Why having both a Surpass and an Aspire might be a good idea

The idea of ​​having two credit cards for the same hotel brand may seem strange, but it can actually benefit your travels.

If you’re a Hilton fan, go all out Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card You’ll be offered two welcome bonuses, multiple income categories, automatic free night awards, and more.

Assuming you stay at a Hilton hotel at least a few times a year, you should consider this strategy. Here’s everything you need to know.

Earn valuable points with 2 welcome bonuses

One of the best parts of earning points and miles is being able to redeem them for high-value hotel stays. Welcome bonuses are a great way to earn a lot of points or miles quickly.

together, Hilton Asbai Hotel and Hilton Cypas Hotel It is possible to increase your rewards balance with their welcome offer. With Aspire, you can earn 175,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 in purchases within your first six months as a cardmember.

With Surpass, you can earn 155,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 in purchases within your first six months as a cardmember.

The two welcome bonuses total 330,000 bonus points.

According to TPG’s December 2025 valuation, 330,000 Hilton Rewards points are worth $1,650. These offers end on January 14, 2026, so now is a great time to apply.

These 330,000 Hilton points are enough for a three-night stay at the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Maya on select dates, or you can use the points for multiple stays by booking the economy option.

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Easier to get your second free night award

this Hilton Asbai Hotel Automatic free night awards are provided to card members each year. This is a very useful perk for Hilton fans. Since you don’t need to use any points to take advantage of this free night, you can use it to extend your vacation or take a weekend getaway.

While you can get a second free night award through Aspire, Hilton Cypas Hotel. While the card doesn’t automatically offer rewards every year, card members can earn rewards when they spend at least $15,000 on the card in a calendar year. This should be reasonably achievable for the average consumer, especially if you rent.

If you prefer staying at Hilton properties over any other brand, it makes sense to go the extra mile to earn a second free night bonus. Make it easier on yourself by getting one in Beyond.

Carly Helfand, TPG’s director of content for credit cards, points and miles, used the free night rewards she earned with her Hilton card when she stayed at the Conrad Algarve this year.

Maximize savings with more bill credits

both Hilton Asbai Hotel and Hilton Cypas Hotel Offers bill credits to help justify its $550 (see Aspire’s rates and fees) and $150 annual fees (see Surpass’s rates and fees). By combining these benefits from both cards, you can maximize the value you get on your Hilton stays.

Hilton Surpass offers up to $50 off quarterly (up to $200 in annual statement credit) on purchases made directly at Hilton properties, perfect for paying for your room, meal or spa treatment. Also, if you purchase an eligible Hilton resort through Aspire, you’ll receive up to $200 per year (up to $400 per year in statement credit). These two statement credits can be combined if you use them at participating Hilton resorts. These hotels typically offer more amenities than standard Hilton properties, such as pools and activities.

Hilton Aspire also offers flight-related statement credits: up to $50 per quarter (up to $200 per year) on purchases made directly with the airline or through Amex Travel; for Clear Plus members, up to $209 per calendar year (registration required; auto-renewable).

Assuming you fully utilize all of your Hilton statement points and airline statement points each year, you’ll more than cover the annual fees on these cards.

Enjoy the benefits of Hilton Diamond status

If you only hold Hilton Cypas Hotelyou will receive Hilton Gold membership. While Hilton Gold is good by any means, the status offered by Hilton Diamond Hilton Asbai Hotel Even better for loyal Hilton fans, they get:

• Prioritize room upgrades with available space
• 100% bonus points for stays
• 48 hours room guarantee
• Access to executive lounge
• Premium Wi-Fi

TPG credit card contributing editor Matt Moffitt’s favorite perk of the Aspire is the free breakfast for two when he stays at a Hilton hotel abroad (thanks to the card’s Diamond status). He estimated it at least $20 per person, or $200 for two people staying five nights. (Card members can receive dining points when staying at hotels in the United States)

If you’re going to go all out to stay at a Hilton property, it makes sense to give yourself the best experience possible every time you stay. Opening Aspire with Surpass will ensure you get this without forcing you to give up any of the perks you enjoy on Surpass.

Earn bonus points in many categories

this Hilton Asbai HotelThe profit segment’s biggest strengths are Hilton and dining and select travel. at the same time, Hilton Cypas Hotel A wide range of hotel card bonus categories are covered, meaning any gaps in the Aspire income categories can be easily filled.

With Aspire and Surpass, you will receive the following bonus categories:

Both cards earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other qualifying purchases.

By optimizing your strategy for both cards, you’ll be sure to earn as many Hilton points as possible on your next stay.

bottom line

Many points and miles enthusiasts don’t give much thought to co-branded hotel cards because many of us think transferable rewards are the way to go. But if you choose to stay at Hilton hotels for most or all of your vacation, combining the Hilton Surpass with the Aspire card can significantly enhance your travel experience.

Just make sure you keep track of your card’s statement points, as they’re key to ensuring you’re getting enough value year after year to justify the annual fee on each card.

To learn more, check out our reviews of the Hilton Surpass and Hilton Aspire.

Apply here: Hilton Honors Aspire

Apply here: Hilton Cypas Hotel

For Hilton Aspire rates and fees, click here.

For Hilton Surpass prices and fees, click here.