info@logintoloans.com +91 8885545255

Logintoloans Assistant

Select your profession

Salaried Icon Salaried
Business Icon Business
CA CA
Doctor Doctor
NRI NRI
School School
College College
Student Student

Enter Pincode

Personal Details

Features of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

  • Overview of the Card’s Core Offerings: The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is a premium travel credit card designed for frequent travelers and Hilton loyalists, offering a robust set of features to maximize rewards and enhance travel experiences. With its focus on earning Hilton Honors points, elite status benefits, and travel perks, this card stands out in the competitive travel card market.
  • Reward Points Structure:
    • 12X Points on Hilton Purchases: The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card offers 12 Hilton Honors Bonus Points per dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with hotels or resorts within the Hilton portfolio, including room rates, dining, and spa services. This high earning rate makes it one of the most rewarding cards for Hilton stays, allowing cardholders to accumulate points quickly for free nights or upgrades.
    • 6X Points on Everyday Spending: Cardholders earn 6X Hilton Honors Bonus Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, covering key everyday spending categories.
    • 4X Points on U.S. Online Retail Purchases: Additionally, 4X points are awarded on U.S. online retail purchases, making the card versatile for e-commerce shoppers.
    • 3X Points on All Other Eligible Purchases: All other eligible purchases earn 3X points, ensuring rewards on every transaction.
Bank of Baroda Premier Credit Card
    • Generous Introductory Bonus: New cardholders can earn 155,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. This substantial welcome bonus, valued at approximately $930–$1,550 (0.6–1.0 cents per point), can cover multiple free nights at Hilton properties.
    • Terms and Conditions: The welcome bonus is subject to terms, including eligibility restrictions for previous Surpass cardholders or prior Hilton card bonus recipients. The spending threshold must be met within the specified timeframe.
    • Automatic Hilton Honors Gold Status: Cardholders receive Hilton Honors Gold Status automatically, providing an 80% bonus on base points, potential room upgrades, complimentary breakfast or food & beverage credits, and late checkout.
    • Pathway to Diamond Status: Spend $40,000 in a calendar year to earn Hilton Honors Diamond Status, which includes a 100% bonus on base points, premium room upgrades, and access to executive lounges.
    • Annual Free Night Reward: Earn one Free Night Reward after spending $15,000 in a calendar year. This reward is redeemable at most Hilton properties globally, with no blackout dates.
    • Additional Free Night Opportunity: Spend an additional $30,000 (total of $45,000 annually) to earn a second Free Night Reward, usable at high-end properties like Waldorf Astoria or Conrad.
    • Priority Pass Select Membership: Includes 10 complimentary airport lounge visits annually upon enrollment, with access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide.
    • Guest Access: Each lounge visit allows you to bring up to two guests for free, enhancing the travel experience for companions.
    • Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Reimburses up to $10,000 per trip (max $20,000 per account annually) for non-refundable expenses due to covered events like illness or severe weather.
    • Baggage Insurance Plan: Provides up to $1,250 in coverage for carry-on luggage and $500 for checked baggage when travel is booked using the card.
    • Purchase Protection: Covers eligible new purchases against theft or damage for up to 90 days, with up to $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per year.
    • Hilton Statement Credit: Get up to $200 annually in credits ($50 per quarter) for eligible Hilton purchases, helping to offset the card’s $150 annual fee.
    • Shopping and Streaming Credits: Earn up to $120 annually in credits for U.S. streaming services and $120 for U.S. wireless service providers ($10/month each), upon enrollment.
    • No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use your card abroad without incurring 2–3% foreign transaction charges — ideal for international travelers.
    • Amex Offers Program: Access targeted discounts, cashback, and bonus points through select merchant offers via the Amex app or website.
    • Exclusive Discounts: The card participates in the Amex Offers program, providing targeted discounts and bonus points for purchases at select merchants, such as retailers, restaurants, or travel providers. These offers, accessible via the Amex app or online account, add value by reducing out-of-pocket costs.
    • Annual Fee: The card has an annual fee of $150, which is reasonable given its robust rewards and perks. The fee is not waivable, but the statement credits and free night rewards often offset the cost for active users.
    • Interest Rates: The card’s APR ranges from 20.99% to 29.99%, based on creditworthiness and market conditions. Timely payments are crucial to avoid high interest charges, particularly for cardholders carrying a balance.
    • Amex Mobile App: The American Express mobile app allows cardholders to track spending, redeem points, manage Amex Offers, and monitor statement credits, providing a seamless user experience for managing the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card.
    • Hilton Honors Integration: Cardholders can link their card to their Hilton Honors account to track points, book stays, and redeem rewards directly through the Hilton website or app, enhancing convenience for frequent travelers.
Premier Card Benefits

