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Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card vs Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

This comparison aims to help users decide between the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card. Both cards offer unique benefits tailored for different travel enthusiasts. Let's explore their features and benefits in detail.

Card Overviews

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is designed for frequent Delta flyers, offering rewards on Delta purchases, travel benefits, and a low introductory annual fee. It's ideal for those looking to earn miles for flights and enjoy perks like free checked bags and priority boarding.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card targets travelers who prefer staying at Hilton properties. With generous rewards for hotel stays, dining, and gas purchases, plus benefits like complimentary Gold Status, this card is perfect for travelers who prioritize hotel loyalty and rewards.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Annual Fee $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 $150
Welcome Bonus Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases in first 6 months Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in first 6 months
Rewards Structure 2X Miles on Delta purchases, U.S. Supermarkets, restaurants worldwide; 1X Miles on all other purchases 12X Points at Hilton properties; 6X Points at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations; 4X Points on U.S. online retail; 3X Points on all other purchases
Foreign Transaction Fee None None
Other Fees None specified None specified
Additional Benefits Free first checked bag, priority boarding, $200 Delta Flight Credit after spending $10,000 Gold status, up to $200 in statement credits, free night reward after $15,000 spend

Rewards Highlights

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Rewards

  • Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  • Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card Rewards

  • 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

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

  • Pros:
  • Great for Delta flyers with travel perks.
  • Introductory annual fee waived for the first year.
  • Free checked bag and priority boarding.
  • Flexible redemption options for miles.
  • Discount on award travel bookings.
  • Cons:
  • Limited to Delta and partners for maximum value.
  • Minimum spend required for welcome bonus.
  • Annual fee after the first year is relatively high.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

  • Pros:
  • High reward points for Hilton hotel stays.
  • Complimentary Gold status for perks at Hilton properties.
  • Quarterly statement credits for Hilton purchases.
  • Potential for free night reward.
  • Cons:
  • Annual fee is higher than some other hotel cards.
  • May require substantial spending to maximize benefits.

Who Should Consider Which Card?

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is best suited for frequent Delta Airlines travelers who value airline-specific rewards and benefits. If you often fly with Delta and want to earn miles while enjoying perks like free checked bags and priority boarding, this card is a great option.

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is ideal for individuals who frequently stay at Hilton properties and want to maximize their hotel rewards. With extensive earning potential at Hilton hotels, dining, and gas purchases, as well as elite status benefits, this card suits those who prioritize hotel loyalty.

Conclusion

When choosing between the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, consider your travel habits, spending patterns, and the benefits that align with your financial goals. Both cards offer valuable rewards and features, but your individual preferences will ultimately guide your decision.

“Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.”