Amex Platinum vs Premier Rewards Gold: Which Card Wins?
Choosing the right rewards credit card can feel like navigating a maze. You want a card that fits your lifestyle and helps you maximize your spending. Two popular contenders often top the list: the American Express Platinum Card and the Premier Rewards Gold Card.
Both cards offer attractive benefits, but they cater to different types of consumers. The Amex Platinum is known for its luxury perks and travel benefits. The Premier Rewards Gold Card, on the other hand, is a strong choice for earning rewards on everyday spending, especially on groceries and dining.
This comprehensive comparison of the amex platinum vs premier rewards gold will break down the key features, benefits, and drawbacks of each card. We’ll examine their rewards programs, annual fees, and other perks to help you determine which card is the better fit for your financial goals and spending habits. Get ready to discover which card reigns supreme!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Amex Platinum | Premier Rewards Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | Yes | Yes |
| Welcome Bonus | Yes | Yes |
| Rewards on Dining | Yes | Yes |
| Rewards on Groceries | Yes | Yes |
| Rewards on Travel | Yes | Yes |
| Airport Lounge Access | Yes | No |
| Hotel Benefits | Yes | No |
| Airline Fee Credit | Yes | No |
| Uber Credit | Yes | No |
| Statement Credit | Yes | No |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | No | No |
| APR | Varies | Varies |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Annual Fee
- Amex Platinum: High annual fee, offering premium benefits. Provides access to various perks but can be a barrier to entry for some. Requires significant spending to maximize value.
- Premier Rewards Gold: Moderate annual fee, offering a good balance of rewards and benefits. More accessible than the Platinum, but rewards might be less lucrative for big spenders.
- Winner: Premier Rewards Gold
Rewards on Everyday Spending
- Amex Platinum: Limited rewards on everyday spending categories. Rewards are primarily focused on travel and select purchases. Not ideal for everyday spending outside of bonus categories.
- Premier Rewards Gold: High rewards on select everyday spending categories like groceries and dining. Excellent for earning rewards on frequent purchases.
- Winner: Premier Rewards Gold
Travel Rewards & Benefits
- Amex Platinum: Offers extensive travel benefits like airport lounge access (Centurion and Priority Pass), hotel upgrades, and travel credits. High value for frequent travelers.
- Premier Rewards Gold: Offers travel rewards but with fewer premium benefits than the Platinum. Includes some travel perks but without the extensive lounge access and other premium amenities.
- Winner: amex platinum
Sign-Up Bonus
- Amex Platinum: Typically offers a high sign-up bonus, but often requires substantial spending to achieve. Can be a significant value if you can meet the spending requirements.
- Premier Rewards Gold: Offers a competitive sign-up bonus, with often lower spending requirements to achieve it. Better for those who can’t meet Platinum’s spending goals.
- Winner: Tie
Additional Perks and Benefits
- Amex Platinum: Includes various lifestyle perks like credits for Uber, Saks Fifth Avenue, and digital entertainment. Premium concierge service and purchase protection are also offered.
- Premier Rewards Gold: Offers dining credits and access to the Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit. Fewer luxury perks compared to the Platinum.
- Winner: amex platinum
Foreign Transaction Fees
- Amex Platinum: Generally no foreign transaction fees. Excellent for international travel.
- Premier Rewards Gold: Generally no foreign transaction fees. Great for international travel.
- Winner: Tie
Interest Rates
- Amex Platinum: Does not allow you to carry a balance, so no interest rates apply.
- Premier Rewards Gold: Has an interest rate, as it allows you to carry a balance.
- Winner: amex platinum
Overall Value Proposition
- Amex Platinum: Provides premium value for frequent travelers and those who can utilize its extensive perks and benefits. Requires high spending to maximize value.
- Premier Rewards Gold: Offers a balance of rewards and benefits, ideal for those who spend on groceries, dining and want a good rewards rate without the high annual fee.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Premium Travel Benefits | Amex Platinum |
| Everyday Rewards | Premier Rewards Gold |
| Annual Fee | Premier Rewards Gold |
| Airport Lounge Access | Amex Platinum |
| Hotel Benefits | Amex Platinum |
| Airline Fee Credit | Amex Platinum |
| Uber Credit | Amex Platinum |
| Overall Value | Depends on User Needs |
What They Have in Common
- Rewards on Dining: Both cards offer rewards on dining purchases, allowing cardholders to earn points or miles when eating out at restaurants. This is a standard benefit for both cards.
- Rewards on Groceries: Both cards provide rewards for grocery store purchases, helping cardholders save money on their everyday food shopping. This is a great feature for frequent grocery shoppers.
- Rewards on Travel: Both cards offer rewards on travel spending, such as flights, hotels, and car rentals, providing incentives for those who travel frequently. This is another shared perk.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Neither card charges foreign transaction fees, making them suitable for international travel and purchases. This is a convenient feature for travelers.
- Welcome Bonus: Both cards come with a welcome bonus for new cardholders, providing a significant boost in rewards after meeting certain spending requirements. This is a common incentive.
Amex Platinum Vs Premier Rewards Gold Buying Guide
Earning Rewards
Both the Amex Platinum and the Premier Rewards Gold cards offer compelling rewards programs, but they differ significantly. The Platinum card focuses on travel rewards and offers high points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, along with generous rewards on prepaid hotels. The Premier Rewards Gold card, on the other hand, excels in everyday spending categories, offering bonus points on purchases at U.S. supermarkets, gas stations, and restaurants. Consider your spending habits. If you spend heavily on travel, the Platinum card might be better. If your spending leans towards groceries and dining, the Premier Rewards Gold card could be more rewarding.
