Amex Platinum Card vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve Card: Which Has the Best Lounge Access? [2026]

Getting access to airport lounges is a popular benefit of many premium travel credit cards. This article compares the lounge access offered by the Platinum Card^® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve^®. We cover which lounge networks each of these cards includes, how to access them, and compare the costs, amenities, and guest access.

Quick Overview: Amex Platinum Card vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Lounge Access

The Amex Platinum card provides access to more airport lounges than the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. Amex Platinum cardmembers get access to over 1,550 lounges worldwide through the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta, Escape Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and Priority Pass™ upon enrollment.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card covers more than 1,300 lounges through Priority Pass, Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club, Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges, and Priority Pass experiences such as Minute Suites, Be Relax, and Gameway.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card has a lower annual fee and admits 2 guests to Sapphire Lounges at no cost, while Amex Centurion Lounges charge for guests unless the cardholder spends at least $75,000 annually.

Centurion Lounges and Sapphire Lounges are considered among the best in the U.S. The better card depends on which lounge networks you’re likely to use and how often you travel with guests.

Card Snapshots

Before we discuss lounge access for the Amex Platinum card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, let’s look at a quick overview of some of the exceptional benefits of each card.

BEST LOUNGE CARD

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Platinum Card^® from American Express

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 card reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and 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.

Platinum Card^® from American Express

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

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 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.

As High as 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$895

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 card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, the Platinum Card^® from American Express is a top choice.

The card offers premium perks like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and several annual card credits. The Amex Platinum card is easily worth the annual fee for frequent travelers who use the lounges and travel credits, and hard to justify for those who won’t.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far): Get access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5 points per $1 spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5 points per $1 spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $895 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags).

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 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.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards^® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel^® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 Delta Sky Club visits (subject to visit limitations) when flying on an eligible Delta flight, Priority Pass™ membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. *As of 01/2026
• $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card^® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
• $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel^® using the Platinum Card^®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights™ by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. As a Platinum Card^® Member you have special access to reservations on select nights at participating sought after Resy restaurants in select cities through Platinum Nights™ by Resy. Simply add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile to book your reservation.
• $219 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $219 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card^®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the 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.
• Start your vacation sooner and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts^® through American Express Travel^®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM late check-out.
• $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Get up to a $12.95* statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Platinum Card^®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

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.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

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

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,000

Annual Fee

$795

APR

19.49% - 27.99% 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 card application.

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

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get $3,000 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 subscriptions to Apple TV and Apple Music for a minimum of one year when activated by June 22, 2027, a value of $288 annually.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

If you’re still not sure which card is right for you, check out our detailed comparison of the Amex Platinum card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

Airport Lounge Networks

Let’s dive into the specific lounge access benefits of the Amex Platinum card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. We’ll look at each lounge network, including locations, the approximate number of lounges, guest policies, and how to get access.

Lounge Network Comparison Summary

* Enrollment required
** 10 visits to Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta the same day) with the ability to unlock unlimited visits through spend
*** 1 complimentary visit per year via Priority Pass

Guest Policy and Fees Compared

Shared Lounge Networks

Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club

Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club is a small but growing network of luxury lounges that offer premium food, drinks, and amenities.

Primary cardmembers and authorized users of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card can access Sapphire Lounges with their physical card or an activated Priority Pass membership within 3 hours of their scheduled departure time. Cardholders may bring up to 2 guests at no additional cost. (Source: Chase). Each additional guest costs $27.

Amex Platinum cardholders enrolled in Priority Pass can enter 1 Sapphire Lounge location at no additional cost per calendar year. There is a $75 entry fee for each subsequent visit to any location within the Sapphire Lounge by The Club network, as well as a $75 fee for any guests.

Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner

Escape Lounges are small lounges that are often found in midsized airports. Each lounge offers complimentary food and beverages, but rarely has other features. Most locations don’t even have dedicated bathrooms for lounge guests.

Amex Platinum cardmembers can fly on any airline and get access to U.S. Escape Lounges. The cardholder can bring 2 additional guests and children under 24 months at no cost. You need your Amex Platinum card, a same-day boarding pass, and ID to enter.

Additionally, Priority Pass members can access select Escape Lounges.

Lufthansa Lounges

Lufthansa has a network of dozens of lounges in the U.S. and abroad.

Amex Platinum cardmembers flying the same day on Lufthansa Group flights in any class of ticket can access participating Lufthansa Business Lounges. Members flying on business class Lufthansa Group flights may access participating Lufthansa Senator Lounges (through September 30, 2026).

To access Lufthansa Lounges, you need to show your eligible card, a same-day boarding pass for Lufthansa, SWISS, or Austrian Airlines, and a government-issued ID. Some lounge properties charge a fee to bring guests.

Both Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders and Amex Platinum cardholders have access to a handful of Lufthansa Lounges during off-peak hours with Priority Pass membership.

Hot Tip:

Access to Lufthansa Lounges with the Amex Platinum card ends on September 30, 2026. However, cardholders will continue to have access to a few lounges through Priority Pass.

Plaza Premium Lounges

Holders of either card who travel internationally should appreciate having access to over 130 Plaza Premium Lounges worldwide. Cardmembers can access Plaza Premium Lounges regardless of airline or flight class with their eligible card and same-day boarding pass. Amex Platinum cardholders can show their physical card, while Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers can show their Priority Pass card.

