Over the past nineteen years as a business owner, I’ve used countless business cards. Some have been amazing and elevated both my travel and my business. Others have been…well, lackluster.

One of the best? The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. It comes with a lot of world-class perks and benefits, quality customer care, and a solid rewards structure (especially on large purchases).

While the annual fee is pretty high ($695, pay over time available. See Rates and Fees), for me, the travel benefits, along with all the statement credits, make the card worth carrying. I think it’s a great choice for business owners who travel frequently.

In this breakdown, I’ll detail the card, what you get, and why I like it.

What is the Business Platinum Card® from American Express?

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a travel rewards card geared towards business owners. (Remember: even side hustles and freelancing count as businesses so you can get this card even without being an LLC.) First, let’s go over some of the best things you get when you sign up, which make it a no brainer to get for the first year:

• Limited Time Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after you spend $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel with your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. You can earn one or both of these offers. Offer ends 6/30/25.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights, prepaid hotels, and short-term rentals and prepaid flight + hotel packages booked at AmexTravel.com. 1x points on other eligible purchases.
• 1.5x points per dollar on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
• Complimentary access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection®, featuring more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries. Access is limited to eligible Card Members.
• Up to $120 in statement credits for Global Entry or TSA Pre-check every 4 years.
• Up to $199 yearly CLEAR® Plus credit (subject to auto-renewal)
• Up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by your one selected, qualifying airline.
• Up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties. (Distributed in up to $50 increments per quarter. Hilton for Business program membership is required.)
• $150 credit with Adobe on eligible annual prepaid business plan purchases of Adobe Creative Cloud for teams or Adobe Acrobat Pro for teams on the Business Platinum Card through 6/30/25.
• Up to $120 per calendar year in statement credits for purchases made directly from any U.S. wireless telephone provider (up to $10 back per month).
• Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite status (enrollment required)
• Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status (enrollment required)
• No foreign transaction fees

Using Your Membership Rewards Points

You’ll earn Membership Rewards points with The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. Since Amex has a well-rounded suite of travel partners, Membership Rewards points are some of the most valuable points out there.

These are Amex’s current travel partners:

• Aer Lingus AerClub (1:1 ratio)
• Aeromexico Rewards (1:1.6 ratio)
• Air Canada Aeroplan (1:1 ratio)
• Air France-KLM Flying Blue (1:1 ratio)
• ANA Mileage Club (1:1 ratio)
• Avianca LifeMiles (1:1 ratio)
• British Airways Club (1:1 ratio)
• Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (1:1 ratio)
• Choice Privileges (1:1 ratio)
• Delta SkyMiles (1:1 ratio)
• Emirates Skywards (1:1 ratio)
• Etihad Guest (1:1 ratio)
• HawaiianMiles (1:1 ratio)
• Hilton Honors (1:2 ratio)
• Iberia Plus (1:1 ratio)
• JetBlue TrueBlue (250:200 ratio)
• Marriott Bonvoy (1:1 ratio)
• Qantas Frequent Flyer (1:1 ratio)
• Qatar Airways Privilege Club (1:1 ratio)
• Singapore KrisFlyer (1:1 ratio)
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (1:1 ratio)

Most transfers are instant, though some can take up to 48 hours.

You can also use your Membership Rewards points to book flights and hotels in the Amex Travel portal. I generally wouldn’t do this though as it’s not the best use of your points. It’s always better to transfer them out to one of their partners. However, you can get 35% points back when you do book via their portal so just compare the points costs between both before making a decision.

Breaking Down the Business Platinum’s Credits and Benefits

Amex cards are well-known for their plethora of perks and benefits. They’re a big reason I love their cards. And, if you can take advantage of all that it has to offer, the Business Platinum boasts over $1,700 worth of value. But, with so many categories and so much fine print, it can be hard to keep track of whether a benefit is actually useful for your spending habits. So, to help you decide if the card is right for you, I want to break down some of the major categories of benefits:

Airport Experience Credits (Lounge Access, CLEAR Plus, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck)
One of the best things about this card — and what makes it a standout for frequent travelers — is the unbeatable airport lounge access. You’ll get into some of the top lounges worldwide, including the excellent Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (when you’re flying Delta, with up to 10 visits per year).

On top of that, you’ll get complimentary access to the huge Priority Pass network. If having a quiet space to relax, grab a drink, or get some work done is a priority when you travel, this card has you covered pretty much anywhere.

I also appreciate that the Business Platinum helps you get through the airport faster. It offers up to $199 in statement credits each year for a CLEAR® Plus membership, which speeds you through security lines.

You’ll also get a credit for Global Entry (up to $100 every 4 years) or TSA PreCheck (up to $85 every 4.5 years), depending on which one you choose. I personally recommend going for Global Entry. It takes a little more effort (there’s an interview), but it includes TSA PreCheck too. It’ll save you a ton of time if you travel internationally.

Airline and Hotel Credits
Another travel-related benefit is the up to $200 airline credit. Unfortunately, it comes with a fair number of restrictions, making this credit a bit more annoying to use. It can only be used on one (pre-selected) airline, and you can only use it for incidentals, not airfare. But if you don’t have an airline credit card that offers free baggage, it can be useful to have. You can also use the credit for airline expenses like paid seat selection or on-board food and drink.

The Business Platinum also offers a few Hilton-related benefits. First, you can receive up to $200 in statement credits at Hilton properties when booked directly. Since these credits are distributed in quarterly $50 increments, you’d have to stay in a Hilton property at least four times a year to get the full value of this credit. But if you’re on the road a lot, that can be easy to do.

Second, the Business Platinum offers complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status (as well as Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite status), which offer extra perks and benefits when staying at these properties.

