Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States
American Express Platinum vs Chase United Explorer
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
US
Premium
American Express
American Express Platinum
AMERICAN
EXPRESS
EXPRESS
Wins 2 of 10
US
Chase
Chase United Explorer
VISA
Wins 2 of 10
Verdict
It's a true tie — neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | American Express Platinum | Chase United Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $695 | $95 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 5% (travel) | · 2% (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 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | · 720 | 700 |
| Editorial rating | 4.6/5 | · 4.2/5 |
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 United Explorer
- 2x miles on United + dining + hotel stays
- 1x on everything else
- Free first checked bag (saves ~$70/round trip)
- 2 United Club one-time passes annually
- Priority Boarding
FAQ
›American Express Platinum vs Chase United Explorer: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. American Express Platinum wins on 2 criteria, Chase United Explorer on 2.
›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 United Explorer 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 United Explorer: 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months.