Chase Sapphire vs. Amex Platinum: Which Travel Card Wins?

Imagine two road warriors meeting in an airport lounge: Alex, clutching an Amex Platinum card, sinks into a plush chair at a Centurion Lounge, while Sam flashes a Chase Sapphire Reserve to enter a Priority Pass lounge nearby. Both travelers have premium credit cards that promise luxury and rewards – but their experiences diverge in telling ways.

In this guide comparison, we’ll explore how the Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Platinum (and their new business counterparts) stack up in mid-2025 on travel perks, rewards, fees, and value.

Meet the Contenders: Personal and Business Versions

Chase Sapphire Reserve (Personal) – Chase’s flagship travel rewards card, newly refreshed in June 2025 with more perks (and a higher fee). It has long been a favorite for its flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points and robust travel protections. Chase has also launched a business version for small business owners, the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business, debuting June 23, 2025.

The Platinum Card from American Express (Personal) – A status symbol of luxury travel, known for its myriad of credits and top-tier lounge access. Amex also offers The Business Platinum Card, a similar high-end product for business owners. Both personal and business Platinum cards carry rich benefits (and a hefty $695 annual fee as of 2025). Amex has hinted that a major refresh is coming later in 2025 for both Platinum versions, but as of mid-year their core features remain in place.

In our story, Alex holds an Amex Platinum (personal) for his frequent travel first-class journeys, while Sam carries the Chase Sapphire Reserve (personal) for daily spending and leisure trips. We’ll also meet Jordan, a small business owner weighing the new Sapphire Reserve Business vs. Amex Business Platinum for company travel needs. Now, let’s dive into the perks and see how these cards compare.

Travel Perks and Lounge Access

Both cards excel in travel perks, but with different strengths:

Airport Lounge Access

This is where the Platinum Card truly shines. Alex’s Amex Platinum grants entry to Centurion Lounges (Amex’s own upscale lounges with hot meals and craft cocktails) and Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta (though as of Feb 2025, limited to 10 visits per year unless a high spend threshold is met).

It also includes a Priority Pass membership (for 1,300+ partner lounges worldwide, enrollment required) – however, Amex’s Priority Pass no longer covers airport restaurant credits, focusing on lounge entries only. Sam’s Chase Sapphire Reserve, on the other hand, comes with Priority Pass Select as well, with the ability to bring two guests at no charge.

Chase is also rolling out its own Sapphire Lounge by The Club network, which Reserve cardholders (personal and business) can access with two guests. While these Chase lounges are fewer and newer, Priority Pass fills the gap for Sam.

In practice, Alex might savor a chef-prepared meal in a Centurion Lounge, whereas Sam might have a perfectly fine (if less extravagant) experience in a Priority Pass lounge – both avoiding the gate area rush.

Hotel Elite Status & Upgrades

When Alex checks into a hotel, his Amex Platinum has his back. Platinum cardholders (personal and business) get automatic Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors upon enrollment. Alex strolls to the Hilton check-in desk and enjoys a potential room upgrade and free breakfast thanks to Hilton Gold status – a perk simply for being a Platinum card member.

Sam’s Sapphire Reserve doesn’t offer built-in hotel status, but the new refresh gives complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status through 2027.

That could mean occasional upgrades or late checkout at IHG properties for Sam. Additionally, both cards have hotel booking programs: Amex’s Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) and Chase’s The Edit collection. Alex can use FHR to get perks like free breakfast, property credits, and 4pm checkout at luxury hotels, while Sam’s Sapphire Reserve (personal or business) now offers up to $500 annually in credits for bookings in “The Edit” luxury hotel program, which also grants on-property extras.

In essence, both Alex and Sam can enjoy suite life on the road, but Alex’s Amex gives him elite status at major chains by default, whereas Sam leverages his card’s hotel credits and perhaps transfers points to hotel partners (like Hyatt) for high-value stays.

Global Entry/TSA PreCheck: Both cards help smooth the journey through the airport. Sam’s Sapphire Reserve includes a credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS (up to $100) every four years, and Alex’s Amex Platinum provides a similar credit ($100 for Global Entry every 4 years, or $85 for PreCheck every 4½ years) for him and even for additional authorized users. So, both breeze through security—no anecdote of long lines for our travelers.

