amex platinum travel vs reserve

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Delta Reserve vs. AmEx Platinum: Platinum is Tops for Most Air Travelers

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Frequent flyers who want to travel in comfort and style — and who aren’t dissuaded by high annual fees — will likely find their needs satisfied by a premium travel card . And two of the best on the market right now are the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express .

Both options come with hefty annual fees, but cardholders can make up the cost by taking advantage of the cards' generous perks. It may be easier to do so with The Platinum Card® from American Express , though, and its $1,500 in annual credits.

Redemption choices are also more varied and valuable with the AmEx Platinum, which allows Membership Points to be transferred to 20 travel loyalty partners. By contrast, miles earned with the Delta Reserve are only good for flights on Delta and its partners.

You’ll also gain access to more airport lounges with AmEx Platinum, a feature that looks even more enticing in light of Delta’s recent restrictions on its Sky Clubs: As of Feb. 1, 2025, Delta Reserve cardholders will receive 15 lounge visits per year rather than unlimited access — unless they can spend $75,000 a year on the card.

» SEE: Delta overhauling SkyMiles program, Sky Club Access in 2024

on American Express' website

$650 . Terms apply

$695 . Terms apply.

Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

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

Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.

Earn 1 mile on all other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

5 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel.

5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

2 points per dollar on other eligible travel expenses booked with American Express Travel.

1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

$240 Resy credit, doled out in $20 monthly credits. Enrollment required.

$120 rideshare credit, doled out in $10 monthly credits. Enrollment required.

$200 annual Delta Stays credit for prepaid hotel and vacation rentals booked through delta.com.

Either a $100 Global Entry credit every 4 years, or an $85 TSA PreCheck credit every 4.5 years.

First checked bag free.

$200 hotel credit.

$240 digital entertainment credit, doled out in $20 monthly credits. Enrollment required.

$155 Walmart+ membership credit.

$200 airline fee credit.

$200 Uber Cash. 

$300 Equinox credit, enrollment required..

$199 CLEAR Plus credit.

Up to $100 in statement credits for Saks Fifth Avenue purchases, up to $50 twice per year, enrollment required. 

$300 SoulCycle at-home bike credit.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a traditional credit card, unlike The Platinum Card® from American Express , which was originally introduced as a charge card. However, they function in the same way since American Express launched its Pay Over Time feature that charges users interest to maintain a balance on the card.

Why The Platinum Card® from American Express is better for most people

Most of the annual credits that come with The Platinum Card® from American Express are meant to accommodate the frequent traveler. For instance, cardholders receive $200 a year for hotel bookings, $200 a year for airline fees like checked-bag fees and a fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Cardholders may or may not get much use out of some of the other perks, such as an annual $300 toward an Equinox gym membership. Overall, though, the menu of credits is broad enough to satisfy many people.

» MORE: Making the most of American Express Platinum’s credits

Redemption options

Purchases made with The Platinum Card® from American Express earn highly versatile Membership Rewards points. These points can be transferred to 17 airline and 3 hotel partners . Better still, they are worth more than the 1:1 transfer rate with a few airlines and hotels.

American Express's website has calculators that allow you to see how much your Membership Rewards points are worth when transferred to each of the loyalty partners.

» MORE: AmEx Membership Rewards: How to earn and use them

Lounge access

If you’re paying the three-figure annual fee for The Platinum Card® from American Express , it’s reasonable to expect a luxurious travel experience. You’ll likely find it in one of the more than 1,400 airport lounges that you’ll have access to when you carry the card. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card cardholders do get unlimited access to American Express Centurion Lounges when flying Delta, in addition to Delta SkyClub visits.

Why you might want the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Companion certificate.

The Delta Reserve will be most rewarding for those who prefer to fly with Delta. Perhaps the biggest draw is the annual companion certificate that’s good for a round-trip flight within the U.S. (including Alaska and Hawaii), Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. To redeem the companion ticket, you and your guest must travel in the same fare class — so if you choose to travel in first class, you get one first-class ticket free.

Your plus-one can also accompany you into the Delta Sky Clubs. Delta Reserve cardholders get four one-time guest passes every year.

Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club. To earn an unlimited number of visits each year, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more the previous year. To earn unlimited visits in 2025, you’ll need to spend this amount between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24.

Discount on flights

Delta Reserve cardholders get a benefit dubbed TakeOff 15 , a 15% discount on Delta flights booked with Delta SkyMiles. This discount will be shown and applied automatically at booking. That means a 50,000-mile flight would only cost you 42,500 miles at checkout. You don't need a Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card in order to get that 15% discount, though: Any Delta co-branded card that charges an annual fee also gives 15% off on award flights.

Elite status

If you care about earning elite status on Delta, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is the only card of the two that helps you toward that goal. Cardholders earn $2,500 in Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQD), giving a head start toward status each qualifying year. The spending you do on your card gives a status boost, too: You'll earn 1 MQD for every $10 spent.

» MORE: The complete guide to Delta Air Lines SkyMiles program

Which card should you get?

For Delta lovers, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is the clear choice over The Platinum Card® from American Express . The Delta companion pass is a rare commodity offered with only one other card: the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card .

However, travelers who aren’t wedded to Delta and who enjoy the best amenities should opt for The Platinum Card® from American Express . It beats the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card in terms of lounge access by, well, a mile. And the annual credits such as a $240 digital entertainment credit toward popular streaming services make The Platinum Card® from American Express even more appealing.

» MORE: How to pick a premium travel card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options

75,000 Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel.

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Amex platinum vs. sapphire reserve: elite card showdown.

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Introduction

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express are two of the best premium travel rewards cards. While each comes with a high annual fee, both cards offer more than enough rewards to make up for the upfront cost. Before you apply, you'll want to make sure that the perks match up with your lifestyle.

The cards have a lot in common, but there are also distinct features unique to each of them. Here's a guide to help you compare the The Platinum Card® from American Express and Chase Sapphire Reserve® and decide which card is best for you. 

The prestige of premium cards

Premium credit cards have something of a reputation amongst people "in the know." These cards often come with sky-high annual fees and luxury benefits worth thousands of dollars if utilized on a regular basis. Few cards are more prestigious than the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express , and this guide can help you decide on the best option for your wallet.

Earn 5x points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

22.49% - 29.49% Variable

Earn 60,000 bonus points

Good to Excellent

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel credit can effectively shave $300 off the annual fee if you use it
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong travel insurance
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong bonus rewards on travel and dining
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Very high annual fee

If you're new to rewards credit cards you may want to start elsewhere, but if you know you want to earn Chase points and you spend a lot on travel and dining, the Sapphire Reserve is one of the most rewarding options.

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year) and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Earn 1X Points on other purchases.

See Pay Over Time APR

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Long list of travel benefits, including airport lounge access and complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual statement credits with Saks and Uber
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Bonus categories leave something to be desired
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. One of the highest annual fees among premium travel cards

If you want as many premium travel perks as possible, The Platinum Card® from American Express could be the right card for you. The annual fee is high, but you get a long list of benefits such as airport lounge access, travel statement credits, complimentary hotel elite status, and more.

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.¤
• Terms Apply.

Annual fees

There's no way around it: Neither of these cards comes cheap. The next section will discuss their upsides, but it's all about the numbers here, and whether they make sense for your wallet. 

Comparison of annual fees

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® costs $550 a year, while The Platinum Card® from American Express is a whopping $695. 

Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Justifying the cost with benefits

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the The Platinum Card® from American Express both have high annual fees, but they each offer a slew of benefits that are worth hundreds of dollars in luxurious travel experiences, purchase protection, and travel insurance. The next section will break these down in more detail.

Reward structures

Over the past few years, both premium cards have added additional perks, ranging from improved bonus categories to statement credits for lifestyle products and services. Depending on your spending and travel habits, it's possible to get a value that far exceeds the annual fee on either card.

Earning potential on travel and dining

Both cards earn bonus points on travel booked through their respective issuer portals. 

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns 5x total points on air travel and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. It also earns 3x points on all other travel and dining including bars, cafes, and in many cases, bakeries and ice cream shops. You'll also earn 10x points on Lyft rides through March 2025, as part of the latest batch of new card benefits. 

The Platinum Card® from American Express, meanwhile, earns 5 points per dollar on flights purchased directly through the airline or through Amex Travel on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year) and prepaid hotel reservations made through the Amex Travel portal. It earns 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. 

Winner: Unless you spend more money on flights than other travel and dining, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® wins this category. Earning 3x points on your commute, lunch, and drinks after work makes it easy to stockpile a ton of points quickly.

Point redemption value

Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards points are both worth 1.8 cents apiece on average, based on Business Insider's latest points and miles valuations . 

Both Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards points are transferable to airline and hotel partners, which are the most valuable type of points. However, there are other ways to use your rewards as well. For example, you can redeem points for statement credits or use them toward travel booked through each card's travel website — however, Chase will value your points at a higher rate in these scenarios than Amex will. 

The exact value you'll get depends on how you redeem your rewards — our guides to maximizing Ultimate Rewards and Membership Rewards can show you how to trade your points for business- and first-class plane seats, five-star hotels, and more. 

These two loyalty programs provide some of the most valuable rewards in the currency game. Read our comparison of Chase points and Amex points to find out which system works best for your needs. 

Sign-up bonuses and offers

Both the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express currently offer excellent welcome bonuses:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express: 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership 
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening

Welcome offer comparisons

With either card, you can earn a ton of extra points when you open a new account and meet the requirements.

• The Chase Sapphire Reserve® comes with 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening (worth around $1,080 in travel, based on our valuations)
• The Platinum Card® from American Express has a welcome bonus offer of 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership (worth around $1,440 in travel, based on our valuations)

Winner: Both cards offer generous boosts to help you build or boost your stash of rewards. The winner of this category will be subjective: If you already have Chase Ultimate Rewards cards, go with the Sapphire; conversely, get the Platinum card if you have or are interested in earning American Express Membership Rewards.

Travel benefits and perks

These cards are only worth holding if you travel somewhat regularly, since their primary value lies in their travel benefits. 

Airport lounge access

Both cards rank highly on our list of the best credit cards with free airport lounge access , because you get both Priority Pass membership to 1,500+ lounges worldwide as well as access to the issuer's proprietary set of lounges. 

If you're mostly flying within the U.S., you may be better off with the The Platinum Card® from American Express. That's because many Priority Pass lounges within the U.S. are in international terminals.

Fortunately for domestic flyers, the Platinum Card also comes with access to Amex's proprietary Centurion Lounges , which can be found at some of the busiest airports in the U.S. as well as Hong Kong, with more locations on the way. In addition, cardholders can enter Delta Sky Club lounges whenever they're flying with the airline

Chase Sapphire Lounges

Chase has just begun entering the airport lounge market, but it's done so with an elegant splash. Chase Sapphire Lounges can be found at several locations, primarily focused in the northeast part of the U.S. 

Amex Centurion Lounges

Amex Centurion Lounges, on the other hand, have been synonymous with airport elite status for years. There are more than a dozen Centurion lounges in the U.S. and nearly as many worldwide, and they are beautifully designed with tasteful meals worthy of fine dining restaurants. 

Winner: If airport lounge access is important to you, especially when flying within the U.S., or if you frequently fly Delta, the The Platinum Card® from American Express is the clear winner.

Travel credits and elite status opportunities

Both cards come with generous travel and shopping credits that go a long way toward offsetting the annual fee. Of course, you'll still have to pay the fee upfront before making some of it back from the credits. 