Annual Fees & Benefits
The annual fees for these cards reflect their benefits. The Amex Platinum card has a significantly higher annual fee, justified by its extensive perks. These include airport lounge access (Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select), various statement credits (for travel, Uber, etc.), and elite status with hotel and car rental programs. The Premier Rewards Gold card has a lower annual fee and provides credits for certain purchases. Evaluate if you’ll use the Platinum card’s benefits. If you’re looking for fewer extras at a lower cost, the Premier Rewards Gold card is a better option.
Travel Perks & Protections
Both cards provide travel-related benefits, but the Platinum card offers a more comprehensive suite. The Platinum card includes premium travel insurance, purchase protection, and concierge services, making it a powerful travel companion. The Premier Rewards Gold card also offers travel accident insurance and other protections, but generally with fewer features than Platinum. Consider the level of travel protection you require. Frequent travelers will likely find the Platinum card’s benefits more valuable due to its broader coverage and services.
Spending Habits & Categories
Analyzing your spending patterns is key to choosing between these cards. The Platinum card is best for those who spend a lot on travel and entertainment. Bonus rewards on flights and hotels can quickly offset the annual fee. The Premier Rewards Gold card is more suited for everyday spending. It provides elevated rewards on groceries and dining, which could be beneficial for those with significant spending in these categories. Consider your monthly expenses and identify where your money is going to maximize rewards.
Cardholder Experience
Both cards offer a premium cardholder experience, but the Platinum card goes above and beyond. The Platinum card provides access to exclusive events, personalized customer service, and a sense of prestige. The Premier Rewards Gold card also provides strong customer service and a user-friendly experience, but it lacks the same level of exclusivity. Consider the value you place on personalized services and access to exclusive opportunities. The Platinum card excels for those who appreciate premium cardholder benefits.
Overall Value Proposition
The overall value proposition hinges on your spending and lifestyle. The Amex Platinum card offers high value for frequent travelers who can utilize its perks and benefits. The Premier Rewards Gold card provides excellent value for those who spend more on everyday categories. Assess whether you can maximize the rewards and benefits offered by each card. Consider factors like your travel frequency, spending habits, and the value you place on extra features such as airport lounge access and statement credits when evaluating the overall value.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Amex Platinum If…
- You want premium travel benefits like airport lounge access and hotel perks.
- You frequently use services like Uber and want to take advantage of the associated credits.
- You value statement credits and other premium benefits.
- You are willing to pay a higher annual fee.
Buy Premier Rewards Gold If…
- You want a card with rewards on dining and groceries.
- You are looking for a card with no foreign transaction fees.
- You prefer a card with a lower annual fee.
- You travel occasionally but don’t need extensive travel perks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the Amex Platinum and Premier Rewards Gold cards?
The Amex Platinum card is geared towards travel and offers a high annual fee with extensive travel and lifestyle benefits. The Premier Rewards Gold card focuses on everyday spending, offering bonus rewards on groceries, dining, and gas. They differ significantly in rewards structure, annual fees, and the types of benefits they offer. They cater to different spending habits and travel styles.
Which card is better for earning rewards on travel purchases?
The Amex Platinum card is better for earning rewards on travel purchases. It offers high points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and rewards on prepaid hotels. The Premier Rewards Gold card rewards travel, but not at the same rate. This makes the Platinum card the clear winner for travel-focused spending.
What are the annual fees for the Amex Platinum and Premier Rewards Gold cards?
The Amex Platinum card has a significantly higher annual fee compared to the Premier Rewards Gold card. The Platinum card’s higher fee reflects its broader range of benefits, including airport lounge access, statement credits, and elite status. The Premier Rewards Gold card’s lower fee is appropriate for its more limited set of benefits.
Does either card offer airport lounge access?
Yes, the Amex Platinum card offers extensive airport lounge access, including Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass Select lounges. The Premier Rewards Gold card does not include lounge access. This is a significant perk of the Platinum card for frequent travelers, providing a comfortable space to relax before flights.
Which card offers better benefits for dining and groceries?
The Premier Rewards Gold card offers better benefits for dining and groceries. It provides bonus rewards on purchases at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants, making it ideal for those who spend heavily in these categories. The Amex Platinum card offers fewer rewards in these spending areas, focusing instead on travel-related purchases.
Do these cards have foreign transaction fees?
The Amex Platinum card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent choice for international travel. The Premier Rewards Gold card also typically does not charge foreign transaction fees. This allows cardholders to make purchases abroad without incurring additional charges on their transactions, enhancing the card’s value.
How do I decide which card is right for me?
Decide based on your spending habits and lifestyle. If you travel frequently and value premium benefits, the Amex Platinum card is a great choice. If your spending leans towards groceries, dining, and gas, and you prefer a lower annual fee, the Premier Rewards Gold card is a better fit. Consider your priorities.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the Amex Platinum and the Premier Rewards Gold card depends on individual needs. The Platinum card excels for frequent travelers seeking premium benefits, while the Premier Rewards Gold card is designed for those who prioritize everyday spending rewards. Assess your spending habits and travel frequency to determine which card aligns best with your lifestyle and spending patterns.
Winner: [Amex Premier Rewards Gold]