Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card launches new name

Some of the offers below are no longer available and may be out of date.

American Express has relaunched the Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card under a new name – the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card. This update is the start of a slate of changes coming to Hilton Honors cards this summer. Read on to learn what to expect.

Hilton Honors Surpass Card

Effective July 18, 2019, the card previously known as the Hilton Honors American Express Ascend card will be referred to as the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.

Existing cardholders will be able to continue using their cards as normal, as American Express will not issue new cards unless requested by the cardholder.

If you would prefer to request a replacement card, you can receive one with “Hilton Surpass” printed on the back in place of “Ascend.” Otherwise, you will receive an updated card when your card is renewed.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Introductory bonus: 125,000 points when you spend $2,000 in first 3 months Terms apply	Rewards rate: 12 points per dollar at select Hilton properties 6 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas station 3 points per dollar on general purchases Terms apply Annual fee: $95 Estimated yearly rewards value ($15,900 monthly): $699

American Express originally changed the Hilton Honors Surpass card’s name to the Hilton Honors American Express Ascend card in January 2018. When asked why the card name is being reverted back, a representative stated via email that American Express re-evaluates the names of products from time to time. Amex chose to revert to the Ascend card’s original name “to further differentiate the card within the Hilton portfolio of cobranded cards and broader competitive landscape.”

Along with the change in card name, the Surpass card is boasting an inflated introductory bonus of 125,000 points for cardholders who spend $2,000 in the first four months.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card update

American Express has also announced a change to its Hilton Honors Aspire card. Effective Aug. 1, 2019, the resort statement credit – which covers up to $250 in eligible purchases at participating Hilton properties – will not apply when cardholders book an “advanced purchase” rate.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Introductory bonus: 150,000 points when you spend $4,000 in first 3 months Terms apply	Rewards rate: 14 points per dollar at select Hilton properties 7 points per dollar on airfare, car rentals and restaurants 3 points per dollar on general purchases Terms apply Annual fee: $450 Estimated yearly rewards value ($15,900 monthly): $1,219

To view a full list of participating Hilton resorts, click here.

More changes to come

More changes are expected for the Hilton Honors cards this summer, including a generous, limited-time offer for new cardholders.

See related: Hilton Honors American Express credit cards offer up to 150,000 rewards points for introductory bonus, Hilton Honors guide: The best ways to earn and use Hilton Honors points