The Hilton Honors Surpass edges out the United Explorer for most cardholders — it wins on 2 of 4 comparison categories and offers 130,000 pts signup bonus earns more (up to 12x vs 2x). The United Explorer is the better choice if you prioritize a different rewards ecosystem.
Hilton Honors Surpass vs United Explorer
Side-by-side comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and transfer partners.
- hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio 12x
- Dining At U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery, 6x
- Groceries At U.S. supermarkets 6x
- United Purchases 2x
- Restaurant Purchases 2x
- Hotel Stays 2x
- Hilton Credit $50
- Statement Credit $5
- Statement Credit $50
- Statement Credit $50
- +1 more
- Hilton Honors Gold Status
- 2 United Club one-time passes per year
- Free Night AwardAfter $15,000 spend
Common Questions: Hilton Honors Surpass vs United Explorer
Is the Hilton Honors Surpass or United Explorer better for dining?
Hilton Honors Surpass earns 6x on dining; United Explorer earns 2x on dining. Hilton Honors Surpass wins for dining.
Which has the higher signup bonus in 2026?
Hilton Honors Surpass currently offers 130,000 pts signup bonus (spend $3,000 in 6 months). United Explorer offers 85,000 pts signup bonus (spend $3,000 in 3 months). Hilton Honors Surpass has the larger bonus.
Which card is better for international travel?
Both cards charge no foreign transaction fees, making either a solid choice for international travel.
Can I hold both the Hilton Honors Surpass and the United Explorer?
In most cases yes — holding both is allowed and can be a smart strategy for maximizing rewards across different spending categories. Hilton Honors Surpass is from American Express and United Explorer is from Chase, so they're governed by separate bank policies.