Winner – Travel Perks: It depends on what you value. Lounge aficionado? Alex’s Amex Platinum has the edge with the most comprehensive lounge access (Centurion, Delta, Priority Pass). Hotel lover? Alex also gains more with automatic elite status (Hilton/Marriott), though Sam fights back with flexible hotel credits and the highly valued Chase transfer partner Hyatt for award stays. For overall travel convenience, both cover your security fast-pass and offer broad trip protections (more on that soon). Sam and Alex would agree: each card made their travels far more comfortable than the average flyer’s.

Reward Earning Rates and Points Power

When it comes to racking up points on spending, Sam and Alex notice a stark difference in strategy. Chase Sapphire Reserve is designed for everyday travel and dining rewards, whereas Amex Platinum supercharges travel bookings but not much else. Here’s how their spending on a recent trip compares:

Travel & Dining Earn Rates

Sam buys a $500 flight directly from an airline – his Chase Sapphire Reserve will now earn 4X points per dollar on that flight after the June 2025 updates (up from 3X previously).

If he had booked the same flight via the Chase Travel portal, he’d earn a whopping 8X points. His dinner at a Paris bistro will net 3X points on dining as always. Alex, on the other hand, puts airfare on his Amex Platinum – 5X Membership Rewards points per dollar on flights (up to $500k in purchases per year) is one of Amex Platinum’s hallmark earn rates (when booked directly with airlines or via Amex Travel).

But at that same Paris bistro, Alex’s Platinum only earns 1X – it has no dining bonus. In fact, outside of certain travel bookings, the Platinum card’s earning structure is quite sparse, relying on base 1X for most spend. Meanwhile, Sam’s Sapphire Reserve is also earning 3X on all other travel like train tickets, tours, or rideshares (though note: with the refresh, some non-air/hotel travel categories earn 1X if not booked through Chase).

For day-to-day use, Sam’s card is the workhorse; Alex often pairs his Platinum with a second card (like an Amex Gold for groceries/dining) for better everyday rewards.

Business Cards’ Earn Rates

For business expenses, the new Sapphire Reserve Business and Amex Business Platinum mix things up. Jordan, our small biz owner, sees that Chase Sapphire Reserve Business offers 3X points on common advertising and social media spend, a unique perk for entrepreneurs. It also mirrors the consumer card with 8X on Chase Travel and 4X on direct flights/hotels.

The Amex Business Platinum focuses on travel too: 5X on flights and prepaid hotels via Amex Travel (same as personal Platinum), and 1.5X on large purchases over $5k (up to a cap) on certain business categories.

If Jordan spends heavily on Google or Facebook ads, the Chase Business Reserve’s uncapped 3X advertising category could yield far more rewards – a clear advantage over the Amex for that use case.

Points Value & Redemption

Earning points is only half the story – redeeming them is where Sam and Alex really maximize value. Chase Ultimate Rewards points earned from Sapphire Reserve are valued at 1.5 cents each when redeemed through Chase’s travel portal.

For example, Sam’s 60,000 points sign-up bonus can be worth $900 in travel booked on Chase (at 1.5¢/point). Alternatively, Sam often transfers Chase points 1:1 to partners like United, Southwest, or Hyatt to squeeze even more value (a Hyatt hotel redemption can fetch 2¢+ per point easily).

Alex’s Amex Membership Rewards points, meanwhile, don’t have a built-in travel portal boost – they’re roughly 1¢ per point through Amex Travel (except flights via Business Platinum’s perk below).

However, Amex has over 20 airline and hotel transfer partners, and Alex strategically transfers points to, say, Air France/KLM Flying Blue for a business class flight or to Marriott Bonvoy (though hotel transfers from Amex are generally less lucrative). One unique edge: If Alex were using the Business Platinum, he’d get a 35% points rebate when using points to pay for a flight (either in business/first class or any class on a chosen airline).

This effectively makes those points worth ~1.54¢ each on such redemptions – a nifty way for business travelers like Alex to use points for paid flights and get a chunk back.

Winner – Rewards: For everyday earning, the Chase Sapphire Reserve wins hands down. Sam racks up points on travel and dining purchases effortlessly, making the Reserve ideal for travelers who also want a strong return on daily spend.

The Amex Platinum’s 5X on flights is fantastic for big travel spenders like Alex (especially if your employer reimburses your flights – you reap the points), but outside of airfare and hotel bookings, the Platinum is not a points powerhouse. In practice, Alex uses his Platinum for buying airline tickets and lounge hopping, but relies on other cards for groceries or dining.

