American Express Platinum Vs Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which Premium Card Wins For Travelers?

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Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. American Express Platinum Card - Which is

American Express Platinum Vs Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which Premium Card Wins For Travelers?

Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. American Express Platinum Card - Which is

When it comes to luxury credit cards, two names consistently come up in the conversation: American Express Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve. Both cards bring a lot to the table—think high-end travel benefits, elite status perks, and generous welcome bonuses. But which one actually offers more value for your money? If you’re trying to decide between these two heavyweights, you're not alone. That's why we're diving deep into the features, perks, and costs of the Amex Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve to help you make the best choice for your travel habits and spending style.

If you travel often, especially internationally or in business class, both cards can be game-changers. But they're not identical by any means. One might be better if you fly with specific airlines, while the other shines with hotel perks or dining credits. And of course, there's that annual fee to consider—neither card is cheap. So, let's break down what each card offers and see which one could be the better fit for your lifestyle.

Whether you're a jet-setting executive, a savvy points collector, or someone just starting to explore the world of premium credit cards, this comparison is for you. We’ll walk you through all the key differences, from travel insurance to lounge access, and from dining credits to transfer partners. So grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s take a closer look at what separates the Amex Platinum from the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Table of Contents

Annual Fee and Value

Let’s start with the elephant in the room: the annual fee. The American Express Platinum Card currently charges $695 per year, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve comes in at $550 annually. That’s a big difference, and it’s definitely something to think about before pulling the trigger on either one. But here's the thing—these fees are meant to be offset by the value of the benefits you get in return.

So, which card gives more bang for your buck? Well, it really depends on how you travel and what perks you actually use. Amex Platinum offers a $200 airline fee credit, which can help cover baggage fees or seat upgrades when you book directly with a carrier. The Chase Sapphire Reserve, on the other hand, gives you a $300 annual travel credit that can be used on any travel-related purchase through the Chase portal or statement credits. That could include flights, hotels, car rentals, or even Uber rides.

So if you fly with the same airline often and can max out that airline fee credit, the Amex Platinum might be worth the higher fee. But if you prefer flexibility and want to apply that credit to a variety of travel expenses, Chase’s option might be more appealing.

Welcome Bonuses and Earning Rates

Welcome bonuses are always a big deal with premium cards, and both the Amex Platinum and the Chase Sapphire Reserve offer generous ones. As of the latest offers, Chase Sapphire Reserve gives new cardholders up to 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. Those points are worth about $900 when transferred to travel partners like Hyatt, United, or Southwest.

Amex Platinum, meanwhile, offers 100,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 in the first six months. That’s a solid bonus, especially if you plan to use those points for flights, which can be valued at around 1.3 cents per point by The Points Guy (TPG) in June 2025. That makes the Amex bonus potentially worth more than $1,300 if used wisely.

When it comes to earning rates, Chase Sapphire Reserve gives you 3x points on travel and dining, and 1x on everything else. Amex Platinum offers 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines and 1x on everything else. So if you fly a lot and can actually book directly with airlines (which isn't always the cheapest option), Amex might be better for earning. But if you spend a lot on dining or through the Chase travel portal, Chase could edge out in terms of points accumulation.

Travel Insurance and Protection

Travel insurance can save you a lot of money in case something goes wrong with your trip. Both cards offer solid coverage, but there are some key differences to note.

Chase Sapphire Reserve provides primary auto rental insurance, which means you don’t need to rely on your personal auto insurance if you rent a car. That’s a nice perk if you're a frequent renter. It also includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and travel accident insurance.

Amex Platinum offers secondary auto rental insurance, which kicks in only if you don’t have your own coverage. But Amex makes up for it by offering a premium protection plan that you can purchase for more comprehensive coverage. Platinum also includes Global Entry/TSA Pre✓ reimbursement, which is a $100 benefit every five years. That’s a nice bonus if you fly often and want to breeze through airport security.

So, if you're looking for broader protection without having to buy extra insurance, the Chase Sapphire Reserve might be the better bet. But Amex Platinum makes it easy to upgrade your coverage if needed.

Dining and Daily Spending Credits

Let’s talk about everyday perks that can make your life a little easier (and tastier). Both cards offer some kind of dining credit, but they differ in how they’re applied.

Chase Sapphire Reserve gives you a $60 annual Uber Eats credit, which is a nice touch for people who order food often. You also get a $120 credit for DoorDash, Peapod, or Instacart, which can help with grocery deliveries. That’s a cool feature if you use those services regularly.

