May 26, 2014, 3:09 pm
Last edit by: rrgg
Hilton HHonors American Express Surpass card. 155,000 points for spending $3,000 in 3 months; $95 annual fee. Offer Expires Apr. 17, 2024
Hilton HHonors American Express Surpass card. 170,000 points for spending $3,000 in 3 months; $95 annual fee. Expired Jan 17 2024
Hilton HHonors American Express Surpass card. 130,000 points for spending $4,000 in 4 months; $95 annual fee. OFFER EXPIRED AUG 28.
Hilton HHonors American Express Ascend card. 75,000 points for spending $2,000 in 3 months+ 25,000 points after additional $1000 in 6 months; $95 annual fee.
Note: For existing Surpass card holders, AMEX verbally confirmed that on or after 20 January 2018, card holders can call in and request cards be converted to Aspire - while maintaining the same credit card number, balance limits, PIN, etc.
Card features:
Check your application status
Linking AmexAscend Surpass to your Hilton Honors account.Many (most?) have reported that a new Hilton Honors number gets assigned by Amex even when they put their existing Hilton Honors number in the application, and it can take several weeks to get this worked out. However, the key to making things go smoothly seems to be an exact match of your name and address between Amex and Hilton, including adding your middle initial to your Hilton Honors account if you use it on your Amex. When everything matches, an Amex rep should be able to update the account number, it should "go through" immediately, and the correct Hilton account number will be reflected on the Amex website in about 2 days.
Is the AmexAscend Surpass churnable?As of May 1, 2014, Amex will not give a signup bonus to card applicants who have held the card in the past ~7 years, even if the applicant has never earned a previous signup bonus for it. However, it is still possible to upgrade an existing Hilton Amex to the Ascend Surpass card to earn a bonus (and reportedly to do this more than once by later downgrading & then upgrading again). The best strategy is to earn a Ascend Surpass signup bonus first, and only afterward pursue the upgrade bonus(es).
For information on other Hilton-branded credit cards, see the wiki at Ongoing offers for Hilton cards issued by Amex or Citi
- Important limitation on this offer: "Welcome bonus offer not available to applicants who have or have had this product."
Note: For existing Surpass card holders, AMEX verbally confirmed that on or after 20 January 2018, card holders can call in and request cards be converted to Aspire - while maintaining the same credit card number, balance limits, PIN, etc.
Card features:
- Annual fee:
$95$150, no first-year waiver. - Earning: 12 HHonors points per dollar on Hilton spend; 6 points/$ at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets & gas stations; 4 points for online retail purchases (as of 2023); and 3 points/$ on everything else.
- Elite status: Hilton Gold status for as long as you have the card and Diamond status after $40,000 in annual spend.
- Booking bonus: 500 bonus points for every stay (including award stays) booked directly with Hilton & guaranteed with the card
Check your application status
Linking Amex
Is the Amex
For information on other Hilton-branded credit cards, see the wiki at Ongoing offers for Hilton cards issued by Amex or Citi
The Hilton Honors Surpass Card from American Express (formerly called Ascend)
Jan 31, 2018, 10:00 am
#542
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Dreamland
Posts: 928
Alright guys, I'm totally totally confused.
I applied for the Amex Surpass card in May of 2017 - when it was 100k with $75 annual fee and you get a free night award after the first anniversary (which hasn't happened yet - in theory would be 5/31/2018).
My card online says "Ascend" - but still have the old physical Surpass card.
If there's a thread/wiki I'm missing, please point me.
But basically I'm wondering what happens to that free night I was "promised" at account opening in 2017.
Also - wondering if anyone else is in the same boat with the Surpass... what are you planning on doing now that all is out there?
I applied for the Amex Surpass card in May of 2017 - when it was 100k with $75 annual fee and you get a free night award after the first anniversary (which hasn't happened yet - in theory would be 5/31/2018).
My card online says "Ascend" - but still have the old physical Surpass card.