Sam can confidently use Sapphire Reserve for a broad swath of purchases and know he’s earning 3X on most travel and dining at all times. Both points currencies are extremely valuable – Chase points might be slightly easier for beginners (thanks to the fixed 1.5¢ portal value and great partners like Hyatt), while Amex points offer tremendous value if you know the right airline transfers (and are willing to do a bit of homework).

Annual Fees and Credits: Paying for Luxury

Premium cards come with premium price tags. Sam and Alex each pay a substantial annual fee, but offset it with an array of credits that can make the card worth it – if used fully.

Annual Fee: Sam’s Chase Sapphire Reserve annual fee is rising to $795 for new applicants as of June 23, 2025 (up from $550). This makes it even pricier than the Amex Platinum’s $695 annual fee (for both personal and business versions). Chase justified the hike by adding over $1,000 in potential new benefits and credits.

Existing Reserve cardholders like Sam won’t pay $795 until their renewal late in 2025, but new applicants (like those jumping on the refreshed card) will pay the $795 immediately. Alex’s Amex Platinum fee remains $695 – steep, but unchanged since its mid-2021 increase.

There are whispers that Amex may also bump this higher with the upcoming refresh, but nothing concrete yet. On the business side, Chase Sapphire Reserve Business also comes in at $795 annually, while the Amex Business Platinum is $695/year (rates & fees the same as personal).

In short: these are among the most expensive cards on the market, and our travelers make sure to squeeze every drop of value in return.

Travel Credits: One big way Sam and Alex justify their fees is by using travel credits. The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers an easy-to-use $300 annual travel credit – any travel purchase (from flights and hotels to taxis, Airbnb or parking) will automatically reimburse up to $300 per year. Sam effectively subtracts this from the fee, considering his first $300 of travel spend each year is free – bringing his net cost down.

In contrast, the Amex Platinum offers a stack of narrower credits. Alex receives a $200 airline fee credit each year – but only for incidental fees like baggage or seat selection on one airline he pre-selects. This credit is notorious for being tricky (he has to choose a single airline and can’t use it for tickets, only extras), whereas Sam’s $300 applies to any travel automatically.

Beyond that, Alex gets a $200 hotel credit (for prepaid bookings through Amex’s Fine Hotels & Resorts or The Hotel Collection), which he used for a staycation at a luxury hotel last spring. He also enjoys up to $15 in Uber credits each month (with a bonus $20 in December, totaling $200/year) – those Uber Eats dinners on business trips basically feel free now.

And that’s not all: Amex Platinum piles on a $240 digital entertainment credit ($20 monthly for streaming or news subscriptions), $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit ($50 semi-annually), $300 Equinox fitness credit, $189 Clear membership credit (covering Clear expedited security), and even a $155 Walmart+ membership credit, among others.

It’s almost coupon-book style: if Alex uses them all, the value exceeds the fee – but it requires effort and specific use cases. Sam often teases Alex about juggling all those credits (“Did you remember to use your Saks credit this semester?”) while Sam simply enjoys his $300 travel credit without fuss.

Lifestyle & Dining Credits: The newly refreshed Sapphire Reserve is copying some of Amex’s playbook here. Chase introduced credits like $300 annually for dining at select “Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables” restaurants (split into $150 each half-year) – essentially a dining credit tied to an exclusive reservation program.

Sam, a foodie, can now get up to $300 of fine dining covered per year, which helps justify the higher fee. There’s also a new $300 annual entertainment credit split between StubHub and live event purchases – perfect for concert lovers.

Chase even added monthly credits: $10 Lyft credit each month, DoorDash credits ($5 for restaurants and $20 for non-restaurant orders each month combined), and free subscriptions to DoorDash DashPass (already present) and new perks like a free Apple Music and Apple TV+ subscription (worth $250/year).

In short, the Reserve went from a lean-and-mean travel card to a “grab these various credits” card, much like the Amex model.

Alex’s Amex Platinum, of course, already had many lifestyle credits – in addition to those above, it grants access to Global Dining Access by Resy for exclusive restaurant bookings, and for Business Platinum, credits like $400 Dell Technologies credits (biannual $200) and $360 Indeed hiring credits are extremely useful for business owners.

