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The Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Platinum Card® from American Express are two of the most popular travel credit cards on the market today. We put them head to head to see which one is a better travel companion for you!
Premium benefits
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
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Pros
- Welcome bonus
- Annual travel credit
- Airport lounge access
Cons
- Annual fee
- No intro APR
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel card with an impressive amount of additional benefits.
Powerful points
Platinum Card® from American Express
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Pros
- Welcome bonus
- Free Uber rides
- Airline Fee Credit
Cons
- Points on only flights and hotels
- Annual fee
The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the most enticing travel cards on the market, sporting a solid welcome bonus and benefits that make traveling in luxury a breeze.
When it comes to travel cards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Platinum Card® from American Express are two of the best on the market. We put them head to head to find out which one comes out on top as the travel card king.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Named the “Best Premium Travel Credit Card” for 2018 by MONEY® Magazine, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is still a contender for the title. Approved cardholders earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equivalent to $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Earn 3X points on travel immediately after earning your $300 travel credit, 3X points on dining at restaurants, and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
All cardholders get a $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year, access to 1,000+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select, and up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®.
| Rewards | 3X points on travel | 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights |
| 3X points on dining at restaurants | 5X Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels | |
| 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases | ||
| Welcome bonus | 50,000 bonus points | 60,000 Membership Rewards® points |
| Fees | $450 annual fee | $550 annual fee |
| Interest Rate | 19.24% – 26.24% APR | N/A |
Platinum Card® from American Express powers up the points
New cardholders earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 3 months, 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, and 5X Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com.
This card is full of additional benefits. Enjoy Uber VIP status and free rides in the U.S. up to $15 each month, and access to the Global Lounge Collection, the only credit card airport lounge access program that includes proprietary lounge locations around the world. You’ll also receive complimentary benefits with an average total value of $550 with Fine Hotels & Resorts, as well as a $200 Airline Fee Credit, up to $200 per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one qualifying airline.
Which one should you get?
Both of these cards offer great rewards and premium benefits to whoever holds either of them. It really comes down to the added benefits as to which card will work better for you. Which perks match up to how you travel?
Premium benefits
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
For those who want to travel premium
Apply at The Points Guy
With an impressive welcome bonus and extra perks at the airport and TSA, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a great option for those looking for a wide range of benefits from their travel card.
Powerful points
Platinum Card® from American Express
For the high points traveler
Apply at The Points Guy
With its solid welcome bonus and incredibly lavish rewards program, the Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the best values on the market for travelers.
