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.
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Side-by-side
Hilton Honors Surpass vs Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Hilton Honors Surpass comes from American Express at $150/yr; the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card 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 Gold American Express Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($960 more in estimated value) than the Hilton Honors Surpass's. Get the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card first; revisit the Hilton Honors Surpass after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Hilton Honors Surpass | Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $150 | $150 |
| Sign-up bonus | 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points | 80,000 bonus miles |
| Bonus value (est.) | - | $960 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $3,000 in 6 mo | $3,000 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | American Express |
| Card category | hotel | airline |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Hilton Honors Surpass
$150/yr · 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
$150/yr · 80,000 bonus miles
Editorial take: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
A good choice for Delta loyalists. The free checked bag and $200 flight credit easily offset the $150 annual fee if you fly Delta a few times a year.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Hilton Honors Surpass or Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
- The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card has a public bonus (80,000 bonus miles, worth roughly $960), while the Hilton Honors Surpass doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the Hilton Honors Surpass's $150 annual fee worth it compared to the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
- At $150/yr, the Hilton Honors Surpass is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Hilton Honors Surpass and Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
- 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 Hilton Honors Surpass or the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Hilton Honors Surpass: $3,000 spend in 6 months. Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card: $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.