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Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
Side-by-side comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and more.
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Feature Comparison
| Feature | Hilton Honors American Express Surpass CardAmerican Express | Southwest Rapid Rewards PlusChase |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Annual Fee | $150 | $69 |
| APR | 19.49% - 28.49% | 19.49% - 27.99% |
| Signup Bonus | Free Night Reward + 70,000 bonus points (limited-time offer) | 40,000 points plus Companion Pass after spending $5,000 in 3 months |
| Rewards Rate | 12X at Hilton, 6X at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, 3X on everything else | 2X on Southwest purchases, Rapid Rewards hotel/car partners, and local transit & commuting, 1X on everything else |
| Credit Score | good | good |
| Pros | 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 | Companion Pass with signup bonus — a friend flies free on every trip Low $69 annual fee for an airline card 25% back on in-flight purchases and 2 free checked bags (Southwest standard) |
| Cons | $150 annual fee Hilton points worth ~0.5cpp — need volume to get value American Express not accepted everywhere internationally | Companion Pass from signup is limited-time offer Southwest flies domestically only (no international routes) 2X earn rate limited to Southwest and partner purchases |
| 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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus (4.2/5). 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.