies:
Start with the lowest level in a cobrand grouping. This card would be the second-level Hilton Honors card. To learn more on why it is important to start with the lowest level check out our post here.
Never as an authorized user to your account. It is wise to have a partner or Person 2, but always create a separate credit card account for them. To learn more about using a person 2 check out our post.
Use travel reward credit cards for all of your monthly expenses. Check out our post on how to strategize your strategies.
When working on a sign-up bonus, ensure you have enough expenses to meet the minimum spending. Check out the How to Start Travel Hacking post.
Use bonus categories to maximize your travel credit card reward strategies. Check out our post here.