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® comes with a straightforward and easy-to-use $300 travel credit. The first $300 you spend on travel-related purchases every cardmember year is credited back to your account. The travel category is expansive, including everything from subways, taxis, parking, and tolls to airfare and hotels. When you subtract that credit from the annual fee, the card effectively costs $250 per year.

The Platinum Card® from American Express, meanwhile, has numerous valuable credits:

• Up to $200 in annual credit toward prepaid hotels booked through Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts or The Hotel Collection (minimum two-night stay)
• Up to $199 per year in credit toward CLEAR® Plus membership** (expedited security screening at select airports and stadiums)
• Up to $200 in airline fee credit each calendar year. Every January, you pick one eligible airline for that credit to apply toward. While the credit doesn't cover airfare or airline gift cards, it covers incidental fees like checked bags, seat assignments on basic economy tickets, change fees, and more. The airline credit is available each calendar year, so you can actually collect it twice if you open your card mid-year and maximize the credit before and after January of that first cardmember year.
• Cardholders also get up to $200 in Uber Cash credits** each cardmember year, which is broken down into monthly chunks. Each month, cardholders receive $15 in Uber Cash to use on Uber rides or for food or merchandise delivery with Uber Eats. In December, that's boosted to $35. 

Winner: The Platinum Card® from American Express, if you can use all of your benefits

Additional cardholder benefits

You can reap hundreds of dollars' worth of dining benefits from each card if you utilize most or all of the vendors listed below. 

Dining credits and experiences

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® comes with a handful of lifestyle perks, including

• Complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership through December 31, 2027
• $5 monthly DoorDash in-app credit from April 2022 to January 31, 2025
• Two years of complimentary Lyft Pink All Access membership (activate by December 31, 2027)

The Platinum Card® from American Express also offersnumerous valuable credits:

• Up to $240 per year in digital entertainment credits**, broken into up to $20 per month chunks (Hulu, ESPN+, Disney+, Peacock, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal subscriptions qualify)
• Up to $300 per year in Equinox credits**
• $12.95 (plus taxes) in credit each month toward Walmart+ membership** (which now includes a free Paramount+ Essential subscription)
• $300 credit when you purchase a SoulCycle At-Home Bike
• You can get up to $100 in Saks shopping credits** each calendar year, broken into two chunks: You'll get up to $50 during the first six months of the year, and another $50 during the second.

Winner: The Platinum Card® from American Express, if you use all of these benefits

Concierge services

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers its famous Amex Concierge service for Platinum cardholders. This service is unique to the premium card, and Chase does not offer a comparable counterpart. 

Winner: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Both cards come with other benefits, too, which are worth considering. While these are generally discussed less often, they're still valuable features of the cards.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® includes:

• Primary car rental insurance
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance (covering you for up to $10,000 per ticket if a trip is canceled or interrupted due to things like illness, personal sickness, etc.)
• Trip delay insurance (which reimburses up to $500 per covered ticket when your travel is delayed 6+ hours or overnight)
• Baggage delay coverage
• Various purchase and shopping protections
• Baggage loss and damage coverage
• Travel accident insurance
• Up to a $100 credit for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS

The The Platinum Card® from American Express, meanwhile, offers:

• Gold elite status at Marriott and Hilton** hotels
• Top-tier Hertz President's Circle elite status**
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance (up to $10,000 per ticket if a trip is canceled or interrupted due to things like illness, personal sickness, etc.)
• Trip delay coverage (up to $500 per covered ticket when your travel is delayed 6+ hours or overnight)
• Concierge service
• Credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry ($100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or up to $85 statement credit every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck®)

These perks are all potentially useful, and even though they differ between cards, both offer strong options. The The Platinum Card® from American Express added trip delay and cancellation coverage, though the Chase Sapphire Reserve® stands out for offering primary car rental insurance — which means you can waive the insurance offered by a car rental company and still be covered for damage and loss through your card before your personal car insurance kicks in.

The The Platinum Card® from American Express's hotel elite status, meanwhile, can get you a ton of valuable extras during hotel stays. 

Winner: Tie — it depends on which benefits are the most important to you.

Comparison of the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum

***Eligible digital subscriptions include Hulu, ESPN+, Disney+, Peacock, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal**

Choosing the right card

No matter which card you choose, both the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express are excellent cards that come with a ton of value. 

If you prefer to keep it simple with a core set of travel protections and strong rewards for dining and travel, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a great choice.

If you prefer the luxury of holding one of the heaviest metal cards in the market and can utilize Amex Centurion lounges often enough to make it worth your while, The Platinum Card® from American Express could be the perfect addition ot your allet. 

Matching perks to your lifestyle

At the end of the day, the best option for you depends on the benefits you care about. If you want complimentary hotel elite status, statement credits for things like Uber, Saks, and digital subscriptions, and as many airport lounge access options as possible, the The Platinum Card® from American Express is likely a better fit.

Evaluating spending habits and travel preferences

If you already have a stock of either rewards currency from Chase or Amex, it might make sense to choose the premium card that complements your existing wallet. Since you can pool points from different cards in the same rewards program, it could be worth opening another card from that issuer so you can build up your balance.

Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve frequently asked questions

Both premium cards carry high annual fees, which reflect their range of exclusive benefits and services. The Platinum Card® from American Express is significantly more expensive, but offers a few benefits which the Chase Sapphire Reserve® does not. 

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns significantly more points on dining and travel purchases, although The Platinum Card® from American Express might offer more value if you plan to book a lot of flights directly with airlines or through American Express Travel.

The Platinum Card® from American Express cardholders can access both Priority Pass lounges as well as Amex Centurion lounges. Meanwhile, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers Priority Pass Select membership, a $300 flexible travel credit each year, and superior travel insurance. 

Yes, both cards earn points that can be transferred to the issuer's large network of airline and hotel partners. 

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers the most comprehensive travel insurance coverage on the market, which includes generous timeframes for trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and emergency medical benefits.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Cell Phone Protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Global Assist Hotline Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. 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. Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, and Baggage Insurance Plan Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

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AmEx Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve—What’s the Better Travel Card?

Condé Nast Traveler has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Condé Nast Traveler and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. We don't review or include all companies, or all available products. Moreover, the editorial content on this page was not provided by any of the companies mentioned, and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are entirely those of Condé Nast Traveler's editorial team.

The The Platinum Card® from American Express has long been one of the most popular travel rewards cards thanks to the sheer number of perks it includes, such as statement credits for airline fees, access to airport lounges , and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credits (enrollment required, terms apply). Recently, AmEx added a few more benefits to that roster, but also raised the card’s annual fee from $550 per year to $695 ( see AmEx rates and fees ). Here’s a look at what’s new with the AmEx Platinum Card, and a fresh look at how it compares one of its main competitors , the Chase Sapphire Reserve rewards card .

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

What’s new with the AmEx Platinum Card

First, a rundown of what’s changed with the AmEx Platinum Card in addition to that annual fee hike.

Hotel credits: The card now offers up to $200 in statement credits each year toward prepaid bookings of two nights or more made through AmEx Fine Hotels & Resorts and The Hotel Collection from AmEx Travel. (Enrollment required, terms apply.)

CLEAR credit: Cardmembers can now receive up to $189 per year for CLEAR Plus , which will cover the cost of annual membership. CLEAR kiosks at airports use biometric information to identify members so they can bypass the TSA identification checkpoint and head straight to security screening. (Enrollment required, terms apply.)

Premium private jet access: AmEx has teamed up with Wheels Up to offer Platinum cardholders up to 40 percent off a membership for the Premium Private Jet Program, plus up to $2,000 in initial year flight credits to book private charter flights . The perk knocks Connect membership, best for occasional flyers, down to $2,396 for the first year (usually $2,995) and drops the initial Core membership fee—which usually costs $17,500 the first year, and $8,500 in subsequent years—down to $10,500. (Enrollment required, terms apply.)

Digital entertainment credits: Get up to $20 per month ($240 per year) in statement credits toward purchases or subscriptions with Audible, The New York Times , Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, and Peacock. (Enrollment required, terms apply.)

Equinox credits: Receive up to $300 per year in statement credits on select Equinox memberships or a digital subscription to the Equinox+ on-demand fitness app. (Enrollment required, terms apply.)

More lounges to visit: AmEx will be converting all existing Escape Lounges into Centurion “Studios,” smaller versions of its popular Centurion Lounges, which cardmembers will be able to access in addition to their current lounge privileges—more on that below.

Global dining access through Resy: Access to reservations at some of the world’s hardest-to-book restaurants and invitations to special events.

As you can see, there’s potentially a ton of value to be gleaned from all these new benefits, if you actually use them. The Chase Sapphire Reserve is still a strong contender, though. Here’s a detailed look at how the AmEx Platinum Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve now stack up.

Welcome offers

The Chase Sapphire Reserve currently offers 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points when you make $4,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening.

The Platinum Card from American Express is currently offering 80,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first six months.

Winner: It's a close one: The Platinum Card from American Express has a higher welcome offer right now—and more points means more trip possibilities—but also a higher spending threshold to reach it.

Earning rates

The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns three points per dollar on travel and dining, including takeout and delivery, and one point per dollar on everything else. Now through March 2022, it also earns 10 points per dollar on Lyft rides.

The AmEx Platinum earns five points per dollar on prepaid hotel bookings made through AmEx Travel , and on up to $500,000 per calendar year on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmEx Travel. The card earns one point per dollar on everything else.

Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve. If you book flights and hotels through AmEx Travel, it’s true that the AmEx Platinum Card might be a better earner. But given the broad range of travel and dining purchases that count as bonus categories with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, it’s probably a better card for most folks.

Statement credits

The Chase Sapphire Reserve refunds cardholders $300 each year for a broad range of travel purchases including airfare and hotels, train tickets , taxis, ride-shares, and even road tolls and parking fees. The amount resets after your account anniversary and credits are applied automatically to your statement, making it easy to take advantage of.

The Platinum Card from American Express, on the other hand, is brimming with potential statement credits. Cardmembers are eligible for up to $200 back on airline fees like checked-bag charges or lounge passes on a carrier that they designate (enrollment required, terms apply), and up to another $200 per year toward prepaid Fine Hotels & Resorts and The Hotel Collection bookings (enrollment required, terms apply). There’s also up to $200 in Uber cash toward U.S. Uber rides and Uber Eats orders, parceled out into $15 per month, except December, when it is $35 (enrollment required, terms apply).

Cardmembers receive up to $100 in statement credits annually for Saks Fifth Avenue purchases—$50 to use from January through June, and another $50 for July through December (enrollment required, terms apply). They are also now eligible for those digital entertainment and Equinox statement credits, which are worth up to another $540 in value each year (enrollment required, terms apply).

Winner: AmEx Platinum. The Chase Sapphire Reserve’s statement credits are easier to take advantage of. However, if you use even just a few of the AmEx Platinum’s ongoing and new statement credits, you can potentially save a lot more money with them. That said, the digital entertainment, Equinox, and Saks credits are somewhat limited—for instance, if you don’t usually shop at Saks, subscribe to any of the four entertainment services eligible for credits, or hit the gym with Equinox—so you might not be able to maximize them very easily.