Jordan uses every bit of his Amex Business Platinum credits: Dell for office equipment, Indeed for recruiting, Adobe for creative software ($150 credit), and $120 in wireless phone bill credits – easily recouping much of that $695 fee.

Winner – Credits and Overall Value: This one is subjective. If you value simplicity, Chase Sapphire Reserve’s $300 broad travel credit is a clear win – easy to use and effectively lowers the out-of-pocket fee. And with the refresh, Chase added a few chunkier credits (dining, hotel, etc.) that are paid out in large semiannual sums rather than nickel-and-dime monthly amounts, making them a bit less maintenance than Amex’s monthly credits.

However, Amex Platinum can absolutely give far more than $695 in value if you utilize its credits: Alex easily gets ~$200 airline + $200 hotel + $200 Uber + $240 digital + $100 Saks + $189 Clear = $1,000+ back (not to mention lounge access and hotel upgrades).

But he works at it – setting reminders for credits and adjusting habits to use them. Sam likes that Chase’s perks feel more straightforward: travel credit automatically applied, no need to enroll or pick a single airline, etc..

There’s no wrong answer – it comes down to whether you prefer an “all-inclusive” approach (Amex’s many credits) or a “no-hassle” approach (Chase’s flexible credit). Both cards offer enough value that, for frequent travelers like our protagonists, the net cost is more than justified by the benefits they reap.

Sign-Up Bonuses and Mid-2025 Updates

Both Chase and Amex are dangling large welcome offers in front of new applicants and mid-2025 has brought even bigger potential bonuses as competition heats up.

• Chase Sapphire Reserve: Historically, the Reserve’s sign-up bonus has been around 50,000–60,000 points. As of mid-2025, it’s offering 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points after spending $5,000 in 3 months (worth $900 toward travel when redeemed via Chase). However, with the June 2025 relaunch, Chase executives hinted at a “massive welcome bonus” potentially rivaling the 100,000-point offer from the card’s 2016 debut. Sam is excited – if Chase indeed rolls out a 100k+ bonus for the refreshed Sapphire Reserve, that could be worth at least $1,500 in travel (at 1.5¢ per point). We’ll know once the new offer goes live around June 23, 2025. This is a way for Chase to entice folks like Jordan, who might already have a Sapphire Preferred, to upgrade or apply anew now that holding both Sapphire cards is allowed.
• Amex Platinum (Personal): The Platinum Card’s public welcome bonus tends to be 80,000 points after $6,000 in 6 months (or $8,000 in 6 months in some offers) – which is already a solid haul. But Amex is known for targeted elevated offers. Alex actually signed up with a 150,000-point bonus via a special link (Amex has been sending out 150k or even 170k+ targeted offers to qualified individuals). In fact, by mid-2025 there are reports of offers as high as 175k or even 200k Membership Rewards points for Platinum, depending on the channel and applicant. Amex’s own CardMatch or pre-approval might show various bonus levels – some lucky new cardholders have seen a 175,000-point offer for $8k spend, which Alex values tremendously (he can transfer those points for perhaps two first-class flights to Europe!). So while the typical Platinum bonus is around 80k–100k, mid-2025 is a bonanza for those who qualify for the higher targeted offers.
• Business Platinum: Not to be outdone, the Amex Business Platinum often has an even larger (but harder-to-get) bonus. Jordan checks and sees a 150,000 Membership Rewards point bonus for $15,000 spend (sometimes $20k spend) on the table – and in some cases, Amex is bundling a $500 statement credit for certain business purchases as well. Upgraded Points notes that offers of 170k, 190k, even 250k points have been floated for the Business Platinum in 2025 for highly targeted applicants. Of course, the required spend is high, but a quarter-million points could be worth over $5,000 in travel if maximized. Chase’s new Sapphire Reserve Business has just launched and we’re waiting to see its welcome offer – it could debut at 60k or more, but rumors suggest Chase might aim high to compete (perhaps a 100k UR point range if they’re bold). For now, mid-2025, an existing business owner like Jordan might lean towards Amex’s huge welcome bonus unless Chase surprises with an equally jaw-dropping intro offer.

Recent Benefit Changes: To summarize the mid-2025 shake-up: Chase Sapphire Reserve’s refresh (effective June 23, 2025 for new applicants) brings higher earning rates (8x on portal travel, 4x on direct flights/hotels) but also a higher $795 fee. It maintains the core perks ($300 travel credit, Priority Pass) while adding new credits (dining, lounge network, etc.).

Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business joins the fray with similar perks tailored to businesses (3x on advertising, credits for ZipRecruiter, Google Workspace, etc.). On the other side, Amex Platinum is holding steady at $695 fee but has announced a forthcoming refresh later in 2025 for both personal and business versions.

We expect possibly new benefits (and perhaps a fee increase) – Amex mentioned adding more Centurion Lounges and making their “largest investment ever” in the Platinum lineup. So, the saga continues: Sam and Alex will no doubt see more changes on the horizon as these two titans battle for travelers’ wallets.

Travel Protections and International Use

A premium travel card should not only earn rewards, but also protect you when things go wrong. Both Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum come with a suite of travel insurance and purchase protections – though historically Chase has had the stronger package:

Trip Insurance

Sam’s Chase Sapphire Reserve has legendary trip coverage. If his flight is delayed 6+ hours or overnight, he can claim up to $500 in expenses like hotels and meals. If a trip must be canceled or cut short due to illness or weather, he’s covered up to $10k per person. Lost or delayed baggage?

Covered (essential items reimbursed). Rental car collision damage waiver? Primary coverage up to $75k. These protections saved Sam when a winter storm canceled his flight – his Sapphire Reserve reimbursed his extra hotel night and meals, no hassle.

The Amex Platinum historically lagged on some of these, but in recent years Amex added trip delay and cancellation insurance for Platinum (up to $500 for delays, similar coverage for cancellations when you purchase fares on the card).

Both cards offer Global Emergency Assistance, and Medical Evacuation coverage (Reserve covers up to $100k for emergency evacuation) – a relief for Alex when he’s trekking abroad.

Purchase and Return Protection

Both cards also cover your purchases. If Alex buys a new gadget with his Platinum and it’s stolen or damaged within 90 days, Amex will reimburse up to $10k per item (up to $50k per year).

Chase Reserve similarly covers new purchases from theft or damage up to $10k per claim, 120 days from purchase. They also have return protection (when a store won’t take an item back, you can be reimbursed up to $300-$500 depending on card).

In short, Alex and Sam feel safe making big purchases on these cards, knowing even if something goes wrong, their card benefits can step in.

No Foreign Transaction Fees & Acceptance

Both the Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum charge no foreign transaction fees, as expected for travel cards. Sam’s Visa-based Sapphire Reserve is generally widely accepted worldwide – he never worries about a merchant taking Visa.

Alex’s Amex, while accepted at most major hotels, airlines, and upscale shops, can be hit or miss at small merchants internationally (some countries have less Amex acceptance).

For example, at a tiny family-run café in Italy, Sam’s Chase Visa sails through, whereas Alex has to pull out a backup Visa or cash because Amex isn’t taken. It’s a minor consideration, but one to note: Visa/Mastercard (Chase) enjoy broader global acceptance than Amex in many regions.

International Travel Perks

Both cards cater to globe-trotters. Neither imposes pesky forex fees, both offer luxury hotel privileges worldwide (FHR or The Edit), and both let you breeze through immigration (Global Entry credits).

One cool perk: Amex Platinum’s International Airline Program can sometimes get discounts on premium cabin fares with certain airlines – Alex saved a few hundred dollars on a business class ticket by booking through Amex’s program.

Meanwhile, Sam loves transferring Chase points to partner airlines for international award flights (like transferring to Air Canada Aeroplan with a bonus, or to United to fly Star Alliance partners). And when it’s time for departure, Alex’s Platinum ensures he finds a lounge in almost any major international airport, while Sam’s Priority Pass (through Reserve) covers many lounges too.

Overall, both cards are built for international use; Alex perhaps gets a more luxurious global experience (higher-end lounges, hotel elite perks, airline program), while Sam gets a more practical one (easier payment acceptance, super-strong travel insurance for those far-flung adventures).

Which Card for Whom? (Use Cases)

Every traveler is different. Let’s see how our characters – and a few others – might choose between Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum:

Frequent Traveler (Road Warrior)

Alex is a consultant who flies twice a month and practically lives in airports and hotels. The Amex Platinum is tailor-made for him: unlimited lounge access (Centurion and Delta lounges keep him sane during layovers), automatic elite status means room upgrades and free breakfast on work trips, and he maximizes all the credits since he’s on the road constantly (Uber rides, Clear for security, etc.).

