Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve

Premium travel credit cards can provide immense value to people who are passionate about traveling. These premium cards carry high annual fees in exchange for high rewards, exclusive access, and a wide array of credits, perks, and protections. Two cards that are most often brought up when discussing the best cards for travel are the American Express Platinum Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

In this blog post, we'll compare each card's offerings to help you choose the best card for all your future adventures.

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve card right for me?

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The Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card may be your ideal travel card if you plan on using you:

• Spend a lot on dining and would like to convert that spending into travel rewards

• Travel a few times a year but are not an extremely frequent flier

• Plan to spend between $4,000 - $7,999 in the first 90 days of opening the card

• Want luxury travel upgrades and lounge access with a reduced annual fee

• Want more flexibility for rewards redemption

• Prefer a more generous and flexible annual travel credit

Is the Amex Platinum card right for me?

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The Amex Platinum credit card may be your ideal travel card if you plan on using you:

• Travel frequently throughout the year

• Want a wider selection of airport lounges and hotels to choose from

• Plan to spend more than $8,000 in the first 120 days of opening the card

• Only want travel rewards from your card

• Want premier status with rental car companies

• Will take advantage of the additional card perks such as the entertainment, Walmart+, Uber, and Equinox credits

Things to Consider Before Choosing a Travel Card:

Welcome Bonus: Seek out cards that can reward you for spending the money you were going to spend on your trip anyways. Many cards offer $200-400 for exceeding a spend amount in the first 90 days of opening. Many trips (flights, hotels, etc) can easily exceed this amount and earn you a bonus, reducing your total spend on the trip.

Introductory APR Duration: Look for cards with long introductory periods of 0% APR to give you ample time to pay off your balance without incurring interest charges. These can be helpful when booking expensive trips that you would like to spread out interest fee over 12-24 months.

Foreign Transaction Fees: While both of the cards mentioned in this article do NOT charge foreign transaction fees, many cards due. Be aware of these fees that can quickly increase the cost of your trip. You'll want to choose a card that doesn't penalize you for using it abroad if international travel is in your future.

Variable APR: Be aware of the variable APR that applies after the introductory period ends. Make sure it's competitive and manageable for your financial situation.

Creditworthiness: Your credit score will play a role in determining your eligibility for these cards and the APR you receive. The best offers are typically reserved for those with good to excellent credit scores.

Rewards Programs: If you're interested in earning rewards, consider cards that offer greater reward potential based on your spending habits and provide you with redemption options that fit your financial goals.

In conclusion, travel credit cards can be powerful tools to help you make the most of your travel plans. Before making a decision, carefully assess the features, benefits, and fees associated with each card to choose the one that aligns best with your financial goals. By taking advantage of these cards' benefits, you can ensure that the big vacation you've been planning will come with all the bells and whistles you deserve.