United Club Card vs. Amex Platinum: Which Card Wins?
Choosing the right travel rewards credit card can feel like navigating a maze. With so many options promising perks and privileges, it’s easy to get lost. Two popular contenders often vying for the top spot in frequent flyer’s wallets are the United Club℠ Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Both cards offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your travel experiences, but they cater to different priorities. The United Club Card focuses on providing a premium experience centered around United Airlines, including airport lounge access and other United-specific perks. Conversely, the Amex Platinum card casts a wider net, offering a broader array of travel and lifestyle benefits.
This comparison delves deep into the features, benefits, and drawbacks of the United Club Card vs. Amex Platinum. We’ll examine everything from annual fees and earning rates to lounge access and other exclusive perks. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which card best aligns with your travel style and spending habits, helping you make an informed decision.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | United Club Card | Amex Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | Yes | Yes |
| Earning Rate on United Purchases | 4x miles | 1x mile |
| Earning Rate on Dining | 2x miles | 5x points |
| Earning Rate on Hotels | 2x miles | 5x points |
| Earning Rate on Other Purchases | 1x mile | 1x point |
| United Club Membership | Yes | No |
| Airport Lounge Access | United Club, Star Alliance lounges | Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta) |
| Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit | Yes | Yes |
| Hotel Benefits | No | Hotel benefits through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts and The Hotel Collection |
| Airline Fee Credit | No | Yes (select airline) |
| Transfer Partners | Yes (United) | Yes (multiple) |
| Travel Insurance | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Annual Fee
- United Club Card: Typically has a higher annual fee, offering access to United Club locations and other travel perks. The high fee can be a barrier for some, but the benefits may justify it for frequent travelers.
- Amex Platinum: Also carries a significant annual fee, known for its premium status and extensive benefits. The fee unlocks a wide range of perks, but it’s crucial to utilize these to offset the cost.
- Winner: Tie
Airport Lounge Access
- United Club Card: Grants access to United Club locations and participating Star Alliance lounges. This provides a comfortable space with amenities like food, drinks, and Wi-Fi before flights. Access is limited to the cardholder and eligible guests.
- Amex Platinum: Offers access to American Express Centurion Lounges (where available), Priority Pass Select lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and more. This provides a broader network of lounges, offering various amenities.
- Winner: amex platinum
Earning Rates on Purchases
- United Club Card: Rewards primarily focus on United purchases, offering bonus miles on those transactions. Earning rates on other spending categories may be less competitive compared to other cards.
- Amex Platinum: Rewards vary by category, often offering elevated points on travel (flights, hotels), and sometimes dining and other areas. The value of points is often higher, but may have less focus on United.
- Winner: amex platinum
Travel Credits and Benefits
- United Club Card: May offer statement credits for United purchases, and baggage fee waivers. It’s focused on United-specific travel perks, enhancing the United experience.
- Amex Platinum: Provides a wider range of travel credits, like airline incidental credits, hotel credits, and Uber credits. Offers benefits like hotel elite status and concierge services.
- Winner: amex platinum
Hotel Benefits
- United Club Card: Typically does not offer direct hotel elite status or significant hotel perks.
- Amex Platinum: Provides hotel elite status with select programs (e.g., Hilton Honors Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold), and benefits like room upgrades and late check-out.
- Winner: amex platinum
Transfer Partners
- United Club Card: Miles earned are primarily for use with United and Star Alliance partners.
- Amex Platinum: Offers a wide array of transfer partners, including airlines and hotels, allowing for greater flexibility in redeeming points.
- Winner: amex platinum
Other Perks
- United Club Card: Primarily focused on United-related benefits. May include priority boarding and other United-specific perks.
- Amex Platinum: Provides a range of other benefits, such as purchase protection, extended warranties, and access to exclusive events.
- Winner: amex platinum
Foreign Transaction Fees
- United Club Card: Typically does not charge foreign transaction fees.
- Amex Platinum: Typically does not charge foreign transaction fees.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| United Club Access | United Club Card |
| Earning Rate on United Purchases | United Club Card |
| Earning Rate on Dining | Amex Platinum |
| Earning Rate on Hotels | Amex Platinum |
| Overall Travel Benefits | Amex Platinum |
| Lounge Access Variety | Amex Platinum |
| Transfer Partners | Amex Platinum |
What They Have in Common:
- Global Entry/tsa Precheck Credit: Both cards offer a statement credit to cover the application fee for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, making your airport experience smoother.
- Travel Insurance: Both cards include travel insurance benefits, providing coverage for things like trip delays, lost luggage, and more.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Both the United Club Card and the Amex Platinum card do not charge foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international travel.
- Airport Lounge Access: While the specific lounges differ, both cards provide access to airport lounges, enhancing the travel experience.
- Rewards Programs: Both cards offer rewards programs, allowing cardholders to earn points or miles on purchases.
United Club Card Vs Amex Platinum Buying Guide
Earning Rewards
The United Club Card and the Amex Platinum offer distinct approaches to earning rewards. The United Club Card primarily focuses on earning United MileagePlus miles, offering bonus miles on United purchases, and everyday spending. This makes it ideal for frequent United flyers. The Amex Platinum, on the other hand, provides Membership Rewards points, which offer greater flexibility due to transfer options to various airline and hotel partners. It also offers bonus points on spending categories like travel and dining. Determining which is better depends on your travel habits and preferred redemption methods. Consider which currency you value more.
