Massive sign-up bonus
You get 100,000 points after spending $3,000 in three months. This is the highest sign-up bonus on record for the card, and the highest points-based bonus of any of the hotel cards we’ve reviewed. The sign-up bonus alone can get you up to 25 nights at a Category 1 hotel (if you include the “fifth night free” elite benefit).
Excellent earning scheme
The earning scheme is where the Hilton HHonors Surpass card from American Express really shines. You get 12 points for each dollar spent at a participating Hilton property; six points for each dollar at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations; and three points for all other purchases. This is one of the higher rewards rates among the hotel cards that we’ve reviewed and it beats other Hilton rewards cards.
Reasonable annual fee
The card comes with a $75 annual fee. While there are many no-fee hotel rewards cards on the market that can beat this price, this is a reasonable fee for a premium hotel co-branded credit card. If you are planning a few stays at a Hilton property, the benefits will quickly cancel out the fee.
Large network of hotels
Hilton is among the behemoths of hotel loyalty programs. With a portfolio that contains 4,600 properties across 100 countries, you can find a rewards room in most places that you want to travel, including some very nice properties. The program also offers a wide range of brands and levels of hotels, giving you many options for spending points.
Flexible redemption options
The card offers fairly flexible terms for rewards redemption. Hilton HHonors is one of the few rewards programs to guarantee no capacity controls on its rooms in addition to no blackout dates. Also, the program includes the option for “points plus cash” at participating properties. That means you can pay for a room with a low number of points and cover the rest of the cost with cash. This may come in handy if you don’t have sufficient points for a rewards night.
You also have a large number of alternate redemption options, including redeeming for airfare or using points to upgrade a reservation.
Automatic elite status
The card grants you automatic gold status in the Hilton HHonors program. Elite perks differ greatly among hotel loyalty programs. Gold elite status in the HHonors program is excellent because it makes you eligible for the biggest elite hotel perks: free upgrades, free breakfast and lounge access where available. Other benefits include an additional 25 percent bonus points, free internet, late checkout, elite-only rates and more. The best part is that you get to keep gold status for as long as you carry the card.
If you spend $40,000 a year on the card, you can earn the top diamond status, which affords you additional perks. This is a rare benefit for a hotel co-branded credit card, since most programs won’t grant the top elite status without stay requirements.
Reasons to sign up for it:
- You are a Hilton HHonors member and want to earn a high number of HHonors points on everyday credit card spending.
- You want a card with a very generous sign-up bonus.
- You seek a hotel rewards program with a large number of options.
- You value the gold elite status that comes with the card.
How to use it:
- Spend $3,000 in the first 90 days on the card or you won’t get the 100,000 points bonus.
- Always book your Hilton stays with the Hilton HHonors Surpass card for 12 bonus points and use it for other purchases too, unless you have a higher-earning cash back card.
- The card carries a 2.7 percent foreign-transaction fee, so avoid using it abroad unless points are valued higher.
- For rewards stays of 10 days or more, make two or more five-day bookings in order to apply the “fifth night free” benefit. This way, you can have 10 days for the price of eight, or 15 days for the price of 12.
- Since you have gold status, choose a property with a lounge for free drinks and snacks throughout the day.
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