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Chase Sapphire Reserve Card vs. Amex Platinum Card [Detailed Comparison]

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Christine Krzyszton
Edited by: Jessica Merritt
& Nick Ellis
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Key Takeaways

  • The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers 8x points on travel booked through Chase Travel, 4x points for flights and hotels booked directly, and 3x points on dining worldwide, along with statement credits and excellent travel insurance benefits.
  • The Platinum Card® from American Express earns 5x points per $1 spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year) and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com, and has travel benefits and statement credits.
  • Both cards allow point transfers to travel partners for greater value, so you should choose based on your spending habits and preferred benefits.

Two of the best premium travel rewards cards available are the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express. Both cards are loaded with travel benefits and earn flexible points that deliver good value when redeemed for travel.

The Amex Platinum card does not have a preset spending or credit limit and only allows you to carry a balance for certain charges, but not all of them. No preset spending limit means the amount you can spend on the Amex Platinum card adjusts based on your purchases, payments, and credit history. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card, a traditional credit card, comes with a set credit limit and allows you to pay over time, with interest.

With some research, you’ll likely find one of these cards better fits your travel preferences and spending patterns. Both are equally impressive premium travel rewards cards, so how do you decide?

Let’s compare both cards, focusing on benefits and earning power. This will help you better determine which card may better fit you.

Overview

Before discussing each card’s attributes, let’s compare the Chase Sapphire Reserve card and the Amex Platinum card at a high level.

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Chase Sapphire Reserve®The Platinum Card® from American Express

Welcome bonus offer

Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.

Apply and find out if you're eligible for as high as 175,000 points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Earning 

  • 8x points on travel when you purchase through Chase Travel
  • 5x points on Lyft purchases (through September 30, 2027)
  • 4x points on flights and hotels when booked directly with the airline or hotel
  • 3x points on dining worldwide
  • 1x points on all other purchases
  • 5x points on airfare booked directly with the airline or through AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per calendar year)
  • 5x points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com
  • 1x points on other purchases

Top redemption options

  • Transfer points to airline or hotel partners
  • Redeem for eligible travel through the Chase Travel portal
  • Gift cards, Amazon.com, Apple purchases, or cash-back as a statement credit or direct deposit
  • Transfer points to airline or hotel partners
  • AmexTravel.com bookings
  • Amazon.com purchases, cash-back, gift cards, or online shopping

Top hotel program benefits

  • The Edit hotel collection benefits
  • Up to $500 annually in credits for The Edit
  • Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status (upon enrollment)
  • Access to Fine Hotels + Resorts and the Hotel Collection benefits
  • Up to $200 annual hotel credits on select prepaid hotel bookings through AmexTravel.com

Top statement credits

  • $300 annual travel credit
  • $300 annual dining credit
  • Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck reimbursement
  • Annual statement credits (some require enrollment): Up to $200 airline fee, up to $240 digital entertainment credit, up to $199 CLEAR Plus, and more
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit

Key travel benefits and protections

  • Rental car benefits with Avis and National
  • Complimentary worldwide lounge access including Priority Pass Select membership, Chase Sapphire lounges, and select Air Canada lounges
  • Primary rental car coverage, lost or delayed luggage insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay and travel accident insurance
  • Rental car privileges with Avis, Hertz, and National (upon enrollment)
  • Access to over 1,400 lounges through the Amex Global Lounge Collection
  • Secondary car rental loss and damage insurance, baggage insurance plan, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay insurance
  • Premium Global Assist

Key shopping benefits and protections

  • Purchase protection, extended warranty
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • No preset spending limit*
  • Purchase protection, extended warranty
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
  • Cell phone protection

Annual fees and authorized users

  • Annual fee of $795
  • $195 per year for each authorized user

Welcome Offer Comparison

While welcome offers change periodically, they can be a significant factor when selecting which card to apply for.

