Will the new Hilton Surpass -> Ascend be a new product?
#16
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Truth or Consequences, NM
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, UA Silver, Mobile Passport Unobtanium
Posts: 6,195
When someone who had Surpass actually gets a sign-up bonus for Ascend, that would actually be meaningful information.
Considering how tight AMEX has gotten on bonuses, I would be surprised if people's wishful thinking on this point proves true. IMO AMEX has no intent to bonus prior Ascend card holders, and that seems reasonable to me. It is the same basic product.
Considering how tight AMEX has gotten on bonuses, I would be surprised if people's wishful thinking on this point proves true. IMO AMEX has no intent to bonus prior Ascend card holders, and that seems reasonable to me. It is the same basic product.
#18
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,480
#19
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,269
When someone who had Surpass actually gets a sign-up bonus for Ascend, that would actually be meaningful information.
Considering how tight AMEX has gotten on bonuses, I would be surprised if people's wishful thinking on this point proves true. IMO AMEX has no intent to bonus prior Ascend card holders, and that seems reasonable to me. It is the same basic product.
Considering how tight AMEX has gotten on bonuses, I would be surprised if people's wishful thinking on this point proves true. IMO AMEX has no intent to bonus prior Ascend card holders, and that seems reasonable to me. It is the same basic product.
#20
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 315
DP related to if Hilton Ascend is considered a new product:
(Background: previous Surpass cardholder, cancelled more than 1 year ago).
1/18: Applied for Ascend. Instant approval with temporary card number. Finished 3k+ spending on it (NO MS, normal online purchase).
1/19: 3k+ posted.
1/26: Still NO BONUS.
<1% chance a bonus will be posted later.
(Background: previous Surpass cardholder, cancelled more than 1 year ago).
1/18: Applied for Ascend. Instant approval with temporary card number. Finished 3k+ spending on it (NO MS, normal online purchase).
1/19: 3k+ posted.
1/26: Still NO BONUS.
<1% chance a bonus will be posted later.
#21
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: NY, NY
Posts: 695
DP related to if Hilton Ascend is considered a new product:
(Background: previous Surpass cardholder, cancelled more than 1 year ago).
1/18: Applied for Ascend. Instant approval with temporary card number. Finished 3k+ spending on it (NO MS, normal online purchase).
1/19: 3k+ posted.
1/26: Still NO BONUS.
<1% chance a bonus will be posted later.
(Background: previous Surpass cardholder, cancelled more than 1 year ago).
1/18: Applied for Ascend. Instant approval with temporary card number. Finished 3k+ spending on it (NO MS, normal online purchase).
1/19: 3k+ posted.
1/26: Still NO BONUS.
<1% chance a bonus will be posted later.
#22
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 315
Another DP to mention: I referred two persons for Ascend card (both approved on 19th), but I haven't got any referral bonus as of today (28th). Maybe all hilton-related bonus has delay in posting? Any other dp of bonus posting (referral or sign-up)?
#23
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,959
The American Express Hilton referral system is notoriously unreliable:
Amex US: Refer a friend & earn rewards? Experiences and problems.
Amex US: Refer a friend & earn rewards? Experiences and problems.
#24
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: JZRO
Posts: 9,169
I have only ever had one Hilton card from AMEX, closed in 2014 and not having "Surpass" printed on it anywhere, just "Hilton HHonors" (sic). I think it was not a Surpass card. Is there any way to know by examining the card? That said, assuming it was not a Surpass card, does that mean I would be eligible for the welcome bonus on the Ascend card? Or would previously having any Hilton card from AMEX exclude me?
#25
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,959
What color is the card? Blue is the free card. Dark gray is Surpass. The free card would not disqualify you from a new account bonus on the other Hilton cards.
#26
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: JZRO
Posts: 9,169
Edit 1: Applied and approved instantly (naturally).
Edit 2: But the card number (that AMEX says "you can start using now") doesn't work. Charges are getting rejected.
Edit 3: So, AMEX customer support told me that "start using now" thing applies solely to book purchases at Hilton, not general use.
Edit 4: Except despite the foregoing admonition, I stubbornly tried again and, lo and behold, I was able to make a charge a merchant.
RNE, saying go figure.
Last edited by RNE; Feb 11, 2018 at 2:08 pm
#27
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,060
DP related to if Hilton Ascend is considered a new product:
(Background: previous Surpass cardholder, cancelled more than 1 year ago).
1/18: Applied for Ascend. Instant approval with temporary card number. Finished 3k+ spending on it (NO MS, normal online purchase).
1/19: 3k+ posted.
1/26: Still NO BONUS.
<1% chance a bonus will be posted later.
(Background: previous Surpass cardholder, cancelled more than 1 year ago).
1/18: Applied for Ascend. Instant approval with temporary card number. Finished 3k+ spending on it (NO MS, normal online purchase).
1/19: 3k+ posted.
1/26: Still NO BONUS.
<1% chance a bonus will be posted later.
#29
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: Kettle Class
Posts: 798
I downgraded my non-Citi Surpass in mid-January to the no-fee Amex (with new no-FX fees benefit); I currently see an upgrade offer to the Ascend for 75,000 points for 2,000$ spend in 3 months with no T&C language relating to prior ownership of this card/Surpass.
I don't believe I'd have seen this offer if the Surpass/Ascend were considered the same product? Would others agree?
I don't believe I'd have seen this offer if the Surpass/Ascend were considered the same product? Would others agree?