Annual Fee and Value
Both cards come with significant annual fees, reflecting their premium benefits. The United Club Card’s annual fee is primarily offset by airport lounge access and other United-specific perks. The Amex Platinum boasts a higher annual fee but justifies it with a broader array of credits and benefits, such as airline fee credit, hotel credits, and various statement credits. Evaluate the available credits and perks against your spending habits to determine if the annual fee provides enough value. Consider how often you will utilize lounge access or other perks.
Travel Benefits and Perks
Both cards offer robust travel benefits, but their focus differs. The United Club Card excels with United-centric benefits, including United Club lounge access, priority boarding, and free checked bags. This is great for a frequent United flyer. The Amex Platinum provides a wider range of travel benefits, including access to a global network of airport lounges (including Priority Pass Select), hotel elite status, and travel insurance. Evaluate which set of travel benefits aligns best with your travel style and preferences. Consider your airport habits.
Airport Lounge Access
Airport lounge access is a key differentiator. The United Club Card provides access to United Club lounges and participating Star Alliance lounges for the cardholder and eligible guests. The Amex Platinum offers access to a more extensive network, including Centurion Lounges (where available), Priority Pass Select lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and more. If you prioritize access to a broader selection of lounges globally, the Amex Platinum is the clear winner. If you primarily fly United, the United Club Card is enough. Consider your departure airport.
Spending Categories and Bonuses
The rewards structures differ. The United Club Card offers elevated rewards on United purchases and everyday spending. The Amex Platinum offers bonus points on travel, dining, and other select categories. Analyze your spending patterns to determine which card’s bonus categories align best with your expenses. If you spend heavily on United flights, the United Club Card is better. If your spending is more diverse, the Amex Platinum’s flexibility might be more rewarding. Consider what you spend the most on.
Other Benefits and Features
Beyond rewards and travel perks, consider additional features. The United Club Card offers some purchase protection and travel insurance. The Amex Platinum typically provides more comprehensive benefits, including purchase protection, extended warranties, and various credits. Both cards offer concierge services and other premium features. Evaluate which ancillary benefits are most valuable to you. Consider the value of purchase protection and concierge services.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy United Club Card If…
- You are a frequent United Airlines flyer.
- You value access to United Club lounges and Star Alliance lounges.
- You want to maximize miles earned on United purchases.
- You want a card that includes United Club membership.
Buy Amex Platinum If…
- You value premium travel perks and benefits.
- You frequently use Centurion Lounges or other Amex-affiliated lounges.
- You want broader access to airline transfer partners and hotel benefits.
- You are looking for a card with various statement credits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key benefits of the United Club Card?
The United Club Card primarily offers United Club lounge access, priority boarding, free checked bags on United flights, and bonus miles on United purchases. It’s designed for frequent United flyers who value a seamless travel experience and want to maximize United miles earning potential. It also offers some purchase protection and travel insurance, enhancing the card’s overall value proposition for United loyalists.
What are the key benefits of the Amex Platinum card?
The Amex Platinum offers a wide array of benefits, including airport lounge access (Centurion, Priority Pass, and more), hotel elite status, airline fee credit, and various statement credits. It also provides purchase protection, travel insurance, and concierge services. It’s designed for premium travelers seeking a comprehensive package of travel and lifestyle perks, making it a versatile choice for diverse spending habits.
Which card offers better airport lounge access?
The Amex Platinum offers significantly better airport lounge access. It grants access to a broader network of lounges, including Centurion Lounges (where available), Priority Pass Select lounges, and Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), surpassing the United Club Card’s access to United Club lounges and Star Alliance partners. This makes it a superior choice for those who frequently utilize airport lounges.
Which card is better for earning airline miles?
The United Club Card excels at earning United MileagePlus miles, offering bonus miles on United purchases. The Amex Platinum earns Membership Rewards points, which can be transferred to various airline partners, including United. Thus, if you primarily fly United, the United Club Card is better. If you want maximum flexibility, the Amex Platinum is better due to transfer partners.
Which card has a higher annual fee?
Both cards have high annual fees, reflecting their premium benefits. The Amex Platinum typically has a higher annual fee than the United Club Card. The higher fee is often justified by the broader range of credits and perks, but it’s crucial to assess whether the benefits outweigh the cost based on your spending and travel habits to ensure the higher fee is worthwhile.
Can I transfer points from the Amex Platinum to United?
Yes, you can transfer Amex Membership Rewards points to United MileagePlus at a 1:1 ratio, offering flexibility in redeeming points for United flights. This is a significant advantage of the Amex Platinum, allowing cardholders to leverage their points for travel on United or its Star Alliance partners, or other transfer partners. This is a crucial element for those who fly United.
Which card is better for international travel?
Both cards are suitable for international travel, but the Amex Platinum often provides more comprehensive travel insurance and benefits. Both cards generally have no foreign transaction fees, making them cost-effective for international purchases. The Amex Platinum also offers a wider array of travel-related perks and benefits, enhancing the overall travel experience, making it better for international travel.
Final Verdict
Both the United Club Card and the Amex Platinum offer valuable benefits for travelers. The United Club Card is best suited for frequent United flyers who prioritize United-specific perks like lounge access and free checked bags. The Amex Platinum is better suited for those who desire a wider range of travel benefits, a broader lounge network, and flexible rewards. The best choice depends on your travel habits and priorities.
Winner: Amex Platinum