Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred: Which Card Wins?
Choosing the right travel rewards credit card can feel overwhelming. With so many options, it’s tough to know where to start. Two of the most popular cards often debated are the American Express Platinum Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.
Both cards offer enticing perks and benefits. They each aim to enhance your travel experiences and provide valuable rewards. This comparison will break down the key features of the amex platinum vs chase sapphire preferred, helping you decide which card aligns best with your spending habits and travel goals.
We’ll delve into their earning structures, redemption options, and additional benefits. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each card. This will empower you to make an informed decision and choose the perfect card for your lifestyle.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Amex Platinum | Chase Sapphire Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | Yes | Yes |
| Rewards on Travel | High | High |
| Rewards on Dining | Yes | Yes |
| Sign-Up Bonus | Yes | Yes |
| Transfer Partners | Airline & Hotel Partners | Airline & Hotel Partners |
| Airport Lounge Access | Yes | Limited |
| TSA PreCheck/Global Entry Credit | Yes | Yes |
| Hotel Credits | Yes | No |
| Spending Credits | Various | Limited |
| Purchase Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | No | No |
| APR | Varies | Varies |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Annual Fee
- Amex Platinum: Has a significantly higher annual fee, offering premium perks but requiring a substantial upfront cost. This fee can be a barrier to entry for some, but can be offset by the value of the benefits.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: Features a much lower annual fee, making it more accessible. This lower cost is attractive for those looking for a card with good rewards without a high annual burden.
- Winner: chase sapphire preferred
Rewards on Travel & Dining
- Amex Platinum: Earns high rewards on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel, as well as on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. Rewards are limited on dining.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: Earns bonus rewards on travel (including flights, hotels, and more) and dining, providing a broader range of earning opportunities.
- Winner: chase sapphire preferred
Other Spending Rewards
- Amex Platinum: Offers rewards on select purchases, such as on U.S. supermarkets (up to a limit) and on eligible purchases. Rewards categories are more limited.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: Earns rewards on various categories, offering a more versatile earning structure.
- Winner: chase sapphire preferred
Travel Benefits
- Amex Platinum: Includes premium travel perks like airport lounge access (Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select), travel credits, and concierge services. These benefits add significant value for frequent travelers.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: Provides travel insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and no foreign transaction fees, but lacks the same level of luxury perks as the Platinum card.
- Winner: amex platinum
Dining & Lifestyle Benefits
- Amex Platinum: Provides credits for specific services like Uber, Saks Fifth Avenue, and other lifestyle perks. It also offers access to exclusive events.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: Lacks significant dining or lifestyle credits but offers DoorDash benefits and other perks.
- Winner: amex platinum
Transfer Partners
- Amex Platinum: Offers a wide array of transfer partners, allowing points to be transferred to various airline and hotel loyalty programs. This provides flexible redemption options.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: Also offers transfer partners, but with fewer options than the Amex Platinum.
- Winner: amex platinum
Statement Credits & Perks
- Amex Platinum: Offers a variety of statement credits, such as for airline incidental fees and other services, helping to offset the annual fee. These credits can be valuable if used effectively.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: Does not offer as many statement credits.
- Winner: amex platinum
Introductory Bonus
- Amex Platinum: Typically offers a higher sign-up bonus, but the spending requirement to earn it is also higher.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: Has a more modest sign-up bonus, but the spending requirement is more attainable for many.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Premium Travel Perks | Amex Platinum |
| Annual Fee | Chase Sapphire Preferred |
| Rewards on Dining | Chase Sapphire Preferred |
| Transfer Partners | Tie |
| Sign-Up Bonus | Tie |
| Airport Lounge Access | Amex Platinum |
| Hotel Credits | Amex Platinum |
What They Have in Common
- Rewards Programs: Both cards offer rewards programs that allow you to earn points on purchases, particularly in categories like travel and dining. These points can be redeemed for various rewards.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Both cards do not charge foreign transaction fees, making them suitable for international travel.
- Travel Insurance: Both cards provide some level of travel insurance, such as trip cancellation/interruption coverage or baggage delay insurance.
- Transfer Partners: Both cards allow you to transfer points to various airline and hotel loyalty programs, potentially increasing the value of your points.
- Purchase Protection: Both cards offer purchase protection, which can cover damage or theft of items purchased with the card within a certain timeframe.
Amex Platinum Vs Chase Sapphire Preferred Buying Guide
Earning Rewards
The American Express Platinum card excels in rewards for travel booked through Amex Travel, offering 5x points. It also provides 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and 1x point on all other purchases. The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases, and 1x point on everything else. The Sapphire Preferred’s bonus categories are broader and more accessible for everyday spending.
