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Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card vs U.S. Bank Smartly Visa Signature
Side-by-side comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and more.
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Feature Comparison
| Feature | Hilton Honors American Express Surpass CardAmerican Express | U.S. Bank Smartly Visa SignatureU.S. Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Annual Fee | $150 | $0 |
| APR | 19.49% - 28.49% | 17.49% - 27.49% |
| Signup Bonus | Free Night Reward + 70,000 bonus points (limited-time offer) | None publicly listed |
| Rewards Rate | 12X at Hilton, 6X at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, 3X on everything else | 2% cash back on every purchase, up to 4% with qualifying U.S. Bank Smartly Savings balance |
| 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 | 2% unlimited cash back with no annual fee — matches Citi Double Cash Up to 4% back with qualifying U.S. Bank Smartly Savings balance 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers |
| Cons | $150 annual fee Hilton points worth ~0.5cpp — need volume to get value American Express not accepted everywhere internationally | Best rates (3-4%) require U.S. Bank banking relationship with large balances No signup bonus publicly listed Limited to U.S. Bank ecosystem for maximum value |
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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 U.S. Bank Smartly Visa Signature (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.