American Express Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
Chase Sapphire Reserve wins 3-1. Annual travelers — the upgrade path from Sapphire Preferred. 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 Sapphire Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $695 | $550 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 5% (travel) | 10% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 80,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 in 6 months | = 60,000 points after $4,000 in first 3 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | 720 | · 740 |
| Editorial rating | · 4.6/5 | 4.7/5 |
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 Sapphire Reserve
- 10x on hotels and rental cars booked via Chase Travel
- 5x on flights booked via Chase Travel
- 3x on all other dining + travel
- $300 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass Select + Chase Sapphire Lounge access
- 50% bonus when redeeming for travel via Chase portal
FAQ
›American Express Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve: which is better?
Chase Sapphire Reserve wins on more dimensions (3 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 Sapphire Reserve 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 Sapphire Reserve: 60,000 points after $4,000 in first 3 months.