Benefits of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

  • Accelerated Point Accumulation:
    • High-Value Hilton Stays: Earning 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on Hilton purchases allows cardholders to quickly accumulate points for free nights, room upgrades, or premium experiences like spa treatments. For example, spending $5,000 at Hilton properties earns 60,000 points, potentially covering a free night at a mid-tier hotel.
  • Everyday Spending Rewards:
    • Broad Earning Potential: The card offers 6X points on U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations; 4X points on U.S. online retail purchases; and 3X points on all other eligible purchases. This structure ensures cardholders can earn Hilton Honors points on daily expenses, making the card valuable beyond just travel use.
    • Welcome Bonus Value
    • Substantial Introductory Offer: The 155,000-point welcome bonus after spending $3,000 in six months provides immediate value, potentially covering 2–5 free nights at Hilton properties, depending on redemption rates.
    • Strategic Spending Opportunities: The $3,000 spending requirement is achievable through everyday purchases like groceries or dining, allowing cardholders to unlock the bonus without altering their budget, a for practical users.
    • Hilton Honors Gold Status Benefits: Automatic Gold Status offers an 80% bonus on base points, complimentary breakfast or food credits, room upgrades, and late checkout, enhancing the value of every Hilton stay.
    • Diamond Status Potential: Upgrading to Diamond Status with $40,000 in annual spending provides premium benefits like executive lounge access and a 100% points bonus, offering luxury travel experiences for high spenders.
    • Annual Free Night Value: The Free Night Reward after $15,000 in annual spending can be redeemed at high-value properties like the Hilton Maldives or Waldorf Astoria, potentially worth $500–$1,000 per night.
    • Additional Free Night Incentive: Earning a second Free Night Reward with $45,000 in annual spending doubles the redemption potential, allowing cardholders to plan multiple luxury stays, a significant advantage.
    • Priority Pass Comfort: The 10 complimentary Priority Pass visits provide access to premium airport lounges, offering free food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and workspaces.
    • Family-Friendly Access: Including up to two guests per lounge visit at no cost makes this benefit ideal for families or business travelers, increasing its practical value for group travel scenarios.
    • Statement Credits: The $200 annual Hilton credit ($50 quarterly) covers eligible Hilton purchases, effectively reducing the annual fee to near zero for frequent Hilton guests.
    • No Foreign Transaction Fees: The absence of foreign transaction fees saves 2–3% on international purchases, making the card cost-effective for overseas travel or online shopping with global retailers, a key benefit for globetrotters.
    • Trip Cancellation Coverage: Trip cancellation and interruption insurance reimburses up to $10,000 per trip for covered disruptions, protecting travel investments against unforeseen events like illness or flight cancellations.
    • Baggage and Purchase Protection: Baggage insurance and purchase protection safeguard luggage and high-value purchases, providing financial security for travelers and shoppers.
    • Targeted Discounts: The Amex Offers program delivers personalized discounts and bonus points at merchants like restaurants, retailers, or travel providers, reducing out-of-pocket costs.
    • Seamless Account Management: The Amex mobile app and Hilton Honors integration allow cardholders to track points, manage credits, and book stays effortlessly, streamlining the travel planning process.
    • Real-Time Offer Tracking: The Amex app provides real-time updates on Amex Offers and statement credits, helping cardholders maximize savings and rewards without manual tracking, a practical benefit for busy users.
    • Hilton Honors Assistance: Hilton’s dedicated support for Gold and Diamond members provides personalized assistance for bookings or reward redemptions, enhancing the cardholder experience at Hilton properties.

