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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overview

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

Welcome Bonus Comparison

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

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

Amex Platinum Card

+ NEW BENEFITS

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 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.

Platinum Card^® from American Express

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

Welcome Offer

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'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, 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)

Read Full Review

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.

Citi Prestige Card

Citi Prestige^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the 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.

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

Citi Prestige^® Card

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

Annual Fee

$495

APR

17.99% - 25.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Excellent (740-850)

Why We Like This Card

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

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

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

Pros & Cons

Pros

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

Cons

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

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

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

Financial Snapshot

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

Rewards Center

Citi ThankYou Rewards

Earning Points Comparison

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

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

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

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

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

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

Redeeming Points Comparison

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

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

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

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

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

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

Statement Credits Comparison

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

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

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

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

Travel Benefits Comparison

Complimentary Airport Lounge Access

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

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

Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum card delivers a broad selection of worldwide lounge networks through the American Express Global Lounge Collection. Most notably, you’ll have access to luxury lounges such as those in the Centurion Lounge network, as well as over 1,550 lounges that make up the Priority Pass network (upon enrollment).

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

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

Citi Prestige Card

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

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

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

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

Hotel Program Benefits

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

Amex Platinum Card

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

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

Citi Prestige Card

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

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

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

Rental Car Program Benefits

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

Amex Platinum Card

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

Citi Prestige Card

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

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

Travel Protection Comparison

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

Amex Platinum Card

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

Shopping Protection and Benefits Comparison

Purchase Protection

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

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

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

Cell Phone Protection

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

Extended Warranty

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

Return Protection

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

Annual Fees and Adding Additional Users

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Benefits of the Amex Platinum Card

• Platinum Concierge — 24/7 assistance with travel, tickets to an event, dinner reservations, shopping, and more
• Amex Offers — Savings and bonus Membership Rewards points for purchases at select merchants (enrollment required)
• Entertainment and Dining Access— Enjoy priority restaurant reservations (Global Dining Access by Resy), preferred access to events, and ticket presale offers
• International Airline Program — Receive special discounts when purchasing premium airline tickets

Additional Benefits of the Citi Prestige Card 

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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