Here’s a snapshot of current offers and additional information for the Chase Sapphire Reserve card and the Amex Platinum card:

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.
Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
100,000 points + $500 Chase Travel credit
$2,000
$795
20.24% - 28.74% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Excellent
Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best options.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
  • 5x points on Lyft rides
  • 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
Cons
    • $795 annual fee
Card Highlights
  • Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
  • Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
  • Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
  • Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music - all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 - a value of $250 annually
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.24% - 28.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

NEW OFFER
The Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.
Up to $3,850
$695
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
  • 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
Cons
  • $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
  • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
Card Highlights
  • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel®.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • Enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, with over $500 of annual value if you visit Centurion Lounges and each of our partner lounges including Delta Sky Club® lounges when flying an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations) , select Lufthansa lounges when flying Lufthansa, Plaza Premium lounges and Escape Lounges, and enroll in Priority Pass Select. See terms.
  • A Walmart+ membership can get you free shipping with no order minimum on eligible items shipped by Walmart. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) and receive one statement credit for up to $12.95 (plus applicable taxes. Plus Ups not eligible) each month. Free Shipping excludes most Marketplace items, freight & certain location surcharges. Paramount+ Essential plan only, separate registration required.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
  • $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. Receive up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for your CLEAR Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the Platinum Card®.
  • Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • Use Global Dining Access by Resy to access premium dining experiences. Receive Priority Notify and unlock insider access to some of the world's most sought-after restaurants with Global Dining Access by Resy. Download the Resy iOS app or log into Resy.com and add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile to take advantage of your special benefits and discover restaurants near you.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Apply and find out if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of as high as 175,000 points with the Amex Platinum. Welcome offers may vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

While welcome bonus offers are a key element in the cards’ offerings, looking at the long-term value and the welcome offer allows you to pick a card that will work best for you beyond the first year.

Earning Power Comparison

Cathay Pacific First Class 2
Earn rewards on every travel purchase with a premium travel rewards card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve card or the Amex Platinum card. Image Credit: Juan Ruiz

The Amex Platinum card excels in providing access to airport lounges and elite status in hotel programs. However, the Amex Platinum card is rivaled in earning power by the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, given that you can earn more points in more ways with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

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Earning category

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

Amex Platinum Card

Flights and flight-and-hotel packages

  • 8x points on flights booked through Chase Travel
  • 4x points on flights booked directly with the airline
  • 5x points when purchased through AmexTravel.com or for flights purchased directly with the airlines (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year)

Hotels

  • 8x points on hotels when booked through Chase Travel
  • 4x points when booked directly
  • 1x on all other hotel purchases
  • 5x on prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com
  • 2x on all other hotels booked through AmexTravel.com
  • 1x on all other hotel purchases

Dining and restaurants

3x points on dining worldwide

  • 1x on all nonbonus purchases

Rental cars

8x points when booked through Chase Travel

  • 1x on all nonbonus purchases

All other travel expenses

  • 8x when booked with Chase Travel
  • 1x on all nonbonus purchases
  • 2x on qualifying travel booked through AmexTravel.com
  • 1x on all other purchases

All other purchases

1x on all nonbonus purchases

  • 1x on all nonbonus purchases

The first difference that stands out is that you can only receive elevated earnings on the Amex Platinum card if you purchase flights directly through an airline or if you purchase flights and prepaid hotels through AmexTravel.com.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card also offers elevated earnings of 8x points on travel booked through Chase Travel. The card earns 4x points for flights and hotels when booked directly with the airline or hotel.

Here’s a simple annual spending scenario for purchases that don’t include using the cards’ travel portals:

  • $5,000 in flights purchased from an airline
  • $3,000 in non-prepaid hotels purchased directly through a hotel’s website
  • $2,000 in dining
  • $2,000 in other travel expenses

Based on this spending mix, you will have earned 32,000 Membership Rewards points with the Amex Platinum card and 40,000 Ultimate Rewards points with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

With the Amex Platinum card, flights booked with the airline earn 5x points, while hotels, dining, and other travel earn just 1x points.

With the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, flights booked with the airline earn 4x points, hotels booked via a hotel website earn 4x points, dining 3x, and other travel 1x.