How to Apply for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

  • Online Application Process
    • Step 1: Visit the American Express Website
      Navigate to the American Express website and locate the ‘Credit Cards’ section. Select the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card from the travel rewards category. Click ‘Apply Now’ to access the online application form.
    • Step 2: Enter Personal Information
      Provide personal details including full name, date of birth, Social Security Number (SSN), email, and phone number. Existing Amex cardholders can log in to pre-fill some fields, streamlining the process.
    • Step 3: Submit Financial Details
      Enter financial info such as annual household income, employment status (salaried, self-employed, or other), and monthly housing payment. Income of $50,000+ is typically required.
    • Step 4: Review Terms and Conditions
      Review card terms: $150 annual fee, APR 20.99%–29.99%, welcome bonus details (e.g., 155,000 points after $3,000 spend in six months). Confirm eligibility and restrictions.
    • Step 5: Submit Application
      Verify all details and submit. American Express usually provides an instant decision or requests additional info.
  • Application via Amex Mobile App
    • Download the Amex app and navigate to ‘Apply for a Card.’ Select the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card and follow the application steps.
    • Biometric verification (fingerprint or facial recognition) may be used for faster, secure application processing.
  • Application through Hilton Channels
    • Apply via Hilton Honors website or app, which redirects to Amex application, ideal for Hilton loyalists.
  • Offline Application Process
    • Phone Application: Call Amex customer service to apply over the phone with help from a representative.
    • Mail-In Application: Complete and mail promotional application forms when available; slower processing (2–4 weeks).
  • Tracking Application Status
    • Check status online via Amex website/app using application ID or SSN.
    • Call customer service for status updates and clarifications.
  • Tips for a Successful Application
    • Maintain a credit score of 670+ (700+ preferred for better limits).
    • Ensure stable income of $50,000+ and provide accurate financial info.
    • Avoid multiple recent credit inquiries to maintain score.
    • Existing Amex customers may get pre-approved offers or faster processing.
  • Post-Application Steps
    • Activate your card online, via app, or phone after delivery (7–10 days).
    • Link your Hilton Honors account to earn points and get Gold Status.
    • Enroll in benefits such as Priority Pass Select and streaming credits.
    • Meet the $3,000 spend within 6 months to earn the welcome bonus.

Eligibility Criteria for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

  • Age and Residency Requirements:
    • Minimum Age for Primary Cardholder: At least 18 years old to apply, verified via identity documents such as driver’s license or passport.
    • Add-On Cardholder Age: Minimum 13 years old, allowing family members or trusted individuals to share benefits without meeting financial criteria.
    • Residency Status: Available to U.S. residents in all 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories. Non-residents need a U.S. address or SSN; ITIN may be accepted for foreign nationals with U.S. credit history.
  • Credit Score and History:
    • Recommended Credit Score: FICO score of 690 or higher, with 700–850 range increasing approval chances. Scores below 690 may still be considered with strong other factors.
    • Importance of Credit History: Clean credit report with no recent bankruptcies or frequent late payments. At least 3 years of credit history preferred.
    • Impact of Recent Credit Inquiries: Avoid multiple recent inquiries; maintain fewer than two inquiries in the last 6 months to improve chances.
  • Income Requirements:
    • Minimum Income Threshold: No official minimum disclosed, but typically $50,000+ household income is recommended to cover the $150 annual fee and expenses.
    • Income Stability: Salaried applicants should have at least 6 months with current employer; self-employed should demonstrate 1–2 years consistent revenue.
    • Debt-to-Income Ratio: Ideally below 36% to indicate financial stability; high debt may reduce approval odds.
  • Additional Eligibility Considerations:
    • Existing American Express Relationship: Positive banking history with Amex may enhance approval chances.
    • Hilton Honors Membership: Not mandatory before applying; Amex enrolls you automatically upon approval. Existing members with Gold or Diamond status may get better offers.
    • Military Status: Active-duty military members, spouses, and dependents may qualify for annual fee waivers under SCRA.
  • Special Considerations for Approval:
    • Apply With Confidence Tool: Allows checking pre-approval with a soft credit pull to avoid impacting your credit score.
    • Spending Thresholds: Spending $15,000 annually earns a free weekend night; $40,000 yearly upgrades you to Hilton Honors Diamond status, indicating the card suits moderate to high spenders.
  • Tips to Meet Eligibility Criteria:
    • Improve your credit score by reducing balances, lowering credit utilization below 30%, and avoiding late payments for 6–12 months before applying.
    • Lower your debt-to-income ratio by paying down high-interest debts.
    • Maintain steady income documentation, especially if self-employed.
    • Limit credit inquiries by avoiding multiple credit applications within 6 months.
    • Leverage existing American Express or Hilton Honors memberships to strengthen your application.