Business-Related Statement Credits
The Business Platinum card comes with some great perks to help lighten the financial load of running a business. Expenses can really add up if you’re managing a business while traveling, so I appreciate that the Business Platinum helps offset these costs.

You can get up to $400 in statement credits on U.S. Dell purchases (through June 30, 2025, split into $200 chunks every six months). There’s also up to $360 back per year on Indeed ads (up to $90 each quarter), which is great if you’re hiring as your business grows.

If you use Adobe tools, there’s a $150 credit available when you prepay annually for eligible Adobe Creative Cloud or Acrobat Pro plans for teams. And to keep you connected on the go, you’ll get up to $120 a year for purchases made directly with U.S. wireless providers — that’s $10 back each month.

Amex Offers
On top of all those valuable statement credits, the Business Platinum gives you access to Amex Offers, an easy way to save some cash or rack up extra points with a wide range of retailers. These deals rotate regularly and are personalized, so what shows up for you might be totally different from what another cardholder sees. Most of the time, it’s a simple setup like “spend X, get Y back.” I always check Amex Offers before I purchase. (The personal card offers this too.)

The Business Platinum’s Travel Insurance
The Business Platinum also comes with great travel insurance. While I still recommend buying a standalone policy for medical, this card includes strong built-in coverage like trip delay, trip cancellation, emergency evacuation, and medical transport. It also includes cell phone protection for damage or theft, a rare but valuable perk. For a maximum of $800 per claim, with a limit of two approved claims per 12-month period, when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month’s wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim.

So, while you could get away with the card’s insurance if you book the trip on the card, I wouldn’t rely on it completely. But it’s better than most!

Should you get this card?

The Business Platinum is ideal for frequent travelers who can make the most of perks like smoother airport experiences and hotel elite status. If you can take advantage of a few of the business-related statement credits, the statement credits alone make the high annual fee worth it. I get a lot of value from the card through the statement credits that make carrying the card after the first year really worth it.

While it’s true you only get 1x point per dollar spent on anything under $5,000 (which isn’t as good as many other cards), the points back on redemptions and the tons of statement credits, elite status, Amex offers, and partners you don’t find anywhere else make this card essential for any business owner.

Click here to learn more and sign up!

U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card overview

The U.S. Bank Business Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is a solid choice for business owners interested in dipping their toes into premium benefits and high earning rates at a modest $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then $95 thereafter). However, if you are looking for more perks, you may be better off with another option. Card rating*:

*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

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The U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect is a solid travel rewards card since it provides bonus points on travel-related purchases, airport lounge privileges and statement credits for ride-hailing services.

The card earns points that can be redeemed for travel, deposits to a qualifying U.S. Bank account or gift cards, among other options. To increase applicants’ chances of approval for this card, we recommend that they have a minimum credit score of 670.

Let’s get into the details and see if this card could be a good option for your wallet.

U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Elevated earning rates in popular bonus categories, such as airfare, dining, gas and hotels Priority Pass airport lounge access (four complimentary visits per membership year) Statement credits for ride-hailing or taxi services	$95 annual fee after the first year

U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect welcome offer

New applicants for the U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first 180 days from account opening.

This bonus provides good value for a card with no annual fee for the first year.

It is important to note that the card’s redemption options are limited since you can’t transfer to partners like its competitors.

Because of this, the best redemption you can get with this offer is at a fixed rate of 1 cent per point for travel, making the bonus worth $600.

Related: The best credit card welcome bonuses currently available

U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect benefits

The U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect provides a solid suite of benefits, especially considering its $0 introductory annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter).

For one, business travelers receive a Priority Pass Digital annual membership to access more than 1,700 lounges and four complimentary visits each membership year. This is a great perk for frequent travelers who want a card with lounge access for a modest annual fee.

Cardholders on the go will also receive $25 in statement credits after making at least one ride-hailing-service purchase with a provider such as Uber or Lyft (or even a taxi service) on the card across three consecutive months.

The U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect is an excellent card to take abroad since it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

Business owners also receive helpful financial tools like U.S. Bank Spend Management — a platform for monitoring and managing expenses — and access to a new cardmember $0 fee offer on ExtendPay Plans opened within the first 60 days of account opening.

Plus, cardholders who also hold the personal U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card can transfer points between their business and personal cards to build up a combined balance more quickly.

The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: The best business credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

Earning points with the U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect

The U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect shines with its high earning rates across popular spending categories for business owners.

With this card, you’ll earn:

• 5 points per dollar spent on car rentals and hotels booked directly in the Travel Center
• 4 points per dollar spent on travel, including airfare and hotels, on gas and at electric vehicle charging stations (excluding discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs) and at hotels on the first $150,000 in combined annual spend
• 2 points per dollar spent on cellphone services, dining, restaurant delivery and takeout
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

The U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect covers a vast range of common purchases, especially for business owners who travel frequently.

The travel category includes multiple types of travel, as it earns bonus points on EV charging and gas in addition to airfare and hotels. The addition of a bonus category for cellphone services is also a nice touch.

Points earned on the U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect don’t expire as long as your account is active.

Related: How to pick a strategy for your small-business credit cards

Redeeming points with the U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect

The points earned with the U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect are easy to redeem, which could be seen as a positive or a negative, depending on how you like to book travel.

That’s because these points aren’t the flexible travel rewards you may have come to expect with other cards. Instead, you’ll be able to redeem points earned with the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect at a fixed 1 cent per point rate for travel and 0.8 cents apiece for other redemptions, such as cash back, shopping at Amazon and PayPal, and those made through the Real-Time Rewards option.

These are simple options for beginners but could be seen as restrictive if you’re trying to maximize your rewards.

