Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Amex Platinum
The ultimate premium travel card showdown. Both cards cost $500+ per year but deliver massive value for frequent travelers through lounge access, travel credits, and elite status perks.
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Reserve Chase | Amex Platinum American Express |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $550 | $695 |
| APR | 22.49% - 29.49% | 21.49% - 29.49% |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months | 80,000 points after $8,000 spend in 6 months |
| Base Rewards | 1x on all purchases | 1x on all purchases |
| Top Categories | 3x travel, 3x dining, 10x on Chase Travel | 5x flights booked directly, 5x prepaid hotels on Amex Travel |
| Foreign Tx Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Credit Needed | Excellent (720+) | Excellent (720+) |
Pros & Cons
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Pros
- +$300 annual travel credit
- +Priority Pass lounge access
- +3x on dining and travel
- +50% more value on Chase Travel
- +DoorDash, Lyft benefits
Cons
- -$550 annual fee
- -Lower earning on flights vs Amex Platinum
- -No airline status
Amex Platinum
Pros
- +Centurion Lounge access
- +Up to $400+ in annual statement credits
- +5x on flights booked directly
- +Hilton/Marriott Gold status
- +Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
Cons
- -$695 annual fee
- -Only 1x on most non-travel purchases
- -Credits require effort to maximize
- -Charge card (no carrying balance)
Our Recommendation
Choose the Amex Platinum if you fly frequently and value Centurion Lounge access plus airline perks. Choose the Sapphire Reserve if you want a simpler earning structure and better dining/travel flexibility.