Documents Required for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

  • Identity Proof:
    • Social Security Number (SSN): Mandatory for U.S. residents to verify identity and credit history. Provide during the online application.
    • Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): For non-residents or foreign nationals with U.S. credit history, may be accepted instead of SSN.
    • U.S. Driver’s License: Valid license with full name and date of birth.
    • U.S. Passport: Serves as identity and citizenship proof for residents and non-residents.
    • State ID Card: Alternative for those without a driver’s license or passport.

    Ensure all documents are valid and match your application name to avoid delays.

  • Address Proof:
    • Utility Bill: Electricity, water, gas, or internet bill issued within last 3 months, showing your name and U.S. address.
    • Bank Statement: Recent statement (within 3 months) from a U.S. bank account in your name.
    • Rental Agreement: Signed lease agreement reflecting your current address.
    • Mortgage Statement: Recent statement for homeowners.
    • Government-Issued Mail: Tax bills, voter registration cards issued within 3 months.

    For non-residents, a foreign address may be accepted if accompanied by a U.S. billing address or trusted contact’s address.

  • Income Proof:
    • Salaried Individuals:
      • Recent pay stubs (last 2–3 months).
      • W-2 Form reflecting annual income.
      • Bank statements showing regular salary deposits.
      • Employment verification letter confirming job title and salary.
    • Self-Employed Individuals:
      • Federal tax returns (IRS Form 1040) for 1–2 years, including Schedule C.
      • Certified profit and loss statement.
      • 6-month bank statements showing business or personal deposits.
      • 1099 Forms for freelancers or contractors.
  • Additional Documents:
    • Photograph: May be requested for security, especially for non-residents or high-risk applications.
    • Hilton Honors Membership Number: Provide during application or enroll for free if not a member.
    • Military Documentation (for active-duty members seeking fee waiver):
      • Military ID
      • Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
      • SCRA application form (post-approval)
  • Document Submission Guidelines:
    • Online Submission: Upload clear digital copies (PDF/JPEG) via Amex secure portal, max size 5MB.
    • Mail/In-Person Submission: Provide self-attested photocopies with originals for verification.
  • Tips for Smooth Submission:
    • Label files clearly (e.g., “SSN_Proof.pdf”).
    • Verify documents are current and valid.
    • Double-check all requirements before submission.
    • Use only official American Express channels for uploading sensitive data.
  • Special Considerations:
    • Non-resident applicants may need additional documents such as foreign passport, U.S. visa, or proof of U.S. employment.
    • Incomplete or unclear documents can delay or reject the application; respond promptly if Amex requests more info.
  • Document Retention:

    Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records. Processing usually takes 7–14 business days.

Factors Affecting Approval for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