Priority Pass Lounges

With more than 1,400 Priority Pass lounges available to Amex Platinum cardholders and over 1,300 available to Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders, Priority Pass is by far the largest lounge network in both cards’ lineups. It would otherwise cost $469 each year (plus $35 per guest) to purchase a Priority Pass membership, so this benefit adds real value to each of these cards.

The Priority Pass membership on both cards includes access for the cardmember plus 2 guests at no extra charge. The Amex Platinum card membership grants access only to airport lounge properties, not to participating Priority Pass lounge experiences such as Minute Suites, Be Relax, or Gameway video game lounges. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s version of Priority Pass includes these experiences. However, neither version includes access to Priority Pass restaurants.

Show your boarding pass for a same-day flight on any airline, your ID, and your Priority Pass card or digital Priority Pass membership card to gain access.

Amex Platinum cardholders must enroll in the Priority Pass membership, and a physical card will be sent to them. Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders receive it automatically and can access a digital card in the Chase mobile app.

Hot Tip: Several other credit cards offer Priority Pass membership or a set number of one-time visit passes each year.

Virgin Clubhouses

Virgin Clubhouses are known for their stylish décor, delicious food, mixologists, and personal amenities. Holders of either card can access select Virgin Clubhouse locations that are in the Priority Pass or Plaza Premium Lounge networks.

Cardmembers must show their card and a same-day boarding pass to enter. They can bring up to 2 guests. Additional fees may apply at select locations.

Lounge Networks Unique to the Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum card (and the business version, The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express) offers a wide variety of lounges, both in the U.S. and internationally. With either card in your wallet, you can find a lounge in most major airports.

Let’s look at some of the unique lounges you can access with the Amex Platinum card.

Centurion Lounges

One of the most prestigious lounge networks available with the Amex Platinum card is the Centurion Lounge network. Centurion Lounges are known for their featured local foods, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and personal amenities such as showers. Amenities vary by location.

There are over a dozen Centurion Lounges in the U.S. and a few additional Centurion Lounges internationally.

Amex Platinum cardholders can enter all Centurion Lounges, and cardmembers may enter with up to 2 guests at no charge if they have spent $75,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year. (Source: American Express). Otherwise, cardholders can purchase a guest day pass for $50 per adult or $30 per child ages 2-17. Guests must be on the same flight as the cardholder as of July 8, 2026.

You need to show your Amex Platinum card and a same-day boarding pass.

Hot Tip: You can add Additional Platinum Cards to your Amex Platinum card for $195 per card (see rates & fees). Additional cardholders have full access to all the lounges in the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges. 

Delta Sky Club

Amex Platinum cardmembers can access Delta Sky Clubs 10 times per year (from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year) when traveling on a same-day Delta flight. (Source: American Express). Just present your Amex Platinum card and your Delta boarding pass to enter.

Cardholders can bring up to 2 guests who are also traveling on Delta for $50 per guest; however, they can’t use any of their 10 visits to bring guests.

Unlimited Delta Sky Club access can be unlocked after spending $75,000 on an Amex Platinum card in a calendar year.

Delta Sky Club offers free premium Wi-Fi, a large selection of hot and cold foods, snacks, complimentary beer, wine, cocktails, and nonalcoholic beverages. Individual Sky Club memberships cost $695 annually, so having complimentary lounge access via the Amex Platinum card is a nice benefit if Delta is your preferred airline.

Lounge Networks Unique to the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

There’s not a long list of lounge networks that partner exclusively with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card (and the business version, Sapphire Reserve for Business℠), but you’ll still find more than 1,300 lounges and experiences that could provide plenty of value and variety during your travels.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers can access certain Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafés in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. If you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve card or are an authorized user, you need an eligible departing boarding pass when flying with any Star Alliance carrier and may bring 1 guest at no charge.

Priority Pass Experiences

One advantage of having the Priority Pass membership with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is access to Priority Pass experiences. These properties include participating Minute Suites, Be Relax, and Gameway video game lounges.

Here’s how the Priority Pass experience benefit works:

Minute Suites

If you need to grab a nap, get some work done, or take a shower, a Minute Suite could be a welcome space during your travels. Your Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s Priority Pass gives you 1 hour at no charge, after which you’re charged an hourly rate. You also have access to showers (at select locations) at a discounted price.

Be Relax

Perhaps a relaxing massage would help you unwind during your travels. With approximately a dozen locations at major airports, Be Relax offers complimentary massage treatments varying from 10 to 30 minutes. Most allow 1 guest and limit 1 treatment per person. Each treatment has a value of $38 to $44.

Treatment availability and guest policies vary by location.

Gameway

You’ve had a nap at Minute Suites, a massage at Be Relax, and now it’s time to play video games! Pull out that Priority Pass card once again to get up to 1 hour of free play, 1 nonalcoholic drink, and 1 snack at a Gameway video lounge. Each additional hour of play is available at a 10% discount.

Gameways at Charlotte (CLT), Dallas (DFW), Houston (HOU), and Los Angeles (LAX) airports accept the Priority Pass associated with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

Final Thoughts

The Amex Platinum card offers a wider lounge network and exclusive Centurion access, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve card includes free guest passes to Sapphire Lounges, Priority Pass experiences, and a lower annual fee. The right choice for you depends on your home airport, your travel patterns, and whether or not bringing guests to a lounge is important.