Hilton Aspire & Surpass Changes
Some big changes came rolling down from American Express on the Hilton Aspire and Hilton Surpass cards. These have been a favorite among many travelers over the years and overall valuable adds to many people's wallets. Whenever we see “enhancements” come down from above they are normally negative in nature, no matter how much the banks try to spin it. How about these Hilton Aspire & Surpass changes? Are they terrible, or could they actually be good? Let's dive in.
Hilton Card Changes
Before we get into the good and bad of these Hilton Aspire & Surpass changes, let's go over what the updates actually were.
Amex Aspire Changes
Here are the notable changes to the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire card:
- Annual fee increase from $450 to $550
- Flight Incidental credit was $250 per year and now there is a flight credit for $50 per quarter
- Resort credit is now $200 bi-annually instead of $250 per year
- Free night certificate after spending $30,000 and again at $60,000
- CLEAR annual credit of up to $189
- National Executive status
- Priority Pass will be removed as a perk in February of 2024
Amex Surpass Changes
Here are the notable changes to the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass card:
- Annual fee increase from $95 to $150
- Hilton property credit of $50 per quarter
- National Executive status
- Priority Pass will be removed as a perk in February of 2024
- Earn 4x on online purchases (U.S. only)
Are These Hilton Card Changes Good Or Bad?
I think the changes for the Surpass card's changes are actually an improvement overall, and the Aspire card's changes lean negative overall for me. It will all depend on your personal situation though. Here are my thoughts on each in a bit more detail.
My Thoughts On The Aspire Changes
The annual fee on the Aspire card is increasing $100. This was not a surprise as many have been waiting for it to happen for a while now. The annual fee increase is the biggest negative of these changes though.
Flight Credit
The other negative change is the flight credit. American Express has always been notorious for their airline incidental credits and this change to a flight credit could have been an improvement. The incidental credits were always designed in a way to cause breakage because they work only on certain purchases with the airline. Going to an flight credit is no doubt easier to use and should be a positive change. The problem, however, is they turned it into a quarterly credit for $50. On ToP of it just being plain annoying to track it quarterly, it is also $50 less than the old airline incidental credit. It should be easy enough to use on booking flights and canceling for airline credit if you don't have a flight that quarter though. Especially with Southwest where their credits don't expire.
Resort Credit
The resort credit is where the value hinges, as it has really since card launch. The resort credit is going from a $250 once a year credit to $200 twice a year. That is an improvement of $150 overall in terms of dollar amount, but it being split over two credits a year will cause more breakage. That is especially true since the credit only works at Hilton resorts, which are not super prevalent. The $250 a year was always a pain to use and making it 2 x $200 is going to be even more painful.
A Push Overall
Overall you are getting $100 more in credits for an increase of $100 in annual fee. That is a loss in my book since the credits are hard to use which makes them worth below their face value. Overall, the card is likely still a value plus for some, especially when you include the annual free night certificate and Diamond status. It is no longer the slam dunk it once was though.
My Thoughts On The Surpass Changes
On the other side of things I think the Surpass card changes are a net positive, at least if you stay at Hilton hotels a few times a year. The annual fee increased $55 but there were credits added that can be worth up to $200.
While I hate that the Hilton credit is a quarterly credit, the good thing is it is a true Hilton credit. It isn't restricted to resorts only. I wish they would have done the same thing for the Aspire card honestly. I know a lot of people have complained about the property credit set up for Hilton elites instead of a true free breakfast. These Surpass credits can help plug those holes, especially for a family. If you still head to breakfast you will have another $50 per quarter on ToP of the $30 – $50 you get from your Gold status the card offers. That should help you out for a breakfast or two each quarter.
Throw in the 4x online earning and the National Executive status and I think you came out ahead here. That is assuming this wasn't your only Priority Pass carrying card at least. If it was that loss could devalue this some. Throw in the ability to still earn a free night certificate after $15,000 in spend each calendar year and this is a card I still plan to keep long term.
Hilton Aspire & Surpass Changes: ToP Thoughts
I think the majority of Surpass cardholders will come out ahead with these changes. That is if you stay at Hilton hotels at least a few days a year. You only need to use two of the quarterly credits each year to more than make up the annual fee increase. Using just one makes it a break even offer. If you are not staying at a Hilton hotel a few times a year, even if on points, then you probably shouldn't hold this card anyway. Otherwise, I'll take some “free” pool beers any time!
As for Aspire cardholders, sorry to be the bearer of bad news. I think you are just paying more for about the same value you were getting before. If you have never had an issue using the resort credit then maybe these changes are a nothing burger for you. Having to do it twice a year will be a pain in the butt for many though. It will lead to more breakage for sure, just the way American Express likes it. If you only use one a year and max out the flight credit that is only $400 in statement credits each year for $550 in annual fees.
The real kick in the teeth is it would take the same effort, or more, than it did to use the old $500 in credits for a $450 annual fee each year. Not good! I expect some closures to roll through on this one.
