Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Platinum Amex: Which Card Wins?
Choosing the right travel rewards credit card can feel like navigating a maze. With so many options promising luxurious perks and valuable points, it’s easy to get lost. But what if you could unlock a world of travel benefits, exclusive experiences, and significant savings with just one card?
Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison of two of the most coveted cards in the industry: the Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card® from American Express. Both cards boast impressive features, from airport lounge access to generous rewards on travel and dining. Determining which one is best will depend on your spending habits and travel preferences.
We’ll break down the key differences, from annual fees and welcome bonuses to earning rates and redemption options. Get ready to explore the benefits, weigh the pros and cons, and discover which card reigns supreme for your financial lifestyle. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Platinum Amex, is the perfect fit for you.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | CSR | Amex Plat |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $550 | $695 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 60,000 bonus points | Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points |
| Rewards on Travel | 5x points | 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel |
| Rewards on Dining | 3x points | 1x point |
| Rewards on Other Purchases | 1x point | 1x point |
| Travel Credit | $300 Annual Travel Credit | Various credits (e.g., airline fee credit, hotel credit) |
| Airport Lounge Access | Priority Pass Select | Centurion Lounges, International American Express Lounges, and more |
| Hotel Benefits | Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection | Fine Hotels & Resorts, The Hotel Collection |
| Transfer Partners | Yes | Yes |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None | None |
| Card Design | Metal | Metal |
| Additional Card Benefits | Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, purchase protection | Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, purchase protection, and more |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Annual Fee
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Has a $550 annual fee. This fee is substantial but is partially offset by various credits and perks. The high fee can be a barrier to entry for some.
- Platinum Amex: Also carries a $695 annual fee. Similar to the CSR, the fee is high but comes with a suite of benefits that can provide value if utilized. The fee is higher than the CSR.
- Winner: CSR
Rewards on Travel & Dining
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Earns 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on other travel and dining, and 1x point on all other purchases. Excellent earning rates in key spending categories.
- Platinum Amex: Earns 5x Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, and on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel. Earns 1x point on all other purchases. Less generous for dining compared to CSR.
- Winner: CSR
Travel Credits
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Offers a $300 annual travel credit that is automatically applied to travel purchases. Simple to use and provides direct value.
- Platinum Amex: Provides up to $200 in annual statement credits for incidental fees at select airlines and up to $200 in Uber Cash (limited to the US). More complex to utilize than the CSR’s credit.
- Winner: CSR
Airport Lounge Access
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Provides access to Priority Pass Select lounges and Chase Sapphire Lounges by The Club, offering a comfortable airport experience.
- Platinum Amex: Grants access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, International American Express Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and Priority Pass Select lounges. Offers a broader and often more luxurious lounge network.
- Winner: Platinum Amex
Hotel Benefits
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Offers benefits through the Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection, including room upgrades, early check-in, late check-out, and complimentary breakfast.
- Platinum Amex: Provides benefits through The Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels & Resorts, offering similar perks to the CSR, often with more luxurious properties and a wider range of benefits like guaranteed late checkout.
- Winner: Platinum Amex
Transfer Partners
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Allows points to be transferred to various airline and hotel partners, providing flexibility in redeeming points for potentially higher value.
- Platinum Amex: Also allows points to be transferred to a wide range of airline and hotel partners, giving cardholders similar flexibility for travel redemptions.
- Winner: Tie
Other Perks
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Includes benefits like a $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, primary rental car insurance, and purchase protection.
- Platinum Amex: Offers benefits like up to $200 in statement credits for select purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue, various entertainment credits (e.g., streaming services), and access to concierge services.
- Winner: Tie
Earning and Redeeming Points Value
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Points are worth 1.5 cents each when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, providing a solid value.
- Platinum Amex: Points value varies based on redemption. Can be redeemed at 1 cent each for cash back or for higher value when transferring to travel partners.
- Winner: CSR
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | Amex Plat |
| Rewards on Dining | CSR |
| Rewards on Flights | Amex Plat |
| Annual Fee | CSR |
| Airport Lounge Access | Amex Plat |
| Travel Credit Simplicity | CSR |
| Overall Value (for frequent travelers) | Amex Plat |
What They Have in Common
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Both cards do not charge foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international travel.
- Luxury Hotel Benefits: Both cards offer benefits at luxury hotels, enhancing the travel experience.
- Travel Insurance: Both cards offer travel insurance, providing peace of mind during trips.
- Purchase Protection: Both cards offer purchase protection, covering eligible purchases against damage or theft.
- Metal Card Design: Both cards are made of metal, giving them a premium feel.
Chase Sapphire Reserve Vs Platinum Amex Buying Guide
Rewards and Earning Potential
The Chase Sapphire Reserve (CSR) and the Platinum Card from American Express (Amex Platinum) both offer lucrative rewards programs, but they differ in their earning structures. The CSR excels in travel and dining, offering 3x points on these categories and 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. The Amex Platinum, while offering 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, and on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, has a less consistent earning structure. Both cards provide significant value through their rewards programs, but your spending habits will determine which card offers the best return. Consider where you spend the most to maximize your rewards.
Travel Benefits and Perks
Both cards are packed with travel benefits, but they cater to different preferences. The CSR provides a $300 annual travel credit, making it easier to offset the annual fee. It also offers access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, which allows you to book travel and transfer points to various airline and hotel partners. The Amex Platinum offers a $200 annual credit for incidental fees at select airlines, and access to Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts. Additionally, Amex Platinum provides access to the Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges (when available), and Priority Pass Select lounges, offering a wider range of airport lounge access.