  • Credit Score: Your FICO score is the most significant factor. A score of 690–850 (good to excellent) aligns with the card’s requirements. Scores above 750 boost approval odds, while those below 690 may need exceptional income or compensating factors.
  • Credit Utilization Ratio: Ideally below 30%. High utilization (above 50%) reduces approval chances. Pay down balances before applying.
  • Payment History: On-time payments over at least 2–3 years are critical. Recent late payments, collections, or bankruptcies can lead to rejection.
  • Recent Credit Inquiries: Multiple hard inquiries in the last 6–12 months lower approval odds. Avoid applying for multiple cards simultaneously.
  • Financial Stability Factors:
  • Income Level: Stable income generally $50,000+ annually improves chances. Higher income especially benefits self-employed applicants.
  • Debt-to-Income Ratio: Below 36% is ideal. Higher ratios may trigger extra scrutiny.
  • Employment Status: Stable employment preferred. At least 6 months with current employer or 1–2 years self-employment is beneficial.
  • Length of Credit History: Longer credit histories generally improve approval odds as they provide lenders with more data on your financial behavior.
  • Credit Mix: Having a healthy mix of credit types (credit cards, installment loans, mortgages) can positively impact your application.
  • Existing Debt Obligations: High existing debts such as auto loans or student loans might reduce your available credit capacity, affecting approval.
  • Bankruptcy or Foreclosure History: Past financial troubles like bankruptcies or foreclosures severely impact approval chances, often requiring several years to recover.
  • Recent Account Openings or Closures: Frequent opening or closing of credit accounts can be a red flag for lenders.
  • Personal and Behavioral Factors:
  • Existing American Express Relationship: Holding other Amex products or accounts enhances approval odds.
  • Hilton Honors Membership Status: Gold or Diamond members may receive favorable consideration.
  • Spending Patterns: Frequent travel and spending in Hilton’s bonus categories are viewed positively.
  • Application History: Avoid applying if recently denied. Note the “once-per-lifetime” welcome bonus limit.
  • Geographic Location: Applicants in regions with higher economic activity or stable employment markets may have better approval rates.
  • Age of Applicant: While minimum age is 18, mature applicants with longer financial histories tend to be favored.
  • External and Policy Factors:
  • American Express Approval Policies: The two-card limit and 5/24-like rules can affect approval.
  • Economic and Market Conditions: Economic downturns may tighten approval standards.
  • Military Benefits: Active-duty members have annual fee waivers and easier approval.
  • Regulatory Changes: Changes in lending laws or credit reporting can impact how applications are evaluated.
  • Credit Bureau Reporting Variations: Differences in credit bureau data can affect scoring and approval outcomes.
  • Strategies to Improve Approval Chances:
  • Boost your credit score by reducing debt and disputing errors.
  • Reduce debt-to-income ratio by paying down loans.
  • Limit new credit applications prior to applying.
  • Long-Term Considerations:
  • Approval is just the first step. Plan spending to unlock rewards and maintain a strong credit profile to access future Amex offers and higher credit limits. Addressing these factors will help secure the Surpass® Card and its robust travel rewards, including 130,000 bonus points, Gold status, and Hilton credits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

1. What are the key benefits of the Hilton Honors Amex Surpass® Card?
Key benefits include:
  • 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible Hilton purchases.
  • 6X Points at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations.
  • 4X Points on online retail purchases (up to $15,000 per year, then 2X).
  • 3X Points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Free Hilton Honors Gold status.
  • Weekend Night Reward after spending $15,000 in a calendar year.
2. What is the annual fee?
The annual fee for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is $150 (as of 2024).
3. Does the card offer a welcome bonus?
Yes. New cardholders can typically earn 130,000 to 170,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months. Check the official site for the most up-to-date offer.
4. How do I earn Hilton Honors Diamond status?
You can earn Hilton Honors Diamond status by spending $40,000 on eligible purchases within a calendar year.
5. Does the card have foreign transaction fees?
No. This card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a suitable choice for international travel.
6. What is the Weekend Night Reward?
After spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, you’ll receive a free Weekend Night Reward, which can be redeemed at most Hilton properties worldwide.
7. Does the card offer travel protections?
Yes. Travel protection benefits include:
  • Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance (secondary coverage).
  • Travel Accident Insurance.
  • Baggage Insurance Plan (for lost, damaged, or stolen luggage).
8. Can I transfer Amex points to Hilton Honors?
No. This card earns Hilton Honors Bonus Points directly and does not accrue American Express Membership Rewards points.
9. Is there a limit on how many points I can earn?
There is no overall cap on points, but the 4X category for online retail purchases is capped at $15,000 in spending per year. After that, the rate drops to 2X.
10. How do I redeem Hilton Honors points?
You can redeem points for:
  • Free nights at Hilton hotels.
  • Exclusive experiences through Hilton Honors Experiences.
  • Airline miles with travel partners (note: transfer rates may be lower in value).
Hotel redemptions typically provide the best value for your points.