Citi Prestige Card vs. Amex Platinum Card [Detailed Comparison]

Frequent travelers will find tremendous value in carrying at least 1 premium travel rewards card.

Having access to an airport lounge, earning rewards on travel purchases, and enjoying those extra travel perks make having a travel rewards card in your wallet a smart move.

There are certainly plenty of premium travel rewards cards to choose from, and most will serve you just fine. 2 of the most popular are the Citi Prestige^® Card and The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

If you’ve been looking specifically at either of these cards, this comparison will be an informative time saver. We’ve reviewed each benefit category with an emphasis on the perks that make these premium cards valuable for travelers, and we’ll share how we think each card measures up to deliver those benefits.

Our overview will break down what’s important to know about each card and make it easy for you to compare their features and benefits.

Hot Tip: At this time, the Citi Prestige card is no longer available for new applicants. 

Overview

Before we dive into a detailed comparison of our featured cards, let’s look at a quick summary of the benefits. Note that some benefits of the Amex Platinum card require enrollment through your American Express account.

Welcome Bonus Comparison

Each card we’re comparing has its own rewards program. The Amex Platinum card earns Membership Rewards points, and the Citi Prestige card earns ThankYou Points.

When you apply for either card and are approved, you’ll qualify for welcome bonus points normally worth at least hundreds of dollars after meeting a minimum spending requirement in the first 3 months after card approval.

Amex Platinum Card

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's 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.

Learn More(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 Platinum Card^® from American Express

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

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

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 (670-850)

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, 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)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• 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.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $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^®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• 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.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile.
• $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: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum card. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Citi Prestige Card

Citi Prestige^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's 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.

Complimentary lounge access, fourth-night free hotel stay, an annual travel credit, and strong point-earning make the Citi Prestige card a great option.

Citi Prestige^® Card

Complimentary lounge access, fourth-night free hotel stay, an annual travel credit, and strong point-earning make the Citi Prestige card a great option.

Annual Fee

$495

APR

17.99% - 25.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

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 (740-850)

Why We Like This Card

The information for the Citi Prestige^® Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 

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The Citi Prestige^® Card is an excellent all-around premium travel rewards card. With 4 different bonus categories to help you earn points, a $250 travel credit each year, complimentary lounge access, and more, there is tons to love about the Citi Prestige card.

Update: At this time, the Citi Prestige card is no longer available for new applicants.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points per $1 on purchases at airlines and travel agencies
• 5x points per $1 on dining
• 3x points per $1 on purchases at hotels and cruise lines

Cons

• $495 annual fee
• Doesn’t offer travel protections

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• $250 Air Travel Credit each year, and receive a statement credit, up to $120 every 5 years (as of October 1, 2024), as reimbursement for your application fee for Global Entry or TSA Pre √. Through December 2022, supermarket and restaurant purchases will also count towards the $250 Travel Credit.
• Fourth-night hotel benefit for any hotel stay at hotels booked through the Citi Prestige Concierge; up to 2 times per calendar year
• Transfer points to a variety of travel loyalty programs from airlines to hotels
• Earn 5x points on air travel
• Earn 5x points at restaurants
• Earn 3x points on cruise lines and hotels
• 1 ThankYou Point per $1 spent on other purchases

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 17.99% - 25.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Citi ThankYou Rewards

Earning Points Comparison

Getting great value from your premium travel rewards card over the long term includes earning the most rewards for the type of purchases you make.

Upfront welcome bonuses are nice, but they’re short-lived. Typically, these are earned after meeting minimum spending requirements in just the first few months.

After that initial surge, rewards earning will depend on the purchases you make. Here’s how these 2 cards compare when it comes to earning power:

As you can see, if you spend a lot on flights and pre-paid hotels through AmexTravel.com, you’ll receive 5x earnings with the Amex Platinum card.

