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.
All credit cards
Side-by-side
Hilton Honors Surpass vs Discover it Cash Back
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Hilton Honors Surpass comes from American Express at $150/yr; the Discover it Cash Back from Discover at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.
| Feature | Hilton Honors Surpass | Discover it Cash Back |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $150 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points | Cashback Match (first year, unlimited) |
| Bonus value (est.) | - | $200 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $3,000 in 6 mo | $0 in 12 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Discover |
| Card category | hotel | cashback |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
|
|
Read the full review
Hilton Honors Surpass
$150/yr · 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points
Read the full review
Discover it Cash Back
$0/yr · Cashback Match (first year, unlimited)
Editorial take: Discover it Cash Back
The first-year Cashback Match effectively doubles your earnings, someone who earns $300 in cash back gets $600 total. It's the best no-fee first card for building credit with real rewards.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Hilton Honors Surpass or Discover it Cash Back?
- The Discover it Cash Back has a public bonus (Cashback Match (first year, unlimited), worth roughly $200), 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 Discover it Cash Back?
- 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 Discover it Cash Back's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Hilton Honors Surpass and Discover it Cash Back?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Discover) the application rules don't conflict. 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 Discover it Cash Back first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Hilton Honors Surpass: $3,000 spend in 6 months. Discover it Cash Back: $0 in 12 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.