[Expired] [Public Link Now Available] American Express Hilton Surpass 125,000 Point Offer

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[A reader found what’s apparently a public, non-affiliate link for this offer. Reposting with the public link.]

This is an exclusive offer only available on The Points Guy. I personally hate these types of offers but we’re committed to letting our readers know about the best possible offers.

The Offer

Direct Link to offer

  • American Express is offering a sign up bonus of 125,000 points on the Hilton Surpass card. Bonus broken down as follows:
    • 100,000 points after $3,000 in spend within the first three months of card membership
    • 25,000 points after an additional $1,000 in spend within the first six months

Card Details

  • Card will become Hilton Honors Ascend card on January 18th, 2018
    • Annual fee of $95
    • Card earns at the following rates:
      • 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio worldwide
      • 6X Hilton Honors Bonus Points at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. restaurants, and U.S. gas stations
      • 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on all other eligible purchases
    • 10 free priority pass lounge passes
    • Complimentary Hilton Honors gold status. Earn Diamond status after spending $40,000 in purchases within a calendar year
    • One Weekend Night Reward at a hotel or resort in the Hilton portfolio after spending $15,000 in purchases on the card in a calendar year
    • No foreign transaction fees
  • Currently the card has a $75 annual fee, doesn’t come with the priority pass lounge benefit and still has foreign transaction fees.

Our Verdict

Previously the best bonus on this card has been 100,000 points after $3,000 in spend and then an additional free night certificate on account anniversary. I think that offer was better if you’re happy to pay the annual fee, if you’re not then it’s basically a free night certificate vs 25,000 points & $75. Personally I’d still take the free night certificate. The real question is: should you just wait until the Ascend is released? I don’t think the Ascend will be considered a new product. So if you get this bonus now you won’t be eligible for whatever bonus they offer on the Ascend.

I think American Express will offer the best bonuses they have ever offered on the Hilton cards when they are refreshed/released on January 18th, but I honestly don’t see them offering more than 120,000 Hilton points. My best guess is that they will probably offer the same bonus publicly, but keep in mind you’ll be paying an additional $20 in annual fees.

If you’ve applied for this card recently then it’s worth asking for a match. In general American Express does not match sign up bonuses, instead they give courtesy points. The only way to get these points is by calling in (chat reps can’t/won’t give out courtesy points) and asking if they can do anything as you only recently applied for a lower bonus. Sometimes escalating to a manager can help as well. Read more things everybody should know about American Express cards here.
    William Charles
  • On November 9, 2017, 10:32

View Comments (42)

  • “We’re sorry. The Card Apply Site is temporarily down.
    Please feel free to use our site map.

    Thank you for visiting American Express.”

    So, not targeted?

  • Got applied and received the card. Although the card is Surpass, the page attached says "Your new Hilton Honors Ascend Card is here". The website on that page is also "xxx/hiltonascend". Apparently, Amex does not consider Ascend as a new card.

  • I upgraded my no-fee AmEx Hilton to Surpass on 10/31/17 for the 100K point offer. Just tried to see if I could get in on the 125K offer, but the CSR couldn't find it. She asked for an offer code, which I couldn't provide.

    Also asked for details on the free weekend night for 15K spend in a calendar year. She said it was only for those who were PCed from Citi Hilton Reserve. I'm dubious. Will call again later and see if I get the same answer.

    • Don't bother calling now. The free weekend night will only be once the Surpass card becomes Ascend. CSRs are not educated about upcoming cards, only about current cards. If you want info on upcoming cards now, come here, not to CSRs. If you want info on Ascend from CSRs, wait until Ascend actually exists!

      You do not get any Ascend benefits before Ascend launches on Jan 18.

  • Im betting if you cancel this card, and then wait 12 mths or so, and apply for the Ascend, you will get the bonus, as its a whole new card. Thats just my opinion from past experiences with 'born again cards'.

  • Wonder how the Ascend Priority Passes are delivered. Could make this card a MM after fees if they aren't tied to the account and it isn't just a limited use card. I can see them selling for $20 a pop on eBay

    • I’m curious about new PP benefit as well. Can’t find any definitive answer as to how this set up will work. My guess is that it will be similar to Altitude Reserve Card. There won’t be actual physical passes per se, but they will simply keep track of your visits. What I’m wondering about is whether the free access will only be for cardholder or it would be possible to use it for companions up to 10 times total. If it’s the latter, it would be a nice perk for family who flies once or twice per year.

  • Anyone having issues with the upgrade to Surpass 100K/3K Promo in September? Amex says there was no code attached to my account even though I followed the instructions the CSR told me on the phone via the website/email I received. They are looking into it, but said it will take up to 6-8 weeks to figure it out.

    • Probably not the news you want to hear, but of the 3 family members who did the upgrade, all of us received the bonus almost immediately after hitting 3k. And 2 of the family members weren't even targeted for an upgrade, yet still got the bonus. Like you though, I don't recall any official confirmation that the cards were enrolled, so was nervous they may not get the bonus.

      did you do any MS? there's been recent reports that Amex is cracking down on certain places (like Simon Mall) counting toward the bonus. If so, I'd suggest trying some other MS methods before drawing any more scrutiny to the account.

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