Transfer partners

The Platinum Card from American Express earns Membership Rewards points, which currently transfer to 19 airlines and three hotel partners including Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Delta SkyMiles, JetBlue TrueBlue, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Hilton Honors , and Marriott Bonvoy.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve, on the other hand, earns Ultimate Rewards points, which transfer to 10 airlines and three hotel programs including Air France / KLM Flying Blue, Southwest Rapid Rewards, United MileagePlus, World of Hyatt , IHG Rewards , and Marriott Bonvoy .

Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve. Although American Express has more transfer partners , Ultimate Rewards is linked to more useful programs for U.S. travelers, in particular.

Direct redemptions

In addition to transferring points to airline and hotel partners, cardholders can also redeem their points for travel at fixed rates through AmEx Travel or Chase’s travel portal .

AmEx Platinum cardholders get a value of one cent per point redeemed for flights, and slightly less than that for hotel bookings. Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders get 1.5 cents per point in value for their travel bookings, including flights, hotels, cruises, vacation rentals, and more.

Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve, hands down.

Airport lounge access

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can register for Priority Pass Select, which gets the cardholder plus two free guests into over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide.

Along with Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required, terms apply), the Platinum Card will also get you into AmEx’s own swanky Centurion Lounges . There are over a dozen locations, including one with a speakeasy bar at New York JFK , and a Dallas-Fort Worth location that has an Exhale Spa. Platinum Cardholders can also enter Delta’s Sky Clubs when flying Delta, and a handful of small Airspace and Escape Lounges (enrollment required, terms apply).

Winner: The Platinum Card from American Express gets you into a lot more locations.

Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR benefits

Both will reimburse cardholders for either the $85 application fee for TSA PreCheck or $100 for Global Entry . The Chase Sapphire Reserve’s benefit applies once every four years, while the Platinum Card’s kicks in once every four years for Global Entry, and 4.5 for TSA PreCheck.

However, the AmEx Platinum has now added that $189 annual CLEAR credit, which can get you through security at nearly 40 airports even faster. When you become a CLEAR member and register your biometric information, you simply head to one of the service’s kiosks near security checkpoints to check in, and then can bypass TSA agents checking identification documents and go straight to the front of the security screening line. Depending on how busy the airports you pass through normally are, this can be a real time saver.

Winner: AmEx Platinum thanks to that extra CLEAR perk, which the Chase Sapphire Reserve does not offer.

Elite status

If you have the Platinum Card, you can enroll for automatic Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status (enrollment required, terms apply). Both programs confer benefits like room upgrades, late check-out, and points bonuses on stays. You can also register for Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and National Emerald Club Executive Elite status on car rental perks such as category upgrades and quicker customer service (enrollment required, terms apply)

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders don’t get hotel elite status, but do get status with National and Avis, and can score benefits and discounts on Silvercar by Audi rentals. Thanks to recent card changes , Sapphire Reserve members are also eligible for a year of complimentary Lyft Pink membership valued at $19.99 per month. The benefits include a 15 percent discount on all car rides, priority airport pickups, up to three no-fee cancellations per month, waived lost and found fees, three free 30-minute bike or scooter rides per month, and seasonal discounts and offers.

Winner: The Platinum Card from American Express, since its hotel benefits will be more useful and more valuable to frequent travelers.

Luxury air and hotel bookings

Both cards have access to specialized online booking sites for luxury hotels.

The American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program partners with over 1,000 properties worldwide, such as the Conrad Maldives and Claridge’s in London. Platinum Card members who book through this portal can count on benefits such as room upgrades, late check-out, complimentary daily breakfast for two, $100 on-property credits for things like dining or spa treatments, and occasional third- or fourth-night-free bookings.

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can book through either the Chase Luxury Hotels & Resorts Collection or Visa Infinite Hotels to score similar benefits.

Carrying the Platinum Card also enables members to make flight reservations through AmEx’s International Airlines Program with discounts of hundreds or even thousands of dollars on premium-economy, business- or first-class tickets with partner airlines like Air France and Cathay Pacific. Not only that, but if you book charter flights even just a few times a year and are fine with giving Wheels Up your business, you can expect savings of thousands of dollars per year on membership with the private jet service , and up to $2,000 more in flight credits your first year.

Winner: The Platinum Card from American Express, since it offers both hotel and flight benefits.

Travel protections

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers some of the most comprehensive travel protections of any rewards credit card, including $100,000 for emergency medical and evacuation, and up to $1 million in travel accident insurance. Trip-delay coverage if your flight is late or you miss a connection, for example, kicks in after just six hours and will reimburse you up to $500 per ticket for expenses like hotel rooms and meals. Lost luggage coverage maxes out at $3,000 per person. The card also includes primary rental car insurance , so you don’t have to go through your personal insurer or the rental agency’s if you run into bumps on the road.

The Platinum Card from American Express recently enhanced its travel protections to include trip interruption and cancellation coverage of up to $10,000 per trip or $20,000 per account each year and trip delay insurance that covers up to $500 per trip.

Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve—the protections are just much more comprehensive.

Choosing the right card

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

Thanks to its lower price point, and how easy it is to take advantage of its various statement credits and perks, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is probably the better choice for folks who just want a solid travel rewards card without having to put in too much effort.

However, you can potentially get a lot more value out from the AmEx Platinum Card and its new perks, despite that higher annual fee. If you actually belong to Equinox, book flights and hotels through AmEx Travel (and particularly Fine Hotels & Resorts properties), and either charter flights, or purchase business- and first-class seats on commercial flights through the issuer’s International Airline Program, you can reap thousands of dollars in value from carrying the AmEx Platinum Card each year. Throw in more extensive lounge access, and statement credits not just for Global Entry but also CLEAR, and the Platinum Card from American Express could make your airport experience that much more pleasant.

No matter which card you settle on, both offer an array of benefits that can help you make the most of your travel experiences. Picking the one that’s right for you will just come down to which card you can maximize by taking advantage of its perks, and which one fits your specific travel goals and spending habits best.

Learn more about applying for the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card here.

Learn more about applying for the platinum card from american express here ..

See rates and fees for The Platinum Card from American Express .

Condé Nast Traveler has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Condé Nast Traveler and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. This story has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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Amex Platinum vs. Sapphire Reserve: Which Has The Best Lounge Access? [2024]

Christine Krzyszton

Senior Finance Contributor

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Keri Stooksbury

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Table of Contents

Card snapshots, lounge networks, shared lounge networks, lounge networks unique to amex platinum card, lounge networks unique to chase sapphire reserve card, final thoughts.

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Having access to an airport lounge while traveling has obvious benefits. The convenience and cost-savings of complimentary food and beverages alone may be reason enough to secure a membership. Additionally, the opportunity to have a comfortable space to relax between flights, free Wi-Fi, and clean restrooms makes the prospect of purchasing a lounge membership very compelling.

Unfortunately, annual lounge access can cost more than $500 for just an individual membership and much more if you want your traveling companions to join you.

The easiest, and potentially most cost-effective, means of securing lounge access is with a premium travel rewards credit card that offers complimentary access .

Utilizing a premium travel rewards card for airline lounge access is the focus of our article today. We’ve selected 2 of the best cards out there with airport lounge access — The Platinum Card ® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve ® .

Both offer complimentary worldwide lounge access,  but each has its own network of available properties.

Join us as we dig deeper to find out which of our 2 featured cards offers access to the most lounges.

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

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

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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.

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
• $695 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection ® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card ® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® .
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $199 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: CLEAR ® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck ® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card ® . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card ® . That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card ® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.¤
• Terms Apply.
• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  None

American Express Membership Rewards

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access , with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck ®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC
• APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable

Chase Ultimate Rewards

With so many premium benefits, you’ll want to compare these cards carefully to determine which card is a better match for you. We’ve put together a detailed comparison of the Amex Platinum card and Chase Sapphire Reserve card , as well.

Now it’s time to dive into the specific lounge access benefits of the Amex Platinum card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. We’ll look at each lounge network, where the properties are located, the approximate number of properties available, plus information on accessing these lounge and lounge alternative properties.

Please keep in mind that trying to count lounges is like trying to count a large herd of sheep; you’re bound to miss some and count others twice. Some lounges have closed, some have reopened, and new lounges may be added. Not all lounges in a network may grant access using our featured cards, some lounges are affiliated with more than 1 network, and lounge network affiliations can change.

However, even with these variables, the end result is the same — one of our featured cards offers greater lounge access than the other.

Let’s continue and explore all the lounge access options available on our featured cards.

Lounge Network Comparison Summary

*Enrollment required

Aspire Lounge (3)

Priority Pass cardmembers flying out of Ontario (ONT) or San Diego (SAN) can enjoy access to the Aspire Lounge network. The lounge offers showers, complimentary snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. Beer, wine, cocktails, and food items are available for purchase.

Cardmembers receive an up to $10 food and beverage certificate when entering.

Just show your card along with a same-day boarding pass and ID to enter. You can bring up to 2 guests at no additional charge.

Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club (2)

Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club currently only has 2 locations open — Hong Kong (HKG) and Boston (BOS) . These premium lounges are part of the Priority Pass network like The Club lounges are today. We should see additional locations opening soon.

Primary cardmembers and authorized users of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card who have activated their complimentary Priority Pass lounge access can enter the lounge. Cardholders may bring up to 2 guests per Priority Pass membership card, per visit, for free, and additional guests for $27.

Note that Amex Platinum cardholders who are enrolled Priority Pass members will only be able to enter a  domestic  Sapphire Lounge by The Club location  1 time at no cost per calendar year  and will be charged a  $75 entry fee  upon each subsequent visit to any location within the Sapphire Lounge by The Club network. The Hong Kong lounge is open to Priority Pass members and their eligible guests without the visit limitation.

Lufthansa Lounges (30)

Lufthansa has a broad worldwide network of dozens of lounges both in the U.S. and internationally.

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders have access to several Lufthansa Lounges via their Priority Pass membership.

Amex Platinum cardmembers flying same day on Lufthansa Group flights in any class of ticket can access participating Lufthansa Business Lounges. Members flying on Lufthansa Group flights in business class may access participating Lufthansa Senator Lounges. As not all of the Lufthansa Lounges are participating, we’ve estimated access to around 30 of the approximate 50 lounges (see the lounge locator for participating).

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

Plaza Premium Lounges (130+)

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

Priority Pass Lounges (1,400+)

With more than 1,400 lounges and lounge alternative properties, Priority Pass is by far the largest lounge network. The value of a Priority Pass membership that provides complimentary lounge access is at least $469 each year (the cost of purchasing a direct membership), as this purchased pass will not include any complimentary guest access (+$35 each guest per visit).

The complimentary Priority Pass Select membership found on both cards includes access for the cardmember plus 2 guests at no extra charge. The membership with the Amex Platinum card grants access to only airport lounge properties and not participating lounge alternative Priority Pass restaurant venues, Minute Suites, Be Relax, or Gameway video lounges (which the Chase Sapphire Reserve card does).

You must first enroll in your membership via your online card account under the benefits section. You’ll then receive a Priority Pass membership card in the mail that you will use to access lounge properties.

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

Hot Tip: Several credit cards offer Priority Pass Select membership or a set amount of 1-time visit passes each year. Here are some of the best credit cards with Priority Pass access. 

Virgin Clubhouses (5)

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

Cardmembers must show their card and same-day boarding pass to enter and can bring up to 2 guests.

The Amex Platinum card (and the business version, The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express ) offers a wide variety of lounge selections, both in the U.S. and internationally. With the card in your wallet, you’ll be able to find a lounge in most major airports.