Both cards offer the option to earn rewards points on affiliated American Express and Chase no-annual-fee cards, then transfer and redeem them with travel partners for potentially greater redemption value.

Bottom Line: While both cards have good earning potential, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card has the edge due to its higher earnings in more categories. Only prepaid hotels and flights purchased from AmexTravel.com and flights purchased from the airline receive elevated 5x earnings on the Amex Platinum card. 

Redeeming Points on Each Card

Membership Rewards redeem
You’ll have several options for redeeming your rewards with either card. Image Credit: American Express

Fortunately, both cards offer good value when redeeming for travel, transferring points to travel partners, and offering additional redemption choices.

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Redemption option

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

Amex Platinum Card

Redeem for travel

Redeem for up to 1 cent per point on Chase Travel or up to 2 cents each with Points Boost.

Redeem points for 1 cent each

on AmexTravel,com

Transfer points to travel partners

14 Chase travel partners, 1:1 transfer ratio

20 Amex transfer partners, most with a 1:1 transfer ratio;

a small fee applies for U.S. airline transfer partners

Other redemption options available

Statement credits, gift cards, Amazon, Apple, Chase Experiences

Statement credits, gift cards, Amazon, Uber,

Ticketmaster, redeem with shopping partners

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card has a base redemption rate of 1 cent per point via Chase Travel. With Points Boost, cardholders can receive up to 2 cents per point for select redemptions, including The Edit hotel bookings. The Pay Yourself Back feature allows you to redeem points for a statement credit for qualifying purchases.

With 17 airline transfer partners, the Amex Platinum card offers more options for premium-cabin award redemptions than the Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s 11. However, both of our featured cards can receive the greatest potential value when utilizing transfer partners.

When we look at hotel redemptions, transferring Ultimate Rewards points earned on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card to the hotel partner World of Hyatt shines as a sweet spot. Free nights at Hyatt start at 3,500 World of Hyatt points, and with a 1:1 transfer ratio, you would need just 3,500 Ultimate Rewards points for a free Hyatt hotel night.

Bottom Line: With the wide variety of airline transfer partners, Membership Rewards points edge out Ultimate Rewards points for premium flight award redemptions. However, Ultimate Rewards can result in good value when transferred to airline partners, especially to World of Hyatt for hotel nights. Points Boost is a good option for select redemptions through Chase Travel and bookings with The Edit.

Statement Credits

Netflix Streaming on TV Upgraded Points LLC 2
Statement credits can help offset a card’s annual fee. Image Credit: Upgraded Points

One card benefit that can directly offset the cost of a credit card’s annual fee is the credits you receive when making specific purchases.

Here’s the incredible list of purchases that receive statement credits for select purchases with our featured cards.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

  • Up to $300 statement credit for travel purchases each cardmember year
  • Up to $500 in statement credits for The Edit annually with 2 separate $250 credits, January through June, and July through December. A 2-night minimum stay is required.
  • $300 annual dining credit with Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables, available for booking on OpenTable, delivered in 2 separate $150 biannual credits.
  • $300 annual StubHub credit for concert and event ticket purchases, delivered in 2 separate $150 biannual credits for StubHub and viagogo
  • $250 annual in annual value with complimentary subscriptions to Apple TV+ and Apple Music (separate activation required)
  • Up to $120 in annual statement credits toward Peloton memberships
  • Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck reimbursement

Amex Platinum Card

Some credits require enrollment, so be sure to explore your American Express account to make the most of your card.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s up to $300 travel credit is easy to utilize because airline tickets, hotels, transit, and other travel-related expenses are considered eligible travel purchases. StubHub, dining, The Edit credits, and Apple subscription credits can add even more value.

If you spend money on checked baggage and other airline incidental fees, use streaming services, use CLEAR, or shop at Saks, the Amex Platinum card offers value.

Bottom Line: When we compare statement and shopping credits, the better card depends on which credits you can actually utilize. Each card offers a long list of potential statement credits that, when used, could add significant potential economic value.