If there's a thread/wiki I'm missing, please point me.
But basically I'm wondering what happens to that free night I was "promised" at account opening in 2017.
Also - wondering if anyone else is in the same boat with the Surpass... what are you planning on doing now that all is out there?
Jan 31, 2018, 2:59 pm
#543
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 258
Alright guys, I'm totally totally confused.
I applied for the Amex Surpass card in May of 2017 - when it was 100k with $75 annual fee and you get a free night award after the first anniversary (which hasn't happened yet - in theory would be 5/31/2018).
My card online says "Ascend" - but still have the old physical Surpass card.
If there's a thread/wiki I'm missing, please point me.
But basically I'm wondering what happens to that free night I was "promised" at account opening in 2017.
Also - wondering if anyone else is in the same boat with the Surpass... what are you planning on doing now that all is out there?
I applied for the Amex Surpass card in May of 2017 - when it was 100k with $75 annual fee and you get a free night award after the first anniversary (which hasn't happened yet - in theory would be 5/31/2018).
My card online says "Ascend" - but still have the old physical Surpass card.
If there's a thread/wiki I'm missing, please point me.
But basically I'm wondering what happens to that free night I was "promised" at account opening in 2017.
Also - wondering if anyone else is in the same boat with the Surpass... what are you planning on doing now that all is out there?
Jan 31, 2018, 7:24 pm
#544
Join Date: May 2007
Programs: Hilton Diamond, United 1k, Le Club Silver
Posts: 78
I am totally disappointed with the Hilton Surpass card and can't recommend this card to anyone. I met the annual spending requirement last October and was still not granted with the diamond status.
I reached out to Hilton, and the e-mail reply was "Please contact American Express for further assistance." I contacted American Express, and the online chat rep said, "We sent the charge details already on December 2017, please ask Hilton for further assistance."
I am upset that neither Hilton nor American Express takes responsibility for the Diamond Status upgrade.
I reached out to Hilton, and the e-mail reply was "Please contact American Express for further assistance." I contacted American Express, and the online chat rep said, "We sent the charge details already on December 2017, please ask Hilton for further assistance."
I am upset that neither Hilton nor American Express takes responsibility for the Diamond Status upgrade.
Realized that I crossed the $40,000 spending during the previous statement, but my Hilton Status still showed Gold. How soon does the Diamond status reflect on the account once the spending requirement is met? Should I contact Hilton or American express about the diamond status?
Feb 1, 2018, 8:32 am
#545
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: AA, B6, UA, HH, WoH
Posts: 455
"Your qualifying Year-to-Date spend on your Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card is $xx,xxx.00. To qualify for Hilton Honors Diamond Status, you need to have $40,000 qualified spend by December 31st."
This appears on each monthly statement. Does it appear on your statements? If it does, what amounts are indicated for October, November and December Statements?
Last edited by BOSOGG; Feb 1, 2018 at 8:38 am
Feb 1, 2018, 11:02 am
#546
Join Date: May 2007
Programs: Hilton Diamond, United 1k, Le Club Silver
Posts: 78
Each monthly statement provides a year to date total. If you look just below "Hilton Honors Points Earned" you will find:
"Your qualifying Year-to-Date spend on your Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card is $xx,xxx.00. To qualify for Hilton Honors Diamond Status, you need to have $40,000 qualified spend by December 31st."
This appears on each monthly statement. Does it appear on your statements? If it does, what amounts are indicated for October, November and December Statements?
"Your qualifying Year-to-Date spend on your Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card is $xx,xxx.00. To qualify for Hilton Honors Diamond Status, you need to have $40,000 qualified spend by December 31st."
This appears on each monthly statement. Does it appear on your statements? If it does, what amounts are indicated for October, November and December Statements?
December Statement: Your qualifying Year-to-Date spend on your Hilton Honorsº Surpass® Card is $4y,yyy.00. Congratulations! You have qualified for Hilton Honors Diamond Status.