But the Citi Prestige card has a broader earning spectrum, with 5x earnings on flights purchased from the airlines, purchases made through travel agencies, restaurant purchases, and airline incidentals. You’ll also be earning 3x points with hotels and cruise lines.

Bottom Line: Unless you spend a lot on flights purchased directly from airlines and AmexTravel.com, you’ll earn more rewards on a broader range of travel and related purchases with the Citi Prestige card.

Redeeming Points Comparison

Each of these cards has its own rewards-earning program: the Amex Platinum card earns Membership Rewards points, and the Citi Prestige card earns ThankYou Points.

When we look at an overview of redemption options for those points, however, both cards offer similar choices and values:

For both cards, one of the best ways to maximize points is to transfer them to airline partner frequent flyer programs and purchase award tickets.

Both cards allow redeeming points for statement credits, but this doesn’t present a great value in either case. Gift cards can be a decent redemption option for either card when there are special sales and the value exceeds 1 cent per point redeemed.

For creative and high-value ideas on the best ways to redeem Membership Rewards points and ThankYou Points, check out our guides.

Bottom Line: The best redemption value with either the Amex Platinum card or Citi Prestige card can be realized by transferring rewards points to airline partners and purchasing airline award tickets. Be sure to check cash prices before you transfer points, however, as transfers cannot be reversed. 

Statement Credits Comparison

Statement credits that rebate purchases for specific shopping and travel expenses help offset the annual fee on your card. Let’s take a look at the statement credits offered on each of these cards. Note that some benefits of the Amex Platinum card require enrollment through your American Express account.

While the Amex Platinum card offers more than $2,000 in statement credits and the Citi Prestige card only $350 in credits, you must use actually utilize the credits to maximize the stronger Amex Platinum card benefits.

In addition, the $200 airline credit with the Amex Platinum card is just for airline incidental fees, while the Citi Prestige card’s $250 travel credit covers a broad range of travel purchases, making it easier to utilize.

Bottom Line: It’s easier to use the Citi Prestige card’s travel statement credit of $250 since it applies to general travel purchases. However, the Amex Platinum card comes with additional credits that provide more value if you’ll use them. 

Travel Benefits Comparison

Complimentary Airport Lounge Access

Paid airport lounge access can be expensive — a day pass for 1 person can be as much as $50 and an annual membership can cost $600 or more!

Thus, having complimentary airport lounge access can provide real value, and this is often a primary reason for selecting a premium travel rewards card. Let’s take a look at how these cards stack up when it comes to complimentary airport lounge access.

Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum card delivers a broad selection of worldwide lounge networks through the American Express Global Lounge Collection. Most notably, you’ll have access to luxury lounges such as those in the Centurion Lounge network, as well as over 1,400 lounges that make up the Priority Pass network (upon enrollment).

Cardholders and authorized users receive unlimited lounge access and can bring 2 additional guests at no charge (except for Centurion Lounges). Here’s a complete list of qualifying lounges networks:

Cardholders who spend at least $75,000 on purchases in a calendar year gain the ability to bring up to 2 guests per visit to Centurion Lounges.

Citi Prestige Card

The Citi Prestige card comes with a complimentary Priority Pass Select Membership, meaning cardholders can enjoy access to over 1,400 lounges worldwide.

One major benefit of the Citi Prestige card over the Amex Platinum card when it comes to Priority Pass lounge access is that Citi Prestige cardholders can bring their immediate family into the lounges without regard to the 2-guest limit — Citi Prestige cardmembers and authorized users are allowed to bring immediate family and 2 guests.

To learn more about cards with complimentary airport lounge access, our article on the best ways to secure it includes everything you need to know.

Bottom Line: The Amex Platinum card has broader lounge access options and includes the luxury-level Centurion Lounge network. 

Hotel Program Benefits

Hotel benefits are important to many travelers; here’s how our featured cards deliver on those benefits:

Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum card comes with Gold elite hotel status in both Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy (upon enrollment). Elite members receive benefits such as upgraded rooms, free Wi-Fi, elevated earnings, and late checkout.