For instance, TPG’s October 2025 valuations deem Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which you can earn with a card like the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, as worth 2.05 cents apiece. So, 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points could be redeemed for up to $2,050 in travel, especially if you leverage transfer partners.

The information for the Ink Business Preferred has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

However, since the U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect provides a fixed-value redemption option, 100,000 points earned with this card are worth just $1,000 — no matter what. So, it’s worth considering whether you want to maximize your rewards or if you prefer simple redemption options from a card.

Related: Why the best point redemptions are sometimes the most practical

Which cards compete with the U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect?

As a travel-oriented business card, the U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect has multiple competitors.

For additional options, see our list of the best business cards.

Related: Chase Ink Business Preferred vs. Amex Business Platinum: Practicality vs. luxury

Is the U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect worth it?

Business owners who want to earn bonus rewards on a diverse array of purchases would benefit from adding the U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect to their wallet. The most important factors to consider are the card’s redemption options. Frequent travelers may be better off with a card that earns more flexible rewards.

Related: Business cards vs. personal cards: Key differences

Bottom line

The U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect provides solid perks, earning rates and decent redemption options for business owners who don’t want to pay a high annual fee. Travelers who want to maximize their rewards capability may want to look elsewhere.

Award travel beginners and business owners who value simplicity are likely to get the most out of this card.

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Apply here: U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card

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Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card overview

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is a good choice for Delta loyalists who need a boost to reach their elite status goals. This card offers valuable perks, including an annual companion certificate, priority boarding and a free checked bag on Delta flights. Card rating*: ½

*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

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The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card is one of the best credit cards for Delta travelers.

It offers attractive perks for Delta loyalists in exchange for a $350 annual fee (see rates and fees), including an annual companion certificate and solid earning rates.

The Delta Platinum Amex is also a good fit if you’re chasing Delta Medallion elite status, thanks to its earning structure for Medallion Qualification Dollars.

TPG recommends a good to excellent credit score for this card.

Let’s examine the Delta Platinum Amex more closely to determine whether it’s the right card for your wallet.

Delta Platinum Amex pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Fast track to Medallion status by spending on the card Companion certificate in economy class First checked bag free	Doesn’t make sense if you don’t fly Delta frequently SkyMiles aren’t the most valuable airline currency

Delta Platinum Amex welcome offer

New Delta Platinum Amex cardmembers can earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership. This offer ends on Oct. 29.

Based on TPG’s September 2025 valuations of Delta miles at 1.15 cents each, this bonus is worth $1,035. This is the highest bonus we tend to see on this card, and was last offered in July.

However, you likely won’t be eligible for this welcome offer if you have this card or have had it before. Amex may also consider the number of American Express cards you’ve opened and closed and other factors when deciding whether you’re eligible to earn the welcome offer.

Delta’s cards are subject to American Express’s family restrictions for earning welcome bonuses, so if you’ve had a higher-tier Delta Amex card in the past, you may not be eligible to earn the welcome bonus on the Delta Amex Platinum.

Luckily, Amex will notify you if you aren’t eligible for a welcome offer, displaying a message soon after submitting your application. So, don’t ignore any messages or warnings that appear after you hit submit.

Related: What credit score do you need to get Delta SkyMiles American Express cards?

Delta Platinum Amex benefits

The Delta Platinum Amex offers many perks for Delta flyers; let’s take a closer look at all of the card’s perks and benefits. (Enrollment is required for select benefits, and terms apply.)

Elite status perks

Delta credit cards help cardmembers earn elite status with one metric: MQDs. Delta Platinum Amex cardmembers earn 1 MQD for every $20 spent, with no limit on how many MQDs can be earned through credit card spending.

They also receive an MQD boost of 2,500 MQDs at the start of each Medallion Qualification Year.

Annual companion certificate

The other primary benefit offered by the Delta Platinum Amex is an annual companion certificate. You’ll receive this perk each year after your account renewal.

The Delta companion certificate is valid for round-trip, main cabin domestic travel (booked in fare classes L, T, U, V or X). All you’ll need to pay for the companion ticket is taxes and fees. Note that this excludes the carrier’s basic economy tickets (which are booked into E fare class) and most higher-priced economy classes.

This certificate covers travel to all 50 U.S. states (including Hawaii and Alaska), the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico.

If you use this certificate for expensive flights, you can easily cover most (or all) of the card’s annual fee.

Other travel perks

The Delta Platinum Amex also offers several other benefits you may find helpful, including:

(Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.)

*Enrollment in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Program is required; terms apply.

Fortunately, Delta ties benefits such as the checked baggage allowance and priority boarding to your Delta SkyMiles account. So, you don’t need to book flights with your Delta Platinum Amex to get access to these perks.

Additionally, cardmembers who are not SkyMiles Medallion Members are eligible to receive complimentary upgrades for Delta One (within the U.S.), first class and Delta Comfort+ after Medallion Members and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card cardmembers.

Related: 4 reasons why the Amex Platinum might be the ideal credit card for Delta flyers

Earning miles on the Delta Platinum Amex

You’ll earn Delta SkyMiles when you make eligible purchases with the Delta Platinum Amex. In particular, you’ll earn Delta miles with your card as follows:

• 3 miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta and hotels worldwide
• 2 miles per dollar on purchases made on dining at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and at U.S. supermarkets
• 1 mile per dollar on other eligible purchases

Since TPG’s September 2025 valuations peg Delta SkyMiles miles at 1.15 cents each, you’ll get an effective return of 3.5% on purchases with Delta and at hotels, 2.3% on purchases on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, and 1.2% on other purchases.

