Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

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

Christine Krzyszton's image
Christine Krzyszton
Edited by: Jessica Merritt
& Nick Ellis
Jump to Section

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Upgraded Points: Expertise You Can Trust

Our seasoned and experienced team brings years of expertise in the credit card and travel sectors. Committed to integrity, we offer data-driven guides to help you find the card(s) that best fit your requirements. See details on our intensive editorial policies and card rating methodologies.

  • Content by Leading Industry Experts
  • Routine Updates and Fact-Checks
  • First-Hand Credit Card Experience
  • Shared Across 200+ Top Outlets
  • Methodical “U.P. Rating” System
  • 1165+ Expert Credit Card Guides

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 5 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 it 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.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Platinum Card® from American Express are two of the best premium travel cards available. 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 changes 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.

SCROLL FOR MORE

 

Welcome bonus offer

Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 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, then 1x)
  • 5x points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com
  • 1x points on other purchases

Top redemptions

  • 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, Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite, and Leaders Club Sterling status (upon enrollment)
  • Access to Fine Hotels + Resorts and the Hotel Collection benefits
  • Up to $600 in 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 for airline fees, up to $300 in digital entertainment credit, up to $209 for 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 1,550 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:

NEW OFFER
Chase Sapphire Reserve®Terms Apply / Rates & Fees
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.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
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 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
125,000 points
$2,500
$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 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 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 BENEFITS
Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
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.

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
$895
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 1,550 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
  • $895 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.
  • 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.
  • More Value! 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 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
  • More Value! $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.
  • More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
  • More Value! $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.
  • New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
  • More Value! $209 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. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the 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 upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
  • New! $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: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.*Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
  • $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
  • 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

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.

Welcome bonus offers are a key element in the cards’ offerings, but 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.

SCROLL FOR MORE

Earning category

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

Amex Platinum Card

Flights

  • 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 hotels purchased directly through a hotel’s website but not prepaid
  • $2,000 in dining
  • $2,000 in other travel expenses

Based on this spending mix, you’d 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 let you 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

Amex transfer partners sample September 2025
You 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.

SCROLL FOR MORE

Redemption

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 redemptions 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 hotel bookings with The Edit. 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

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.

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

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 up to $250 credits, January through June, and July through December. A 2-night minimum stay is required.
  • Up to $300 in annual dining credits with Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables, available for booking on OpenTable, delivered in 2 separate up to $150 biannual credits.
  • Up to $300 in statement credits annually for StubHub and viagogo purchases for concert and event tickets, delivered in 2 separate up to $150 in credits (January through June and July through December, through December 31, 2027)
  • $250 in annual value with complimentary subscriptions to Apple TV+ and Apple Music (separate activation required, through June 22, 2027)
  • Up to $120 in annual statement credits toward Peloton memberships (through December 31, 2027)
  • 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, credits for The Edit, 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

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.

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

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 1,700 locations worldwide. However, a drawback is that Priority Pass can limit access for guests, even for cardholders, at peak times.

When it comes to complimentary lounge access, the Amex Platinum card offers access to more than 1,550 lounges worldwide with Priority Pass upon enrollment and to additional lounge networks, including the prestigious Centurion Lounges.

Bottom Line:

With access to over 1,550 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 lounges to its list. 

Hotel Program Benefits

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.

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

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 growing collection of over 1,100 worldwide properties that gives cardholders elite-style benefits when they book a 2-night or longer stay.

  • 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 hotel bookings with The Edit, 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, Marriott Bonvoy, and Leaders Club, the Amex Platinum card also offers special benefits with American Express Fine Hotels + 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, Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite, and Leaders Club Sterling statuses. 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, when you receive $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, 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 to additional Platinum cardholders. 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.

SCROLL FOR MORE

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 a single low price that covers the entire rental period

Primary coverage

Premium roadside assistance

None

4 service calls per year to a maximum benefit of $50 each call

Emergency medical and dental

None

$2,500 in medical and dental coverage ($50 deductible per day), $75 per day for prescribed hotel needed because of a 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 $895, you can have additional Platinum cardholders at $195 per card. 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.

Additional Benefits Offered by Both Cards

The following benefits are 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 good worldwide lounge access.

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 is 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 depends 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 varies by 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 toward 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.

Christine Krzyszton's image

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.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy  and terms of service  apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse
DMCA.com Protection Status