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

The Chase Sapphire Reserve^® and the Platinum Card^® from American Express both have high annual fees, and choosing between these cards comes down to which earning categories, statement credits, benefits, and protections you can make the most of.

This guide compares the Chase Sapphire Reserve card and the Amex Platinum card based on benefits and earning power.

Quick Overview

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card has a $795 annual fee, and the Amex Platinum card’s annual fee is $895 (rates & fees). Travelers who want broad bonus categories and strong travel protections may find the Chase Sapphire Reserve card a better fit, and the Amex Platinum card is typically best for travelers who want more statement credits and access to more than 1,550 airport lounges worldwide. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card earns 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly and 3x on dining, and the Amex Platinum card earns 5x points on flights (up to $500,000 per year) and 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com. You can get primary rental car coverage with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, but the Amex Platinum card’s rental car coverage is secondary.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card vs. Amex Platinum Card at a Glance

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

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:

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

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

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 affect first-year value, but ongoing benefits and annual fees determine how valuable a card is for you long term.

Earning Power Comparison

The Amex Platinum card excels in providing access to airport lounges and elite status in hotel programs, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers more ways to earn points.

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 offers higher 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 (not prepaid)
• $2,000 in dining
• $2,000 in other travel expenses

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

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:

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card has the edge on rewards because of its higher earnings in more categories. Only prepaid hotels and flights purchased from AmexTravel.com and flights purchased from the airline receive the higher 5x earnings on the Amex Platinum card. 

Redeeming Points on Each Card

Both cards offer good value when redeeming for travel, transferring points to travel partners, and accessing additional redemption options.

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 some redemptions, including hotel bookings with The Edit. The Pay Yourself Back feature allows you to redeem points for a statement credit for qualifying purchases.

Both cards get the most potential value with transfers to travel partners. The Amex Platinum card offers more options for premium-cabin award redemptions (Source: American Express). But the Chase Sapphire Reserve card has transfers to World of Hyatt, where free nights start at 3,500 points (Source: Chase).

Bottom Line:

With the wide variety of airline transfer partners, Amex Membership Rewards points edge out Chase 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 good for certain 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.

These are the statement credits each card receives:

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, in 2 separate up-to-$250 credits. 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 credits (January through June and July through December, through December 31, 2027)
• $288 in annual value with complimentary subscriptions to Apple TV+ and Apple Music (separate activation required, through June 22, 2027)
• Up to $250 in statement credits for some prepaid hotel bookings made through Chase Travel (through December 31, 2026)
• Up to $120 in annual statement credits toward Peloton memberships (through December 31, 2027)
• Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck reimbursement

Amex Platinum Card

• Up to $200 in airline incidental fee credits for checked baggage and more
• Up to $200 in Uber Cash ($15 per month, plus an additional $20 in December), which can also be used for Uber Eats, delivered in a monthly credit to your Uber account
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credits
• Up to $219 in annual CLEAR+ membership credit
• Up to $300 in annual Equinox credit
• Up to $300 in digital entertainment credit for Disney+, the Disney+ Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, YouTube TV, and Paramount+
• Up to $600 in prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays for Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection, which requires a 2-night stay through AmexTravel.com — available as up to $300 in each half of the year
• Up to $155 in Walmart+ credit to cover the $12.95 per-month membership
• $300 SoulCycle bike credit
• Up to $120 in Uber One credit
• Up to $400 in Resy credit, available as up to $100 per quarter
• Up to $200 in Oura Ring credit
• Up to $300 in lululemon credit, available as up to $75 per quarter

Some credits require enrollment.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s up-to-$300 travel credit is easy to use 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, or use CLEAR+, the Amex Platinum card offers value.

Airport Lounge Access

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

• Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club
• Priority Pass lounges
• Select Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges

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 Amex Platinum card offers access to more than 1,550 lounges worldwide with Priority Pass and additional lounge networks, including the prestigious Centurion Lounges (Source: American Express).

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.

Hotel Program Benefits

Having complimentary hotel elite status or elite-style benefits can significantly enhance your experience if you frequently stay at participating hotels, offering room upgrades, late checkout, complimentary breakfast, and other perks.

Here are the hotel program benefits for 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 properties worldwide that offers cardholders elite-like benefits when they book a stay of 2 nights or longer.

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

The card offers up to $500 in annual Edit credits. When redeeming Ultimate Rewards points for hotel bookings with The Edit, cardholders receive 2 cents in value per point.

Amex Platinum Card

• Hilton Honors Gold status upon enrollment
• Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status upon enrollment
• Leaders Club Sterling status upon enrollment

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 complimentary elite status with hotel and rental car partners after enrollment. 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 charged to your card earn 5 points per $1 (through September 30, 2027). This means a $10 ride would earn 50 Ultimate Rewards points.

Amex Platinum Card

Car Rental Benefits

• National Emerald Club Executive Club status upon enrollment
• Avis Preferred Plus status upon enrollment
• Hertz President’s Circle status upon enrollment

Ride-Sharing Service Benefits

The Amex Platinum card includes up to $200 Uber Cash, split into $15 increments each month (except December, when you receive an extra $20). 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.

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

Both cards offer good travel insurance and protection, covering trip cancellation and interruption, trip delay, baggage insurance, and emergency transportation or evacuation. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card comes out ahead with primary rental car coverage, which is better than secondary coverage that requires you to make a claim with your personal insurance first.

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, including complimentary emergency transportation and evacuation with no stated limit, but it does not offer roadside assistance or baggage delay.

Shopping Protections

When it comes to 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 purchase date 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.

Food Delivery Benefits

Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum card offers up to $200 annually 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 certain DoorDash orders over $12.

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

Which Card Should You Choose?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is the most useful if you want automatic statement credits and stronger travel protections. The Amex Platinum card is better if you can take advantage of more statement credits and want a broad airport lounge network.

When To Choose the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

• You want to earn bonus rewards on travel and dining.
• More extensive travel protection, including primary rental car coverage, is important to you.
• You prefer a flexible $300 travel credit that applies automatically.

When To Choose the Amex Platinum Card

• You can make the most of the card’s extensive statement credits.
• Airport lounge access is a high priority.
• You can use hotel and rental car elite status, as well as other premium travel benefits.

Final Thoughts

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card and the Amex Platinum card both have high annual fees and justify them in different ways. Broader bonus categories, a straightforward $300 travel credit, and stronger travel protections make the Chase Sapphire Reserve card stand out, and the Amex Platinum card excels with lounge access, statement credits, and elite status benefits. For a side-by-side comparison, see our at-a-glance table above.

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 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 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 flexibility 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.

A full overview of Amex’s card range is available for further reading.