But to Hilton, I am still only Gold Hilton Honors member (which I qualified based on my yearly stays). I am at a loss as to how to proceed. I offered to sent my credit card statement to show my balance to Hilton, but Hilton only replied to ask me to contact American Express. American Express acknowledged my spending and said they already sent the information to Hilton. It is an infinite loop!
Feb 1, 2018, 11:31 am
#547
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: AA, B6, UA, HH, WoH
Posts: 455
November Statement: Your qualifying Year-to-Date spend on your Hilton Honorsº Surpass® Card is $4x,xxx.00. Congratulations! You have qualified for Hilton Honors Diamond Status.
December Statement: Your qualifying Year-to-Date spend on your Hilton Honorsº Surpass® Card is $4y,yyy.00. Congratulations! You have qualified for Hilton Honors Diamond Status.
But to Hilton, I am still only Gold Hilton Honors member (which I qualified based on my yearly stays). I am at a loss as to how to proceed. I offered to sent my credit card statement to show my balance to Hilton, but Hilton only replied to ask me to contact American Express. American Express acknowledged my spending and said they already sent the information to Hilton. It is an infinite loop!
December Statement: Your qualifying Year-to-Date spend on your Hilton Honorsº Surpass® Card is $4y,yyy.00. Congratulations! You have qualified for Hilton Honors Diamond Status.
But to Hilton, I am still only Gold Hilton Honors member (which I qualified based on my yearly stays). I am at a loss as to how to proceed. I offered to sent my credit card statement to show my balance to Hilton, but Hilton only replied to ask me to contact American Express. American Express acknowledged my spending and said they already sent the information to Hilton. It is an infinite loop!
She is active in several threads, and has encouraged people to contact her with problems.
Try this link to her thread:
Even More New Hilton Honors Benefits in 2018
Click on her name (HonorsRepresentative) and send a private message, including copy of statement. Good Luck.
Feb 2, 2018, 7:14 am
#548
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: CT/ Germany - Ich spreche deutsch
Programs: UA 1K, Bonvoy LTTE, HH Dia, HY Expl
Posts: 4,657
Tons of people in the same boat including myself. I plan on keeping the card to get the free night at the anniversary date as you would be stupid to not keep it. If you use the card, I would consider spending $15k on it to get another free night as outlined in the Ascend new card benefits. For me since I primarily use the card for grocery purchases (and not much else) I don't plan on going for the $15 k spend as I get a better return by putting spend on other cards.
Feb 2, 2018, 9:24 am
#549
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: 718
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, IHG Diamond
Posts: 967
This has been asked and answered numerous times! HH Rep confirmed that the free night at 1 year anniversary from Surpass application (if you applied under that deal) will be honored.
Tons of people in the same boat including myself. I plan on keeping the card to get the free night at the anniversary date as you would be stupid to not keep it. If you use the card, I would consider spending $15k on it to get another free night as outlined in the Ascend new card benefits. For me since I primarily use the card for grocery purchases (and not much else) I don't plan on going for the $15 k spend as I get a better return by putting spend on other cards.
Tons of people in the same boat including myself. I plan on keeping the card to get the free night at the anniversary date as you would be stupid to not keep it. If you use the card, I would consider spending $15k on it to get another free night as outlined in the Ascend new card benefits. For me since I primarily use the card for grocery purchases (and not much else) I don't plan on going for the $15 k spend as I get a better return by putting spend on other cards.