Let’s look at some of the options in the Amex Global Lounge Collection that you’ll have during your travels.

Centurion Lounges (27)

One of the most prestigious lounge networks available with the Amex Platinum card is the Centurion network of lounges. Centurion Lounges take pride in serving featured local food items, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and personal amenities such as spa services and showers. Amenities will vary by location.

There are 10+ lounges in the U.S.  and the number continues to increase. You’ll find Centurion Lounges when you travel internationally as well, with 10+ additional properties worldwide .

Amex Platinum cardholders can enter all Centurion Lounges, and cardmembers may enter with up to 2 complimentary guests if they have spent $75,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year, otherwise, a guest day pass can be purchased for $50 per adult or $30 per child between the ages of 2 and 17.

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

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

Delta Sky Club (50)

Delta Sky Club offers free premium Wi-Fi, a large selection of hot and cold food items, snacks, complimentary beer, wine, cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, and premium alcoholic beverages for purchase. With an individual Sky Club membership costing $695 annually, having complimentary lounge access via the Amex Platinum card is a nice benefit if Delta is your preferred airline.

Amex Platinum cardmembers will have access to most Delta Sky Clubs when traveling the same day on Delta flights (ticket numbers that begin with 006). Just present your Amex Platinum card and your Delta boarding pass to enter. You can gain access for up to 2 guests, who are also traveling on Delta, for a fee (currently $50 for each guest).

Hot Tip: You may be able to utilize up to $200 in statement credit for airline incidentals on your Amex Platinum card for guest access purchases. Our article gives you several ideas for taking advantage of this card benefit. 

Escape Lounges — The Centurion Studio Partner (14)

The Escape Lounges network is expanding, now with 15 total properties. Each location features cuisine developed by a local chef, a dedicated mixologist, and a locally crafted beer selection.

Amex Platinum cardmembers can fly on any airline to enjoy access to Escape Lounges. The cardholder can bring 2 additional guests and children under 24 months at no cost.

You will need your Amex Platinum card, same-day boarding pass, and ID to enter.

Bottom Line: The Amex Platinum card offers the American Express Global Lounge Collection, featuring a stellar lineup of airport lounges that can be accessed with the card. Cardmembers will have access to more than 1,400 properties worldwide. 

You won’t find a long list of lounge networks partnering with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card , but you’ll still find more than 1,400 lounges and lounge alternative properties that could provide plenty of value and variety during your travels.

Let’s look at how Chase delivers the lounge access benefit that comes with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

Sapphire Terrace (1)

Additionally, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card allows cardholders and 2 guests access to Chase Sapphire Terrace locations. Currently, there’s only 1 location at Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in Texas.

Sapphire Terrace locations do not accept Priority Pass.

Priority Pass Lounge Alternatives (70+)

One advantage of having the Priority Pass membership associated with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is complimentary access to Priority Pass alternative lounge properties. These properties include participating airport restaurants, Minute Suites, Be Relax spas, and Gameway video game lounges.

If your travels include airports that have participating venues, you’re sure to find additional value. Here’s how the alternative lounge Priority Pass benefit works:

Airport Restaurants

Whether it’s Bobby Van’s Steakhouse at JFK or the Lark Creek Grill at SFO, no need to depend on an airport lounge for your meal and cocktail. Priority Pass participating restaurants are located throughout the U.S. and internationally. The numbers vary as restaurants open, close, or leave the network, but there are approximately 25 participating airport restaurants in the U.S. and another 40+ internationally.

Terms and conditions vary by property, so be sure to review before visiting. To find a participating Priority Pass restaurant, start with our Priority Pass location article , download the Priority Pass app, or visit the Priority Pass Select website .

Hot Tip: If you choose to do so, you can visit more than 1 Priority Pass participating restaurant in the same airport on the same day. If your companion also has Priority Pass, you could use the pass for another free Minute Suite hour during the same visit as your free hour. 

Minute Suites

If you need to grab a nap, get some work done, or take a shower, a Minute Suite could be a welcome space during your travels. Your Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s Priority Pass will give you 1 free hour, after which you will be charged $28 per hour. You’ll also have access to showers (not at all locations) at a discounted price. You can find a Minute Suites location here .

Be Relax Spa

Perhaps a nice massage would help relax you during your travels. With approximately a dozen locations at major airports, Be Relax offers complimentary spa massage treatments varying from 10 to 30 minutes. Most locations allow you to bring 1 guest and there is a limit of 1 treatment per person. Each treatment has a value of $35 to $40.

Treatment availability and guest policies vary by location.

You’ve had your Priority Pass restaurant meal, a nap at Minute Suites, a massage at Be Relax, and now it’s time to play some video games! Pull out that Priority Pass card once again to enjoy up to 2 hours of free play, a cold soda, and some snacks at a Gameway video lounge.

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

With access to nearly 1,500 lounge locations, the Amex Platinum card offers the most lounge access overall. Plus, having exclusive access to Centurion Lounges can offer the best level of lounge experiences.

Chase does offer the unique opportunity to utilize lounge alternative airport properties for complimentary services at Minute Suites, Be Relax, and Gameway.

If the airports you frequent have participating Priority Pass lounge alternatives, you may prefer the lounge access benefits Chase Sapphire Reserve card has to offer. And the Chase Sapphire Reserve card has a lower annual fee.

In the end, the better lounge access card for you will depend on your priorities, how much you travel, the airports you frequent, and if you can realize enough card value overall to help offset the annual fee.

Finally, with more people traveling and not all lounges fully functional, lounges have become crowded. Access can be limited during peak times, wait times to enter may be long, and hours of operation may be limited. Airports can often have several available lounge options, however, so be sure to check for alternative choices before you fly.

The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

Related Posts

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation  calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

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Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Elite travel cards with competing perks

The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® are among the most expensive credit cards on the market. However, if you're a travel enthusiast, the benefits these premium credit cards offer can easily outweigh their costs.

But with many overlapping perks, it doesn’t make sense for most people to have both, so it's important to carefully compare the two options to determine which is better for you. Here's what you need to know.

In this article:

Platinum Card from American Express overview

Amex Platinum Card pros and cons

Chase Sapphire Reserve overview

Sapphire Reserve pros and cons

Should you get the Amex Platinum Card?

Should you get the Chase Sapphire Reserve?

Does it make sense to get both cards?

Other travel cards to consider, the platinum card® from american express.

• Annual fee $695
• Welcome offer Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months
• Card type(s) Travel
• Ongoing Purchases APR See Pay Over Time APR
• Recommended credit score Excellent/Good
• 5x points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
• 1x points on all other purchases
• Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel (requires a minimum two-night stay)
• Get up to $199 back per calendar year on your CLEAR Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your card (CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues)
• Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the U.S. annually (you must have the latest version of the Uber App downloaded and your eligible American Express Platinum Card must be a method of payment in your Uber account; Amex benefit may only be used in United States)

The Amex Platinum offers up a wide range of statement credits and travel perks, but lacks significant rewards for everyday spending.

Why we like it : You'll be hard-pressed to find a credit card that offers more value than the Amex Platinum . While the reward rates on purchases aren’t especially notable, you can get more than $1,500 in value every year in the form of statement credits toward digital entertainment, airline fees, prepaid hotel stays, and more. You'll also get Uber Cash each month, which you can use for Uber rides or Uber Eats delivery.

The card also offers complimentary access to several airport lounge networks, elite status with Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, Avis, Hertz, and National Car Rental, and many other travel and lifestyle benefits.

Amex Platinum Card pros

Generous welcome offer: The card offers a sizable welcome bonus , and while the spending requirement is steep, Amex gives you six months to meet the threshold instead of the standard three.

Unparalleled benefits: It may take you some time to make the most of the card, partially because there are so many perks to keep track of. But if you're a frequent traveler, the Platinum Card can elevate nearly every aspect of each trip you take.

Prestige: The Platinum Card has been the standard for other premium credit cards since it first launched in 1984. The heft of the metal card and classic Centurion design adds cachet to your wallet.

Amex Platinum Card cons

Maximizing rewards can take some work: Due to the structure of many of the card's statement credits, it can take some strategy to make the most of what it offers. Be prepared to track your rewards regularly in order to ensure you’re getting all the value you can from the card.

Spending rewards are lacking: The card doesn't offer any bonus rewards on everyday spending categories, and while Membership Rewards points are flexible, most redemption options will give you less than 1 cent per point in value, which is the standard for points and miles credit cards. Generally, your best bet is to transfer your rewards to one of Amex's airline or hotel loyalty program partners.

Steep annual fee: While you can expect a high annual fee for any premium credit card, the Platinum Card's is higher than most. That may not be an issue if you regularly take advantage of the card's perks, but it's a major obstacle for most people.

Read more: Amex points vs. Chase points: Who has the best rewards program?

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• Annual fee $550
• Welcome offer Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (that's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠)
• Ongoing Purchases APR 22.49% - 29.49% Variable
• Recommended credit score Excellent
• 10x points on hotels and rental cars purchased through Chase Travel*
• 5x points on flights purchased through Chase Travel*
• 3x points on dining and other travel purchases
• *After the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• Points are worth 50% more when you redeem through Chase Travel
• Earn up to $300 in annual statement credits for travel purchases
• Receive up to a $100 statement credit every four years to cover the application fee for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS

The Chase Sapphire Reserve serves up an attainable welcome offer, but the highest rewards on spending are only offered on travel booked through Chase.

Why we like it : The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a rewards powerhouse, offering several ways to rack up a ton of points in a variety of spending categories. What's more, the Chase Ultimate Rewards program offers both versatile and valuable redemption options.

While you can redeem your rewards for things like cash back and gift cards at a rate of 1 cent per point, you'll get 50% more value if you use your points to book travel through Chase's travel portal. Alternatively, you can transfer your rewards to more than a dozen airline and hotel loyalty programs.

The card also offers complimentary access to Priority Pass and Chase Sapphire lounges, a flexible annual travel credit worth $300, and several travel protections to give you peace of mind when a trip doesn't go as planned.

You'll also get a complimentary two-year Lyft Pink membership, a minimum one-year complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription (when you activate by Dec. 31, 2027) and $5 in DoorDash credits each month, and a complimentary one-year Instacart+ membership and up to $15 in monthly statement credits through July 2024.

Chase Sapphire Reserve pros

Massive welcome bonus: The card's welcome bonus is significant, especially if you use your hard-earned points to book travel through Chase.

Impressive rewards program: You'll not only earn great rewards on various spending categories, but you'll also get incredible value when you use your rewards to book travel through Chase. If you're taking a break from travel, you can safely redeem your rewards in other ways without losing too much value.

Great perks: While it's not as comprehensive as the Amex Platinum, the Sapphire Reserve offers a lot of value with its flexible travel credit, airport lounge access, and other travel benefits.

Learn more: See our picks for the best Chase credit card

Chase Sapphire Reserve cons

Rewards are somewhat complicated: While the card's rewards program is incredibly valuable, there may be a steep learning curve when it comes to tracking all the bonus categories and maximizing the value out of your redemptions.

High annual fee: While the Sapphire Reserve charges a lower annual fee than the Platinum Card, it doesn't offer as many ways to offset that cost each year, making it harder to justify with perks alone.

Must book through Chase to get highest rewards: While the card offers a solid 3x points on general travel and dining, the highest rewards for spending are reserved for travel booked through the Chase portal. For those who prefer to book directly with the travel provider, this could be an added hassle.

