As mentioned in my previous article on the new American Express Hilton cards, there were several strategies for getting these cards and maximizing the sign-up bonuses / annual fee mix.
Well, we now officially know what the sign-up bonuses are going to be on the new American Express Hilton cards.
But First…A Word Of Caution
There is currently a debate on whether American Express considers the Ascend card to be a “new product” or an “upgrade”. That distinction matters because it may preclude card holders of the American Express Hilton Surpass card from the sign-up bonus of the Ascend card.
I suspect it is an “upgrade” as American Express has said my Surpass card has been “upgraded” and I physically received an Ascend card without applying for one; although it is true that American Express does not explicitly spell it out in their terms and conditions.
It’s Official: Here Are The Sign-Up Bonuses On The New American Express Hilton Cards
Hilton Honors has just posted a new website complete with sign-up bonuses – and applications – for these new cards.
The Bottom Line:
If you haven’t owned an American Express Hilton card before, the world is your oyster. You can apply for any of these cards. Have at it.
If you have had an American Express Hilton card previously, you can still apply for – and receive – sign-up bonuses on cards you didn’t already have. However, you have to be extra careful with the Ascend card if you’ve had the Surpass card in the past. Likewise, I believe the Hilton Honors American Express card is the literally the same card, so no sign-up bonus if you’ve had that.
If you had any of the Hilton “legacy cards” from American Express, you should be able to product change (upgrade or downgrade) to a new card, although you likely won’t get a bonus.
If you an active Surpass card, then “lucky you”, your annual fee is still only $75.
Lastly, if you are concerned about staying under the Chase 5/24 rule, you may want to check out Hilton Honors American Express card as business cards typically don’t count toward the 5/24 rule.
Cheers!
