Amex Rose Gold vs Platinum: Which Card Reigns Supreme?
Choosing the right credit card can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options promising exclusive perks and rewards. If you’re considering the world of American Express cards, you’ve likely come across two popular contenders: the Amex Rose Gold and the Platinum card.
Both cards offer a taste of luxury, but they cater to different lifestyles and spending habits. The Amex Rose Gold card is known for its stylish appeal and rewards on everyday spending categories. Meanwhile, the Platinum card boasts premium travel benefits and a more comprehensive suite of services.
This comparison delves deep into the features, benefits, and costs of the Amex Rose Gold vs Platinum cards. We’ll explore everything from earning structures and annual fees to travel perks and lifestyle benefits, helping you determine which card best aligns with your financial goals and spending patterns.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Rose Gold | Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | Yes | Yes |
| Rewards on Spending | Yes | Yes |
| Welcome Bonus | Yes | Yes |
| Travel Benefits | Limited | Extensive |
| Airport Lounge Access | No | Yes |
| Hotel Benefits | Limited | Extensive |
| Luxury Perks | Limited | Extensive |
| Purchase Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Return Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Credit Score Requirement | Excellent | Excellent |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None | None |
| Card Design | Rose Gold Metal | Platinum Metal |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Annual Fee
- Amex Rose Gold: The Amex Rose Gold card has an annual fee of around $250. This fee covers access to various benefits, but can be a barrier to entry for some. It’s a significant cost to consider.
- Platinum: The Platinum card has a significantly higher annual fee, typically around $695. This fee unlocks a wider range of premium benefits, but requires a user to take advantage of them to justify the expense.
- Winner: Rose Gold
Rewards on Everyday Spend
- Amex Rose Gold: Rose Gold offers rewards on everyday spending, typically 4x points on dining and groceries (up to a certain spending limit), and 1x point on other purchases. This is great for frequent diners and grocery shoppers.
- Platinum: The Platinum card earns rewards, but the rewards structure is different. It typically offers 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel, and 1x point on other purchases.
- Winner: Rose Gold
Travel Benefits
- Amex Rose Gold: The Rose Gold card offers some travel benefits, such as access to Amex’s Hotel Collection and some travel insurance. However, it’s not as comprehensive as the Platinum.
- Platinum: The Platinum card provides extensive travel benefits, including access to the Global Lounge Collection (Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, etc.), a statement credit for airline incidental fees, and hotel elite status.
- Winner: Platinum
Hotel Benefits
- Amex Rose Gold: The Rose Gold card offers access to The Hotel Collection, which provides hotel perks and credits when booking.
- Platinum: The Platinum card offers superior hotel benefits, including elite status with select hotel chains (e.g., Hilton Honors Gold status and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status) and access to Fine Hotels & Resorts.
- Winner: Platinum
Dining Benefits
- Amex Rose Gold: The Rose Gold card includes dining benefits such as credits for various dining services.
- Platinum: The Platinum card offers dining benefits, including credits for dining services and access to exclusive dining experiences.
- Winner: Tie
Credit & Purchase Protection
- Amex Rose Gold: Provides some purchase protection and extended warranty benefits.
- Platinum: Offers more comprehensive purchase protection, return protection, and extended warranty coverage.
- Winner: Platinum
Additional Perks & Credits
- Amex Rose Gold: Rose Gold offers various credits, like a monthly credit for select services.
- Platinum: The Platinum card offers a much wider array of credits, including credits for Uber, Saks Fifth Avenue, and other services, along with statement credits for various other spending categories.
- Winner: Platinum
Card Design & Feel
- Amex Rose Gold: The Rose Gold card has a distinctive metallic rose gold design.
- Platinum: The Platinum card is known for its sleek, metallic platinum design, which is a status symbol.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | Rose Gold |
| Travel Benefits | Platinum |
| Airport Lounge Access | Platinum |
| Dining Rewards | Rose Gold |
| Grocery Rewards | Rose Gold |
| Luxury Perks | Platinum |
| Welcome Bonus | Platinum |
What They Have in Common:
- Rewards Programs: Both cards offer rewards on spending, allowing cardholders to earn points or miles on purchases. This is a core feature for both cards.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Both cards do not charge foreign transaction fees, making them suitable for international travel or online purchases from international merchants.
- Purchase Protection: Both cards offer purchase protection, safeguarding eligible purchases against damage or theft within a certain timeframe.
- Return Protection: Return protection is included on both cards, providing reimbursement for eligible items that a merchant won’t take back.
- Excellent Credit Required: Both cards require excellent credit scores for approval, targeting individuals with strong credit histories.
Amex Rose Gold Vs Platinum Buying Guide
Earning Rewards
Both the American Express Rose Gold and Platinum cards offer robust rewards programs, but the structure differs significantly. The Rose Gold card excels in everyday spending categories like groceries and dining, earning a higher rate on these purchases. The Platinum card, however, focuses on travel rewards and benefits. It offers higher rewards on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and also provides access to valuable travel perks like airport lounge access and statement credits for specific purchases. Choosing the best card depends on your spending habits and priorities.