Also side note, not sure if diamond is worth spending $40k on anymore vs just getting the Aspire card, which kinda negates the $450 AF. And holding both Ascend and Aspire = potentially 2 free nts every yr! (x2 with SO)
Feb 2, 2018, 12:30 pm
#550
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: PHL/EWR
Programs: AA, US, WN, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 1,528
Does the $15k free nt post to account right after spending $15k? or do you get it at the new year? O_O
Also side note, not sure if diamond is worth spending $40k on anymore vs just getting the Aspire card, which kinda negates the $450 AF. And holding both Ascend and Aspire = potentially 2 free nts every yr! (x2 with SO)
Also side note, not sure if diamond is worth spending $40k on anymore vs just getting the Aspire card, which kinda negates the $450 AF. And holding both Ascend and Aspire = potentially 2 free nts every yr! (x2 with SO)
Feb 3, 2018, 12:44 am
#551
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 40
November Statement: Your qualifying Year-to-Date spend on your Hilton Honorsº Surpass® Card is $4x,xxx.00. Congratulations! You have qualified for Hilton Honors Diamond Status.
December Statement: Your qualifying Year-to-Date spend on your Hilton Honorsº Surpass® Card is $4y,yyy.00. Congratulations! You have qualified for Hilton Honors Diamond Status.
But to Hilton, I am still only Gold Hilton Honors member (which I qualified based on my yearly stays). I am at a loss as to how to proceed. I offered to sent my credit card statement to show my balance to Hilton, but Hilton only replied to ask me to contact American Express. American Express acknowledged my spending and said they already sent the information to Hilton. It is an infinite loop!
December Statement: Your qualifying Year-to-Date spend on your Hilton Honorsº Surpass® Card is $4y,yyy.00. Congratulations! You have qualified for Hilton Honors Diamond Status.
But to Hilton, I am still only Gold Hilton Honors member (which I qualified based on my yearly stays). I am at a loss as to how to proceed. I offered to sent my credit card statement to show my balance to Hilton, but Hilton only replied to ask me to contact American Express. American Express acknowledged my spending and said they already sent the information to Hilton. It is an infinite loop!
Feb 3, 2018, 11:07 pm
#552
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 300
"Just to heads UP, you will not receive the new card as of now. However you will get a new card when the renewal card will be send to you, or you request the replacement"
I asked for clarification and he said that my Ascend card will be sent when my current Surpass card expires (for me, that means 2022), or if I request a replacement, which means new card numbers. I applied for the card last year as well under the 100k/free night offer, unfortunately a month after I spent a week in two Doubletrees where I could have had free breakfast and extra HH points.
I asked for clarification and he said that my Ascend card will be sent when my current Surpass card expires (for me, that means 2022), or if I request a replacement, which means new card numbers. I applied for the card last year as well under the 100k/free night offer, unfortunately a month after I spent a week in two Doubletrees where I could have had free breakfast and extra HH points.
Feb 8, 2018, 11:15 am
#553
Join Date: May 2007
Programs: Hilton Diamond, United 1k, Le Club Silver
Posts: 78
The American Express representative also thought the 10-12 weeks would be from statement closing. However, their website said, "Allow 10 to 12 weeks from the time your total eligible purchases reach $40,000 for your status to be upgraded." The terms and conditions did not mention "statement closing."
Either way, I am still waiting. Hilton doesn't seem to be eager for my business. I am switching to Marriott/Starwood......
Last edited by pollyG; Feb 9, 2018 at 12:26 am
Feb 8, 2018, 12:00 pm
#554
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: PHL/EWR
Programs: AA, US, WN, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 1,528
When I was upgraded to Diamond via Surpass spending (about 5 years ago) my status changed immediately when the qualifying statement closed.It was during a Hampton Inn stay where I was Gold at check-in and I even received bonus points as a Diamond for the stay.
Feb 8, 2018, 2:25 pm
#555
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Michigan
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 855
I did the online chat today to ask about the Ascend card delivery for Surpass cardholders, and was told the following:
"Just to heads UP, you will not receive the new card as of now. However you will get a new card when the renewal card will be send to you, or you request the replacement"
I asked for clarification and he said that my Ascend card will be sent when my current Surpass card expires (for me, that means 2022), or if I request a replacement, which means new card numbers.
I asked for clarification and he said that my Ascend card will be sent when my current Surpass card expires (for me, that means 2022), or if I request a replacement, which means new card numbers.