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Capital One Spark Cash vs Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
This comparison aims to help users decide between the Capital One Spark Cash and the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card. Both cards offer unique benefits that cater to different spending habits and preferences.
Card Overviews
Capital One Spark Cash
The Capital One Spark Cash is designed for businesses seeking straightforward cash back rewards. It offers unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, making it ideal for those who prefer a simple rewards structure without category restrictions.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is perfect for frequent travelers, especially those who stay at Hilton properties. With its robust rewards program and travel benefits, it is tailored for individuals who value hotel loyalty and travel perks.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Capital One Spark Cash | Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 intro for first year; $95 after that | $150 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn $750 cash back once you spend $7,500 in the first 3 months | Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in the first 6 months |
| Rewards Structure | 2% cash back on all purchases | 12X Points on Hilton purchases, 6X at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, 4X on U.S. online retail, 3X on all other purchases |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | No | No |
| Other Fees | None specified | None specified |
| Additional Benefits | Free employee cards, rewards won’t expire | Quarterly statement credits, complimentary Gold Status, earn Free Night Reward |
Rewards Highlights
Capital One Spark Cash
- Earn $750 cash back once you spend $7,500 in the first 3 months from account opening
- 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 2% cash back on every purchase
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
- Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
- Earn 6X Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
- Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases.
- Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
Pros and Cons
Capital One Spark Cash
- Pros:
- Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases
- Free employee cards
- No foreign transaction fees
- Rewards do not expire
- Cons:
- Annual fee after the first year
- Welcome bonus requires significant spending
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
- Pros:
- High rewards rate on Hilton purchases
- Quarterly statement credits
- Complimentary Gold Status with Hilton Honors
- Free Night Reward opportunity
- Cons:
- Higher annual fee than some other cards
- Limited benefits for non-Hilton spending
Who Should Consider Which Card?
The Capital One Spark Cash is best for business owners or individuals who prefer a straightforward cash back rewards system without worrying about categories or limits. It's ideal for those looking to simplify their rewards experience.
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is suited for frequent travelers, especially those who often stay at Hilton hotels. If you value hotel loyalty programs and enjoy earning rewards on dining and shopping, this card may be the better fit for you.
Conclusion
Both the Capital One Spark Cash and the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card have their unique advantages. Consider your spending habits, travel preferences, and overall financial goals to determine which card aligns best with your lifestyle.