Annual Fees
The annual fees associated with these cards are a key differentiator. The Amex Rose Gold card typically has a more moderate annual fee, making it a more accessible option for those new to premium credit cards. The Platinum card, on the other hand, comes with a considerably higher annual fee. This fee is justified by the extensive benefits and perks it offers, such as statement credits for various purchases, access to exclusive experiences, and concierge services. Carefully consider the value you’ll receive from the benefits against the annual fee.
Travel Benefits
The Platinum card is the clear winner when it comes to travel benefits. It provides access to a vast network of airport lounges, including the Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass Select. It also offers a variety of travel credits, such as credits for airline incidental fees and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fees. The Rose Gold card has fewer travel benefits. It offers access to some travel perks, but it’s not comparable to the Platinum card’s comprehensive travel support. If you travel frequently, the Platinum card is the better choice.
Lifestyle Perks
Both cards offer lifestyle perks, but the Platinum card provides a more extensive suite of benefits. The Platinum card offers credits for purchases with specific retailers, such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Uber. It also provides access to exclusive experiences and events. The Rose Gold card may offer more limited lifestyle perks, such as credits for streaming services. The choice depends on your personal preferences and the specific perks that align with your lifestyle. Evaluate which perks are most valuable to you.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility requirements can vary, but generally, the Amex Rose Gold card is easier to obtain than the Platinum card. The Rose Gold card typically requires a good to excellent credit score. The Platinum card, being a premium card, often demands an excellent credit score, a high income, and a strong credit history. Amex also considers factors like your overall relationship with the company. Ensure you meet the necessary criteria before applying for either card, as approval isn’t guaranteed.
Card Design and Aesthetics
Both cards are visually appealing, but they have distinct designs. The Amex Rose Gold card boasts a stylish rose gold metal design, offering a unique and eye-catching aesthetic. The Platinum card features a sleek, sophisticated metal design, often showcasing a platinum finish. The Platinum card is also heavier than the Rose Gold card. The design is a matter of personal preference, but the Rose Gold provides a more distinctive and fashionable look. Consider which design you prefer and which aligns with your personal style.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy amex rose gold If…
- You want a card with a lower annual fee compared to the Platinum card.
- You are looking for a stylish card with a distinctive rose gold design.
- You primarily spend on dining and groceries and want to maximize rewards in those categories.
- You value the convenience of Amex Offers and other cardmember benefits.
Buy platinum If…
- You travel frequently and want access to airport lounges and other travel perks.
- You desire premium benefits like hotel upgrades and elite status.
- You’re looking for a card with a high-value welcome bonus and significant rewards potential.
- You are interested in luxury concierge services and other exclusive lifestyle benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the Amex Rose Gold and Platinum cards?
The main differences lie in their rewards structures, annual fees, and benefits. The Rose Gold card excels in everyday spending categories, while the Platinum card focuses on travel rewards and premium perks. The Platinum card has a much higher annual fee, but offers more extensive benefits, including travel credits, lounge access, and concierge services. Consider your spending and travel habits to determine which card is best.
What are the annual fees for each card?
The Amex Rose Gold card typically has a moderate annual fee, which is lower than the Platinum card’s. The Platinum card has a significantly higher annual fee, reflecting the value of its extensive benefits and perks. The fee is justified by the benefits, but it’s important to consider whether you’ll utilize those benefits to offset the cost. Always check the latest fees on the official Amex website.
Which card offers better travel rewards?
The Platinum card is the clear winner for travel rewards. It earns higher rewards on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and provides access to a range of travel benefits. These include airport lounge access, statement credits for airline incidental fees, and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credits. The Rose Gold card offers some travel-related benefits, but they are limited by comparison.
Does the Amex Rose Gold card offer any travel benefits?
Yes, the Rose Gold card does offer some travel benefits, but they are fewer than those offered by the Platinum card. The Rose Gold card may offer benefits such as trip delay insurance and baggage insurance. However, it does not provide access to airport lounges or significant travel credits. The value of these benefits should be assessed based on your travel frequency and needs.
What are the eligibility requirements for each card?
The Amex Rose Gold card typically requires a good to excellent credit score. The Platinum card demands an excellent credit score, a high income, and a strong credit history. Amex also considers your overall relationship with the company. Be sure to meet the requirements before applying, as approval isn’t guaranteed. Check the official Amex website for the latest requirements.
Which card is better for everyday spending?
The Amex Rose Gold card is generally better for everyday spending, as it offers higher rewards rates on purchases like groceries and dining. The Platinum card offers a lower rewards rate on everyday spending, but it provides a wider array of benefits and perks. Consider your spending patterns and which categories you spend the most on to determine which card is best for you.
How do I decide which card is right for me?
To decide, consider your spending habits, travel frequency, and desired benefits. If you spend heavily on groceries and dining, the Rose Gold card might be a better fit. If you travel frequently and value premium perks, the Platinum card is likely the superior choice. Evaluate the annual fees and benefits offered by both cards to determine which provides the best value for your needs.
Final Verdict
Both the Amex Rose Gold and Platinum cards offer compelling features, but they cater to different needs. The Rose Gold card is an excellent choice for those seeking rewards on everyday spending categories and a more manageable annual fee. However, the Platinum card excels for frequent travelers, offering unmatched travel benefits and premium perks. The decision depends on your spending habits and priorities. The Platinum card offers more significant benefits.
Winner: Platinum