In addition, the Fine Hotels & Resorts benefit offers members free breakfast, upgraded rooms, and special amenities at these properties. Finally, any stay of 2 nights or longer with The Hotel Collection that’s prepaid on your Amex Platinum card will earn a $100 credit for qualifying purchases made at the hotel and a room upgrade, subject to availability.

Citi Prestige Card

With the Citi Prestige card, you can get a complimentary fourth night for free when you book 4+ consecutive nights through the thankyou.com portal or the 800-THANK-YOU (800-842-6596) line. You will then receive a credit equal to the average cost per night of your stay (minus taxes and fees). You must pay for the stay with your Citi Prestige card, ThankYou Points, or a combination of the 2.

You will be able to use this perk twice per calendar year per card account. However, you cannot use this benefit during overlapping stay dates. For example, this means that you can’t use this benefit twice for 2 rooms on the same dates. The benefit will appear in the form of a statement credit within 2 statement periods.

Cardholders can also receive onsite benefits such as free breakfast, room upgrades, hotel credits, and other amenities through the World Mastercard Luxury Hotels and Resorts program.

Rental Car Program Benefits

You’ll receive rental car elite status and program benefits with both the Amex Platinum card and Citi Prestige card.

Amex Platinum Card

• National Emerald Club Executive status
• Avis Preferred Plus status
• Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President’s Circle status

Citi Prestige Card

• Complimentary World Elite Mastercard Car Rental membership (which includes elite status with National, Hertz, and SIXT)

Bottom Line: The Amex Platinum card shines in providing hotel elite status with Hilton and Marriott, onsite hotel amenities in their luxury hotel programs, and rental car program benefits/elite status. The Citi Prestige card can save you hundreds of dollars with its fourth-night free hotel benefit and rental car elite status. 

Travel Protection Comparison

Our featured cards do not compare on key travel protections and insurance — the Amex Platinum card offers a wide variety of coverage while the Citi Prestige card offers no travel protections or insurance.

Amex Platinum Card

• Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance — Coverage is secondary, which means you must first file a claim with your current auto insurance company before its coverage applies. To ensure coverage, reserve and pay for your rental car entirely with your card and decline the rental car agency’s collision damage waiver (CDW) coverage. You can purchase optional primary coverage from American Express for $12.95 to $24.95 for the entire rental period (up to 42 days).
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption — Receive coverage for unexpected and unforeseen events that cause you to cancel your trip or interrupt your trip in progress. Coverage limits are $10,000 per trip, up to $20,000 per card account each 12-month period.
• Trip Delay — When your trip is delayed 6 hours or more, you could receive reimbursement for necessary incidentals, meals, lodging, and more, up to $500 per trip, a maximum of 2 trips per 12-month period.
• Medical Evacuation — Receive coverage for an emergency medical evacuation for the cardholder, spouse, domestic partner, or covered family members through the Premium Global Assist Hotline that comes with the card.
• Lost or Delayed Baggage Protection — Receive baggage insurance protection up to $3,000 for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage if the trip was purchased with your card.

Shopping Protection and Benefits Comparison

Purchase Protection

Both the Amex Platinum card and the Citi Prestige card provide coverage for damage, loss, or theft of qualifying purchases.

• The Citi Prestige card provides 90 days of coverage from the date of purchase, and the Amex Platinum card covers purchases for 120 days (90 days for New York residents).
• Both the Citi Prestige card and Amex Platinum card offer the same limits on coverage: up to $10,000 per item for a maximum of $50,000 per calendar year. 

If this form of insurance is important to you, see our article on the best credit cards for purchase protection.

Cell Phone Protection

• Charge your monthly wireless cell phone service to your Citi Prestige card and receive coverage for a damaged or stolen phone. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per claim and $1,500 within a 12-month period with a $50 deductible.
• Cell phone protection on the Amex Platinum card is limited to $800 per claim and 2 claims in a 12-month period with a $50 deductible.