Though a loyal Delta traveler may enjoy earning bonus SkyMiles on these purchases, none of these returns are close to the best you can do in these categories with other cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees).

Related: Best credit cards for everyday spending

Redeeming miles on the Delta Platinum Amex

Delta’s SkyMiles program doesn’t have the best reputation among points and miles buffs. After all, Delta has devalued its miles many times over the years. And Delta doesn’t publish an official award chart, meaning award costs can be very high.

Despite that, there are still some great ways to get value from the Delta SkyMiles program.

For example, Delta has frequent flash sales. In the past, we’ve seen deals like domestic awards from 2,000 SkyMiles one-way, flights to Alaska for as little as 5,000 miles round-trip, transcontinental awards from 10,000 miles round-trip and flights to Europe from 16,000 miles round-trip.

Consider snagging some great sweet spots when using SkyMiles to fly Delta partner airlines. This includes awards on SkyTeam partners such as Air France and Korean Air, but the program also has some nonalliance partners.

Just note that some partner awards don’t show on Delta’s website, including awards on Air Tahiti Nui, Czech Airlines and Kenya Airways. As a result, you’ll want to use ExpertFlyer (owned by TPG’s parent company, Red Ventures) or another SkyTeam website like Flying Blue to find availability before calling to book awards on these partners.

TPG principal spokesperson Clint Henderson redeemed just over 73,000 SkyMiles for a flight from Mexico City to Brisbane, Australia. With this redemption, Clint secured a lie-flat Delta One seat on the leg from Los Angeles to Brisbane.

Related: How to redeem your Delta SkyMiles for maximum value

Which cards compete with the Delta Platinum Amex?

If you are interested in the Delta Platinum Amex because you fly (or plan to fly) Delta frequently, you may also be interested in these options:

For additional options, check out our full lists of the best airline credit cards and best American Express credit cards.

Related: Delta Gold Amex vs. Delta Platinum Amex

Bottom line

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card can be a great addition to your wallet if Delta is your preferred airline. Its annual fee may seem high compared to the lower annual fee Delta Gold Amex, but you get useful benefits in return, like the annual companion certificate that can provide significant value.

However, having the card may be hard to justify if you don’t fly Delta often enough to maximize this card’s benefits.

Remember that to maximize your overall travel earning strategy, you’ll likely want to pair the Delta Platinum with another card that earns more points in bonus categories.

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Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card

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For rates and fees of the Delta Platinum Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Gold Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Reserve Amex, click here.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card overview

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card (see rates and fees) has the lowest annual fee of any Southwest Airlines credit card on the market, which is either a strength or a weakness, depending on how you look at it. While the $99 annual fee is affordable, the Southwest Plus card lacks the perks offered by its higher-priced counterparts to keep you interested past the initial welcome bonus. Card rating*:

* Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

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In a hobby that feels dominated by ultrapremium credit cards with $550-plus annual fees and laundry lists of luxury perks, it’s hard to imagine that a cobranded airline credit card with a $99 annual fee might be valuable to loyal Southwest Airlines customers.

However, the Southwest Plus card does make sense for some flyers, in some cases.

This card, along with the other four cobranded Southwest cards, was recently refreshed. The Southwest Plus card refresh included expanded day-of-travel benefits and updated bonus category earnings. In addition to these changes, there was an approximate 44% annual fee increase to $99.

It’s also important to note that Southwest is in the middle of sweeping changes, including to its boarding process, bag fees and seat assignments.

We typically recommend that applicants have a credit score of 670 or above to increase their chances of approval.

Let’s look at how the Southwest Plus card and its perks measure up against its higher-end siblings.

Related: How to choose an airline credit card

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Bonus points each year after your cardmember anniversary Baggage delay insurance Extended-warranty and purchase protection No foreign transaction fees	Fewer points on Southwest purchases compared to other Southwest personal cards Annual fee Limited flight redemptions

Related: Credit cards 101: The beginners guide

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card welcome offer

New Southwest Plus cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first five months from account opening.

According to TPG’s July 2025 valuations, the 100,000 points included in this welcome offer are worth $1,400. This is the highest points welcome offer we’ve seen on this card without a Companion Pass.

If you have someone who regularly travels with you, you may want to wait for an offer that includes the Companion Pass, as it can add significantly more value for you.

Keep in mind you may have the chance to earn the welcome bonus and a Companion Pass (depending on how much you spend) since you’d be 114,000* points closer to the 135,000 points needed to earn a Companion Pass.

*This total is based on the 100,000 points you’d earn from the welcome bonus, plus the additional 4,000 points you’d receive from the spending requirement and the boost of 10,000 Companion Pass-qualifying points you’d also earn.

Before you rush to apply for this card, there are two application rules to remember. First, the Southwest Plus card is subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule. If you’ve opened five or more new credit card accounts (from any bank, not just Chase) in the past 24 months, you likely won’t be approved for this card.

Another limitation applies specifically to Southwest credit cards. If you have any personal Southwest credit card — or earned a welcome bonus on a personal Southwest card in the last 24 months — you won’t be eligible for the bonus on this card.

Related: The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card benefits

The Southwest Plus card offers perks beyond the welcome bonus. It’s important to note that current cardholders will receive all their current benefits until Dec. 31.

