Hi, I’m Gustavo Oliveira. I’ve spent years finding the best ways to get lasting value through rewards. Choosing between the platinum card from American Express and the chase sapphire reserve can be hard. Both are great for luxury travel, with big welcome offers and premium benefits.

Both cards offer premium travel benefits, exclusive rewards, and perks tailored to frequent travelers—but they serve slightly different lifestyles. So, how do you decide which one is best for you? Let’s break it down.

Key Takeaways

• The Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve come with high annual fees but pack incredible value through perks and rewards.
• Both cards are ideal for frequent travelers, with options to redeem points for flights, hotels, and more.
• Amex Platinum shines with its extensive lounge access and luxury benefits, while the Sapphire Reserve stands out with flexible points and simpler redemption options.
• Each card’s perks align with specific lifestyles—luxury seekers versus points-savvy travelers.

1. Introduction

Choosing the right premium credit card can significantly enhance your travel experience. Whether you’re after VIP lounge access, upgraded hotel stays, or robust travel protections, the card in your wallet should match your goals and spending habits. With the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve leading the pack, let’s dive into what makes them unique.

Annual Fees and What You Get

Amex Platinum

Annual Fee: $695

Credits:

Up to $200 for airline incidental fees.

$200 in Uber Cash annually ($15/month + $35 in December).

$240 for digital entertainment subscriptions (e.g., Hulu, Disney+).

$300 Equinox credit (if you’re a gym-goer).

These credits, if used fully, offset much of the fee.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Annual Fee: $550

Credits:

$300 annual travel credit (applies automatically to travel purchases).

Complimentary DashPass for enhanced food delivery perks.

While it has fewer credits compared to Amex Platinum, Chase makes its perks straightforward and easy to redeem.

Both cards have steep annual fees, but their value lies in how well you leverage the credits and benefits.

Earning and Redeeming Rewards

Earning Rates

• Amex Platinum: Earn 5X Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel. Hotel bookings via Amex also earn 5X points.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve: Earn 3X points on travel and dining, and 5X points on flights booked through Chase’s travel portal.

Redemption Options

• Amex Platinum: Best for transferring points to travel partners like Delta, Emirates, or Marriott. Amex also offers a variety of high-value redemptions for luxury travel.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve: Points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Additionally, Chase’s partnerships with airlines like United and hotels like Hyatt make its points incredibly flexible.

Travel Perks That Make a Difference

Lounge Access

• Amex Platinum: The undisputed king of lounges, offering access to the Centurion Lounge, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and Priority Pass lounges. Perfect for travelers who value quiet, comfortable spaces at airports.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve: Includes Priority Pass membership, covering over 1,300 lounges worldwide. While this is excellent, it doesn’t match Amex’s extensive lounge network.

Travel Credits and Protections

• Both cards provide trip cancellation insurance, car rental insurance, and other travel protections.
• Amex stands out with its premium concierge service and unique travel perks like Fine Hotels & Resorts benefits.
• Chase makes things easy with its automatic $300 travel credit, which applies to virtually any travel expense.

Lifestyle Benefits Beyond Travel

Dining and Everyday Spending

• Amex Platinum: Not as strong in dining rewards but compensates with premium dining experiences and access to exclusive events.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve: Earns 3X points on dining (including takeout and delivery), making it a top choice for foodies.

Shopping Perks and Protections

• Both cards offer:
• Purchase protection for accidental damage or theft.
• Extended warranties on eligible purchases.
• Return protections for items that stores won’t accept back.

Who Each Card is Best For

Amex Platinum: The Luxury Traveler

If your idea of travel includes first-class flights, high-end hotel stays, and lounging at the airport in style, the Amex Platinum is your go-to card. With its unparalleled lounge access, hotel benefits, and premium credits, it’s designed for those who value luxury over simplicity.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: The Flexible Points Enthusiast

For someone who values flexibility and ease of use, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is hard to beat. Its points are versatile, the travel credit is straightforward, and it offers excellent rewards for dining and travel.

My Final Take

Both the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve are excellent cards for travelers, but the best choice depends on your lifestyle:

Go with the Amex Platinum if you prioritize luxury, exclusive perks, and don’t mind juggling various credits.

Opt for the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you value simplicity, flexible redemptions, and top-notch dining rewards.

Personally, I carry both. Why? Because combining their benefits gives me the best of both worlds—luxury perks from Amex and easy-to-use rewards from Chase. If you travel often and strategically, the annual fees can easily pay for themselves.