Annual Fees and Value Proposition
Both cards come with hefty annual fees, but the value you receive can easily offset the cost. The CSR has a slightly lower annual fee than the Amex Platinum. The CSR’s annual fee is offset by the $300 travel credit, while the Amex Platinum offers numerous credits and perks that can provide value. Consider your spending patterns and how frequently you will use the card’s benefits. If you frequently travel and dine, the CSR might be a better value. If you value lounge access and other premium perks, the Amex Platinum could be a better fit. Careful evaluation is key.
Other Cardholder Benefits
Beyond travel and rewards, both cards offer a range of other benefits. The CSR provides primary rental car insurance, purchase protection, and trip cancellation/interruption insurance. The Amex Platinum includes benefits such as access to the Global Lounge Collection, elite status with hotel programs, and concierge services. Both cards offer purchase protection and extended warranty benefits, providing added security for your purchases. The Amex Platinum typically offers more lifestyle and concierge-based services, while the CSR focuses more on travel-related insurance and protections. Carefully evaluate these benefits in the light of your habits.
Application and Approval Process
The application process for both cards is similar, requiring you to provide personal and financial information. Both cards require excellent credit scores for approval, so potential applicants should ensure their credit history is in good standing before applying. The Amex Platinum may have slightly stricter approval criteria than the CSR. It is advisable to review your credit report and address any potential issues. Also, consider the 5/24 rule if applying for the Chase Sapphire Reserve, as it will affect approval. Be prepared to provide income and employment information.
Spending Habits and Lifestyle Alignment
The best card for you depends heavily on your spending habits and lifestyle. If you’re a frequent traveler who often books flights and hotels, the Amex Platinum might offer significant value through its numerous credits and lounge access. If you prefer a simpler rewards structure and value dining and travel, the CSR is a strong contender. Think about how often you dine out, how much you spend on travel, and what kind of perks you value. Consider which card aligns best with your spending habits to maximize rewards and benefits. Evaluate your current travel patterns and spending habits.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy chase sapphire reserve If…
- You value simplicity in your rewards structure and prefer a straightforward travel credit.
- You frequently dine out and want to earn bonus rewards on dining purchases.
- You want a card with a lower annual fee compared to the Platinum card.
- You prefer the flexibility of Chase Ultimate Rewards points for travel and other redemptions.
Buy platinum amex If…
- You want access to Centurion Lounges and other premium airport lounges.
- You are looking for a wider variety of statement credits and perks, such as credits for streaming, and shopping.
- You prioritize luxury travel experiences and are willing to pay a higher annual fee.
- You want to maximize rewards on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences in rewards programs?
The CSR offers 3x points on travel and dining, and 5x on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards. The Amex Platinum offers 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, and on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. Both offer valuable rewards, but the CSR is simpler, and better for dining and everyday spending, whereas the Amex Platinum is better for specific travel purchases.
How do the annual fees compare?
The Amex Platinum has a higher annual fee than the CSR. The exact amounts vary but the Amex Platinum’s fee is substantially higher. While both cards come with substantial annual fees, the benefits and credits offered by each card aim to offset these costs. Consider the value you’ll receive from the card’s perks to determine if the annual fee is worth it.
Which card offers better travel benefits?
Both offer great travel benefits. The CSR provides a $300 annual travel credit and primary rental car insurance. The Amex Platinum offers a $200 annual airline credit, access to the Global Lounge Collection (including Centurion Lounges), and hotel elite status. It depends on your travel style. Consider your travel patterns and preferences to determine which card’s benefits align best with your needs.
What are the airport lounge access options?
The Amex Platinum grants access to the Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges (when available), Priority Pass Select lounges, and other premium lounges. The CSR offers access to Priority Pass Select lounges. The Amex Platinum offers a wider range of lounge access options, particularly with its Centurion Lounge access, which can be highly valuable for frequent travelers. However, availability varies.
Which card is better for dining?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is generally better for dining. It offers 3x points on dining purchases, making it a more rewarding option for those who frequently eat out. The Amex Platinum does not offer a bonus category for dining, so you would earn the base rate on dining purchases. Consider your spending patterns, as the CSR is the better option here.
What are the differences in insurance and protection benefits?
The CSR offers primary rental car insurance, purchase protection, and trip cancellation/interruption insurance. The Amex Platinum provides purchase protection and extended warranty benefits. The CSR focuses more on travel-related insurance, while the Amex Platinum provides more general purchase protection. Consider what types of protection are most important to you based on your lifestyle and spending habits.
How do I decide which card is right for me?
To decide, consider your spending habits, travel preferences, and lifestyle. Evaluate the rewards structures, travel benefits, and annual fees of both cards. Determine which card’s benefits align best with your needs. If you value dining and travel, the CSR is a strong choice. If you value lounge access and luxury perks, the Amex Platinum may be better.
Final Verdict
Both the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Platinum Card from American Express are premium travel cards with significant benefits. The CSR offers a simpler rewards structure with strong earnings on travel and dining, along with a more accessible travel credit. The Amex Platinum, with its higher annual fee, provides a broader range of perks, including extensive lounge access and various credits. Ultimately, the best card depends on individual spending habits and travel preferences.
Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve