When it comes to premium credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Platinum Card® from American Express are two of the most talked-about options out there. Both carry high annual fees, offer generous travel perks, and come loaded with benefits that can make life easier for frequent travelers. But with so many overlapping features, it can be tough to figure out which one truly offers the better value. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting to explore the world, choosing the right card can make a real difference in how you spend and how you travel.

If you're trying to decide between the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Amex Platinum, you’re probably wondering which card gives you more bang for your buck. Are you someone who books flights directly with airlines and values high return rates? Or do you prefer booking through Chase Travel℠ to maximize point earnings? These are just a few of the questions you’ll need to ask yourself when comparing these two premium cards. The answer depends on your spending habits, how often you travel, and which perks you’ll actually use.

With the recent price hikes on both cards—Chase Sapphire Reserve jumping from $550 to $795 and Amex Platinum adjusting to $695—it's more important than ever to understand the value you’re getting for the cost. Both cards are packed with travel credits, lounge access, and other premium perks, but they each have unique strengths. Let’s break it down and see which one might be the right fit for you.

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Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Rewards Comparison: Which Card Earns More?
• Annual Fees and Credits: Are They Worth It?
• Travel Perks: Airport Lounges, Travel Insurance, and More
• Welcome Offers: Big Bonuses Upfront
• Who Should Get Which Card?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Rewards Comparison: Which Card Earns More?

When comparing the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Amex Platinum, the way each card rewards spending plays a big role in which one is better for you. Both offer generous point systems, but they differ in how they reward different types of purchases.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve gives you 8x points on all purchases made through Chase Travel℠, including flights, hotels, and car rentals. If you book directly with airlines or hotels instead, you’ll earn 4x points on those purchases. For dining, the Reserve gives you 3x points, and 1x points on everything else. If you're someone who books most of your travel through Chase, this can be a big win.

On the other hand, the Amex Platinum tends to offer a better return when you book flights directly with airlines. Based on The Points Guy’s June 2025 valuations, the Amex Platinum gives a solid 10% return on airfare booked directly with airlines. It also gives 5x points on flights and hotels booked through Amex Travel and 1x points on everything else. So, if you're booking directly with airlines or using Amex Travel, this might be the better option for you.

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So, which card earns more? It really comes down to your booking habits. If you're loyal to Chase Travel and like the flexibility of using your points for a wide range of purchases, the Sapphire Reserve might suit you better. But if you're flying often and booking directly with airlines, the Amex Platinum could give you more value.

Annual Fees and Credits: Are They Worth It?

Let’s be real—both the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Amex Platinum come with hefty annual fees. The Sapphire Reserve is now $795, and the Amex Platinum is $695. That’s a lot to pay for a credit card, especially if you're not using all the perks. But both cards offer valuable credits that can help offset the cost.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a $300 annual travel credit that can be used on just about any travel-related purchase—flights, hotels, car rentals, or even ride-sharing services like Uber. That’s a solid perk, and it resets every year, so you can use it again and again. Plus, with the recent updates to the card, there are more opportunities to get your money's worth.

The Amex Platinum, meanwhile, offers a $200 annual airline fee credit that can be used for incidental charges like baggage fees or seat upgrades, as long as you book directly with the airline. It also offers a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years, which is a nice bonus if you fly often. On top of that, there's a $200 digital entertainment credit, which can be used on services like Disney+, Apple Music, or Peacock.

So, which card gives you more in credits? It depends on how you travel and what services you use regularly. If you're someone who values flexibility and wants a credit you can use on a wide range of travel expenses, the Chase Sapphire Reserve might be your best bet. But if you're flying often and want to cover airline fees and entertainment services, the Amex Platinum could be a better fit.

Travel Perks: Airport Lounges, Travel Insurance, and More

Both cards offer premium travel perks that can make your trips more comfortable and stress-free. From lounge access to travel insurance, these benefits can really add up.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve gives you access to Priority Pass lounges, which means you can enjoy snacks, drinks, and a quiet place to relax before your flight. Plus, you get up to $100 in credits for dining at restaurants in airports through The Lounge by Priority Pass. It’s a nice touch, especially if you find yourself stuck at the airport with a long layover.

The Amex Platinum offers a bit more when it comes to lounge access. Cardholders get complimentary access to the Amex Centurion Lounges and the ability to add up to two guests each visit. Plus, you get access to Priority Pass lounges through the Digital Membership, though you’ll need to use the Priority Pass app to check in. If you’re someone who values a premium lounge experience and likes having company, the Amex Platinum might be the better option.

Travel insurance is another area where both cards offer solid coverage. The Chase Sapphire Reserve provides trip delay reimbursement, lost luggage insurance, and rental car insurance, among others. The Amex Platinum offers similar coverage, with the addition of trip cancellation/interruption insurance and baggage delay insurance.

In short, if you're looking for lounge access and flexible insurance coverage, both cards have you covered. But if premium lounge experiences and guest access matter to you, the Amex Platinum might edge out the Sapphire Reserve.

Welcome Offers: Big Bonuses Upfront

One of the biggest selling points for both the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Amex Platinum is their welcome offers. These sign-up bonuses can give you a big head start on earning points and getting value from the card.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve currently offers 100,000 bonus points plus a $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months. That’s a solid offer, especially if you're planning to book travel soon. Those points can be used for flights, hotels, and car rentals through Chase Travel, giving you a lot of flexibility.

The Amex Platinum, on the other hand, offers 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first six months. While the spending requirement is higher and the time frame is longer, the points can be used for travel, dining, or even transferred to airline and hotel partners. If you're someone who likes to maximize point transfers or has bigger spending goals, this could be a better fit.

So, which card offers a better welcome bonus? If you're looking for a quicker way to earn points and get a travel credit, the Chase Sapphire Reserve might be the better option. But if you're willing to spend a bit more over a longer period and value point flexibility, the Amex Platinum could give you more bang for your buck.

Who Should Get Which Card?

At the end of the day, choosing between the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Amex Platinum comes down to how you spend and which perks you'll use the most.

If you're someone who books most of your travel through Chase Travel and values flexibility in how you use your points, the Sapphire Reserve could be the better option. The 8x points on Chase Travel purchases and the $300 annual travel credit make it a solid choice for frequent travelers who like to plan ahead and book through a single platform.

On the flip side, if you're flying often and booking directly with airlines, the Amex Platinum might give you more value. The 10% return on flights booked directly and the premium lounge access can be huge perks for frequent flyers. Plus, the entertainment credit is a nice bonus if you're someone who uses streaming services regularly.

Ultimately, both cards are top-tier choices for luxury travel, but the right one for you depends on your spending habits, travel preferences, and how much you value specific perks. Take a look at your travel habits, spending patterns, and lifestyle to decide which card offers the most value for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which card is better for travel: Chase Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum?

It really depends on your travel style. If you book most of your trips through Chase Travel, the Sapphire Reserve is a better fit. If you prefer booking directly with airlines or value premium lounge access, the Amex Platinum might be the better option.

Which card gives more points on flights?

The Amex Platinum offers a better return when booking flights directly with airlines—around 10% based on TPG's June 2025 valuations. The Chase Sapphire Reserve gives 4x points on flights booked directly or 8x if you book through Chase Travel.

Can I have both the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum?

Absolutely! Many frequent travelers carry both cards to maximize their rewards and benefits. Just keep in mind the combined annual fees and whether the perks justify the cost.

Want to learn more about other top travel cards? Learn more about the best credit card options for your travel lifestyle. If you're interested in comparing business versions of these cards, check out this guide on Compare the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business and the Amex Business Platinum.