Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card or Chase United Explorer?
Chase United Explorer returns $230 over its fee and Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card returns $50, so the fee difference comes down to which categories you use.


| CATEGORY | HILTON HONORS AMERICAN EXPRESS SURPASS CARD | UNITED EXPLORER |
|---|---|---|
| 🌎Travel | $200 | $200 |
| 🍽️Food & Dining | — | $120 |
| 🚗Transportation | — | $60 |
| Hotel Free Night Certificates | — | |
| Total credits | $200 | $380 |
| Annual fee | $150 | $150 |
| Net value | +$50 | +$230 |

You use food & dining, transportation. Food & Dining and Transportation alone are worth $180 here and nothing on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card or Chase United Explorer?
The Chase United Explorer is better with $230 net annual value compared to the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card at $50. The Chase United Explorer wins by $180/year.
What's the difference between Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card and Chase United Explorer?
The key differences: Chase United Explorer has a $150 annual fee and $380 in annual benefits, while Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has a $150 annual fee and $200 in annual benefits.
Is the Chase United Explorer worth it compared to the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card?
Yes, the Chase United Explorer offers better value with $230 net annual value compared to $50 for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card. It also has a similar annual fee.
Amex vs Chase: which issuer is better?
For these specific cards, Chase's Chase United Explorer offers better value with $230 net annual value. Consider which issuer's broader ecosystem (transfer partners, redemption options) fits your needs.
Which card is better for food_and_dining?
The Chase United Explorer is better for food_and_dining with $120 in annual food_and_dining benefits compared to $0 for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card.
Should I get the Chase United Explorer?
If you're deciding between the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card and Chase United Explorer, the Chase United Explorer is the better choice with $230 net annual value. However, make sure you can use the key benefits to maximize value. Compare the full benefit breakdown to see which fits your spending better.
Other comparisons
NET VALUE SHOWN FOR EACHMORE HILTON HONORS AMERICAN EXPRESS SURPASS CARD COMPARISONS
- vs. Amex Business Gold
- vs. Amex Business Platinum
- vs. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve
- vs. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business
- vs. Amex Gold
- vs. Amex Green
- vs. Amex Hilton Honors Aspire
- vs. Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
- vs. Amex Platinum
- vs. Amex Platinum (Charles Schwab)
- vs. Amex Platinum (Morgan Stanley)
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Gold Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- vs. Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite
- vs. Capital One Venture X
- vs. Capital One Venture X Business
- vs. Hyatt
- vs. Sapphire Preferred
- vs. Sapphire Reserve
- vs. Sapphire Reserve for Business
- vs. United Club
- vs. United Quest
- vs. IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card
- vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
- vs. The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card
- vs. United Business Card
- vs. United Club Business Card
- vs. Citi AAdvantage Executive
- vs. Citi Strata Elite
- vs. U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
- vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey
MORE UNITED EXPLORER COMPARISONS
- vs. Amex Business Gold
- vs. Amex Business Platinum
- vs. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve
- vs. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business
- vs. Amex Gold
- vs. Amex Green
- vs. Amex Hilton Honors Aspire
- vs. Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
- vs. Amex Platinum
- vs. Amex Platinum (Charles Schwab)
- vs. Amex Platinum (Morgan Stanley)
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Gold Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- vs. Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite
- vs. Capital One Venture X
- vs. Capital One Venture X Business
- vs. Hyatt
- vs. Sapphire Preferred
- vs. Sapphire Reserve
- vs. Sapphire Reserve for Business
- vs. United Club
- vs. United Quest
- vs. IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card
- vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
- vs. The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card
- vs. United Business Card
- vs. United Club Business Card
- vs. Citi AAdvantage Executive
- vs. Citi Strata Elite
- vs. U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
- vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey