Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Hilton Honors Surpass: Which Is Better In 2025?

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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This card packs a lot of value for Hilton loyalists, and this section will break down exactly why we like it.

• Cardholders receive automatic Hilton Honors Gold status, which unlocks valuable perks like room upgrades and a daily food and beverage credit at U.S. properties.
• It offers excellent reward rates, including 12x points on Hilton purchases and 6x points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations.
• The daily food and beverage credit from the complimentary Gold status can easily offset the $150 annual fee (See Rates & Fees) in just a few stays (publisher-formulated estimate).

_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

Pros

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• Valuable redemption perks, including the ability to earn a Free Night Reward through annual spending and a fifth-night-free benefit on award stays.
• A clear path to top-tier Hilton Honors Diamond status for high-spending cardholders.
• Travel-friendly features like no foreign transaction fees and complimentary elite status with National Car Rental.

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Cons

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• Hilton Honors points are generally less valuable than points from more flexible rewards programs, and there are limited options for transferring them to airline partners.
• A free night award is not an automatic perk and must be earned through significant annual spending on the card.
• The card lacks some premium travel benefits found on competing cards, such as airport lounge access.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® vs Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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Categories

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When considering which is better, Chase Sapphire Reserve or Hilton Honors Surpass, it's important to recognize they are built for different kinds of spenders. Each card offers significant value, but their strengths lie in separate areas of the travel world.

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• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: This premium card is best suited for frequent travelers who value flexible points and comprehensive travel benefits that are not tied to a single brand.
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: This card is ideal for travelers loyal to the Hilton portfolio of hotels, offering a direct path to elite status and accelerated points-earning on hotel stays and everyday spending.

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Redemption

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Chase Sapphire Reserve®: With this card, you earn flexible Ultimate Rewards® points that can be transferred to numerous airline and hotel partners or redeemed for travel through the Chase portal. You also have the option to redeem for cash back and statement credits, offering a wide range of choices.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: This card earns Hilton Honors points, which are best used for booking free nights and room upgrades within Hilton's family of hotels. The rewards are straightforward and geared toward maximizing value for stays at Hilton properties worldwide.

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Travel Perks

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• Chase Sapphire Reserve®:
  • Travel Portal: Cardmembers can book travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal, where points are worth more when redeemed for flights, hotels, and car rentals.
  • Lounge Access: Comes with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, granting access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
  • Travel Credits: Features an annual travel credit. Points are not earned on travel until after the credit is fully used. It also offers a statement credit for a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS application fee.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: This card does not charge foreign transaction fees.
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card:
  • Travel Portal: Does not have a flexible travel portal; points are redeemed directly with Hilton for hotel stays.
  • Lounge Access: Offers a limited number of Priority Pass™ lounge visits annually. Enrollment is required. Terms apply.
  • Elite Status: Cardmembers receive complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, which includes benefits like room upgrades and bonus points on stays.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: This card does not charge foreign transaction fees.
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_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

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Who Should Choose the Chase Sapphire Reserve®?

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The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is tailor-made for frequent travelers who can fully leverage its suite of premium benefits. It's an ideal choice for those who spend heavily on dining and travel, as they can maximize point earnings after the annual $300 travel credit is applied. Cardholders who appreciate perks like airport lounge access, robust travel protections, and the ability to transfer points to various partners will get the most value from this premium travel card.

Who Should Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass®?

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The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is an excellent fit for travelers who frequently stay with Hilton and want to enjoy Gold status perks without paying for a premium card. It also appeals to everyday spenders who can maximize rewards on purchases at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations. As detailed in our full card review, this card is ideal for value-conscious travelers saving up points for special trips, especially when taking advantage of the fifth-night-free benefit on award stays.

Alternatives to Consider

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After comparing the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card vs. the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, you might find that neither option is the right fit for your wallet. Fortunately, the travel rewards card market is vast, and other cards may offer a better combination of perks and fees for your specific needs.

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Tips for Application Success

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Applying for a new premium credit card can feel like a high-stakes game, but with the right strategy, you can significantly boost your chances of approval. Here’s how to prepare your application and what to do when you’re ready to submit.

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Before You Apply:

• Check your credit score: Premium cards generally require good to excellent credit. Knowing your score beforehand helps you understand where you stand.
• Plan your spending: Most welcome offers require you to meet a minimum spending threshold within the first few months. Make sure you can meet this requirement through your normal spending habits without overextending your budget.
• Review eligibility rules: Issuers have different application policies. For example, American Express has a “one-bonus-per-lifetime” rule for its welcome offers, so you may not be eligible for an offer on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card if you’ve had that specific card before. Always check the offer terms before applying. Terms apply.
• Research the benefits: Make sure a card’s perks align with your lifestyle enough to justify its annual fee. Consider whether you’ll use key benefits like the annual travel credit on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card or the complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold status that comes with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card. Terms apply.

Application Strategy:

• Provide accurate information: Double-check that all your personal and financial details, like your income and address, are correct on the application to avoid delays or denials.
• Be patient: You won’t always get an instant decision. If your application goes into a pending status, it may just mean the issuer needs more time to review your information. A little patience can go a long way.
• Don’t apply for too many cards at once: Spacing out your applications can improve your approval odds and shows lenders you’re managing credit responsibly. This is a key part of building a strong, long-term credit profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of rewards do the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Hilton Surpass cards earn?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, which can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners. The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card earns Hilton Honors Bonus Points, primarily designed for stays within the Hilton portfolio.

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Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Hilton Surpass better for hotel stays?

The Hilton Surpass is tailored for Hilton loyalists, offering automatic elite status and high earning rates on Hilton purchases. While Chase points can be transferred to hotel partners, the Surpass card generally provides more direct value for frequent guests of Hilton properties.

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Which card offers better airport lounge access?

Both cards offer airport lounge access through a Priority Pass Select membership, though specific benefits and guest policies can differ. For the Hilton Surpass card's benefits, enrollment may be required and other terms apply.

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Can I use Chase Ultimate Rewards® points for Hilton stays?

Yes, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards® points to the Hilton Honors program, as Hilton is one of Chase's travel partners. It is wise to check the current transfer ratio, as it may not always provide the best value compared to other redemption options.