The Platinum’s lack of bonus on everyday spending doesn’t bother him – he has a corporate card for expenses and uses Platinum for the perks. Meanwhile, someone like Sam – who also travels frequently but prefers a simpler rewards scheme – might lean to Chase Sapphire Reserve for work travel.

If you’re a road warrior who wants flexible points for airlines/hotels of your choice and top-notch trip protection, Reserve is fantastic. If you crave first-class lounge experiences and VIP treatment at hotels every time you travel, Platinum might edge it out.

Many seasoned travelers actually carry both: use Platinum for the perks and flights, Reserve for dining, non-flight travel spend, and when you need Visa acceptance or better insurance. Sam and Alex would high-five each other in agreement here – both cards together cover all bases (if you can stomach ~$1,300 in combined fees!).

Occasional Traveler (Vacationer)

Now consider Olivia, who takes 2-3 big trips a year and wants a card to enhance those vacations. She’s not jet-setting every week, so will she fully use a Platinum? It depends.

If Olivia’s trips are her splurge time – she loves airport lounges, maybe flies Delta or visits Centurion Lounges on those trips, and will use the hotel credit and airline credit each year – the Amex Platinum can still be worth it for a few luxe experiences.

She might enjoy feeling like a VIP on her couple of trips (lounges, skipping lines with Clear, maybe a fine hotel stay using the $200 credit). However, if she’s not likely to use many of the credits (say she doesn’t use Uber or shop Saks, etc.), the math might not work.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve could be better for an occasional traveler because its value is more straightforward and flexible: the $300 travel credit will definitely get used during those trips, the points are easy to redeem at 1.5¢ each for any travel (no blackout dates, just book via Chase), and she still gets Priority Pass lounge access on those rare airport visits.

Plus, if Olivia only travels a few times, she might not need all the Platinum bells and whistles. She’d appreciate Reserve’s strong dining rewards year-round, effectively subsidizing her everyday life and then converting those points into free flights for her vacations.

If $550–$795 is too steep, such a traveler might even consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95 fee) as a lighter alternative. But between these two premium cards: Occasional travelers often lean Sapphire Reserve for its simpler value, unless they specifically plan to leverage Platinum’s luxury perks on those few trips.

Luxury Traveler (First-Class All the Way)

Meet Brian and Sara, a couple who spare no expense on travel – think business class flights, five-star hotels, Michelin-star dining. They want the top-tier experience at every turn.

Amex Platinum is almost a no-brainer here: from the moment they arrive at the airport, they’re whisked into the Centurion Lounge for craft cocktails. Upon hotel check-in, their Platinum-granted elite status might score a suite upgrade or a welcome gift (and they often book through FHR for extra perks – late checkout is golden when you’re on a relaxed luxury schedule).

They use the Platinum’s 5X points to book Emirates business class flights (earning huge points which they later transfer to book yet another lavish trip). They likely also have other cards (maybe Amex’s Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant or Hilton Aspire for top hotel status, since Platinum’s Gold status is mid-tier).

Chase Sapphire Reserve, while extremely premium, is a bit more mass-market in its appeal – it’s fantastic for points value, but it doesn’t by itself grant VIP treatment at hotels or exclusive lounge networks. That said, a luxury traveler might carry both: Reserve for the earning and burning of points (since Chase points to Hyatt or United can unlock aspirational suites and flights), and Platinum for the experience along the way.

For pure luxury vibe, Platinum wins – even the card’s hefty metal feel and history as a status symbol appeals to those who value the prestige. Brian jokes that flashing the Amex Platinum at a hotel check-in “just feels different.” Sam’s Sapphire Reserve is prestigious too, but it’s more of a stealth wealth thing – quietly providing tons of value rather than outward status.

Business Owner or Employee on Business Travel

For someone running a business (like Jordan), the decision might hinge on how the business-related perks align. The Amex Business Platinum showers credits for things like Dell (tech equipment), Indeed (hiring), Adobe (creative software), and wireless bills. If those line up with your expenses, it’s an easy win – you’re recouping much of the $695 fee.

It also offers the 35% airline points rebate which is great if you or your employees travel in paid business class often. On the other side, Chase Sapphire Reserve Business has that 3X on advertising which could be huge if your company spends big on online ads. It also has $200 credits for ZipRecruiter and Google Workspace AI tools, which some businesses will find useful.

