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Chase Sapphire Reserve vs American Express Platinum Card

Quick answer

Both are elite travel cards with hefty annual fees, but Chase Sapphire Reserve wins on simplicity and redemption flexibility, while Amex Platinum dominates on raw perks and lounge access.

Our pick
Chase Sapphire Reserve
The traveler's workhorse with killer transfer partners
4.1★
VS
American Express Platinum Card
The status-flex card stuffed with premium perks
4.1★
Annual Fee
$550
$695
Base Rewards Rate
3x on dining & travel, 1x elsewhere
5x flights & hotels (via Amex), 1x elsewhere
Travel Credit
$300/year (auto-applies, broad categories)
$200/year (airline fees only, narrow use)
Lounge Access
Priority Pass + Chase Sapphire Lounges
Centurion, Priority Pass, Delta Sky Club, Escape, Plaza Premium
Transfer Partners
14 airlines & hotels (1:1 ratio)
21 airlines & hotels (1:1 ratio)
Portal Redemption Bonus
1.5 cents/point via Chase Travel
1 cent/point via Amex Travel
Hotel Status
None included
Marriott Gold + Hilton Gold (automatic)
Airline Status
None included
None included
Global Entry / TSA Pre✓ Credit
$100 every 4 years
$100 every 4.5 years
Statement Credits & Extras
$300 travel credit, DoorDash, Lyft Pink
$200 hotel, $200 airline, $240 digital, $155 Walmart+, $100 Saks, more
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
None
Authorized User Fee
$75/user
$195/user (but gets Centurion access)

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Ease of Use★★★★½
Rewards Rate★★★★½
Travel Perks★★★★☆
Lounge Access★★★½☆
Annual Fee Value★★★★☆
Partner Ecosystem★★★★☆
Sign-up Bonus Value★★★★☆

American Express Platinum Card

Ease of Use★★★☆☆
Rewards Rate★★★½☆
Travel Perks★★★★★
Lounge Access★★★★★
Annual Fee Value★★★½☆
Partner Ecosystem★★★★½
Sign-up Bonus Value★★★★½

Worth knowing

The Amex Platinum was made of actual metal — it weighs about 18 grams, so you can literally feel the money leaving your wallet every time you pay.

If you want

You want simplicity and strong everyday travel rewards

The $300 auto-travel credit and 1.5x portal redemption make Chase Sapphire Reserve easy to maximize without juggling a dozen credits.

→ Pick Chase Sapphire Reserve
If you want

You spend serious time in airports and want lounge access everywhere

Amex Platinum's five-network lounge access (including Centurion) is unmatched and alone justifies the fee for frequent fliers.

→ Pick American Express Platinum Card
If you want

You want automatic hotel status perks without earning stays

Instant Marriott Gold and Hilton Gold means room upgrades and late checkouts without lifting a finger.

→ Pick American Express Platinum Card
If you want

You want the best points-per-dollar on dining and non-flight travel

3x on all travel and dining beats Amex's 5x-only-on-flights structure for most real-world spending patterns.

→ Pick Chase Sapphire Reserve
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