Enhanced advantages in Hilton Surpass and Aspire credit cards: Upgraded perks and augmented annual dues
Title: Refresh of Hilton American Express Cards: Changes to Hilton Surpass and Aspire
Hey there! Let's chat about the updates on Hilton's American Express cards, the Surpass and Aspire. Amex gave these cards a facelift with some new statement credits, bonus-earning categories, perk removal, and a raise on the annual fees. Buckle up as we break down the details for you.
Hilton Surpass Card Changes:
First off, the annual fee bumped up from $95 to $150. That's an extra $55 for spendy cardholders. But hey, you'll get some sweet new benefits to make up for it:
- No more Priority Pass visits (10 free lounge visits). If you got your Priority Pass before Jan 31, 2023, you can enjoy your remaining passes till Jan 31, 2024.
- Earn 4 points per dollar on U.S. online retail purchases. Not a bad option to shop online, especially when using shopping portals. It may not be the best option for online shopping, but hey, it's an option.
- A new quarterly Hilton statement credit, up to $50 per quarter, and $200 annually when using the Hilton Surpass for eligible Hilton purchases (directly with Hilton properties).
Still earns 12 points per dollar on eligible Hilton purchases; 6 points per dollar on U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations; and 3 points per dollar on other eligible purchases - no changes there.
Newbies get an increased welcome offer of 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months. Existing cardmembers, on the other hand, are now eligible for Hilton Gold status. Gold status ain't too shabby with benefits like a 80% bonus on base points, room upgrades, and free breakfast. Plus, you'll earn National Emerald Club Executive Status for car rental benefits!
Hilton Aspire Card Changes:
For the premium Hilton Aspire, the annual fee saw a bump from $450 to $550. Yeap, that's an extra $100 you gotta dish out. But here's what you gotta look forward to:
- Lost out on Priority Pass lounge membership (unlimited visits and up to 2 guests) after Jan 1, 2024. Memberships signed up before Jan 31, 2023, will be valid until Jan 31, 2024, and those renewed between Feb 1, 2023, and 2024 will be valid till Oct 31, 2024.
- Airline fee credit change: From $250, it will now be a quarterly $50 airfare statement credit.
- Get a $200 statement credit (up to $50 a quarter) on eligible flight purchases made directly with an airline or through amextravel.com. You don't have to stick with a single airline.
- The $250 annual Hilton Resorts statement credit will be replaced by up to $400 (up to $200 biannually) in statement credits for eligible purchases at participating Hilton resorts.
- Added up to $189 in statement credits per year when you sign up for a Clear Plus membership and pay with the Hilton Aspire card. Clear offers expedited security, different from TSA PreCheck, at more than 50 U.S. airports, stadiums and large event venues.
- Continue to receive complimentary National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status after enrollment in the Emerald Club program. Terms apply.
That's all, folks! Take your pick or maybe even hopefully get that retention offer if you're on the fence. Enjoy the travel adventures!
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- The changes to Hilton's American Express cards, particularly the Surpass and Aspire, include new statement credits, bonus-earning categories, and perk adjustments, as well as an increase in annual fees.
- The Hilton Surpass Card boosts its annual fee to $150 and introduces new benefits, such as no more Priority Pass visits but a new quarterly Hilton statement credit, up to $50 per quarter, and $200 annually when using the Hilton Surpass for eligible Hilton purchases.
- The Hilton Aspire Card wages an annual fee hike to $550, offering future benefits like adjusted airline fee credit, a new Clear Plus membership statement credit, and changes to Hilton Resort statement credits.
- New Hilton Surpass cardholders can expect an increased welcome offer of 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months, while existing cardmembers will be eligible for Hilton Gold status.
- Hilton Aspire cardholders will no longer enjoy Priority Pass lounge membership, but they can avail $189 in annual statement credits for Clear membership services.
- Cardholders will now receive quarterly $50 airfare statement credits and up to $400 (up to $200 biannually) in statement credits for eligible purchases at participating Hilton resorts.
- In finance news for travelers, Hilton's American Express cards offer various benefits, such as travel rewards, cash back, dining incentives, and phone protection, making them worth considering for business and personal travel.