The lounge access on the Business Reserve is the same as personal (Priority Pass and Sapphire Lounges), but notably employee cards get no lounge access (whereas Amex Platinum allows you to get employee Platinum cards – at a fee – that also confer lounge access and perks).

So if you want to give your VPs lounge access on their company cards, Amex might be better. It may boil down to whether you prefer Chase’s simpler program and possibly higher rewards on spend vs. Amex’s rich suite of business credits and status perks.

Jordan ultimately chose Chase Sapphire Reserve Business because his startup spends heavily on Facebook ads (maximizing 3X UR points) and travel, and he liked that employee cards are free (versus $300 for each additional Amex Platinum employee card). But he knows he’s giving up those Dell/Indeed credits that another business owner might swear by.

Pros and Cons: Sapphire Reserve vs. Amex Platinum

Let’s break down the high-level pros and cons of each card, as our travelers see it:

Chase Sapphire Reserve – Pros:

• Points Flexibility & Value: Highly flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points, worth 50% extra in Chase’s portal (1.5¢ each) and transferable to excellent partners (e.g. Hyatt, United, Southwest, etc.) for outsized value. No complicated rules – points are simple to use or combine with other Chase cards.
• Strong Earn Rates: Broad 3X on travel and dining (now 4X on flights/hotels, 8X on Chase Travel bookings) – great for everyday spending. No need to juggle multiple cards for common travel & dining rewards.
• Easy $300 Travel Credit: Automatically applied to any travel spend each year, effectively reducing the cost of the card and covering everything from flights to Ubers.
• Top-Notch Travel Protections: Best-in-class trip delay, cancellation, rental car insurance, and more. Peace of mind for all those adventures.
• Priority Pass with Guests: Unlimited Priority Pass lounge access with two guests free (great for traveling with family/friends). Also includes new Chase Sapphire Lounges access.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees & Wide Acceptance: No FX fees (same for Amex) and being a Visa, it’s accepted virtually everywhere internationally – Sam rarely encounters a place he can’t use his Reserve.

Chase Sapphire Reserve – Cons:

• High Annual Fee (Now Higher): $550 was already high; the jump to $795 makes it the priciest general travel card. The added credits help offset, but only if you use them.
• Added Credits = More Complexity: The refresh introduced various credits (dining, Apple, entertainment) that require activation or specific usage. It’s a shift from Reserve’s old simplicity to a more Amex-like coupon book model – some may not use all credits (e.g. if you don’t use Lyft or don’t care for exclusive restaurant reservations).
• No Special Airline Lounge Access: Priority Pass is great, but Reserve doesn’t get you into Amex Centurion Lounges or Delta lounges. If you’re a frequent Delta flyer or love Centurions, Reserve can’t help there – that’s where Platinum shines.
• Fewer Luxury Perks: No automatic hotel elite status (aside from IHG Platinum), no airline discounts, no concierge for hard-to-get reservations (beyond the new Chase “Exclusive Tables” program). In pure luxury terms, Reserve is slightly more utilitarian compared to the Platinum’s glam.
• Redemption Quirks: While Chase points are super valuable, you might find the highest value through partner transfers – which requires some know-how (though the 1.5¢ portal option is always easy). Also, one of Chase’s strengths – the ability to pool points with no fee from cards like the Sapphire Preferred or Freedom – is limited by a rule: you can only get one Sapphire bonus per 48 months. But mid-2025, Chase changed rules to allow holding Preferred and Reserve simultaneously, making the ecosystem more attractive.

Amex Platinum – Pros:

