American Express Platinum vs Chase Freedom Flex
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
Chase Freedom Flex wins 2-1. No-fee rotating cashback for category optimizers. American Express Platinum is still the right call if heavy travelers wanting centurion lounge access + status credits..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | American Express Platinum | Chase Freedom Flex |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $695 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | = 5% (travel) | = 5% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | No FX fee | · 3% |
| Welcome bonus | = 80,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 in 6 months | = $200 cashback after $500 spend in first 3 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | · 720 | 670 |
| Editorial rating | = 4.6/5 | = 4.6/5 |
Benefits compared
American Express Platinum
- 5x points on flights booked direct or via amextravel
- Centurion Lounge + Priority Pass + Delta SkyClub access
- $200 annual airline fee credit + $200 Uber Cash
- $200 hotel credit + $189 CLEAR credit
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold + Hilton Honors Gold status
- No foreign transaction fees
Chase Freedom Flex
- 5% rotating quarterly bonus categories (up to $1,500/quarter)
- 5% on travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3% on dining + drugstores
- 1% on everything else
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR for 15 months
FAQ
›American Express Platinum vs Chase Freedom Flex: which is better?
Chase Freedom Flex wins on more dimensions (2 vs 1). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern — see the calculator below.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use American Express Platinum for its best categories, Chase Freedom Flex for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
American Express Platinum: 80,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 in 6 months. Chase Freedom Flex: $200 cashback after $500 spend in first 3 months.