Amex Business Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which Card Wins?
Choosing the right travel rewards credit card can feel like navigating a maze. With so many options promising luxury and value, it’s easy to get lost. Two of the most popular contenders, often topping the lists for premium credit cards, are the American Express Business Platinum Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Both cards offer a suite of benefits designed to enhance your travel experiences and everyday spending. They both come with hefty annual fees, but they promise to offset these costs with perks and rewards. Deciding which one is right for you depends on your spending habits, travel preferences, and business needs.
This in-depth comparison of the amex business platinum vs chase sapphire reserve will break down everything you need to know. We’ll explore their rewards structures, travel benefits, and other perks to help you make an informed decision. Get ready to discover which card aligns best with your financial goals and lifestyle.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Amex Business Platinum | Chase Sapphire Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | High | High |
| Rewards on Travel | 5x on Flights & Hotels (Amex Travel) | 5x on Travel (Chase Ultimate Rewards) |
| Rewards on Business Purchases | 1.5x on eligible purchases over $5,000 | 1x on all other purchases |
| Airport Lounge Access | Yes (Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select, Delta Sky Club) | Yes (Priority Pass Select) |
| Travel Credits | Yes (Various, including incidental fees) | $300 Annual Travel Credit |
| Hotel Benefits | Yes (Fine Hotels & Resorts, The Hotel Collection) | Yes (Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection) |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None | None |
| Cell Phone Protection | No | Yes |
| Purchase Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Return Protection | Yes | No |
| Points Transfer Partners | Yes | Yes |
| Intro Bonus | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Annual Fee
- Amex Business Platinum: Has a high annual fee, reflecting its premium benefits. This fee can be offset by utilizing the card’s credits and perks, but it’s a significant upfront cost.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Also carries a substantial annual fee, but it offers a travel credit that can significantly reduce the effective cost. Consider the value of the travel credit when evaluating the fee.
- Winner: Tie
Rewards on Spending
- Amex Business Platinum: Offers rewards on various spending categories, including travel, shipping, and select business expenses. The rewards structure often features bonus points on specific categories, potentially offering high rewards rates.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Earns rewards on travel and dining, along with other spending categories. Its points are highly valuable, especially when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Winner: Tie
Travel Benefits
- Amex Business Platinum: Provides a range of travel benefits, including airport lounge access (Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select), airline fee credits, and hotel benefits. These perks enhance the travel experience.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Offers travel benefits such as a travel credit, Priority Pass Select lounge access, and trip interruption/cancellation insurance. It prioritizes travel rewards and protection.
- Winner: amex business platinum
Business-Specific Benefits
- Amex Business Platinum: Tailored to businesses with benefits such as spending credits on select business services, employee cards, and accounting integrations. It’s designed to streamline business operations.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Does not focus on business-specific benefits. This card is better suited for personal travel and rewards.
- Winner: amex business platinum
Redemption Options
- Amex Business Platinum: Offers various redemption options, including statement credits, merchandise, and travel. It may have a wide array of options, but values could vary.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Boasts a very strong redemption program. Points are worth more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Winner: chase sapphire reserve
Insurance & Protection
- Amex Business Platinum: Provides various travel and purchase protections, such as purchase protection, extended warranty, and travel insurance. These benefits add value and security.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Offers robust travel and purchase protections, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and purchase protection.
- Winner: chase sapphire reserve
Additional Perks & Credits
- Amex Business Platinum: Offers a variety of credits and perks, such as statement credits for select purchases, and access to premium services. These extras can boost the card’s value.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Provides a travel credit, DoorDash benefits, and other perks that can enhance the user experience.
- Winner: amex business platinum
Eligibility Requirements
- Amex Business Platinum: Requires strong credit and is geared towards business owners. Approval is based on the business’s financial standing and the applicant’s creditworthiness.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Requires excellent credit and is geared towards individuals with a good credit history.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Rewards on Flights & Hotels | Amex Business Platinum |
| Airport Lounge Access | Amex Business Platinum |
| Travel Credits | Chase Sapphire Reserve |
| Ease of Rewards Redemption | Chase Sapphire Reserve |
| Business-Specific Benefits | Amex Business Platinum |
| Overall Value (for personal travel) | Chase Sapphire Reserve |
What They Have in Common
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Both cards allow you to make purchases abroad without incurring foreign transaction fees. This is a significant benefit for frequent travelers.
- Points Transfer: Both cards offer the ability to transfer points to various airline and hotel partners, potentially increasing the value of your rewards. This gives cardholders flexibility in how they redeem their points.
- Purchase Protection: Both cards provide purchase protection, covering eligible items against damage or theft for a certain period. This adds an extra layer of security.
- Travel Insurance: Both cards include travel insurance benefits such as trip delay, trip cancellation and lost luggage.
- Luxury Hotel Benefits: Both cards offer access to luxury hotel programs, providing benefits like room upgrades and early check-in.
Amex Business Platinum Vs Chase Sapphire Reserve Buying Guide
Earning Rewards
The Amex Business Platinum offers a diverse rewards structure, excelling in areas like flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and purchases at US shipping providers and on select business services. It’s particularly appealing for businesses with high spending in these categories. The card also offers a welcome bonus that can be substantial. The Chase Sapphire Reserve focuses on travel and dining, with elevated rewards on these purchases. This card is best for those who travel frequently and dine out often. Both cards offer bonus categories, but their strengths cater to different spending habits. The best choice depends on your business’s spending patterns and travel preferences.
