Amex Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which Cards are the Best?
There are a huge number of different payment instruments, but there are also those that provide holders with premium opportunities. In particular, we are talking about the active confrontation between AmEx Platinum vs Chase Reserve, whose benefits look too tempting, despite their considerable annual fees. And there are plenty of common benefits, including:
- Powerful bonus programs for earning credit points and rewards.
- Extensive affiliate networks where you can get additional discounts.
- Extra funds to redeem part of the cost of rent, tickets, and products.
However, this only further increases the degree of confrontation between the Chase Sapphire Reserve vs American Express Platinum for those who are ready to invest in membership and premium cards.
Amex Platinum vs Sapphire Reserve: How Do the Cards Differ?
Let's say you're currently deciding between the AmEx Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve. The following comparison table can help you choose the best option for your payments.
| AmEx Platinum | Chase Sapphire Reserve |
Welcome offer | 80,000 bonus points for $8,000 spent within six months | 60,000 points for $4,000 spent over three months |
Annual fee | $695 | $550 |
Earning rates | 5 points per $1 on airline tickets with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per year in total). 5 points per $1 for the booked hotel via AET. 1 bonus up to $1 for other purchases. | 10 points per $1 on hotel and car rentals in the Chase Travel program. 10 points per $1 on food orders from the Chase portal, Lyft riders, and equipment from Peloton. 5 points for $1 on flights with Chase Travel. 3 points per $1 on other travel. 1 point per $1 on other spending. |
Notable benefits | Up to $200 statement credit, Uber cash, hotels from Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, and The Hotel Collection booking programs. Up to $100 Saks Fifth Avenue statement credit per year. Up to $240 annual digital entertainment credit. $300 annual Equinox credit. $189 annual Clear Plus statement credit. Up to $155 at Walmart+. | $300 annual travel credit. Up to $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck. DoorDash DashPass subscription. Annual membership to Instacart+. |
Based on the comparison, we can say that there is no clear favorite in the AmEx Platinum vs Chase Sapphire confrontation. Therefore, let's take a closer look at the fees and benefits that the holder of each card receives for a fairly decent fee.
Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Amex Platinum Bonuses and Costs: So Similar, but Different at the Same Time
There can be no clear winner in the Chase Reserve vs AmEx Platinum confrontation, because each of the payment instruments is focused on its own audience. Your choice as a potential cardholder will depend on the typical cases of card use.
For example, by paying $695 annually for AmEx, you get the above benefits and the opportunity to earn 80,000 points for the first six months of your Platinum membership if you make purchases worth $8,000.
CSR, on the other hand, offers only 60,000 points for $4,000 in purchases during the first three months of membership. However, the cost of the annual fee here is also more than $100 lower and amounts to $550.
Once again, it's impossible to pick a winner, as each card offers fair welcome bonus terms when you consider the annual fee and the rest of the benefits listed. Therefore, let's move on to a more detailed review of the payment instruments to determine who and which one is best suited for them.
American Express Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve: Advantages of Payment Solutions
The following extended comparison of bonuses and benefits provided by each of these types of payment cards can be the decisive factor in the Sapphire Reserve vs AmEx Platinum debate. However, please note that most of these features are eligible to be received only by cardholders registered in the membership program. Also, some offers have restrictions on the term of use or the validity of the condition.
Here's a detailed overview of each card’s benefits:
| AmEx Platinum | Chase Sapphire Reserve |
Annual statement credits and partner benefits | Up to $200 for annual airline incidental fee. Up to $200 for annual prepaid hotels. Up to $189 for Clear Plus membership. Up to $100 for Saks Fifth Avenue. Up to $240 in digital entertainment at select providers. Up to $155 at Walmart+. Up to $300 in Equinox. | $300 annual travel credit Complimentary two-year Lyft Pink All Access membership. Complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership. One-year complimentary Instacart+ membership. |
Lounge access | Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes Priority Pass (excluding restaurants), Centurion Lounges, Plaza Premium, Delta Sky Clubs on same-day Delta flights, and Escape lounges | Priority Pass Select membership and Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club |
Travel protections | Secondary car rental coverage. Protection of delayed trips. Insurance of trip cancellation/interruption. | Primary car rental insurance. Insurance for baggage delay. Insurance for trip delays. Trip cancellation/interruption insurance. Urgent healthcare and dental coverage. |
Hotel elite status | Gold status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors | - |
Hotel perks | American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts | The Edit by Chase Travel |
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit | One credit every four years for Global Entry or every 4? years for TSA PreCheck | One credit every four years |
Well, even with all these factors considered, it's still hard to say for sure who is the best in the Chase Sapphire vs AmEx Platinum debate. Given all the perks listed above, we can only assume that each of the cards is definitely worth recommending to different categories of users, albeit to the wealthy, which is a common characteristic of both options.
Conclusion
The American Express Platinum vs Chase Reserve battle can be compared to heavyweights who have approximately the same level of skill. They can circle the ring for hours, exchanging crushing blows, but still without a significant advantage for one of them.
Both the American Express Platinum and the Chase Reserve Sapphire offer enough bonuses for their annual fee. However, the first option is designed for those who move more and often rest or eat out. While the second is aimed at a more conventional lifestyle, it also offers benefits to people who like to travel.
