Which of these high-end travel cards can offer you the most advantageous perks for your spending?
Our pick: The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 3 months.
- Enjoy Uber VIP status and free rides in the U.S. up to $15 each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings.
- 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel.
- 5X Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com.
- Enjoy access to the Global Lounge Collection, the only credit card airport lounge access program that includes proprietary lounge locations around the world.
- Receive complimentary benefits with an average total value of $550 with Fine Hotels & Resorts. Learn More.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit, up to $200 per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one qualifying airline.
- Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue on your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
- $550 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
If elite travel rewards credit cards had an awards show, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express would definitely be seen on the red carpet. This is because both cards come with travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees and a slew of perks that would please any worldly spender.
But, one of the main factors that separates the two is that The Platinum Card® from American Express is a charge card — meaning the balance needs to be paid in full each month.
|
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
|
The Platinum Card® from American Express
|
|---|---|
|
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5.0 |
★★★★★ 4.4 / 5.0 |
| Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening - that's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. | 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 3 months. |
|
Earn 3x points on dining and on travel after you've earned your $300 travel credit. Earn 1x points on all other purchases. |
Earn 5x points on flights booked with airlines directly or flights and hotels booked through American Express Travel. Earn 1x points on all other eligible purchases. |
|
17.99% to 24.99% variable |
Not a feature of a charge card |
| $450 | $550 |
|
APR: 17.99% to 24.99% variable Fee: $5 or 5% of the transaction, whichever is greater |
Not a feature of a charge card |
|
APR: 26.99% variable Fee: $10 or 5% of the transaction, whichever is greater |
Not a feature of a charge card |
| $37 | $38 |
| $75 | $175 |
| 21 days | None |
| $0 | $0 |
| 740 | 680 |
| Credit | Charge |
| Rates & Fees | Rates & Fees |
Which card should you choose?
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Rewards for spending on travel and dining
- 50% extra point value when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- $300 annual travel credit
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is going to rack up points for frequent travelers who like to eat out often with its 3x points on dining and travel purchases — that's hotels, restaurants, airfare, trains and taxis. You'll receive a $100 credit every four years toward a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee. The card also allows you to relax in comfort at more than 1,000 airport lounges around the world with its complimentary Priority Pass Select membership. You'll even be eligible for travel upgrades and perks via The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
- $200 airline fee credit
- $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
- $200 in credits for Uber each year
While the annual fee of $550 is steep, if you can take advantage of all of the priceless perks and the 1x Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases, you'll find the Platinum Card® from American Express is worth your while. You'll also get Gold status in both the Hilton Honors and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) programs. And when you're waiting to fly, you can enjoy over 1,100 airport lounges that are a part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection. You'll also have flexibility to redeem your Membership Rewards® points with over 500 partner brands or participating frequent flier programs.
What’s next?
The cardholder perks on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express are nothing to sneeze at, but it’s ultimately up to you if either top-tier card is a match for your way of spending. If you’re sure that the rewards are worth the annual fee for whichever card you’ve taken a liking to, you should apply today.
Otherwise, continue to compare credit cards until you come across the one that you’re absolutely sure of. With so many unique credit cards out there, you should be able to find the perfect piece of plastic with the help of our head-to-head comparisons.
