Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. American Express Platinum Card
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Last week we covered the new Chase Sapphire Reserve launch and compared it to the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Now, it’s time to tee it up against the American Express Platinum – two of the most elite cards out there! Let’s get right to it…
| Platinum Card from American Express | Chase Sapphire Reserve | |
| Annual Fee | $450 | $450 |
| Sign-up Bonus | 40,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months | 100,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months |
| Sign-up Bonus Value | $400 when redeemed for travel [potential targeted offers here] |
$1,500 when redeemed for travel |
| Travel Earning Rate | 5x on flights booked directly with the airline or AmexTravel.com 1x on everything else |
3x |
| Dining Earning Rate | 1x | 3x |
| Everywhere Earning Rate | 1x | 1x |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | 0% | 0% |
| Point Value When Redeemed for Travel | 1 cent | 1.5 cents |
| Annual Credits | $200 annual travel credit for airline bag fees and in-flight purchases | $300 annual travel credit for flights & hotels |
| Global Entry or TSA Pre✓ Credits |
Up to $100 for either Global Entry or TSA Pre✓ every 5 years | Up to $100 for either Global Entry or TSA Pre✓ every 4 years |
| Airport Lounge Access | Delta SkyClub + Priority Pass Select Membership |
Priority Pass Select Membership |
| Authorized Users | $175 – covers up to 3 authorized users for lounge access & Global Entry or TSA Pre✓ Credits | $75 |
| Premium Travel Protection | ✓ | ✓ |
WINNER: Chase Sapphire Reserve! (for most)
The Chase Sapphire Reserve easily beats the Platinum Card from American Express in almost every category – especially with the sign-up bonus & earning rate. The $300 annual credit that you receive immediately helps subsidize the annual fee. TPS values the first year of Sapphire Reserve membership at over $2,700 – a new record!
However, one area where the Platinum Card really shines is the airport lounge access if you fly Delta & the 5x points on flight purchases. Delta charges $450 for club access – the same price as the Platinum Card. If you fly Delta and/or have a SkyClub membership you should definitely open the Platinum Card and also consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Want to see other great offers? Check out this months Top Offers.