Extended Warranty

• The Amex Platinum card extends a manufacturer’s warranty on an eligible item for up to 2 additional years on items with warranties of 5 years or less.
• The Citi Prestige card will add 24 months to a manufacturer’s warranty, not to exceed 7 years for all warranties combined.

Return Protection

• If a merchant will not accept a return of a qualifying item within 90 days of your purchase, the Amex Platinum card offers coverage up to $300 per item (maximum $1,000 per year).
• The Citi Prestige card does not offer return protection.

Annual Fees and Adding Additional Users

Premium travel rewards cards charge higher annual fees that correspond with the level of benefits you receive.

Adding authorized users to your card allows trusted family and friends to receive many of the same benefits as the primary cardholder.

You’ll need to pay $195 per authorized user with the Amex Platinum card — but you’ll pay just $75 to add 1 authorized user to your Citi Prestige card.

Authorized users on the Amex Platinum card receive worldwide lounge access, hotel elite status, and benefits at The Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels & Resorts.

Citi Prestige card authorized users receive Priority Pass Select membership that allows the authorized user to bring their entire immediate family or up to 2 guests into these airport lounge

Additional Benefits of the Amex Platinum Card

• Platinum Concierge — 24/7 assistance with travel, tickets to an event, dinner reservations, shopping, and more
• Amex Offers— Savings and bonus Membership Rewards points for purchases at select merchants
• Entertainment and Dining Access— Enjoy priority restaurant reservations (Global Dining Access by Resy), preferred access to events, and ticket presale offers
• ShopRunner— Members enjoy free 2-day shipping and returns
• Amex Auto Purchasing Program — Save thousands on the purchase of your vehicle and get the ability to charge a portion of the cost on your card
• International Airline Program — Receive special discounts when purchasing premium airline tickets

Additional Benefits of the Citi Prestige Card 

• Citi Prestige Concierge — 24/7 expert assistance with travel, entertainment, dining, shopping, and everyday needs
• Citi Entertainment — Special access to purchase presale tickets, exclusive experiences, and tickets to thousands of events
• World Elite Mastercard Benefits — The list of World Elite Mastercard benefits is lengthy, but it includes the following:
  • Luxury Hotels and Resorts perks
  • Worldwide golf experiences and discounts
  • Travel discounts/benefits
  • ID theft protection
  • ShopRunner membership
  • Special event access

Final Thoughts

Our comparison of the key features of the Amex Platinum card and the Citi Prestige card focuses on those benefits that deliver the highest value.

Before selecting or renewing a premium travel rewards card, you’ll want to look into the details of all the benefits provided as well as the card’s pricing. We suggest reviewing the overview of Citi Prestige card benefits and more details on Amex Platinum card benefits. You’ll find pricing information in our review links at the beginning of this article as well (though as a reminder, the Citi Prestige card is no longer open to applications).

So what’s the bottom line? The Amex Platinum card is loaded with luxury travel benefits, travel and shopping credits, and elevated earnings on flights and prepaid hotels. You also receive access to the highly desirable Centurion Lounge network, which is a privilege you can’t buy elsewhere.

While the Citi Prestige card lacks the long list of luxury travel benefits, it does provide Priority Pass Select membership that allows cardholders (and authorized users) to bring their immediate family and 2 guests into over 1,400 lounges worldwide The Citi Prestige card also offers a broader range of bonus-earning categories. If these categories match up with your spending patterns, you may be able to earn greater rewards on this card.

In the end, the card that is best for you will have an annual fee you’re comfortable paying, benefits that make sense for your lifestyle, and earnings that match up with your spending patterns.

For the car rental collision damage coverage 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. 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 trip cancellation and interruption insurance and trip delay insurance benefits of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the baggage insurance plan benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the extended warranty and purchase protection benefit of the Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the Cell Phone Protection benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the return protection benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.