Amex Platinum offers the $300 Dining Credit, which you can use at select restaurants through Amex Offers or statement credits. This can be great for foodies who enjoy dining out, but you’ll need to be sure you actually use it. If you're not someone who eats out often, that credit might go to waste.

So if you're a fan of food delivery and grocery services, Chase might be the better fit. But if you love going out to eat at nice places, Amex's dining credit could be more valuable.

Airport Lounge Access

If you spend a lot of time at the airport, lounge access can make your travel experience a lot more comfortable. Both cards offer access to premium lounges, but with different providers.

Amex Platinum gives you access to Amex Centurion Lounges, as well as Priority Pass Select membership. That means you can bring guests (for a fee) into hundreds of lounges worldwide. The lounges are often top-notch, with great food, drinks, and amenities.

Chase Sapphire Reserve offers Priority Pass Select membership as well, so you get the same network of lounges. But unlike Amex, Chase doesn’t give you any lounges of its own. Still, the Priority Pass network is extensive and includes many high-quality lounges around the world.

So if you like the idea of having access to exclusive Amex lounges, the Platinum is the way to go. But if you're fine with Priority Pass and don’t care about having branded lounges, both cards offer solid access.

Hotel and Airline Perks

Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve both offer elite status perks with hotel chains, but they differ in what exactly they give you.

Amex Platinum offers automatic elite status with Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and The Ritz-Carlton. That means you'll get benefits like room upgrades, late checkout, and bonus points—without needing to stay multiple nights to earn the status. This can be a big win if you're loyal to any of these hotel brands.

Chase Sapphire Reserve gives you automatic elite status with World of Hyatt. That’s great if you're a Hyatt loyalist, but not as useful if you prefer other hotel chains. However, Chase does offer a 10% points-back bonus on hotel bookings made through the Chase travel portal, which can add up over time.

When it comes to airlines, Amex Platinum's $200 airline credit is a solid perk if you fly often. Chase doesn’t offer a dedicated airline credit, but its $300 travel credit can be used more flexibly across various travel expenses.

Flexibility with Rewards

Both cards earn Membership Rewards points (Amex) and Ultimate Rewards points (Chase), which are some of the most valuable currencies in the credit card world. They can be transferred to a wide range of airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio, giving you a lot of flexibility.

Amex Platinum points are part of the Amex Membership Rewards program, which has a solid list of transfer partners. Chase Sapphire Reserve points go into the Ultimate Rewards program, which also has a strong list of partners, including United, Southwest, and Hyatt.

In terms of flexibility, both are pretty much on par. However, Chase has a slight edge in redemption options through its travel portal, where you can book travel at a fixed rate of 1.5 cents per point. Amex doesn’t offer a direct portal but partners with Expedia for booking through Amex Travel, which can sometimes offer good deals.

Who Is This Card For?

If you're a frequent traveler who flies often and stays at high-end hotels, Amex Platinum could be the better choice. It’s especially valuable if you fly with a specific airline and can take advantage of the $200 airline credit, or if you're loyal to Marriott, Hilton, or Ritz-Carlton.

Chase Sapphire Reserve might be a better fit if you prefer flexibility in your travel spending and want a card that offers strong all-around benefits without being tied to specific airlines or hotels. It’s also ideal if you use food delivery services and want those credits to offset your everyday spending.

Both cards are great, but the right one depends on how you travel, where you stay, and what kind of benefits you actually use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Amex Platinum worth it if I don’t travel much?

Probably not. The Amex Platinum is best suited for frequent travelers who can take full advantage of its travel credits and lounge access. If you don’t fly or stay in hotels often, the annual fee may not be worth it.

Does Chase Sapphire Reserve offer airline status?

Not directly. Chase Sapphire Reserve gives elite status with World of Hyatt, but not with airlines. Amex Platinum offers benefits with airlines like Delta and Air France through its airline fee credit and elite status perks.

Can I get both the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve?

Absolutely! Many people do. Having both cards gives you access to a wider range of benefits and transfer partners. Just be sure you’re using the credits and perks to justify the combined annual fee of over $1,200.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to the Amex Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Both cards offer exceptional benefits, but which one is better depends on how you travel and what perks matter most to you. If you're loyal to certain airlines or hotels, Amex Platinum might be your best bet. If you prefer flexibility and broad travel credits, Chase Sapphire Reserve could be the better option.

Either way, both cards are top contenders in the premium credit card space and can offer tremendous value to the right cardholder. Take some time to evaluate your travel habits, spending patterns, and lifestyle to decide which one fits you best.

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