Annual Fees
The Amex Platinum card carries a significantly higher annual fee than the Chase Sapphire Preferred. The Platinum card’s high fee is justified by its extensive benefits, including travel credits, airport lounge access, and various lifestyle perks. The Sapphire Preferred has a much lower annual fee, making it more accessible. Consider the value of the benefits you’ll use to determine which fee is worth it for you. The difference in fees greatly impacts the overall value proposition.
Travel Benefits
Both cards offer valuable travel benefits, but they differ in focus. The Amex Platinum card provides access to a vast network of airport lounges, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select, and others. It also offers credits for services like Uber and CLEAR. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and no foreign transaction fees. The Platinum card is more geared toward luxury travel, while the Sapphire Preferred focuses on more practical travel protections.
Transfer Partners
Both cards offer the ability to transfer points to various airline and hotel partners, enhancing their value. The Amex Platinum card has a wide array of transfer partners, including Delta, British Airways, and Hilton. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card also offers a strong selection of transfer partners, such as United, Southwest, and Hyatt. Consider which transfer partners align with your travel habits and preferences. The ability to transfer points significantly increases the flexibility of your rewards.
Spending Habits
Your spending habits play a crucial role in determining which card is better for you. If you spend heavily on travel, particularly flights and luxury experiences, the Amex Platinum card’s rewards and benefits can provide significant value. If your spending is more diverse, with a focus on dining, groceries, and everyday purchases, the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s bonus categories may be more rewarding. Analyze your spending patterns to identify which card aligns better with your lifestyle. Evaluate what you spend the most on.
Overall Value Proposition
Ultimately, the best card depends on your individual needs and preferences. The Amex Platinum card offers premium benefits and rewards, making it ideal for frequent travelers who can utilize its credits and perks. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card provides a strong value proposition with its lower annual fee, flexible rewards categories, and valuable travel protections, making it a great option for everyday spending and more budget-conscious travelers. Evaluate how you can use the perks and benefits.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy amex platinum If…
- You value premium travel perks like airport lounge access and hotel credits.
- You frequently travel and want to maximize rewards on flights and hotels.
- You are willing to pay a higher annual fee for premium benefits.
- You want access to exclusive experiences and services.
Buy chase sapphire preferred If…
- You want a card with a lower annual fee and still earn valuable rewards.
- You enjoy dining out and want to earn bonus points on restaurant purchases.
- You are looking for a good balance of travel benefits and everyday spending rewards.
- You are new to travel rewards cards and looking for a user-friendly option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual fee for the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Preferred?
The Amex Platinum card has a much higher annual fee, justified by its premium benefits. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has a significantly lower annual fee. The specific fees vary, so check the card details for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Consider whether the benefits justify the cost based on your spending and lifestyle.
What are the key travel benefits of each card?
The Amex Platinum card offers access to a large network of airport lounges, travel credits, and premium travel protections. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card provides trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay insurance, and no foreign transaction fees. The benefits cater to different travel styles, so choose based on your needs.
How do the rewards programs differ?
The Amex Platinum card excels in travel rewards, especially through Amex Travel and select purchases. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers bonus categories for dining, travel, and other everyday spending. Both offer transfer partners, but their bonus categories and earning rates differ significantly. Consider what you spend on the most.
Which card is better for everyday spending?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is generally better for everyday spending due to its bonus categories on dining, streaming services, and online groceries. The Amex Platinum card offers fewer bonus categories for everyday purchases, making it less rewarding for non-travel spending. Choose the card with categories that align with your spending habits.
What are the differences in transfer partners?
Both cards offer valuable transfer partners, but their programs differ slightly. Amex Platinum has a broad network, including Delta and British Airways. Chase Sapphire Preferred partners with United and Hyatt. Consider your travel preferences and desired airlines/hotels when choosing a card. Both offer good options to maximize value.
Does either card offer purchase protection?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers purchase protection, which covers damage or theft of items purchased with the card. The Amex Platinum card offers purchase protection on a limited basis. Review the specific terms and conditions of each card for detailed information on purchase protection policies and coverage limits. Check the fine print.
Which card is better for airport lounge access?
The Amex Platinum card provides access to a larger network of airport lounges, including Centurion Lounges. The Chase Sapphire Preferred does not offer direct lounge access, though you may be able to access lounges through other programs. The Platinum card is a clear winner if lounge access is a priority. Airport lounge access is a key differentiator.
Final Verdict
Both the Amex Platinum and the Chase Sapphire Preferred cards offer compelling benefits, but they cater to different needs. The Amex Platinum excels in luxury travel rewards and premium perks, making it a strong choice for those who frequently travel and can utilize its credits. The Chase Sapphire Preferred provides a more accessible value proposition with its lower annual fee, rewarding bonus categories, and practical travel protections. The Sapphire Preferred is better for everyday spending.
Winner: Chase Sapphire Preferred