Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth the higher annual fee?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $795/yr vs $150/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card. The higher fee includes lounge access and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card?

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has a higher base earn rate (3X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the Chase Sapphire Reserve have that the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card doesn't?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers lounge access, travel credits. The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Should I get the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card?

Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you spend enough to justify the $795/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth the higher annual fee?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $795/yr vs $150/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card. The higher fee includes lounge access and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card?

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has a higher base earn rate (3X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the Chase Sapphire Reserve have that the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card doesn't?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers lounge access, travel credits. The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Should I get the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card?

Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you spend enough to justify the $795/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth the higher annual fee?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $795/yr vs $150/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card. The higher fee includes lounge access and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card?

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has a higher base earn rate (3X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the Chase Sapphire Reserve have that the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card doesn't?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers lounge access, travel credits. The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Should I get the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card?

Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you spend enough to justify the $795/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

CardRewards

Editorial disclosure: CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Our analysis is based on publicly available card data and is reviewed regularly by our editorial team. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or content. Last updated: May 2026.

Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card ($150/yr) is better for everyday value, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

American Express

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$795

$150

Welcome Bonus

125,000 Flex point

130,000 Hotel

Earn Rates

Category	Chase Sapphire Reserve	Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Hilton Hotels	1X	12X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins in 6 of 8 categories. The Chase Sapphire Reserve leads in 2.

Hotels

Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 4X vs 3X

Flights

Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 4X vs 3X

Dining

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 6X vs 3X

Hilton Hotels

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 12X vs 1X

Gas Stations

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 6X vs 1X

Grocery Stores

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 6X vs 1X

Online Shopping

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 4X vs 1X

Everyday purchases

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 3X on all other spending vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Bottom Line

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has a lower annual fee ($150 vs $795), making it the more accessible option.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access and travel credits.

For everyday spending, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns more with its 3X base rate.

Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth the higher annual fee?: The Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $795/yr vs $150/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card. The higher fee includes lounge access and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card?: The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has a higher base earn rate (3X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the Chase Sapphire Reserve have that the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card doesn't?: The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers lounge access, travel credits. The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card?: Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you spend enough to justify the $795/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Hilton Honors Surpass Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Reserve Amex Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve Capital One Venture vs Chase Sapphire Reserve

Explore More

Chase Sapphire Reserve — Full Review All Chase Cards

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: Chase cards · American Express cards

Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.

Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

American Express

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$795

$150

Welcome Bonus

125,000 Flex point

130,000 Hotel

Earn Rates

Category	Chase Sapphire Reserve	Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Hilton Hotels	1X	12X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins in 6 of 8 categories. The Chase Sapphire Reserve leads in 2.

Hotels

Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 4X vs 3X

Flights

Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 4X vs 3X

Dining

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 6X vs 3X

Hilton Hotels

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 12X vs 1X

Gas Stations

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 6X vs 1X

Grocery Stores

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 6X vs 1X

Online Shopping

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 4X vs 1X

Everyday purchases

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 3X on all other spending vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Bottom Line

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has a lower annual fee ($150 vs $795), making it the more accessible option.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access and travel credits.

For everyday spending, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns more with its 3X base rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth the higher annual fee?: The Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $795/yr vs $150/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card. The higher fee includes lounge access and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card?: The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has a higher base earn rate (3X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the Chase Sapphire Reserve have that the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card doesn't?: The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers lounge access, travel credits. The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card?: Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you spend enough to justify the $795/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Hilton Honors Surpass Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Reserve Amex Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve Capital One Venture vs Chase Sapphire Reserve

Explore More

Chase Sapphire Reserve — Full Review All Chase Cards

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: Chase cards · American Express cards

Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

American Express

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$795

$150

Welcome Bonus

125,000 Flex point

130,000 Hotel

Earn Rates

Category	Chase Sapphire Reserve	Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Hilton Hotels	1X	12X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card wins in 6 of 8 categories. The Chase Sapphire Reserve leads in 2.

Hotels

Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 4X vs 3X

Flights

Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 4X vs 3X

Dining

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 6X vs 3X

Hilton Hotels

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 12X vs 1X

Gas Stations

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 6X vs 1X

Grocery Stores

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 6X vs 1X

Online Shopping

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 4X vs 1X

Everyday purchases

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 3X on all other spending vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Bottom Line

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has a lower annual fee ($150 vs $795), making it the more accessible option.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access and travel credits.

For everyday spending, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns more with its 3X base rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth the higher annual fee?: The Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $795/yr vs $150/yr for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card. The higher fee includes lounge access and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card?: The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has a higher base earn rate (3X vs 1X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the Chase Sapphire Reserve have that the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card doesn't?: The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers lounge access, travel credits. The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card?: Choose the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you spend enough to justify the $795/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Hilton Honors Surpass Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Reserve Amex Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve Capital One Venture vs Chase Sapphire Reserve

Explore More

Chase Sapphire Reserve — Full Review All Chase Cards

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: Chase cards · American Express cards

Benefits & Features

Network

VISA

AMEX

Key Benefits

✓Lounge access

✓Travel credit

✓Travel insurance

✓Global Entry credit

✓Purchase protection

None

Pros & Cons

Pros

+$1,650 in annual credits more than covers $795 fee
+Priority Pass Select with 2 guests included
+Exclusive Chase Sapphire Lounge access
+Primary rental car coverage saves $15-30/day
+Points worth 50% more through Chase Travel

