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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card vs Hilton Honors Surpass

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card comes from American Express at $650/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 Reserve Business American Express Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($840 more in estimated value) than the Hilton Honors Surpass's. Get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card first; revisit the Hilton Honors Surpass after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express CardHilton Honors Surpass
Annual fee$650$150
Sign-up bonus70,000 miles130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points
Bonus value (est.)$840-
Min spend to unlock bonus$6,000 in 6 mo$3,000 in 6 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressAmerican Express
Card categoryairlinehotel
Best earning category (Delta)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • 15 Sky Club visits/year
  • First-class companion cert
  • $20/mo resy credit
  • MQD Headstart
  • Automatic Gold status
  • Free weekend night
  • $200 Hilton credit/year
  • 12x at Hilton
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card
$650/yr · 70,000 miles
Read the full review
Hilton Honors Surpass
$150/yr · 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points

Editorial take: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card

Premium Delta business. Sky Club + first-class companion cert combined typically cover the fee for couples on a single trip. Stack with personal Delta Reserve only if you really want unlimited Sky Club.

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 Reserve Business American Express Card or Hilton Honors Surpass?
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card has a public bonus (70,000 miles, worth roughly $840), while the Hilton Honors Surpass doesn't advertise one right now.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Hilton Honors Surpass?
Premium cards like the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card ($650/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $650+ of those credits, the math works. The Hilton Honors Surpass at $150/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card 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 Reserve Business American Express Card or the Hilton Honors Surpass first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card: $6,000 spend in 6 months. 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.