UPDATE: This offer has expired. You can learn more about the current offers here.
The two co-branded Hilton credit cards by American Express are currently offering the highest bonus ever for new card members! Both offers are currently set to expire May 4, 2016, so you have exactly one week left to decide whether or not these cards work for you! Both are personal cards – one with no annual fee and another with an annual fee but more perks. While I’ll go through the bonus offer and differences of the two cards below, make sure to read this post detailing out the top 6 benefits of these cards.
Key Links:
- Hilton HHonors™ Card from American Express: Get 75,000 Hilton HHonors points after spending $1,000 on the card within the first three months. No annual fee. This offer expires May 4, 2016. Related blog post
- Hilton HHonors™ Surpass® Card from American Express: Get 100,000 Hilton HHonors points after spending $3,000 on the card within the first three months. $75 annual fee. This offer expires May 4, 2016. Related blog post
Hilton HHonors Card from American Express with 75,000 Sign Up Bonus Card Benefits:
- Complimentary Hilton HHonors Silver elite status each year you keep the card
- Earn Hilton HHonors Gold status after you spend $20,000 in a calendar year
- Earn 7x points at Hilton Hotels, 5x points at U.S. gas stations, supermarkets, and restaurants, and 3x points on all other purchases
Typically, you do not see such high sign up offers with a no annual fee card, so this is a great offer! Since this card gives automatic Silver status, you’ll receive your 5th night free on all award redemptions. I also love no annual fee American Express credit cards because any statement credits received from the Amex Offers just count as extra money in my pocket!
Hilton HHonors Surpass Card from American Express with 100,000 Sign Up Bonus Card Benefits:
- Complimentary Hilton HHonors Gold elite status each year you keep the card
- Earn Hilton HHonors Diamond status after you spend $40,000 in a calendar year
- Earn 12x points at Hilton Hotels, 6x points at U.S. gas stations, supermarkets, and restaurants, and 3x points on all other purchases
This is the highest ever sign up bonus we’ve seen from any Hilton credit card! Since American Express has implemented a one bonus offer per card in a lifetime, it is important to apply for a card during the highest offer possible. While this card does come with a $75 annual fee, receiving Gold status at Hilton is quite important. Gold status is one of the best mid-level tiers amongst all the hotel chains, where you’ll receive complimentary breakfast, free internet, possible upgrade and concierge floor access, etc. Similar to the no annual fee version of the card, you’ll also receive your 5th night free on all award redemptions.
What are Hilton Points Worth
Hilton has an award structure in place where you’ll pay more during peak times vs. off peak times. You can use this tool to find out exactly how many points a specific hotel will require during every month of the year. Remember, since both cards gives automatic status, you’ll receive your 5th night free when using points for your stay.
Comparing the Difference Between the Two Cards
The best card for you really depends on your stay pattern. If you are planning on getting the card simply or the sign up bonus then the no annual fee version is probably best for you as paying $75 for an extra 25,000 points might not be worth it (depending on where you plan on redeeming the points). This also allows you to keep the card year after year and not worry about canceling. Now, if you plan on staying at Hilton hotels a few times (or more) throughout the year, then the annual fee card can definitely pay off. First off, with the Gold status you’ll receive complimentary breakfast and the possibility of concierge lounge access. And if you are paying for your stay, you’ll also earn an extra 12 points per dollar spent vs. 7 points per dollar spent.
Overall…
I think both cards are highly desirable right now due to the best ever sign up bonus. And remember, since they are two different card products, you are allowed to sign up for both and receive both sign up bonuses if approved for the card and upon meeting the minimum spend.That can ultimately allow you to earn 175,000 points in total!
I like that both cards give you your 5th night free (if you do not already have status – learn about the many ways to earn status here) and that both cards allow you to take advantage of the Amex Offers. For me, any statement credits received with the Amex Offers is “money made” and I’m always able to offset an annual fee (if there is one) with these statement credits – you can learn more about making money on the Hilton cards with these Amex statement credit offers here.
Overall, these are two great offer and worthwhile if you are looking to increase your Hilton balance. Keep in mind though that American Express typically only allows you to have 4 credit cards (not charge cards) in your name at a given time. This is a card I do not yet have in my wallet and with the current limited time offer which is the highest offer we’ve ever seen for this card, I will absolutely be applying for one of these cards in the next week.
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If I had the Free Amex Hilton card in the past and cancelled it in October, does that affect the Surpass card bonus points?