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

When it comes to premium travel credit cards, two names dominate the conversation: the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express. As the fall season approaches, both cards have recently undergone significant updates, making it essential for potential cardholders to evaluate which one best fits their travel needs.

The Amex Platinum has introduced new benefits along with an increased annual fee of $895, while the Sapphire Reserve has also enhanced its offerings after a major overhaul earlier this summer. With both cards vying for your attention, let’s break down their features to help you decide which one deserves a place in your wallet.

Welcome Offers

A key factor when considering a premium card with a hefty annual fee is the welcome offer. The Amex Platinum currently boasts a welcome bonus valued at up to $3,500, according to The Points Guy’s (TPG) September 2025 valuations. In contrast, the Sapphire Reserve offers a welcome bonus worth approximately $2,563, but it has a lower spending requirement, making it easier to attain.

It’s important to note the eligibility rules for these bonuses. Amex allows you to earn a welcome offer on a card only once in your lifetime, so if you’re not targeted for the highest offer, it may be wise to wait. The Sapphire Reserve has also updated its eligibility criteria, restricting the welcome bonus for previous cardholders regardless of how much time has passed since they last applied.

Recommendation: If you can secure at least 125,000 bonus points from the Amex Platinum, it’s worth considering; otherwise, the Sapphire Reserve may be the better choice.

Annual Fees and Immediate Benefits

Both the Sapphire Reserve and the Amex Platinum are among the most expensive cards on the market. The new benefits for the Sapphire Reserve are available immediately for new cardholders who opened their accounts after June 23, 2025, while existing cardholders will gain access starting October 26, 2025. Existing Platinum cardholders already enjoy the newly announced benefits.

Despite the high annual fees, both cards offer benefits that can help offset costs. They provide similar travel perks, including hotel statement credits and membership credits for travel programs like Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and Clear Plus. However, the Sapphire Reserve’s $300 travel credit is easier to use compared to the Amex Platinum’s more restrictive $200 airline statement credit.

Winner: Sapphire Reserve, thanks to its straightforward travel credit and guest privileges at Sapphire Lounges.

Airport Lounge Access

When it comes to airport lounge access, both cards have robust offerings. Amex Platinum cardholders can access the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass™ lounges, and Delta Sky Clubs (limited to 10 visits when flying Delta on the same day). However, to unlock guest privileges at Centurion Lounges, you must spend $75,000 in a calendar year.

On the other hand, the Sapphire Reserve provides access to Priority Pass lounges and Chase Sapphire Lounge locations, allowing cardholders to bring in up to two guests without additional fees or minimum spending requirements. They also have access to select Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes across North America and Europe.

Winner: Sapphire Reserve, thanks to its generous guest privileges and ease of access.

Dining Benefits

Both cards offer unique dining-related perks. The Sapphire Reserve provides up to a $300 annual dining credit at Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables via OpenTable. In contrast, the Amex Platinum offers a more substantial dining credit of up to $400 per calendar year (up to $100 each quarter) for dining at eligible U.S. restaurants, along with access to special reservations at high-end restaurants through Platinum Nights by Resy.

While the Sapphire Reserve’s credit is limited to OpenTable restaurants in 26 U.S. cities, the Amex Platinum’s credit can be used at over 10,000 restaurants nationwide, making it more versatile.

Winner: Amex Platinum, due to its higher dining statement credit and broader acceptance.

Lifestyle Perks

The Amex Platinum has expanded its lifestyle benefits significantly. Cardholders can enjoy statement credits for brands like Lululemon, Oura Ring, Saks, Uber One, and Walmart+. The card also offers a $300 Equinox statement credit and a $300 SoulCycle statement credit, among other perks.

Chase, however, keeps its offerings more streamlined, providing a $300 annual statement credit for StubHub or Viagogo and complimentary memberships for Apple TV+ and Apple Music.

While the Amex Platinum has a wider array of lifestyle credits, they may not all resonate with every cardholder.

Winner: Tie. The Amex Platinum offers more credits, but their value depends on individual preferences.

Travel Protections

When it comes to travel protections, the Sapphire Reserve stands out with its industry-leading coverage. Historically, Chase has been a leader in travel insurance, and the Sapphire Reserve continues that trend with generous terms. Although Amex has improved its travel protection benefits, the Sapphire Reserve still offers superior overall coverage.

Winner: Sapphire Reserve, due to its comprehensive travel insurance offerings.

Earning Potential

Both cards provide opportunities to earn valuable points. The Amex Platinum is particularly beneficial for those who frequently purchase airfare, providing a return of approximately 10% based on TPG’s September 2025 valuations. However, its focus on airfare may limit its appeal.

The Sapphire Reserve, on the other hand, offers a broader range of bonus categories, including dining and hotels, with a return of at least 16% for Chase Travel purchases.

Winner: Sapphire Reserve, thanks to its versatile earning potential across various categories.

Point Redemption

Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards have similar values, with TPG estimating them at 2.05 and 2 cents per point, respectively. Chase offers guaranteed value by providing a 50% bonus when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel, and its transfer partners are instant and numerous.

Amex offers more transfer partners but has less favorable redemption rates for travel bookings. Both cards allow for non-travel redemptions, but these typically yield lower value.

Winner: Sapphire Reserve, for its superior travel redemption value.

Conclusion

Both the Amex Platinum and the Chase Sapphire Reserve offer exceptional value for frequent travelers, but they cater to different needs and preferences. Your choice depends on which benefits align best with your lifestyle, travel habits, and spending patterns.

Consider the $100 annual fee difference and remember that it’s possible to hold both cards if you find value in their unique offerings. The Sapphire Reserve provides a straightforward approach with a comprehensive list of perks, while the Amex Platinum has elevated its status by adding substantial lifestyle benefits.

Ultimately, the best card for you will depend on how you intend to use it. For more detailed insights, check out our comprehensive reviews of both the Sapphire Reserve and the Amex Platinum.