You’ll enjoy the following ongoing benefits in exchange for the card’s $99 annual fee:

• Free checked bag: Receive the first checked bag for cardholders and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation.
• Standard seat selection: Cardholders receive complimentary standard seat selection within 48 hours of departure for you and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation. Given that seat selection now comes with a charge, this perk can be extremely valuable depending on how frequently you fly Southwest.
• Two annual EarlyBird Check-Ins: Receive two complimentary EarlyBird Check-Ins (for flights operating in 2025; ends Dec. 31). Given these check-ins can cost up to $99 each, using just one could potentially cover the card’s annual fee in 2025.
• Priority boarding: Cardholders receive Group 5 priority (for 2026 and beyond) for themselves and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation. If you have A-List status, you will be able to board with an earlier group.
• Anniversary bonus: Cardholders receive 3,000 bonus points each account anniversary year, worth $42 according to TPG’s July 2025 valuations.
• Boost of 10,000 Companion Pass-qualifying points annually: Cardholders receive a 10,000-point boost toward a Companion Pass each year.
• 25% inflight savings: Cardholders receive 25% back (as a statement credit) after using their card to purchase inflight drinks and Wi-Fi.
• Flight discount code: Cardholders receive one promotional 10% flight discount code each anniversary year (excluding Basic fares).

Southwest Plus cardholders will receive the following purchase and travel protections:

Earning points on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card

With the Southwest Plus card, you’ll earn:

• New: 2 points per dollar spent at gas stations and grocery stores, on the first $5,000 in combined purchases per year (a 2.8% return, based on TPG’s July 2025 valuations)
• 2 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases (2.8% return)
• 2 points per dollar spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and rental car partners (2.8% return; ends Dec. 31)
• 2 points per dollar spent on local transit and commuting, including ride-hailing services (2.8% return; ends Dec. 31)
• 2 points per dollar spent on internet, cable and phone services; 2 points per dollar spent on select streaming services (2.8% return; ends Dec. 31)
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases (1.4% return)

It’s important to note that current cardholders will receive the current and new earning rates until Dec. 31.

This card now has no foreign transaction fees, so it’s a good option for making purchases abroad.

These are decent earning rates for a cobranded airline card, but the earning rate on Southwest purchases is lower than that of the other personal Southwest cards. If your main motivation for getting this card is to earn bonus points on your Southwest purchases, you’ll probably want to go with one of those instead.

Related: Are airline credit cards worth it anymore?

Redeeming points on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card

Redeem the Rapid Rewards points you earn on the Southwest Plus card for Southwest flights to get the best value from them.

Rapid Rewards also offers other redemption options, including gift cards, merchandise, hotel stays, rental cars and travel experiences. However, the redemption values on these options are much lower than what you’ll get when using your points for Southwest flights.

Award pricing is tied to the cash price of the tickets. So, the number of points you need will go up or down depending on the cash price of the flight. The positive is that using your points for Southwest flights is almost always possible.

TPG Senior Director of Content Summer Hull redeemed 11,000 Rapid Rewards points to travel from Houston all the way to Lihue in Hawaii. Securing redemptions like these can make your points go even further.

Related: How to redeem points with the Southwest Rapid Rewards program

Which cards compete with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card?

The Southwest Plus card’s most obvious competitors are the other Southwest credit cards. However, it’s also worth considering whether a general travel credit card might fit better in your wallet.

• If you want more Southwest benefits with a modest fee: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card has solid perks to justify its $99 annual fee. These include 6,000 anniversary bonus points, two EarlyBird Check-Ins per year (for flights operating in 2025; ends Dec. 31), 25% back on inflight purchases and tier qualifying points toward A-List status. To learn more, read our full review of the Southwest Premier card.
• If you fly Southwest regularly and want the most perks: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card (see rates and fees) is the most premium personal Southwest credit card and has a $229 annual fee. It offers perks like 7,500 anniversary bonus points and an annual $75 Southwest travel credit (ends Dec. 31). To learn more, read our full review of the Southwest Priority card.
• If you want more points that can be used with Southwest and in other ways: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) is a good choice for earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which you can redeem with Southwest and other airline and hotel partners. You’ll also get numerous travel protections, and the card has a $95 annual fee. To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Preferred.

The information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

For more options, check out our full list of the best travel credit cards and best Chase credit cards.

Related: Comparing the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority, Premier and Plus credit cards

Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card worth it?

The Southwest Plus card has the lowest annual fee of the Southwest credit cards at $99, so it’s a good option for those keeping annual fee costs low or just trying out Southwest. However, if you’re a loyal Southwest flyer, one of the other two personal cards will represent better value.

Bottom line

For only $99 per year, the Southwest Plus card allows you to earn enough points to make it well worth the annual fee. Plus, it comes with a handful of benefits, like standard seat selection within 48 hours of departure and a free first checked bag, that can justify keeping the card in your wallet every year.

However, if you fly with Southwest often, one of the other two Southwest cards will provide additional perks. Be sure to evaluate what’s best for you beyond simply looking at the annual fee.

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Apply here: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card

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Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card overview

The no-annual-fee Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has the potential to be a solid flat-rate card if you are a member of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program. However, without the Preferred Rewards earning bonus, the card falls short compared to other flat-rate cards on the market. Card rating*:

*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

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For beginners, points and miles can seem daunting. For some people new to earning credit card rewards, the idea of transferring points and trying to find the absolute best redemptions can be exciting but also nerve-wracking — if this is you, you’re not alone.

Many beginners give up on using credit card rewards to pay for travel because it seems too complicated.

That’s where an option like the Bank of America Travel Rewards card comes into play. It has no annual fee, and we recommend applicants have a credit score of 670 or higher to increase their chances of approval.

Points and miles pros will likely not be moved by the perks and redemption options featured on this card, but the simplicity of its earning rate and redemption process provides a nice starting point for beginners.

Let’s dig into the card details so you can decide if it’s right for you.

Bank of America Travel Rewards pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Unlimited flat earning rate No annual fee No foreign transaction fees	Bank of America does not offer airline or hotel transfer partners like other cards do No travel and purchase protections

Bank of America Travel Rewards welcome offer

New Bank of America Travel Rewards cardholders can earn 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days of account opening.