Airport Lounge Access

Plaza Premium Marmara Lounge SAW Priority Pass signage
Get complimentary Priority Pass lounge access with the Amex Platinum card upon enrollment or the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. Image Credit: Keri Stooksbury

One of the benefits of a premium travel rewards credit card is complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide.

Without this benefit, it’s not unheard of to see rates of $50 per person for a day pass or $700 for an annual membership. Given that paid access to these lounges can be expensive, the value of complimentary lounge access can be quite substantial.

Here’s a comparison of lounge access between the 2 cards:

Amex Platinum Card

The American Express Global Lounge Collection includes:

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

Both cards offer complimentary access for the cardholder to all lounges associated with the card and allow 2 additional guests, at no charge, to many (but not all) lounges.

The Priority Pass lounge network consists of 1,300 locations worldwide. However, a drawback is that Priority Pass can limit access for guests, even for cardholders, at certain peak times.

When it comes to complimentary lounge access, the Amex Platinum card offers access to more than 1,400 lounges worldwide with Priority Pass upon enrollment and to additional lounge networks, including the prestigious Centurion Lounges.

Bottom Line: With access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide across several lounge networks, including the exclusive Centurion Lounges, the Amex Platinum card provides greater lounge access benefits than the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. That said, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card has added several lounge options to its list. 

Hotel Program Benefits

St Regis Lhasa bedroom
Get upgraded rooms, with a view, (when available) with Marriott Bonvoy elite status at properties like the St. Regis Lhasa in Tibet. Image Credit: Ryan Smith

If you frequently stay at hotels, you know the value of an upgraded hotel room, late checkout, complimentary breakfast, and many other perks of having hotel elite status. Having complimentary hotel elite status or elite-style benefits can significantly enhance your experience if you frequently stay at participating hotels.

Here are the hotel program benefits on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card and the Amex Platinum card.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

The Edit by Chase Travel is a collection of over 1,100 worldwide properties (and growing) that give cardholders elite-style benefits when booking a 2-night stay or longer.

  • Daily breakfast for 2
  • Early check-in and late checkout (when available)
  • Upgraded room when available
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • $100 property credit

Plus, when redeeming Ultimate Rewards points for The Edit hotel bookings, cardholders receive 2 cents in value per point. And, don’t forget about the card’s up to $500 in annual Edit credits.

Amex Platinum Card

In addition to elite status with Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy, the Amex Platinum card also offers special benefits with American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts that include:

  • Room upgrades
  • Daily breakfast for 2 guests
  • Early check-in and late checkout (when available)
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • A unique property amenity (such as a spa, or food and beverage credit) worth a minimum of $100

Additional hotel benefits are available when booking at least a 2-night stay at the Hotel Collection:

  • Up to $100 room credit to spend on dining, spa, and resort activities
  • Upgraded room (when available)

Car Benefits (Rentals, Ride-Sharing Services)

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

Car Rental Benefits

  • Avis Preferred benefits and discounts
  • National Emerald Club Executive Club status

Bottom Line: The Amex Platinum card comes out ahead by offering, upon enrollment, complimentary elite status with hotel and rental car partners. Cardholders receive Hilton Honors Gold status and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status. Rental car benefits and elite status are similar on both credit cards. 

Ride-Sharing Service Benefits

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers up to $120 in annual Lyft in-app credits, up to $10 monthly. Lyft purchases also earn 5 points per $1 (through September 30, 2027) charged to your card. This means that a $10 ride would earn 50 Ultimate Rewards points.

Amex Platinum Card

Car Rental Benefits

Ride-Sharing Service Benefits

The Amex Platinum card includes up to $200 Uber Cash, split into increments of $15 each month (except December, which receives $35 in credit). This is added to your Uber account as Uber Cash and can be used toward any Uber ride or Uber Eats delivery in the U.S.

Likewise, you’re automatically enrolled in Uber VIP (available only in select cities) when you add your Amex Platinum card to your Uber account. This gives you access to exclusive discounts and UberX VIP and Uber Black VIP rides. When you select this option, you’re only paired with the highest-rated drivers in your city at no additional cost.

