Editorial take: Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex
The companion certificate alone usually covers the annual fee on a single trip. If you fly Delta domestically at least once a year with a partner, this is worth it.
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Side-by-side
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex vs Hilton Honors Surpass
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex comes from American Express at $350/yr; the Hilton Honors Surpass from American Express at $150/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($990 more in estimated value) than the Hilton Honors Surpass's. Get the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex first; revisit the Hilton Honors Surpass after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex | Hilton Honors Surpass |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $350 | $150 |
| Sign-up bonus | 90,000 miles | 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $990 | - |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | $3,000 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | American Express |
| Card category | travel | hotel |
| Best earning category (Travel) | 3x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex
$350/yr · 90,000 miles
Read the full review
Hilton Honors Surpass
$150/yr · 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points
Editorial take: Hilton Honors Surpass
The sweet spot in the Hilton lineup. Gold status gets you free breakfast worth $30-50 per stay, and the free weekend night after spend typically covers a $300+ stay.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex or Hilton Honors Surpass?
- The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex has a public bonus (90,000 miles, worth roughly $990), while the Hilton Honors Surpass doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex's $350 annual fee worth it compared to the Hilton Honors Surpass?
- At $350/yr, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Hilton Honors Surpass's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex and Hilton Honors Surpass?
- Yes, though both are issued by American Express so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex or the Hilton Honors Surpass first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex: no published min spend. Hilton Honors Surpass: $3,000 in 6 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.