United States card comparison
The Platinum Card® vs Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Amex Platinum and the Chase Sapphire Reserve are the two most-asked-about premium travel cards in the United States. Both carry annual fees in the $700–$900 range, both bundle Priority Pass, both add their own branded lounge network, and both are positioned at the same kind of traveler. The decision usually comes down to lounge-network fit (Centurion vs Sapphire), Membership Rewards vs Ultimate Rewards transfer partners, and which credits each cardholder will actually use.
Last reviewed: . Card information is summarized from issuer benefit pages and is reviewed periodically. Always verify current terms with the issuer before applying.
American Express
The Platinum Card®
Chase
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | The Platinum Card® | Chase Sapphire Reserve® |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | American Express | Chase |
| Issuing country | United States | United States |
| Annual fee | $895 | $795 |
| Lounge networks |
|
|
| Lounges this card opens (tracked) | 440 lounges across 181 airports | 345 lounges across 172 airports |
| Guest policy | 2 guests Centurion / 10 Delta Sky Club visits/year | 2 guests per visit (Priority Pass & Sapphire Lounge) |
| Credit score | Excellent (Good Credit) | Excellent (740+) |
| Purchase APR | See Pay Over Time APR in account | 19.49% - 27.99% Variable |
Who should pick which
Pick the The if
Best for travelers who fly through Centurion-Lounge airports often, value Amex transfer partners (Air France/KLM, Avianca, ANA), and will use the Marriott, Hilton, and digital-entertainment credits that recoup most of the fee.
See full The Platinum Card® detailsPick the Chase if
Best for travelers who fly through Sapphire Lounge cities (Boston, Hong Kong, La Guardia, Phoenix, San Diego, Las Vegas), value Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners (Hyatt, United, Air Canada), and want stronger trip-protection insurance.
See full Chase Sapphire Reserve® detailsStrengths and trade-offs
The Platinum Card®
Strengths
- Welcome Offer: 175,000 Points (Spend $8k in 6 months)
- Over $3,500 in annual value from credits and perks
- Access to 1,550+ lounges (Centurion, Delta, Priority Pass)
- 5X Points on Flights & Prepaid Hotels via Amex Travel
- Elite Status: Hilton Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold, Leaders Club Sterling
Trade-offs
- High Annual Fee ($895)
- Credits require enrollment and specific usage (must use designated vendors)
- Centurion guest access requires $75k spend
- Rates and fees apply
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Strengths
- Welcome Bonus: 125,000 Points (Spend $6k in 3 months) - Value $2,500+
- Over $1,500 in annual lifestyle credits (DoorDash, Lyft, Peloton, Apple)
- Best-in-class Travel Protection (Primary Rental, Trip Cancellation/Delay)
- Most Flexible $300 Travel Credit in the market
- Access to Sapphire Lounges and 1,300+ lounges worldwide
Trade-offs
- High Annual Fee ($795) + $195 per additional Authorized User
- Credits split semi-annually or monthly (requiring tracking)
- Strict approval rules (5/24 rule)
- The Edit credit requires prepaid booking (2-night min)
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