These benefits only apply to the card’s primary cardholder and not any authorized users. An Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.

Hot Tip: Are you considering both of these credit cards? Be sure to consider the reasons you may (or may not) want 2 premium credit cards before deciding.

Travel Insurance and Protection Perks

Hertz Gold Member Area and Mercedes Upgraded Points LLC 2
Primary car rental coverage provides peace of mind when renting a vehicle. Image Credit: Upgraded Points

It’s nice to experience luxury travel benefits, but things occasionally go wrong. You may turn to your premium travel rewards credit card for coverage and assistance when they do.

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Benefit

Amex Platinum Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

Car rental loss and damage insurance and auto rental coverage

Secondary coverage with the option to purchase Premium Protection for 1 low price that covers the entire rental period

Primary coverage

Premium roadside assistance

None

4 service calls per year, maximum benefit, $50 each call

Emergency medical and dental

None

$2,500 medical and dental coverage ($50 deductible per day), $75 per day for prescribed hotel needed due to covered loss for up to 5 days

Trip cancellation and interruption

Up to $10,000 per trip, and a maximum limit of $20,000 per card per 12-month period

Up to $10,000 per trip per person, $20,000 per incident

Trip delay

Up to $500 for trip delays of more than 6 hours

Up to $500 for trip delays of more than 6 hours

Baggage delay

None

Up to $100 per day for up to 5 days for delays of more than 6 hours

Baggage insurance and lost luggage reimbursement

Up to $3,000 for carry-on, $2,000 for checked

Up to $3,000 per person per trip checked or carry-on

Emergency transportation/ or evacuation

Included, no stated limit

$100,000

Bottom Line: The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is known for its comprehensive travel benefits, including primary rental car insurance and limited medical and dental coverage. The Amex Platinum card offers cardholders travel insurance benefits like complimentary emergency transportation and evacuation with no stated limit, but it does not offer roadside assistance or baggage delay.

Shopping Protection Showdown

When comparing shopping protections and benefits, both cards offer similar coverage.

Purchase Protection

Qualifying items are covered on both cards for damage up to $10,000, with a maximum of $50,000 per year (up to 90 days from the purchase date for the Amex Platinum card and up to 120 days from the date of purchase for the Chase Sapphire Reserve card).

Extended Warranty

Both cards offer an additional year of manufacturer’s warranty protection; the Amex Platinum card offers an additional year on warranties of 5 years or less; the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers an additional year on warranties of 3 years or less.

Return Protection

Both cards provide coverage for up to 90 days from the purchase date: $300 per item on the Amex Platinum card and $500 per item on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

Bottom Line: While one does not select a premium travel rewards credit card solely based on shopping-related protections, knowing that both cards offer similar shopping coverage is beneficial

Food Delivery Benefits

Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum card offers up to $200 in Uber Cash that can be used toward any Uber Eats pickup or delivery, or an Uber ride in the U.S. Just add your card to your Uber account.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

The card offers up to $300 annually in monthly DoorDash promos and a complimentary DashPass membership, which includes a $5 restaurant credit and 2 $10 credits to spend on groceries, beauty, electronics, and more. Credits do not carry over month to month.

Activate the DoorDash DashPass subscription by December 31, 2027. This subscription is typically $9.99 monthly and includes free delivery and discounted service fees on select DoorDash orders over $12.

Fees and Adding Additional Users

While the Amex Platinum card’s annual fee is higher at $695, you can add authorized users at $195 per card (rates & fees). The Chase Sapphire Reserve card has an annual fee of $795, and authorized users can be added for $195 each.

Regardless of which card you select, if you can utilize the offered benefits, you receive value far above the cost of either annual fee.

Neither card charges a foreign transaction fee (rates & fees).

Additional Benefits Offered by Both Cards

You will find the following benefits offered on both the Amex Platinum card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card:

  • VIP access to events: The Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s Reserve Experiences and the Amex Platinum card’s By Invitation Only benefits offer unique experiences available exclusively to cardholders
  • Member concierge services: Each card has its own concierge service to assist with travel planning, booking events and dining reservations, and arranging VIP access to special events

Final Thoughts

Both cards are designed for frequent travelers, but which card is best for you depends on the benefits you value most.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card focuses more on overall earnings, significant redemption values, statement credits for specific purchases, and strong travel-related protections and insurance. The card also includes a good selection of worldwide lounge access options.

