Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States
Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold vs Amex Hilton Honors Surpass
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
Wins 2 of 10
Wins 2 of 10
Verdict
It's a true tie, neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold | Amex Hilton Honors Surpass |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | = $150 | = $150 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 2% (travel) | 12x (travel) |
| Base reward rate | · 1% | 3x |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | 40,000 SkyMiles after $2,000 spend in 6 months | · N/A |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = None stated | = Not verified |
| Min credit score | 700 | · N/A |
| Editorial rating | = 4.3/5 | = 4.3/5 |
Benefits compared
Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold
- 2x miles on Delta + restaurants + US supermarkets
- $200 Delta flight credit annually
- Free first checked bag (worth ~$60 each way)
- Priority Boarding (Zone 5)
- 15% miles discount on award flights
Amex Hilton Honors Surpass
- 12x Hilton Honors points at Hilton hotels and resorts
- 6x at US restaurants, US supermarkets and US gas stations
- 4x on US online retail purchases
- 3x on everything else
- Hilton Honors Gold status
- Annual fee $150, $0 in the first year
FAQ
›Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold vs Amex Hilton Honors Surpass: which is better?
It's a true tie, pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold wins on 2 criteria, Amex Hilton Honors Surpass on 2.
›Can I get both?
Yes, if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold for its best categories, Amex Hilton Honors Surpass for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold: 40,000 SkyMiles after $2,000 spend in 6 months. Amex Hilton Honors Surpass doesn't list a welcome bonus.