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Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card vs The New United℠ Explorer Card
This comparison aims to help you decide between the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card and The New United℠ Explorer Card, two popular travel rewards credit cards. Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different types of travelers.
Card Overviews
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is designed for those who frequently stay at Hilton properties, offering generous rewards for hotel stays and dining. With a strong welcome bonus and additional perks, it caters to loyal Hilton guests looking to maximize their travel experiences.
The New United℠ Explorer Card
The New United℠ Explorer Card appeals to travelers who prefer United Airlines. It provides a robust rewards structure for purchases related to travel and dining, along with priority boarding and complimentary checked bags, making it an excellent choice for United frequent flyers.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card | The New United℠ Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $150 | $0 Intro Annual fee for the First Year, then $150 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first 6 months | Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months |
| Rewards Structure | 12X Points at Hilton, 6X at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, 4X on U.S. online retail, 3X on other purchases | 2X miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays, 1X on all other purchases |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | No | No |
| Other Fees | Annual fee applies | Annual fee applies after first year |
| Additional Benefits | Free Night Reward after spending $15,000, Gold Status, $200 in statement credits | Priority boarding, free first checked bag, $120 Global Entry credit |
Rewards Highlights
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.
The New United℠ Explorer Card Rewards:
- Debut Offer: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel.
- 1x mile on all other purchases.
Pros and Cons
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
- Pros:
- High earning potential with Hilton stays and dining.
- Free night reward and Gold Status benefits.
- Quarterly statement credits for Hilton purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Cons:
- Annual fee applies from the start.
- Rewards are best suited for Hilton loyalists.
The New United℠ Explorer Card
- Pros:
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year.
- Priority boarding and free checked bag save on travel costs.
- Rewards on United purchases and dining.
- Global Entry fee credit adds value for frequent travelers.
- Cons:
- Annual fee applies after the first year.
- Less earning potential outside of United-related purchases.
Who Should Consider Which Card?
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is ideal for travelers who frequently stay at Hilton hotels and dine at U.S. restaurants, maximizing their points on hotel and dining expenses. In contrast, The New United℠ Explorer Card is perfect for those who fly with United Airlines and want to take advantage of travel-related perks and rewards.
Conclusion
Both the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card and The New United℠ Explorer Card offer unique benefits tailored to different types of travelers. It's essential to consider your individual needs and spending habits to select the card that best aligns with your financial goals and travel preferences.