Annual Fees and Value
The Amex Business Platinum has a higher annual fee, offset by a greater number of statement credits and benefits. These credits can help to considerably reduce the net cost of the card. The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a lower annual fee, making it more accessible, and its benefits are designed to provide value through travel perks and credits. Consider the annual fee in conjunction with the value you’ll receive from rewards, credits, and other benefits. Evaluate how much you spend in the bonus categories to determine which card offers the best overall value for your business.
Travel Benefits and Perks
Both cards offer premium travel benefits, but with different focuses. The Amex Business Platinum provides access to airport lounges, including the Centurion Lounges, and offers credits for various travel-related expenses. The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a Priority Pass Select membership, access to Chase Sapphire Lounges, and a higher value for redeeming points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Assess your travel habits and preferences, including the frequency of your trips and the airports you frequent, to determine which card offers the most suitable travel perks. Consider both lounge access and other benefits like travel insurance.
Business-Specific Benefits
The Amex Business Platinum is tailored for businesses, offering features such as employee card benefits, spending insights, and expense management tools. It also provides credits for services like wireless and software subscriptions. The Chase Sapphire Reserve, while offering benefits relevant to business travelers, doesn’t have the same focus on business-specific tools. If you need robust expense tracking and other business-focused features, the Amex Business Platinum may be the better choice. Consider the needs of your business and how each card’s features align with your operational requirements.
Redemption Options
Both cards offer flexible redemption options. The Amex Business Platinum allows you to redeem points for various options, including statement credits, merchandise, and travel. The Chase Sapphire Reserve provides the best value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Evaluate the redemption options based on how you intend to use your rewards. Consider whether you prefer cash back, statement credits, or travel bookings. The value you get from your rewards will depend on your redemption choices. Assess how you plan to use your rewards to maximize their value.
Eligibility and Application
The eligibility criteria and application processes differ. The Amex Business Platinum often requires a good to excellent credit score and is designed for businesses with established credit profiles. The Chase Sapphire Reserve requires a good to excellent credit score. Consider your creditworthiness and the application requirements of each card. Research the application process and prepare the necessary documentation. Ensure you meet the criteria before applying to maximize your chances of approval. Consider the application process and the credit requirements before applying.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy amex business platinum If…
- You spend a significant amount on business expenses, particularly on flights, hotels, and shipping.
- You value access to exclusive airport lounges, especially Centurion Lounges.
- You want a card with a wide range of business-related benefits and credits.
- You are looking for a card specifically for business use.
Buy chase sapphire reserve If…
- You prioritize simplicity and ease of use in redeeming rewards.
- You want to maximize rewards on travel and dining, even outside of Chase’s portal.
- You value the $300 annual travel credit and other travel-related perks.
- You prefer a card with a lower effective annual fee after using the travel credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary differences in reward structures?
The Amex Business Platinum excels in categories like flights, shipping, and select business services, offering bonus rewards. The Chase Sapphire Reserve focuses on travel and dining, providing elevated rewards on these purchases. The best card depends on your spending habits and the categories where you spend the most. Evaluate your spending habits to determine which reward structure aligns best with your business needs.
Which card offers better travel benefits?
Both offer premium travel benefits. The Amex Business Platinum provides access to Centurion Lounges and other travel credits, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a Priority Pass Select membership and a higher value for travel redemptions through Chase Ultimate Rewards. The best choice depends on your travel preferences and the airports you frequent. Consider both lounge access and other benefits.
How do the annual fees compare?
The Amex Business Platinum has a higher annual fee, offset by numerous statement credits and benefits. The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a lower annual fee, making it more accessible. Consider the value you’ll receive from rewards, credits, and other benefits relative to the annual fee. Evaluate how much you spend in the bonus categories to determine which card offers the best overall value.
What are the business-specific benefits of each card?
The Amex Business Platinum offers features like employee card benefits, spending insights, and expense management tools. It also provides credits for services like wireless and software subscriptions. The Chase Sapphire Reserve is less focused on business-specific tools. The Amex card is more tailored for business needs. Consider your business’s operational needs.
How easy is it to redeem points?
Both cards offer flexible redemption options. The Amex Business Platinum allows for various redemption options, including statement credits, merchandise, and travel. The Chase Sapphire Reserve provides the best value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Evaluate the redemption options based on how you intend to use your rewards. Consider how you plan to use your rewards.
What credit score is required for each card?
Both cards generally require a good to excellent credit score for approval. The exact requirements can vary depending on individual circumstances and credit history. It is essential to check your credit report and understand your credit score before applying for either card. Ensure you meet the criteria before applying to maximize your chances of approval.
Which card is better for international travel?
Both cards offer benefits for international travel. The Amex Business Platinum offers no foreign transaction fees, making it cost-effective. The Chase Sapphire Reserve also has no foreign transaction fees and offers travel insurance benefits. The best choice for international travel depends on your specific needs and priorities. Consider the travel insurance and no foreign transaction fees.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the Amex Business Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve depends on your business’s spending habits and priorities. The Amex Business Platinum is ideal for businesses with high spending on flights, shipping, and business services, providing comprehensive business tools and significant statement credits. The Chase Sapphire Reserve is best for frequent travelers who prioritize rewards on dining and travel. Consider the annual fees, benefits, and rewards structures to find the best fit for your business.
Winner: [Amex Business Platinum]