Should you get Amex Platinum Card?

You may consider the Platinum Card if you're a frequent traveler and value premium benefits on every trip you take.

However, the card's steep annual fee and complicated perks are best suited for people who are willing to do a little extra legwork to squeeze as much value out of it as possible.

Should you get Chase Sapphire Reserve?

The Sapphire Reserve is a bit more accessible than the Platinum Card, both in terms of its yearly cost and straightforward benefits. You may also prefer this option if you want to focus on earning rewards.

That said, it doesn't offer nearly as much value on the benefit side of things, so if your priority is enjoying premium travel perks, it might not be the best fit.

For the most enthusiastic travel rewards hobbyists, there are enough differences between the two cards to justify getting the best of both worlds. True jet-setters may want to maximize the spending rewards of the Sapphire Reserve and the luxury perks of the Amex Platinum .

However, the majority of people likely aren’t willing to pay $1,245 in annual fees to carry both cards. And unless you're traveling constantly, the perks overlap enough that you'll have a hard time maximizing either card.

While the Amex Platinum and Sapphire Reserve are two of the top premium cards on the market, there are plenty of other travel credit cards that offer ample rewards and benefits.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Simple rewards and premium perks.

• Annual fee $395
• Welcome offer Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
• Purchase APR 19.99% - 29.99% variable
• 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles on all other purchases
• $300 annual credit for travel bookings through Capital One Travel
• 10,000 annual bonus miles (worth $100 in travel spending; starts on your first account anniversary)
• Unlimited access for you and two guests to Capital One Lounges and 1,300+ more lounges through partner networks

Why we like it : The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel credit card that can work for both frequent and casual travelers alike. 

The card charges a hefty annual fee, but you can easily offset that with its annual credit toward Capital One Travel bookings and a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus each year. You can use miles to book travel through Capital One, book on your own and request a statement credit, or transfer your rewards to several airline and hotel loyalty program partners.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Great rewards and low annual fee.

• Annual fee $95
• Welcome offer Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months (that's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠)
• Ongoing Purchases APR 21.49% - 28.49% Variable
• 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel
• 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries
• 2x points on all other travel purchases
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel
• Earn up to $50 in annual statement credits for hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel
• On every account anniversary, earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year

Why we like it : The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card 's affordable annual fee is easier to stomach compared to other premium cards. That said, the card still offers impressive value. Its welcome bonus equals that of the Sapphire Reserve, and it offers solid rewards on things like travel, dining, select online grocery purchases, and streaming services.

You'll get the same redemption options as the Sapphire Reserve, though the bonus for travel bookings through Chase is 25%, instead of the Reserve’s 50%. 

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Straightforward travel rewards.

• Welcome offer Enjoy a $250 Capital One Travel credit, plus earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
• Recommended credit score Good, Excellent
• 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Receive up to a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fees
• Receive a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and early check-in at eligible hotels
• Access Hertz's Five Star membership tier, offering free upgrades, a wider selection of vehicles, and more

Why we like it : As with the Sapphire Preferred, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card charges a modest annual fee. 

The Venture Rewards Card offers the same flexible travel redemption options as the Venture X, making it easy to use your rewards for any kind of travel. On top of that, you'll get an application fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and elite status with Hertz.

This article was edited by Alicia Hahn

Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to the author(s) and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

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• Key takeaways
• Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum Welcome bonus
• Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum Rewards
• Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum Travel perks
• Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum Other card benefits
• Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum Rates and fees
• Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum Eligibility

Should I get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve or Amex Platinum card?

Faq: delta reserve vs. amex platinum.

Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve vs. The Platinum Card ® from Amex: Platinum Comes Out Ahead

• When comparing The Platinum Card ® from American Express vs. Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card , the Platinum Card comes out on top, as it comes with more benefits than the Reserve.
• Both Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Amex Platinum give you access to Delta Sky Clubs, but they have different limits on the number of visits you can make during each program year.
• The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card has an annual fee of $650 ( see rates and fees ).
• If you get the Platinum Card ® from American Express, you’ll pay an annual fee of $695 ( see rates and fees ).
• Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

When comparing the Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card to The Platinum Card ® from American Express, it’s clear that the Amex Platinum offers more benefits. With extra bonus points on flights and hotels, plus credits for travel and entertainment, the Amex Platinum stands out as a versatile and rewarding choice. On the other hand, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve focuses on Delta purchases and may be better for you if you’re a loyal Delta customer.

Let’s explore the differences between these two American Express cards to help you choose the right one for your needs.

When comparing the Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card vs. The Platinum Card ® from American Express , the Platinum card is the clear winner .

It gives you extra bonus points on eligible flights and prepaid hotels, plus credits designed to defray the cost of travel and entertainment. In contrast, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve only gives you 3 miles per dollar spent on Delta-operated flights.

Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum: Welcome bonus

Each card comes with a generous welcome bonus, but which one is better depends on how much you plan to spend.

If you’re interested in the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, American Express is offering a welcome bonus of 60,000 miles if you spend $5,000 within your first six months of membership.

The Amex Platinum has a welcome offer of 80,000 bonus points if you spend $8,000 within six months of opening your account.

Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum: Rewards

When we compared the Delta Reserve card vs. Amex Platinum, we discovered that the Amex Platinum card is better for earning and redeeming awards because it comes with fewer restrictions.

Which is better for earning rewards?

Amex Platinum is the clear winner when it comes to earning rewards.

Instead of earning miles, you earn Membership Rewards Points at the following rates:

• 5 points per dollar spent on all eligible flights booked directly with airlines or via American Express Travel
• 5 points per dollar spent on all eligible prepaid hotels booked via American Express Travel
• 1 point per dollar spent on other eligible purchases

With the Delta Reserve, you only earn 3 miles per dollar spent on eligible Delta purchases. Otherwise, you earn 1 mile per dollar spent on other eligible purchases.

Which is better for redeeming rewards?

The Amex Platinum is also better for redeeming rewards, as you earn points instead of miles.

You can redeem these points in the following ways:

• Transfer them to airline or hotel loyalty partners.
• Use them to cover your eligible charges.
• Purchase gift cards.
• Deposit them into your checking account.
• Make reservations with American Express Travel.
• Pay with points at checkout (participating merchants only).

Once you earn miles with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, you have several redemption options:

• Book a trip through Delta Vacations.
• Book Award Travel.
• Use them to purchase seat upgrades, buy premium drinks in the Delta Sky Club or cover certain Delta fees.
• Purchase a Delta Sky Club membership (only available to Medallion members).
• Book hotels and vacation rentals through Delta Stays.
• Place bids on SkyMiles Experiences.
• Purchase magazine subscriptions.
• Transfer them to someone else.
• Donate the miles to your favorite charity.

The SkyMiles Reserve gives you more redemption options, but most of them are specific to Delta purchases. Therefore, the Amex Platinum gives you more flexibility .

Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum: Travel perks

This category has no clear winner, as both cards come with generous travel perks. The right card for you depends on your travel habits.

Airport lounge access

Delta Reserve cardholders get complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a same day Delta flight. Starting February 1, 2025 , access will be limited to 15 days of Sky Club usage per program year (February 1 to January 31). However, you can earn unlimited access if you spend $75,000 per calendar year on your Delta SkyMiles Reserve card.

If you get the Amex Platinum, you’ll receive 10 days of usage per year as a standard benefit, but you can earn unlimited access by spending at least $75,000 per calendar year. To access the Sky Club, you must be traveling on a same-day flight operated by Delta.

Amex Platinum members also have access to Escape Lounges and lounges in the American Express Global Collection ® , while Delta Reserve members have access to Escape Lounges and Centurion ® Lounges.

In this category, both cards are evenly matched. If you prefer to book with Delta, the Reserve has a slight edge since it gives you five additional days of complimentary Sky Club access each year.

Travel insurance

Both cards come with comprehensive American Express travel insurance benefits. For example, American Express offers coverage for trip cancellations , trip interruptions, lost/damaged baggage and trip delays.

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.

TSA PreCheck/Global Entry

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Amex Platinum cards both come with a statement credit for TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry . The TSA PreCheck is worth $85 and the Global Entry credit is for $100. You can use the Global Entry credit every four years or the TSA PreCheck credit every four and a half years.

In-flight benefits

The Delta Reserve entitles you to 20% back on eligible in-flight purchases, such as snacks, beverages and prepurchased meals. You get this benefit in the form of a statement credit.

With the Amex Platinum, you have the opportunity to earn up to $200 in statement credits per year for incidental airline fees charged to your card. To use this benefit, you must choose a qualifying airline ahead of time.

For this category, the Delta Reserve is better if you always book your flights with Delta. The Amex Platinum is better if you’d rather use another airline.

Annual companion pass

When comparing the Delta SkyMiles Reserve vs. Amex Platinum, the Reserve card comes with a significant benefit that the Amex Platinum doesn’t have: the annual companion pass. Every time your card renews, you’ll receive a companion certificate, which entitles you to one free flight for a travel companion.

The companion certificate is only good for certain fare codes, but you can use it to book a seat in Main Cabin, Comfort+ ® or First Class. Note that you must choose a destination in the United States, Central America or the Caribbean.

Priority boarding

If you get the Delta Reserve, you’ll be able to board with Zone 5 Priority Boarding on all Delta-operated flights. The Amex Platinum doesn’t give you access to priority boarding, so the Reserve is the clear winner here.

Checked bags

As a Delta Reserve member, you can check your first bag for free if you book a Delta flight with your eligible card. You don’t get free checked bags with the Amex Platinum.

Hotel credit

In addition to giving you 5 points per dollar spent on eligible hotel stays, the Amex Platinum comes with an annual hotel credit worth up to $200 per calendar year. To earn the credit, simply book a prepaid hotel stay with The Hotel Collection ® or Fine Hotels and Resorts®. You must book through American Express travel and use your Platinum Card to cover the charge. (Note: The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay)

Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum: Other card benefits

When comparing the Amex Platinum vs. Delta Reserve, we also looked at non-travel card benefits. Based on our research, the Amex Platinum is one of the best credit cards on the market, as it gives you multiple ways to earn bonus points and statement credits.

▶︎  Read more : Amex Platinum Card benefits

Here’s what you get with each card:

Ridesharing credits:

The Amex Platinum entitles you to $15 per month in Uber Cash. plus a bonus $20 in December (up to $200 per year). If you get the Delta Reserve, you’ll have the opportunity to earn up to $10 in statement credits each month ($120 per year) for Curb, Revel, Alto, Lyft and Uber rides.

Amex Offers:

Both cards give you access to Amex Offers, which give you statement credits and other bonuses when you add offers to your account and redeem them before they expire.

Purchase Protection:

The Delta Reserve and Amex Platinum protect eligible purchases for 90 days from the original purchase date. This benefit reimburses you up to $10,000 per occurrence ($50,000 per calendar year) for lost, stolen or accidentally damaged items.

Warranty protection:

Both cards also come with warranty protection. This benefit gives you an extra year of warranty coverage on eligible items. Note that you can only use this benefit on items that have an original manufacturer’s warranty of no more than five years. You must use your Delta Reserve or Amex Platinum to pay for the purchase.

Digital entertainment:

If you get the Amex Platinum, you have the opportunity to earn up to $20 per month ($240 per year) in statement credits on Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, SiriusXM and The New York Times purchases (Enrollment required). The Delta Reserve card doesn’t have a digital entertainment benefit.

Walmart+ credit:

If you use your Amex Platinum to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership, you’ll earn a monthly statement credit to cover the cost. This benefit is worth approximately $155 per year. The Delta Reserve card doesn’t have a Walmart+ benefit.

Equinox credit:

If you use your Amex Platinum to pay for an Equinox club membership or an Equinox+ subscription, you’ll earn up to $300 per year in statement credit (Enrollment required). The Delta Reserve doesn’t come with an Equinox benefit.

Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum: Rates and fees

Since they’re both American Express cards , the Delta Reserve and Amex Platinum have comparable rates and fees. Once the annual fee for the Delta Reserve increases on May 1, 2024, the Amex Platinum will only cost $45 more per year.

Both cards have the same cash advance fees, cash advance APR and foreign transaction fees ($0). The Amex Platinum has a slight edge in terms of authorized user fees, and it also has a slightly lower cap on regular APR.

Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum: Eligibility

Both cards are reserved for consumers with good to excellent credit scores . Therefore, one isn’t any harder to get than the other, provided you meet the minimum income and credit requirements.

The Delta Reserve is a good fit for consumers who fly Delta regularly and want to maximize their Delta-related benefits.

The Amex Platinum is a better fit for people who aren’t loyal to Delta and would rather focus on earning points and statement credits based on their typical spending habits. If you get the Amex Platinum, you can easily earn back the fee by using the full Equinox, Walmart+, Uber and digital entertainment credits each year.

Featured offers

Delta skymiles ® reserve american express card, the platinum card ® from american express.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card, please visit this page .

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, please visit this page .

Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card better than Platinum?

It depends on your needs. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve is the better choice if you want to maximize your Delta travel benefits. If you use multiple airlines, the Amex Platinum is probably a better fit. Although it has a higher annual fee, the Platinum Card gives you 5X points on all eligible flights and prepaid hotel stays.

When should I use Amex Platinum over Delta Reserve?

You should use the Amex Platinum instead of the Delta Reserve if you don’t spend enough on Delta purchases to justify the annual fee for the Reserve card.

Does Amex Platinum give you Delta lounge access?

Yes, Amex Platinum members qualify for unlimited Sky Club Access through January 31, 2025. Starting on February 1, 2025, you’ll receive 10 visits per year as a standard benefit. You can earn unlimited access if you spend $75,000 or more on your Amex Platinum each calendar year.

Is Delta Reserve or Amex Platinum harder to get?

The Delta Reserve and Amex Platinum are for consumers with good to excellent credit scores, so your chances of approval are about the same for both.

About the Author

Leigh Morgan is a seasoned personal finance contributor with over 15 years of experience writing on a diverse range of professional legal and financial topics. She specializes in subjects like navigating the complexities of insurance, savings, zero-based budgeting and emergency fund development.

In the last five years, she’s authored over 300 articles for credit unions, digital banks, and financial professionals. Morgan is also the author of “77 Tips for Preventing Elder Financial Abuse,” a book focused on helping caregivers protect the elderly from financial scams.

In addition to her writing skills, she brings real-world financial acumen thanks to her previous experience managing rental properties as part of a $34 million real estate portfolio.

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American Express Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve: two of the best travel rewards cards for 2024

Dec 15, 2023 • 14 min read

Travel the world with the many perks these two top credit cards offer; here's your guide to which one is best for you © martin-dm / Getty

This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with  The Points Guy .

Advertiser Disclosure: This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. This relationship may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit  americanexpress.com  to learn more.

With the right travel credit card, you'll go further faster and with plenty of more perks. Of the premium travel rewards cards , The Platinum Card® from American Express * and the Chase Sapphire Reserve®  are two of the best on the market. These cards are among the most popular as well, offering members the chance to earn points toward complimentary flights, hotel stays, rental cars and several other redemptions.

While both cards include a robust amount of statement credits for members to use whether or not they’re traveling, you’ll need to take a closer look to determine which perks will be the most applicable to your current needs and travel preferences. 

If you prefer specific airport lounges or travel with certain airlines or hotel brands over others, pay attention to the ones each card is associated with — and the spending categories each one lets you earn bonus points for — so you can make the most of all those benefits and points-earning possibilities.

Here’s everything you need to know if you’re considering applying for The Platinum Card® from American Express or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and how they stack up against each other. 

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Welcome bonus

Whether you’re just starting your points and miles journey or have been a rewards enthusiast for years, a lucrative welcome bonus is a nice way to boost your current balance. Just pay attention to your finances and ensure you’ll be able to hit the minimum spending requirement responsibly (ideally, by paying off your balance in full each month to avoid extra fees).

Amex Platinum: New cardholders can earn 80,000 bonus Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 within the first six months of opening their account. Those points are worth $1,600 in travel when redeemed for flights, hotels, rental cars and cruises through AmexTravel.com.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Verdict: While each welcome bonus offers an incredible amount of points to help you get started on your rewards-earning journey , it’s worth considering which minimum-spend requirement you’re more comfortable with and whether or not you’ll be able to hit it within those timeframes.

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While a high annual fee may seem intimidating, keep in mind that the card’s included memberships and benefits will help to offset it — or even provide a greater value — as long as you use all of them.

Amex Platinum: $695 ( see rates and fees )

Chase Sapphire Reserve: $550 (see rates and fees )

Verdict: The Chase Sapphire Reserve’s annual fee is $145 less than the Amex Platinum Card’s, but it depends more on which card you think you’ll get the most value out of according to your rewards-earning goals.

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Earning rewards

While both rewards programs let you earn points you can eventually put toward flights, hotel stays, car rentals and other travel elements; each lets you maximize them in different ways. 

For instance, you’ll pick up the most points with the Amex Platinum by using it to pay for hotel and flight reservations made within the Membership Rewards ecosystem (or directly with the airline). The Chase Sapphire Reserve, meanwhile, lets you earn points on more general spending categories, like travel and dining, that you’re more likely to use regularly.

Amex Platinum: Cardmembers can earn 5X points by booking flights via AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year) or directly with the airline and by reserving prepaid hotel stays through the Amex Membership Rewards portal. For all other purchases, you’ll earn just 1X points.

You’ll also pick up 5X points for hotel stays at luxury properties within Chase’s Hotel Collection portfolio, which allows you to receive further benefits like room upgrades, free breakfast or hotel credits up to $100. 

Chase Sapphire Reserve: Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Additional points can be picked up by doing all your retail therapy through the Shop Through Chase shopping portal, where you’ll receive discounts and earn anywhere from 1 to 15 points per dollar at over 450 online stores. Referring a friend to sign up for the Chase Sapphire Reserve also gets you 10,000 points per referral, with a limit of 50,000 points per year.

Verdict: The Chase Sapphire Reserve card wins this round purely for the fact that you can earn points through more spending categories you’re likely to use regularly (like dining and travel) or online shopping through its portal. The Amex Platinum, by contrast, only lets you earn 1X points on purchases made outside AmexTravel.com.

Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners: How to get the best value

Redeeming rewards

The best part of earning all those rewards points is redeeming them for what you need the most, whether that’s a free flight to Japan or gift cards for the whole family during the holidays — or using them to cover recent charges. Here are the best options for redeeming your earnings with either card.

Amex Platinum: While you’ll get the biggest bang for your buck by transferring Membership Rewards points directly to one of the program’s 21 airline or hotel partners mentioned below, cardholders still have the option to redeem their points for flights, hotels, rental cars and cruises through AmexTravel.com at a value of about 1 cent per point.

If you’re not going to be traveling for a while, redeeming points for online purchases via MembershipRewards.com or Amex’s retail partners — Amazon, PayPal, GrubHub, Best Buy, Staples and Seamless — or using them to buy gift cards or cover eligible charges made with the card may be more appealing. Note, however, that your redemption value will be slightly lower at 0.6 cents to 1 cent per point depending on what you decide to do.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: Ideally, you’ll want to transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards points over to one of the program’s 14 airline or hotel partners, which will grant you the highest redemption value. Otherwise, your redemptions will be worth 1.5 cents per point when you book flights, hotels, car rentals and tours via the Chase travel portal, which isn’t too shabby.

Besides that, Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed for gift cards, statement credits toward recent purchases via Chase’s nifty Pay Yourself Back feature or exchanged for cash back, though the value you’ll get will be considerably lower at 1 cent per point.

Verdict: The Amex Platinum certainly has an edge when it comes to redeeming points, with 21 travel partners to transfer your points to, and options for putting them toward online shopping. That said, if cash-back rewards or the ability to “erase” recent charges is appealing, the Chase Sapphire Reserve might be a better pick depending on your needs.

American Express Membership Rewards vs. Chase Ultimate Rewards

Transfer partners

Cardholders will get the best value by transferring their Amex Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards directly to one of their associated airline and hotel partners. While this is typically done at a transfer ratio of 1:1, several exceptions have been noted below.

Amex Platinum: You’ll have 21 travel transfer partners to choose from with Amex Membership Rewards, including 18 airlines and three hotel brands:

Airline partners: 

• Aer Lingus AerClub
• AeroMexico Rewards (1:1.6)
• Air Canada Aeroplan
• Air France/KLM Flying Blue
• ANA Mileage Club
• Avianca LifeMiles
• British Airways Executive Club
• Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
• Delta Air Lines SkyMiles
• Emirates Skywards
• Etihad Guest
• Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles
• Iberia Plus
• JetBlue TrueBlue (1:0.8)
• Qantas Frequent Flyer
• Qatar Airways Privilege Club
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Hotel partners:

• Choice Privileges
• Hilton Honors (1:2)
• Marriott Bonvoy

Chase Sapphire Reserve: Choose from 14 travel transfer partners with Chase Ultimate Rewards , including 11 airlines and three hotel chains:

• Aer Lingus AerClub 
• Air Canada Aeroplan 
• British Airways Executive Club 
• Emirates Skywards 
• Air France / KLM Flying Blue 
• Iberia Plus 
• JetBlue TrueBlue 
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer 
• Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards 
• United Airlines MileagePlus 
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club 

Hotel partners: 

• IHG One Rewards 
• Marriott Bonvoy 
• World of Hyatt

Verdict: While the Chase Sapphire Reserve® would only give you access to 14 travel partners versus the 21 you could reach with the Amex Platinum Card®, your choice will have to do more with which airlines and hotels you consider yourself most loyal.

It’s important to remember that each airline on the list can also be used to connect with its alliance partners. To use points and miles to save on a trip to Hawaii , for instance, you could transfer points from either rewards program to British Airways Executive Club, then use them to book flights on American Airlines or Alaska Airlines since they’re Oneworld partners.

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Travel perks and statement credits

While each card offers similar overall benefits — airport lounge access, the ability to book super-luxe accommodations through an exclusive hotel program and credits meant to cover your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck registration — they also provide a slew of statement credits to put toward purchases made when you’re not traveling.

Amex Platinum: One way the Amex Platinum card really shines is with its travel perks and statement credits, which help to balance out the high annual fee, offering an overall value of up to $1,584 if you use all of them. 

For starters, you’ll get an up to $200 airline fee credit, given in statement credits, to use toward in-flight purchases and other incidental charges (like baggage fees) on a designated airline. Then there’s the $200 credit toward The Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels + Resorts stays booked through the AmexTravel.com portal. A 2-night minimum stay is required and this benefit is given in statement credits. 