These points are redeemable at a flat rate of 1 cent per point toward travel or dining purchases, so this bonus is worth $250 — a solid offer but significantly less valuable than what you’ll find on other top travel cards.

It’s not a flashy bonus, but it is easy to earn since the minimum spending requirement is easily attainable. And since the card has no annual fee, you’re essentially earning rewards on purchases you’d normally make without any up-front cost. This is the standard welcome bonus on the Bank of America Travel Rewards card.

When it comes to eligibility, the Bank of America Travel Rewards card does have a 24-month restriction, though the details vary from card to card. The wording for the Travel Rewards card states:

“This card may not be available to you if you currently have or have had the card in the preceding 24 month period.”

This means that you can get a second Travel Rewards card if you previously held one; you just have to be certain that at least 24 months have passed since you closed your previous Travel Rewards card account.

Related: The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions

Bank of America Travel Rewards benefits

The real benefit of the Bank of America Travel Rewards is its simplicity. There are no bonus categories, earning caps or transfer partners. For beginners, that can be a great way to start a points and miles journey.

As a cardholder, you’ll enjoy no foreign transaction fees when you swipe the card outside the U.S. Many no-annual-fee cards have foreign transaction fees, so this is a great benefit.

As expected with a no-annual-fee card, you won’t get any luxury perks. However, since it is a Visa Signature card, you will still have access to certain travel protections and benefits, including zero fraud liability and roadside assistance.

Again, this isn’t an extensive list of benefits, but the ones you do get are decent for a no-annual-fee card. Check your Travel Rewards Guide to Benefits for a comprehensive list of every perk you’ll receive through this card’s Visa Signature branding.

Related: Earn rewards for free with these no-annual-fee credit card strategies

Earning points on the Bank of America Travel Rewards

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card has a simple earning structure, but there’s more than meets the eye.

For starters, you’ll earn 3 points per dollar spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center. You’ll also earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on every purchase. There’s no yearly cap on rewards earned, and your points won’t expire for as long as your account is open.

This is a fairly standard earning rate for a no-annual-fee card, though you can find cards with more competitive reward structures. However, the rewards structure becomes much more valuable if you qualify for the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program.

To enroll in Preferred Rewards, you’ll need an eligible Bank of America personal checking account and a three-month average daily balance of at least $20,000 across your Bank of America and Merrill accounts.

There are four levels of Preferred Rewards, and each comes with an earning bonus on the Travel Rewards card.

As you can see, those with Platinum Honors and Diamond can earn at least 2.625 points per dollar spent on every purchase, which is an impressive return for everyday purchases.

Plus, you’ll receive a savings account interest bonus, discounted banking and investing fees and discounted rates on auto loans and mortgages.

That said, the earning rate of 1.5 points per dollar is lackluster if you aren’t a Preferred Rewards member. Even Gold tier members can likely do better with another rewards card.

Related: Everything you should know about Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program

Redeeming points on the Bank of America Travel Rewards

Bank of America points act more like cash-back rewards since each point is worth 1 cent. You can redeem points as a statement credit for travel or dining purchases (starting at a minimum of 2,500 points).

When you make a purchase, simply log in to your account and select any qualifying transaction from the previous 12 months.

Although travel enthusiasts may see this as a disadvantage, beginners might rejoice at this no-stress process.

You don’t have to think about maximizing reward redemptions or figuring out the best transfer partner for booking your travel, which can be a headache for someone looking for a simple, no-frills way to earn and use their points.

You can also use your points for a cash reward — a check or a deposit into a qualifying Bank of America account. However, you’ll get a value of just 0.6 cents per point this way (2,500 points = $15), so you’re much better off using them for travel or dining purchases.

Finally, you can redeem your points for gift cards, though the exact value varies by merchant.

Related: The best Bank of America credit cards

Which cards compete with the Bank of America Travel Rewards?

One of these may be a better fit if you want more perks or a different earning structure than what the Bank of America Travel Rewards card offers.

• If you want more perks: The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card is a mid-tier travel card with a $95 annual fee. It earns the same 1.5 points per dollar base rate as the Travel Rewards card, but you’ll also earn 2 points per dollar on travel and dining purchases and get more travel perks. To learn more, see our full review of the Bank of America Premium Rewards card.
• If you want more flexible rewards: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card earns 1.25 miles per dollar spent on everyday purchases and 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel. However, the card shines by giving you access to the issuer’s 15-plus transfer partners, including British Airways, Turkish Airlines and Wyndham. To learn more, see our full review of the Capital One VentureOne Rewards.
• If you want even more cash back: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) is another great no-annual-fee card option. It offers 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, 3% back at restaurants and drugstores, 2% cash back on Lyft rides through Sept. 30, 2027 and 1.5% back on all other purchases. To learn more, see our full review of the Freedom Unlimited.

For additional options, check out our full list of the best cash-back credit cards.

Is the Bank of America Travel Rewards worth it?

If you’re looking for simplicity in earning and redeeming points, the no-annual-fee Bank of America Travel Rewards card could be a good option, especially if you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards customer. However, more seasoned points and miles travelers will likely want a card with higher earning rates and more redemption options.

Bottom line

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card offers a simple earning rate and redemption options many beginners will appreciate. However, frequent travelers who want better earning rates and the flexibility of transfer partners should consider other options.

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Apply here: Bank of America Travel Rewards card

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Related: 5 reasons I love the Chase Freedom Unlimited as a credit card beginner

Wells Fargo Autograph Card overview

The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card (see rates and fees) offers bonus points in popular spending categories, straightforward redemptions at a flat rate and several valuable benefits that aren’t common on cards with no annual fee. Card rating*:

*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

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The Wells Fargo Autograph card is a popular option for those who want a credit card with no annual fee, travel and shopping protections and a quality earning structure. Additional eyes have been on the card ever since Wells Fargo launched transfer partners, allowing cardholders to get maximum value from their points.