• Unbeatable Travel Perks & Status: The Global Lounge Collection is unrivaled – Centurion Lounges (luxurious spaces with hot meals, craft cocktails), Delta Sky Clubs (10 visits/year), Priority Pass (lounges worldwide) – you’re covered wherever you go. Plus, Hilton Gold and Marriott Gold elite status just for having the card, which can mean room upgrades and free breakfast.
• Huge Array of Credits: Over $1,400 in potential annual credits (airline fees, hotel, Uber, Clear, Saks, digital entertainment, Equinox, etc.) can far outweigh the $695 fee if utilized fully. These can significantly defray travel costs – e.g. Alex’s $200 Uber credit covers airport rides.
• 5X Points on Airfare & Hotels: No card beats the Platinum on airfare earning – 5X points can translate to big rewards fast for frequent flyers. If your company or personal travel spend on flights is high, this is a massive accelerator for points.
• Premium Services: Amex is known for customer service. Platinum cardholders get benefits like the Fine Hotels & Resorts program (with VIP amenities), access to special events, a Platinum Concierge to help with reservations, and Global Dining Access by Resy to snag tables at hot restaurants. These “soft perks” enhance the travel lifestyle beyond raw monetary value.
• Membership Rewards Power: Amex’s roster of transfer partners (including Delta, BA, Emirates, Singapore, ANA, etc.) means you can unlock aspirational travel – like first-class suites or around-the-world award tickets – often at incredible value if you know the sweet spots. Amex regularly runs transfer bonuses (e.g. 20% extra to Air France/KLM), giving even more bang for your points.
• Family Travel Perks: You can add up to 3 authorized users on a Platinum (for a total of $175) which gives them lounge access, status, etc. If you travel with a spouse or adult children, this can spread the luxury perks at a reasonable marginal cost. (Authorized users on Chase Reserve cost $75 each, now $195 after the update, and they do get Priority Pass, but Amex AU’s get nearly full Platinum perks.)

Amex Platinum – Cons:

• Hefty Annual Fee & Potential for “Waste”: $695/year is a lot, and not everyone will fully utilize the credits. If you don’t use Uber or don’t live near a Centurion Lounge, for example, you might be paying for perks you don’t use. Some credits are also U.S.-centric (Uber, Saks) which aren’t as useful if you’re not in the U.S. often.
• Mediocre Everyday Earning: 1X on most purchases is underwhelming. You’ll want a supplementary card for groceries, dining, etc., which adds complexity. If you put a lot of spend on a Platinum outside of flights/hotels, you’re missing out on rewards you could get with other cards (for instance, Sam’s Sapphire Reserve would earn 3X where Platinum earns 1X).
• Foreign Acceptance and Use: While no F/X fees, Amex isn’t as universally accepted abroad. In less touristy destinations, you might run into merchants who only take Visa/MasterCard. Also, the Platinum’s airline fee credit is useless for foreign airlines or if your travel patterns don’t include U.S. domestic carriers (since you must pick a U.S. airline for the credit). So international travelers have to plan a bit around these limitations.
• Complicated Credit Management: Keeping track of a dozen credits (monthly, annually, enrollment required, specific merchants) can be a pain. Some users feel it forces them to change habits to “get their money’s worth,” like buying things at Saks they otherwise wouldn’t, or subscribing to a streaming service they didn’t need. If you prefer simplicity, this is the opposite of that.
• Crowded Lounges / Access Limitations: The more people have Platinum, the more crowded those Centurion Lounges have become – to the point Amex had to restrict guest access (now you have to pay $50 for guests unless you spend $75k/year on the card) and Delta is capping visits. Alex sometimes finds his go-to Centurion lounge at capacity, which diminishes the experience. Chase’s lounge network is new and small, but Priority Pass lounges can also fill up. It’s worth noting these premium perks are not always exclusive havens anymore.

With these pros and cons in mind, let’s line up the key features in a quick comparison table for a side-by-side look.

Comparison Table: Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Amex Platinum (Personal & Business)

To summarize the discussion above, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the personal cards and their business counterparts:

Personal Cards: Sapphire Reserve vs. Amex Platinum

Business Cards: Sapphire Reserve Business vs. Amex Business Platinum

As the table shows, each card (and its business version) has its own strengths. The choice ultimately comes down to your travel habits and what you value most.

Conclusion

At the end of our story, Alex, Sam, and Jordan convene after their trips to swap experiences. Alex (Amex Platinum) boasts about the time he showered in the Centurion Lounge spa and then enjoyed a first-class flight he booked with points transferred to ANA.

Sam (Chase Sapphire Reserve) counters with how he effortlessly erased $300 of travel costs with his credit and how his Chase points paid for a five-night Hyatt stay in Hawaii. Jordan (Business card user) is just happy he found a card that rewards his ad spend (thanks to Chase) and still gives him lounge access when meeting clients.

Both the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Amex Platinum are stellar tools for travelers – but cater to slightly different philosophies. As Alex and Sam plan their next adventures, one thing is clear: whether they swipe the Sapphire Reserve or flash the Platinum Card, the world – or at least the airport lounge and a luxury hotel suite – is their oyster. Safe travels and happy swiping!

Enjoy your journey with whichever card you choose – see you in the lounge!