The Amex Platinum card boasts strengths that center on luxury travel benefits, including the broadest worldwide lounge access. Elevated earnings are narrowed to specific travel purchases. The card offers valuable, no-stated-limit emergency transportation or evacuation benefits, providing peace of mind when traveling.

Both cards offer the flexible option of transferring points to travel partners, potentially unlocking greater value for your points. There is no clear winner or loser here, as both cards offer tremendous value for the right frequent traveler. The card that best fits your spending patterns and benefit preferences and offers protections and insurance you can utilize will be the best choice.

*No Preset Spending Limit on an American Express card means your spending limit is flexible. Unlike a traditional card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment, and credit history.

For the Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance benefit of The Platinum Card® from American Express, the maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance benefit of The Platinum Card® from American Express, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the Baggage Insurance Plan benefit of The Platinum Card® from American Express, Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the Trip Delay Insurance benefit of The Platinum Card® from American Express, up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the Premium Global Assist Hotline benefit of The Platinum Card® from American Express, you can rely on Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Plus, we may provide emergency medical transportation assistance and related services. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

For the Purchase Protection benefit of The Platinum Card® from American Express, Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the Extended Warranty benefit of The Platinum Card® from American Express, when an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the Return Protection benefit of The Platinum Card® from American Express, with Return Protection, you may return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won’t take them back up to 90 days from the date of purchase. American Express may refund the full purchase price excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per Card account, if you purchased it entirely with your eligible American Express® Card. Purchases must be made in the U.S. or its territories. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

For the cell phone protection benefit of The Platinum Card® from American Express, coverage for a stolen or damaged eligible cellular wireless telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per eligible card account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per eligible card account per 12 month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by Card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which card is better, the Amex Platinum card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve card?

The best card for you depends on your spending mix and travel benefit preferences.

If you enjoy luxury travel benefits and spend a lot on flights and prepaid hotels, the Amex Platinum card may offer the most value.

If you spend more on overall travel, you may earn more rewards with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. This is because the card has elevated earnings on Chase Travel purchases and for flights and hotels purchased directly. Dining purchases also receive 3x earnings. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card also offers lounge access (but to a lesser extent than the Amex Platinum card) and a strong collection of travel protections and insurance.

Each card offers tremendous value for the right frequent traveler.

Which points are worth more for travel, Membership Rewards points or Ultimate Rewards points?

When redeemed for travel, the value of your rewards points will depend on how the points are redeemed.

One option is to transfer your points to airline or hotel programs; both programs allow you to do this.

Value will vary based on the airline or hotel program. American Express has more transfer partners, but Chase has partners like World of Hyatt that also provide excellent redemption value.

Membership Rewards points can be redeemed for up to 1 cent per point towards travel with AmexTravel.com. Chase Ultimate Rewards points have a base value of 1 cent each but can be redeemed for up to 2 cents per point for select travel through the Chase Travel portal.

Both Chase Ultimate Rewards and Membership Rewards may be worth more when redeemed with the right airline transfer partner.

Which credit card has the best airport lounge access?

The Amex Platinum card offers access to more properties and higher-end lounges than the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

The Amex Platinum card’s lounge access is valid for several lounge networks, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (upon enrollment), Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta the same day, Plaza Premium Lounges, and more.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers lounge access to Priority Pass lounges and Chase Sapphire Lounges by the Club, and select Air Canada lounges and cafes.

Which credit card has the best car rental insurance?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card provides primary auto rental coverage, while the Amex Platinum card offers secondary coverage with the option to purchase Premium Protection.

Secondary coverage means you must first file a claim with your auto insurance before coverage kicks in.

Additional terms and conditions apply, but the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers better complimentary coverage.

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services offices. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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