The fact that the Autograph Card has no annual fee means there’s no cost for keeping it in your wallet, so you can enjoy benefits like cellphone protection and complimentary access to your credit score for no added cost, among other perks. We recommend a credit score of 670 or higher for this card.

Here’s a closer look at the Wells Fargo Autograph Card.

Wells Fargo Autograph pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Bonus points on various everyday purchases Up to $600 in cellular telephone protection when you pay your monthly bill with the card ($25 deductible) No annual fee	Fewer transfer partners than other issuers

Wells Fargo Autograph card welcome offer

Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 or more in purchases in the first three months from account opening with the Wells Fargo Autograph.

According to TPG’s July 2025 valuation, Wells Fargo points are worth 1.6 cents per point, making this offer worth $320 when redeemed for travel.

It’s worth noting that most Wells Fargo credit card applications have the following terms:

You may not qualify for an additional Wells Fargo-branded credit card if you have opened a Wells Fargo-branded credit card in the last 6 months.

Before applying for a Wells Fargo card, make sure it’s been at least six months since the last time you opened a card with them. Keep in mind that Wells Fargo may consider other factors, like how many total credit accounts you’ve opened recently, when considering your application.

TPG credit cards editor Olivia Mittak was denied for a Wells Fargo card for having too many new accounts in the past 24 months, so keep that stat in mind as well when deciding when to apply.

Related: The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions

Wells Fargo Autograph card benefits

Since it’s a Visa Signature card, you’ll enjoy two built-in benefits with the Wells Fargo Autograph.

The Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection provides elitelike benefits on hotel bookings made through its program, including room upgrades on arrival (when available), a $25 food and beverage credit at the property, VIP guest status and complimentary breakfast for two each day.

The Visa Signature Concierge Service can help you with travel bookings, restaurant recommendations and reservations or booking tickets to an event.

The Autograph Card also offers several protections on purchases made with your card. Benefits include a secondary auto rental collision damage waiver on rentals when you pay for the entire transaction with your card, 24/7 roadside dispatch, travel and emergency services assistance and free access to your FICO credit score.

You’ll also receive up to $600 of cellphone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly bill with the Autograph Card. However, there is a $25 deductible per claim and a limit of two claims in a 12-month period. Note that this protection does not cover lost or missing cellphones.

While you won’t get lounge access or statement credits with this card, this is a solid range of benefits for a no-annual-fee card.

Related: Comparing Visa Signature and World Elite Mastercard benefits

Earning points with the Wells Fargo Autograph card

With the Wells Fargo Autograph, you’ll earn at the following rates:

• 3 points per dollar spent on dining (includes takeout, catering and food delivery services)
• 3 points per dollar spent on travel (airfare, hotels, car rentals, cruises and more)
• 3 points per dollar spent at gas stations and electric vehicle charging stations,
• 3 points per dollar spent on transit, eligible streaming services and phone plans
• 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases

Given that, according to TPG’s July 2025 valuation, Wells Fargo points are worth 1.6 cents each, you’ll get a 4.8% return on your spending in these bonus categories.

It’s rare to see phone plans as a bonus category on a personal card. Normally, that category pops up on business cards.

Related: The best rewards credit cards for each bonus category

Redeeming points with the Wells Fargo Autograph card

You have several options for redeeming your points at wellsfargo.com/rewards. You can redeem them at a value of 1 cent apiece as a statement credit, for gift cards (in $25 increments), or to book travel, such as flights, rental cars or hotel stays.

You can also redeem points as a credit to a qualifying Wells Fargo credit card, checking account or mortgage. Plus, you can pay with points at participating merchants, including PayPal.

There are positives and negatives to these redemption options.

On the plus side, you never have to guess what your points will be worth when you use them. Using these redemption options means you’ll always get a value of 1 cent per point.

On the negative side, these aren’t the best redemption options, since you can get more value from your points by taking advantage of Wells Fargo’s transfer partners.

Related: Wells Fargo Rewards program: How to earn, redeem and transfer points

Transferring points with the Wells Fargo Autograph card

With the Wells Fargo Autograph, you’ll be able to enjoy access to transfer partners to maximize the value of your points. Wells Fargo has the following transfer partners:

While this list isn’t nearly as long as other credit issuers’, it’s still a good selection. Wells Fargo will likely add additional partners in the future, so keep a close eye on this list.

Related: Credit card transfer partners: Guide to transferring points and miles to airlines and hotels

Which cards compete with the Wells Fargo Autograph card?

When considering cards that compete with the Wells Fargo Autograph, two types immediately come to mind: cards that earn transferable rewards and credit cards with similar earning structures.

For additional options, check out our full list of the best travel cards.

Read more: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Capital One Venture Rewards

Is the Wells Fargo Autograph card worth it?

The Wells Fargo Autograph is best for those who want a no-annual-fee card with good benefits like cellphone protection and credit score access. This card grants access to a quality selection of transfer partners, making it a great fit for travel beginners and enthusiasts alike.

Bottom line

We rarely see a card without an annual fee that offers multiple protections and strong earning categories.

Those looking for a card with no annual fee and access to transfer partners may enjoy the Wells Fargo Autograph. If you’re looking for a card that offers more transfer partners, however, going with another issuer, like Chase or Capital One, makes more sense.

