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Hilton Honors Surpass
Giorgio Sarro
The Rich Grad Student
Hilton Honors Surpass
Secure Application
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Learn moreQuick Info
Points Program: Hilton Honors
Spend Requirement: $3000 in 6 months
Why we opened it!
The Surpass card provides automatic Hilton Gold status. This unlocks complimentary breakfast at international properties (or a daily food and beverage credit within the U.S.) and potential room upgrades.
Because the annual credits outweigh the fee, this card effectively pays you to keep it. With a substantial sign-up bonus and an impressive 30x total earn rate at Hilton properties, the value proposition is exceptionally strong.
RGS Value Table
| Category | Points | Value (0.5cpp)Base travel value | Max Value (1.16cpp)Optimized redemption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signup Bonus | 125,000+great | N/A | N/A |
| Annual Fee | $150 | N/A | N/A |
| Annual Credits | $200 | N/A | N/A |
| Net Annual Fee | $-50great | N/A | N/A |
| Travel | 3xpoor | 1.50% | 3.48% |
| Grocery | 6xgood | 3% | 6.96% |
| Gas | 6xgood | 3% | 6.96% |
| Dining | 6xgood | 3% | 6.96% |
| Pharmacy | 3xpoor | 1.50% | 3.48% |
| Other Purchases | 3xpoor | 1.50% | 3.48% |
| Lounge Benefits | None. Hotel lounge access only if upgraded to a suitepoor | N/A | N/A |
| Partner Benefits | 30x with Hilton + Hilton Gold Status + National Car Emerald Club Statusrgs wallet | N/A | N/A |
| Misc Benefits | 4x on Online Retail Purchases + No foreign transaction feesgood | N/A | N/A |
Signup Bonus
Key MetricAnnual Fee
Annual Credits
Net Annual Fee
Key MetricTravel
Key MetricGrocery
Gas
Dining
Key MetricPharmacy
Other Purchases
Lounge Benefits
Partner Benefits
Misc Benefits
Table Key:
*Point valuations shown are example redemptions; actual values vary by route, dates, and availability. Results not typical or guaranteed.
Additional Information
In the U.S., the Hilton food and beverage credit is a practical way to offset daily costs during conferences. Internationally (especially in Asia), the free breakfast can be amazing.
Additionally, Emerald Club Executive status with National Car Rental allows travelers to bypass the counter and select a vehicle from the Executive Area.
The card provides $200 in annual Hilton credits, which are also applicable to on-site dining. While the quarterly distribution of $50 every three months requires some management, these credits can be used to purchase Hilton gift cards. This strategy is an excellent way to aggregate value ahead of major stays or conferences to fully recoup the annual fee.
Furthermore, Hilton offers a "5th Night Free" benefit on all-points bookings. For high spenders, reaching $15,000 in annual purchases unlocks a Free Night Reward with no point limit. While the spending threshold is high, using the card for major expenses (such as tax payments) can effectively purchase a luxury night worth upwards of $1,000 for the cost of a small processing fee.
Personal advice only. We are not a bank, lender, or financial advisor. Offers change, and banks do not endorse this content. Always read your cardmember agreement and fee schedule before applying or using any card. Use these recommendations at your own risk. You must be 21 years or older, and this website is not intended for undergraduate students. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, which may influence how or where these products appear. We only recommend products we genuinely believe benefit graduate students and decline offers that do not align with that goal.
