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Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card vs United Explorer Card
Side-by-side comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and more.
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Feature Comparison
| Feature | Hilton Honors American Express Surpass CardAmerican Express | United Explorer CardChase |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Annual Fee | $150 | $95 |
| APR | 19.49% - 28.49% | 19.49% - 27.99% |
| Signup Bonus | Free Night Reward + 70,000 bonus points (limited-time offer) | 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in 3 months |
| Rewards Rate | 12X at Hilton, 6X at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, 3X on everything else | 2X on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, 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 | Free first checked bag saves $70+ per round trip for 2 travelers Two United Club one-time passes per year 25% back on United in-flight purchases |
| Cons | $150 annual fee Hilton points worth ~0.5cpp — need volume to get value American Express not accepted everywhere internationally | $95 annual fee 2X earning rate is low compared to general travel cards Best value only if you fly United regularly |
| View Details → | View Details → |
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Verdict
Our Pick: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Both cards tie at 4.3/5, but 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.