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Apply here: Wells Fargo Autograph

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Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card overview

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card provides solid earnings at Hilton properties and automatic Hilton Gold elite status, which offers many useful benefits when staying with Hilton. The status perk alone may make it easy to justify the card’s annual fee. Card Rating*: ½

*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

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The Hilton Surpass is an ideal choice for those who stay at Hilton properties often and want a cobranded credit card with a modest annual fee and valuable perks.

Benefits of the card’s automatic Hilton Gold status include complimentary breakfast or daily food and beverage credit, increased earnings and space-available upgrades when staying at Hilton properties.

We recommend applicants have a credit score of 670 or higher to be eligible for this card.

If you’re thinking about adding the Hilton Surpass to your wallet, here’s what you need to know and should consider as you decide.

Hilton Surpass pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Reasonable annual fee Annual Hilton credit each calendar year Automatic Hilton Honors Gold status Opportunity to earn Diamond status No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees)	Hilton Honors points not valued highly Dynamic award pricing

Hilton Surpass welcome offer

New applicants for the Hilton Surpass can earn 130,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. There’s a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then an annual fee of $150 (see rates and fees). Offer ends August 13.

According to TPG’s June 2025 valuations, this 130,000 points portion of the bonus is worth $650. The $0 introductory annual fee for the first year is also part of this offer.

This isn’t the best offer in terms of points value we’ve seen in the card’s history. However, if you value the $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, now could be a great time to apply.

Having most other Hilton credit cards doesn’t make you ineligible for the welcome bonus, but remember that Amex has a “once per lifetime” rule on card bonuses. Amex also has these terms for the welcome offer:

You may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer if you have or have had this Card, the Hilton Honors Amex Ascend Card or previous versions of these Cards. You also may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer based on various factors, such as your history with credit card balance transfers, your history as an American Express Card Member, the number of credit cards that you have opened and closed and other factors.

Luckily, Amex will inform you before submitting your application if you’re not eligible for the bonus. If you get this message, you can proceed without the welcome offer or withdraw your application before Amex performs a hard pull on your credit report.

Related: A complete guide to Amex’s one-bonus-per-lifetime restrictions

Hilton Surpass benefits

The welcome offer on the Hilton Surpass card is attractive, but the card’s ongoing perks provide long-term value for semi-regular Hilton guests.

The following are some of the perks the Hilton Surpass has to offer:

• Hilton Honors Gold status: Complimentary Gold Elite status, which includes an 80% points bonus on paid stays, space-available room upgrades, elite rollover nights, a fifth night free when you book a stay with points and a daily breakfast or food and beverage credit. Spending $40,000 on the card in a calendar year will earn you top-tier Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year.
• Up to $200 in Hilton statement credits: Earn up to $200 back every calendar year on eligible Hilton purchases (up to $50 in statement credits each quarter).
• Rental car elite status: Receive complimentary National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status after enrollment in the Emerald Club program

Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.

The Hilton Surpass offers other benefits, too, including no foreign transaction fees when traveling outside the U.S., Send & Split to divide bills with friends, such as a group dinner, and secondary rental car insurance**.

** Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

Related: 5 reasons to get the Hilton Honors Amex Surpass card

Earning points with the Hilton Surpass

The Hilton Surpass card is a great way to earn Hilton points.

You’ll earn 12 points per dollar spent at Hilton Hotels and Resorts — a 6% return on spending, based on TPG’s June 2025 valuations. This is better than you’d get with most of the best credit cards for booking hotels.

You’ll also earn 6 Hilton points per dollar spent on dining at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery), U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, giving you a return of 3% on these purchases.

The Hilton Surpass also earns 4 points per dollar spent on U.S. online retail purchases, which can be maximized when clicking through shopping portals. That’s a return of 2%.

Finally, you’ll get 3 points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases — a return of 1.5%.

These returns on non-Hilton spending aren’t spectacular compared to general travel rewards cards. But if you want to boost your Hilton points balance, the Hilton Surpass card provides a decent return even for purchases outside the Hilton Honors program.

Related: Booking direct: How much value does Hilton status provide?

Redeeming points with the Hilton Surpass

Regarding the Hilton Honors program, your best bet is to redeem your Hilton points for free nights.

Unfortunately, Hilton doesn’t publish an award chart; instead, it uses dynamic pricing, where the number of points needed for a redemption fluctuates based on factors such as the cash cost of the hotel, holidays and peak travel periods.

One of my favorite options is to focus on properties that cost relatively few points but provide great value. Thanks to Hilton’s dynamic award charts, these can be hard to find, but with a little patience and effort, you can score some fantastic deals.

Hilton’s Points & Money option allows you to pay more cash (and fewer points) when making a reservation. This can be useful when you don’t have enough points for a full booking but don’t want to pay the full cost of the hotel room.

Finally, remember that Hilton allows you to pool your points with up to 10 other members. If you want to combine balances with a friend or family member to put an even more luxurious award stay within reach, you can.

Related: 10 of the best hotels in the world to use your Hilton free night reward redemptions

Which cards compete with the Hilton Surpass?

For those looking to earn and redeem points with Hilton, natural competitors of the Hilton Surpass card will be other Hilton credit cards. But it’s also worth considering cards that earn points you can use at Hilton in addition to other redemption options.

For additional options, check out our picks for the best travel cards.

The information for the Hilton Amex Aspire Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: Which credit card should you use for Hilton stays?

Bottom line

While the Hilton Surpass doesn’t offer the flexibility of a card like the Amex Gold or the elite perks of the Hilton Aspire, it could still be just what you need to make your next stay with the Hilton Honors program even more rewarding.

If you’re looking for the benefits of Gold Elite status and multiple valuable statement credits for a reasonable annual fee, the Hilton Surpass could be a good option for you.

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Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

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For rates and fees of the Hilton Surpass Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Amex Card, click here.