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Discover it Secured Credit Card vs Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Side-by-side comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and more.
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Feature Comparison
| Feature | Discover it Secured Credit CardDiscover | Hilton Honors American Express Surpass CardAmerican Express |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $150 |
| APR | 26.49% | 19.49% - 28.49% |
| Signup Bonus | Cashback Match — unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all cash back earned in first year | Free Night Reward + 70,000 bonus points (limited-time offer) |
| Rewards Rate | 2% at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000/quarter), 1% on everything else | 12X at Hilton, 6X at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, 3X on everything else |
| Credit Score | poor | good |
| Pros | Earn cash back rewards even while building credit — rare for a secured card Cashback Match doubles all rewards in year one No annual fee and automatic review for upgrade to unsecured card | 12X at Hilton and 6X on dining/groceries/gas are massive multipliers Complimentary Hilton Gold status with room upgrades and free breakfast Free night reward after spending $15K in a calendar year |
| Cons | Requires refundable security deposit ($200 minimum) High 26.49% APR Discover not accepted as widely as Visa/Mastercard | $150 annual fee Hilton points worth ~0.5cpp — need volume to get value American Express not accepted everywhere internationally |
| View Details → | View Details → |
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Verdict
Our Pick: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
With a 4.3/5 rating, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card edges out the Discover it Secured Credit Card (4.1/5). At $150/yr, the value proposition is strong. The Hilton Surpass piles up points fast with 12X at Hilton and 6X on everyday categories. Gold status adds free breakfast and room upgrades at most Hilton brands, making it the best mid-tier hotel card for Hilton loyalists.