Cardholders also receive an up to $199 credit to reimburse the fees for CLEAR Plus membership, as well as a credit of up to $100 to cover Global Entry or TSA PreCheck enrollment. The card also offers automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite and Hilton Honors Gold status and access to more than 1,400 lounges around the world through The American Express Global Lounge Collection and its network of Plaza Premium Lounge and Priority Pass partners.

For the times when you’re not traveling, the Amex Platinum  throws in some great perks to use from home, like an up to $155 annual credit ($12.95 plus tax per month) toward a Walmart+ subscription, $100 worth of credit (broken up into $50 per six-month period) for purchases made with Saks Fifth Avenue and up to $300 in annual statement credits toward an Equinox gym membership.

In addition, cardholders score up to $240 digital entertainment credit ($20 per month, given in statement credits) to cover certain streaming services — in particular, Peacock, Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+, The Wall Street Journal or The New York Times. You’ll also enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or Uber Eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.

Another great feature offers cardholders exclusive seating at musical, dining, cultural and sporting events when booked through Membership Rewards.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: Cardholders receive a $300 annual travel credit meant to “erase” travel-related purchases made with the card, as well as a statement credit of up to $100 every four years to reimburse the enrollment fee for Global Entry , TSA PreCheck or NEXUS .

The card includes Priority Pass Select membership, which provides access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide including Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club outposts in Boston and Hong Kong (locations are also expected to open soon in New York, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Philadelphia and San Diego).

You’ll also have access to the Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection, which opens you up to earning more benefits like late checkout, free breakfast, room upgrades or hotel-specific perks worth up to $100. Another included feature, Reserved by Sapphire, offers members exclusive seating at special events, whether culinary, musical or sports-related.

Additional perks include a free two-year Lyft Pink All Access membership, a one-year subscription to Instacart+ with up to $15 in statement credits each quarter, plus a complimentary DashPass membership to satisfy all your DoorDash and Caviar cravings, with $5 in DoorDash credits each month.

Verdict: It really depends on your personal travel preferences for this one. If you’re someone who makes visiting Amex Centurion Lounges a priority and who will use the credits for CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck (or Global Entry) memberships, you’ll likely lean toward the Amex Platinum. 

If the Priority Pass lounge membership, Lyft Pink All Access subscription and Instacart+ benefits are more appealing, the Chase Sapphire Reserve might be a better choice. Think about which perks you’d use the most if you had each of these cards and go from there.

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Additional benefits and protections

In addition to all the included benefits mentioned above, each card offers a litany of travel-related insurance and purchase protections. Note, however, that the type of coverage you’ll get from each of them is slightly different. They do have one thing in common, though: no foreign transaction fees.

Amex Platinum: As included benefits, cardmembers receive secondary coverage for standard car rentals, trip interruption and cancellation insurance, trip delay reimbursement, baggage insurance, access to a global emergency assistance hotline and medical transport and evacuation coverage in case of an emergency during your travels*.

In addition, you’ll get a year’s worth of extended warranty protection, up to 90 days of purchase protection and return protection — meaning you could be reimbursed for items within 90 days, even if the store won’t take them back — and cell phone protection (up to $800 per claim, limited to two claims per 12-month period, plus a $50 deductible*).

Chase Sapphire Reserve: This card offers a robust portfolio of benefits to provide peace of mind as you travel, including an auto rental collision damage waiver for car rentals (which counts as primary insurance), roadside assistance, emergency transportation and evacuation and an emergency medical and dental benefit if you’re at least 100 miles from home.

All cardmembers receive baggage delay insurance, reimbursement for trip delays and lost luggage, trip interruption and cancellation insurance, travel accident insurance and emergency assistance services should any issues arise during your trip.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve also provides purchase protection for 120 days, extended warranty protection for an additional year (on eligible warranties up to three years) and return protection within 90 days of the original purchase.

Verdict: While both cards offer similar purchase protections and worst-case scenario travel insurance coverage, the Chase Sapphire Reserve stands out for one reason: it provides primary car insurance via the auto rental collision damage waiver while the Amex Platinum only gives you secondary coverage.

Traveling to Hawaii with points and miles

Bottom line

There’s a lot to consider when choosing your next card, especially when the The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve  are top premium products offering similar perks and benefits. To help narrow it down, think about the features that are most appealing to you and your travel needs, and pick the one you’ll be able to maximize the most.

If you end up going with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, be aware of Chase’s strict 5/24 rule, which may mean your application gets rejected if you’ve already applied for five or more credit cards within a 24-month period. 

While American Express does not practice the same policy, it might be worth signing up for any Chase cards first (especially if your rewards-earning strategy involves acquiring more of them) and saving the Amex Platinum for later since it would count toward Chase’s 5/24 restriction if you did it first.

How to travel to New Zealand with points and miles

* 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.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Amex Platinum Card vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which Premium Card Is Better?

AwardWallet receives compensation from advertising partners for links on the blog. Terms Apply to the offers listed on this page. The opinions expressed here are our own and have not been reviewed, provided, or approved by any bank advertiser. Here's our complete list of Advertisers .

The Chase Sapphire Reserve ® and The Platinum Card ® from American Express are two of the most popular rewards cards in the ultra-premium / luxury category.

While both cards come with hefty annual fees that you'll need to pay each year, both cards provide a wide array of benefits. Many people find that the total value of the benefits they receive each year from holding one of these luxury rewards cards more than offsets the cost of the annual fee — justifying keeping the card for another year.

But, when comparing the Chase Sapphire Reserve ® vs. the Amex Platinum card, it's important to understand the differences between these two cards to determine which one might be best for you.

Today, we'll help you determine which of these heavy-hitting cards might best fit your unique spending and travel habits. In this post, we'll take a look at the welcome bonus, benefits, spending categories, and other perks.

Page Contents

Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Amex Platinum Welcome Bonus

Chase sapphire reserve vs. amex platinum annual fee, when to use amex platinum vs. chase sapphire reserve, airport lounge access, travel credits, other monthly and annual credits, partner benefits, amex reward points vs. chase sapphire reserve point value, should i have both the amex platinum and chase sapphire reserve, is the chase sapphire reserve better than amex platinum.

• 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025
• 10X points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 10X points on Chase Dining (including prepaid reservations and prepaid takeout purchased through Chase)
• 5X points on airfare purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 3X points on all other travel
• 3X points on dining at restaurants
• 1X points on all other purchases

• Earn 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year).
• Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

The welcome bonus for both the Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum varies over time. Thus, it's important to make sure that you're comparing the most recent bonus. You'll also want to understand that it will be a while before you can earn a welcome bonus more than once on either of these cards. Because of this, you'll want to apply when the bonus is higher than average.

These are the current welcome offers:

• Sapphire Reserve : Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Amex Platinum : Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

You can earn more points overall with the Amex Platinum, but you'll pay a higher annual fee on this card and need to spend more to unlock the welcome bonus. However, the value of the bonus is what we're evaluating.

Winner: Amex Platinum

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.¤
• Terms Apply.
• Rates & Fees

The Sapphire Reserve has a $550 annual fee, while the annual fee on the Amex Platinum is $695 ( Rates & Fees ). While the two cards both charge high annual fees, the Sapphire Reserve charges a significantly lower annual fee.

Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck ®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC

One key to maximizing the value of your miles and points is to know when and where to use your card to boost your point earnings. The Sapphire Reserve offers:

Note that bonus earning on travel purchases happens only after the first $300 in travel purchases each year. You get a $300 annual travel credit to offset those purchases, so Chase doesn't allow you to double dip by earning extra points on spending that was offset by the credit.

In contrast, the earning rates on the Amex Platinum include 1 point per $1 spent on purchases other than these:

The Sapphire Reserve seems like the clear winner for most spending patterns. Not only do you get the same 5x on flights booked through the card's travel portal, but you also get a higher earning rate on hotels booked through the travel portal. In addition, you get additional bonus points on other travel and dining purchases.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Benefits vs. Amex Platinum

Now, let's compare the Sapphire Reserve vs. Amex Platinum in terms of cardholder benefits. We'll break this down into a few different categories.

Both the Sapphire Reserve and the Amex Platinum card come with a Priority Pass Select membership . This membership allows you access to over 1,300 airport lounges throughout the world. However, Priority Pass memberships through Chase allow you access to non-lounge amenities like select airport restaurants , while Priority Pass memberships through American Express do not .

Amex Platinum cardholders also get access to the Global Lounge Collection , including American Express Centurion lounges , Plaza Premium lounges, Airscape and Escape lounges, as well as Delta Sky Clubs when traveling Delta (subject to 10 visits per year starting on February 1, 2025). There are a few Chase Sapphire Lounges at this point, with more being built, but these are currently much less common than Amex-exclusive lounges.

Both the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve offer annual travel credits . The Chase   Sapphire Reserve offers a $300 travel credit each year.

This credit is quite valuable since it can be used on just about anything that codes as “travel.” That means it's quite easy to redeem, and there's a relatively little chance of “breakage” (where you don't use the full value of your available credit).

On the other hand, the Amex Platinum offers two annual travel credits:

• A $200 annual airline incidental fee credit that can be used to pay for ancillary charges on one specific airline, including seat selection, wifi, baggage fees, or other similar charges.
• A $200 credit on select prepaid hotel bookings .

Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.

While the face value of the annual travel credits is higher with the Amex Platinum, the ease of use of the $300 Chase travel credit gives it a slight nod.

The Sapphire Reserve offers a $5 in DoorDash credit each month. Plus, get 10% back on Instacart purchases through October 30, 2024.

The Amex Platinum card, on the other hand, has a wide array of available credits, including:

• $20 monthly (up to $240 per year) as a digital entertainment credit
• A $155 Walmart+ credit (up to $12.95 per month plus applicable taxes)
• $200 in Uber Cash towards rides or Uber Eats orders in the U.S. ($15 each month, plus a $20 bonus in December) when you add your card as a payment method in your Uber account
• $300 annually in statement credits on a digital or club membership at Equinox
• $50 twice a year to shop at Saks Fifth Avenue
• $199 per year as a statement credit for CLEAR Plus membership

Both cards offer a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit when you pay the application fee with your card. The Amex Platinum offers a reimbursement for TSA PreCheck once every 4.5 years or once every 4 years for Global Entry. The Sapphire Reserve makes this benefit available every four years for either program and also can reimburse your application fee for NEXUS , the cross-border program between Canada and the U.S.

Sapphire Reserve cardholders are also eligible for:

• Access to The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection
• Complimentary two-year Lyft Pink All Access membership plus 10x points on Lyft purchases (must activate by December 31, 2024)
• get 10% back on Instacart purchases (through October 30, 2024)
• Complimentary access to DashPass – a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar (activate by December 31, 2027)

Related:  Is the Sapphire Reserve Worth the $550 Annual Fee?

Here is a look at some of the partner benefits available to Amex Platinum cardholders:

• Access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts program and The Hotel Collection
• Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
• Hilton Honors Gold status
• Premium car rental status with several programs

Both cards offer:

• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Extended warranty
• Purchase protection and return protection
• The Amex Platinum card offers secondary car rental coverage, while the Sapphire Reserve offers much more valuable primary car rental coverage.

However, there are benefits that they don't have in common as well:

• The Amex Platinum offers cell phone insurance
• The Sapphire Reserve offers baggage delay insurance (in addition to lost luggage coverage), travel accident insurance, and emergency medical/dental coverage

While it's possible to compare the amount of rewards you'll earn with both cards, it's important to note that the two cards earn different currencies: American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards .

Thus, the card you choose may depend on the value you place on either of these currencies. Generally, both of these currencies are quite valuable, so your card choice might depend on your travel and redemption habits.

As a point of comparison, AwardWallet users have redeemed Membership Rewards points for an average of 1.88¢ and Ultimate Rewards points for an average of 1.85¢.

Winner: Tie

Related: Chase Ultimate Rewards vs. American Express Membership Rewards: Which Is Better?

Since both the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve have solid benefits, you might wonder if it makes sense to have both cards. While the exact answer will depend on your unique spending, travel, and redemption habits, it probably doesn't make sense for most people. The reason is that many card benefits overlap.

After all, if you already have a Priority Pass Select membership from the Sapphire Reserve , you won't gain additional benefits of having Priority Pass with your Amex Platinum .

In addition, if you earn 5x points for flights booked with your Sapphire Reserve, you can't also earn 5x points for booking with your Amex Platinum.

That is why for most people, it probably makes the most sense to find one of these luxury rewards cards that best suits you and stick with it. Focus on the differences, such as Amex's expanded number of lounges or the Chase lounges, or consider the differences in spending credits and insurance protections.

You can read our Sapphire Reserve review and our Amex Platinum review to learn more about both cards.

The Amex Platinum and Sapphire Reserve are two premium rewards cards. Both offer an array of travel and cardmember perks and benefits while also charging annual fees of hundreds of dollars.

Yes, the annual fees are pretty high. That means savvy travelers will compare the value of the benefits they receive to the cost of the annual fee to decide which of these luxury cards makes the most sense for them and which annual fee is justified year after year, based on the value obtained from holding the card.

Both cards are likely to give more value than their annual fee at least in the first year, thanks to the welcome offers. After that, make an informed decision and cost–benefit analysis to determine what is your best path forward. While the Amex Platinum did come out ahead in one more category than the Chase Sapphire Reserve, that's close enough to indicate you should dig deeper before deciding on which card is right for you.

For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: The Platinum Card ® from American Express ( Rates & Fees )

The comments on this page are not provided, reviewed, or otherwise approved by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

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Which travel credits are the easiest to redeem?

I t's becoming increasingly common these days to see cards charging annual fees in the range of $450 (or more). In many ways, premium is the new normal. To convince customers to shell out hundreds of dollars a year, most of these cards offer some type of annual travel statement credit but they're certainly not all created equal. Some will range from automatic and easy to use to much more restrictive with strict guidelines you need to follow to redeem those travel credits.

At TPG, we want to equip you with information that empowers your decision-making, which is why we created this chart to help you easily maneuver between some of the most popular travel credit cards that offer easy-to-use travel credits.

The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Annual travel credit: $300 annual travel credit.

Standout perks: The Chase Sapphire Reserve has been one of the most popular all-around credit cards — in fact, it has won TPG's best premium travel card for three years in a row. Despite its $550 annual fee, the $300 annual travel credit is incredibly convincing to get people to apply. This credit is also by far the easiest to use since Chase will automatically apply this credit to your first $300 in annual travel purchases, with eligible charges ranging from flights and hotels to less obvious things like parking fees, tolls, ride-sharing and even some food delivery services. Note that you must spend the $300 travel credit before you start earning 3 points per dollar on travel spending.

Finally, the Sapphire Reserve rounds out with 3 points per dollar on travel and dining, a Priority Pass Select membership , access to a premium concierge service and a host of other perks .

Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve review

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

Annual travel credit: Up to $120 in Lyft credits, up to $120 in statement credits on Grubhub purchases and up to $120 in statement credits on Avis or Budget car rentals.

Standout perks: In July 2023, the AAdvantage Executive credit underwent major changes, including the addition of several statement credits and increased earning potential. Still, there were negative changes as well, such as an increase in the card's annual fee and a limit of 10 authorized users which cost $175 for up to three individuals and $175 for each authorized user thereafter. Despite these changes, the AAdvantage Executive still stands out thanks to its complimentary Admirals Club membership.

Related: The latest credit card benefit changes you need to know

The AAdvantage Executive does offer a fantastic rewards rate, with 4 miles per dollar on American Airlines purchases and 10 miles per dollar on hotels or cars booked through aa.com/hotels and aa.com/cars.

Related: AAdvantage Executive review

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

Annual travel credit: Up to $300 dining statement credits at restaurants worldwide and up to $100 luxury property credit on two nights or more at St. Regis or Ritz-Carlton hotels.

Standout perks: While the $300 annual credit is useful, it's worth mentioning that it gets broken up into $25 monthly credits instead of a single lump sum. However, apart from this, there aren't many restrictions when using this card.

In addition to these credits, the card offers automatic Marriott Platinum Elite status and a valuable annual free night certificate worth up to 50,000 points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program (certain hotels have resort fees).

Related: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant review

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Annual travel credit: Up to $200 annual airline credit, up to $400 annual Hilton resort statement credit valid at participating resorts, and up to a $100 property credit on two nights or more at Waldorf Astoria and Conrad hotels.

Standout perks: The premium Hilton Aspire recently underwent a refresh, which brought on some changes to its statement credit and is currently offering an all-time high welcome bonus of 180,000 Hilton points (worth $1,080 based on TPG's valuations ) after spending $6,000 in the first six months. The Aspire offers up to a $200 statement credit (up to $50 a quarter) on eligible flight purchases made directly with an airline or through amextravel.com. The card also provides up to $400 (up to $200 biannually) in statement credits for eligible purchases at Hilton resorts, which could potentially be combined with a $100 property credit on eligible stays of two or more nights at Waldorf Astoria and Conrad hotels.

Aspire cardholders will also enjoy a free weekend night certificate upon account opening and each year on their account anniversary, automatic top-tier Hilton Diamond elite status and a whopping 14 points per dollar on eligible Hilton purchases.

Related: Hilton Honors Aspire review

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Annual travel credit: Up to $200 annual airline incidental fee statement credit, up to $200 annual Uber Cash ($15 a month which becomes a $20 bonus in December), and $189 Clear Plus credit.

Standout perks: The Amex Platinum airline fee credit gets a lot of attention, but some mystery surrounds exactly how to activate it. This is the information Amex offers regarding the $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 inflight refreshments, are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card." Amex has closed the gift card purchase loophole, severely limiting the ways to use this perk. What has been reported to trigger the airline fee credit includes (but isn't limited to) checked baggage fees, change fees, airline lounge daypasses, seat assignment fees and other inflight purchases.

If you've decided to apply for or keep your Platinum card open even after these changes — plus its $695 annual fee (see rates and fees ) — you can look forward to the following perks: up to $200 in annual Uber Cash ($15 a month with a $20 bonus in December), up to $100 in annual Saks Fifth Avenue credits ($50 every six months), Up to$189 statement credit toward a Clear Plus membership, Marriott and Hilton Gold elite status, access to Amex's growing collection of Centurion lounges , access to Delta Sky Clubs when traveling on same-day Delta flights and a whole host of other perks. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Related: Amex Platinum review

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Annual travel credit: $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One travel.

Standout perks: The Capital One Venture X is a phenomenal card that disrupted the travel credit card industry several years back. The Venture X earns 10 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked via Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked via Capital One Travel and an unlimited 2 miles per dollar on everything else. Cardholders are also awarded 10,000 bonus miles on the anniversary date of card opening, however, where the card shines in lounge access.

Related: Capital One Venture X review

Cardholders can add four authorized users at no charge and both the main cardholder and authorized users — in addition to up to two guests — get complimentary Capital One lounge access. Plus, all guests traveling with the main cardholder or an authorized user can also access more than 1,400 Priority Pass lounges worldwide.

Related: Best travel credit cards

Bottom line

For a long time, it's been easy to brush over the annual fee attached to premium cards due, in part, to multiple annual statement credits that easily offset your upfront cost. However, recent changes and restrictions in how these credits can be used can affect the value you get from these high annual fee cards. It's important to plan how you'll use these credits before you open a card to make sure you can recoup your annual fee.

For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, click here .

For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Aspire card, click here .

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here .

For rates and fees of the Venture X, click here .

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

The best credit cards to use for United flights

Editor's Note

You're about to buy a flight, and you have a credit card with that airline's name stamped on the front. That's the best card to use for this purchase, right? Or would you be better served if you used some other credit card ?

You have options for earning extra points and miles when you pay. Conversely, there are options for enjoying additional perks during your flight. Some credit cards can give a mix of both.

Let's take a look at the best credit card to use for United flights so you can see your options.

Comparing cards for United Airlines flights

Aside from using a United Airlines credit card , you could also pay using an all-around travel rewards card that earns transferable points on travel purchases, including your next flight reservation with United Airlines . Here are some cards you might pay with and what you could get when using these cards:

* Bonus value is estimated based on TPG's August 2024 valuations and not the card issuer.

The information for the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Which card should you use for United Airlines flights?

Typically, earning transferable points (which you can use in many ways, not just with United) is probably your best approach. And if you use a card that earns Ultimate Rewards points — such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card — you would be able to transfer these points to United Airlines later on if you want to make a redemption through the MileagePlus program.

But what if you need to check a bag? Do you get free checked luggage in some other way due to flying in a premium cabin or having status with United? If not, paying with a United card might make sense.

Unlike with a Delta Air Lines credit card — where the checked baggage benefit is attached to your loyalty program number — you must pay for your United flight with your United credit card to use the free checked baggage benefit.

Simply having the United Club Infinite card , United Quest card or United Explorer card in your wallet doesn't confer this benefit.

There are other benefits that require paying with your United credit card. These include earning bonus PQPs through credit card spending, receiving 25% back (as a statement credit) for inflight purchases with United and getting up to $125 in statement credits each year for United purchases made with the United Quest card.

A credit card with annual travel credits can also help offset your checked bag fees. If you don't need to check a suitcase, consider whether you're losing out on other benefits. Have you used your United Quest card's $125 in United credits this year, for example?

If you want to avoid missing out on benefits like this, aim for the card that will give you the best return on your spending through points and miles.

If you choose to pay with your Amex Platinum Card to earn 5 Membership Rewards points for each dollar, for example, you'll earn more value (in terms of rewards) on the money you spend but won't get free checked bags — even if you have a United credit card in your wallet.

Some benefits exist regardless of which credit card you use to pay for your flights.

These include eligible visits to the United Club lounges, priority boarding and priority check-in benefits, getting 5,000 miles back in your account if you make an eligible mileage award redemption while holding the United Quest card and gaining access to saver award bookings with a 10% discount thanks to the United Club Infinite card.

Another benefit available to all cardholders and those with United Airlines elite status is access to additional award space when redeeming miles for United flights .

Plus, those with elite status with United and a United credit card can receive complimentary upgrades to first class when using miles for award flights. That can make holding a United credit card worthwhile even if you also receive numerous benefits as an elite member.

Related: The single reason I'd open a MileagePlus credit card as a United elite

Bottom line

TPG's August 2024 valuations peg United Miles at 1.35 cents apiece. Even the best-earning option for United credit cards yields just 5.4 cents in value for each dollar spent on United purchases, yet more general travel rewards credit cards can earn at a higher rate. But, you need to pay with your United credit card to take advantage of certain benefits, such as free checked bags and statement credits toward eligible purchases.

Before paying with a certain card, evaluate whether you would be sacrificing benefits to earn more valuable rewards and how important this is to you.

Related: 4 reasons someone in your family needs a United credit card

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here .