+Automatic Hilton Gold status with room upgrades and breakfast at select properties
+Earn Diamond status through $40,000 annual spend (extends through end of next year)
+$200 annual Hilton credit ($50 per quarter) covers most of the annual fee
+Free Night Reward earned after $15,000 annual spend
+Strong earning at 12X at Hilton, 6X at restaurants/supermarkets/gas

Cons

−$795 annual fee is substantial commitment
−5/24 rule restricts applicants with recent cards
−Credits require specific spending patterns to use
−$195 authorized user fee with no free users
−No 0% intro APR offer

−$150 annual fee with no first-year waiver
−Quarterly credits require spending at Hilton properties (use-it-or-lose-it each quarter)
−Points locked to Hilton program with no transfer flexibility
−Amex network less accepted than Visa/Mastercard internationally
−Diamond status requires significant $40,000 spend threshold

The Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $795/yr — that's $645 more than the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card ($150/yr). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $645 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers travel credits, lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. With 3 premium perks, heavy spenders on hotels and flights can often offset the full fee.

Bottom line: The $645 gap is significant. Choose the Chase Sapphire Reserve only if you spend heavily on hotels and flights and will use its premium benefits regularly — otherwise the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card delivers strong value at a fraction of the cost.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

Choosing Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card means losing:

-Airport lounge access
-Annual travel credit
-Purchase protection
-Travel insurance
-Global Entry credit

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you:

+Fly frequently and value airport lounge access
+Travel enough to fully use annual credits and premium perks

Get the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card if you:

+Do most of your spending at grocery stores
+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment
+Prefer a high flat rate across all spending

Benefits & Features

Network

VISA

AMEX

Key Benefits

✓Lounge access

✓Travel credit

✓Travel insurance

✓Global Entry credit

✓Purchase protection

None

Pros & Cons

Pros

+$1,650 in annual credits more than covers $795 fee
+Priority Pass Select with 2 guests included
+Exclusive Chase Sapphire Lounge access
+Primary rental car coverage saves $15-30/day
+Points worth 50% more through Chase Travel

+Automatic Hilton Gold status with room upgrades and breakfast at select properties
+Earn Diamond status through $40,000 annual spend (extends through end of next year)
+$200 annual Hilton credit ($50 per quarter) covers most of the annual fee
+Free Night Reward earned after $15,000 annual spend
+Strong earning at 12X at Hilton, 6X at restaurants/supermarkets/gas

Cons

−$795 annual fee is substantial commitment
−5/24 rule restricts applicants with recent cards
−Credits require specific spending patterns to use
−$195 authorized user fee with no free users
−No 0% intro APR offer

−$150 annual fee with no first-year waiver
−Quarterly credits require spending at Hilton properties (use-it-or-lose-it each quarter)
−Points locked to Hilton program with no transfer flexibility
−Amex network less accepted than Visa/Mastercard internationally
−Diamond status requires significant $40,000 spend threshold

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers travel credits, lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. With 3 premium perks, heavy spenders on hotels and flights can often offset the full fee.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

Choosing Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card means losing:

-Airport lounge access
-Annual travel credit
-Purchase protection
-Travel insurance
-Global Entry credit

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you:

+Fly frequently and value airport lounge access
+Travel enough to fully use annual credits and premium perks

Get the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card if you:

+Do most of your spending at grocery stores
+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment
+Prefer a high flat rate across all spending

Benefits & Features

Network

VISA

AMEX

Key Benefits

✓Lounge access

✓Travel credit

✓Travel insurance

✓Global Entry credit

✓Purchase protection

None

Pros & Cons

Pros

+$1,650 in annual credits more than covers $795 fee
+Priority Pass Select with 2 guests included
+Exclusive Chase Sapphire Lounge access
+Primary rental car coverage saves $15-30/day
+Points worth 50% more through Chase Travel

+Automatic Hilton Gold status with room upgrades and breakfast at select properties
+Earn Diamond status through $40,000 annual spend (extends through end of next year)
+$200 annual Hilton credit ($50 per quarter) covers most of the annual fee
+Free Night Reward earned after $15,000 annual spend
+Strong earning at 12X at Hilton, 6X at restaurants/supermarkets/gas

Cons

−$795 annual fee is substantial commitment
−5/24 rule restricts applicants with recent cards
−Credits require specific spending patterns to use
−$195 authorized user fee with no free users
−No 0% intro APR offer

−$150 annual fee with no first-year waiver
−Quarterly credits require spending at Hilton properties (use-it-or-lose-it each quarter)
−Points locked to Hilton program with no transfer flexibility
−Amex network less accepted than Visa/Mastercard internationally
−Diamond status requires significant $40,000 spend threshold

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers travel credits, lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. With 3 premium perks, heavy spenders on hotels and flights can often offset the full fee.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

Choosing Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card means losing:

-Airport lounge access
-Annual travel credit
-Purchase protection
-Travel insurance
-Global Entry credit

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you:

+Fly frequently and value airport lounge access
+Travel enough to fully use annual credits and premium perks

Get the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card if you:

+Do most of your spending at grocery stores
+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment
+Prefer a high flat rate across all spending