Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve | Which is Better?

This video compares the benefits and features of the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the American Express Platinum Card, two luxury credit cards that offer travel perks and benefits, in order to determine which one is better.

This video by Brian Jung was published on Aug 4, 2023.
Video length: 11:50.

This YouTube video compares the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the American Express Platinum Card, two luxury premium tier credit cards that offer a range of benefits for frequent travelers.

The video discusses the annual fees, welcome bonus offers, and earning rates of both cards, as well as the approval requirements. The host shares their own experience with both cards and provides insights on which card may be better.

They also mention the additional credits and perks that American Express offered during the pandemic to offset the annual fee.

• The Chase Sapphire Reserve and the American Express Platinum Card are luxury credit cards with high annual fees.
• This video compares the benefits and features of both cards.
• The AmEx Platinum Card is considered one of the best Elite Tier credit cards for travel.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a lower annual fee and consistent welcome bonus.
• Both cards have their own set of benefits and it depends on individual preferences and travel habits.
• The AmEx Platinum Card offers free Elite tiers, access to Platinum concierge, and protection and insurance.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a generous credit limit, travel perks, and the opportunity to earn welcome bonus points.

Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve | Which is Better? - YouTube

Introduction

• The Chase Sapphire Reserve and the American Express Platinum Card are luxury credit cards that offer travel perks and benefits.
• Both cards have high annual fees of $550 and $695 respectively.
• This video aims to compare the benefits and features of both cards to determine which one is better.
• The video is based on the personal experience of someone who has held both cards and has been in the credit card space for 43 years.

AmEx Platinum Card

• The AmEx Platinum Card is considered one of the best Elite Tier credit cards for travel.
• It offers a welcome bonus of 88,000 points after spending $6,000 in six months.
• Earn 5x points on flights booked directly with the airline or through Amex travel, 5x points on prepaid hotels booked with AmEx travel, and 1x points on all other purchases.
• The card comes with various credits and benefits, which are not covered in this video.
• The recommended credit score for approval is at least 680.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

• The Chase Sapphire Reserve has an annual fee of $550.
• It offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
• Earn 10x points on prepaid hotels and rental cars booked with Chase, 5x points on flights booked with Chase, 3x points on dining and all other travel purchases, and a 50 point value boost with the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
• The card has a higher approval threshold, but people with scores lower than 680 have been approved.
• Chase rarely elevates the offer on this card, unlike AmEx Platinum.

Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve | Which is Better? - YouTube

Comparison and Conclusion

• The AmEx Platinum Card requires more effort to maximize its benefits and is considered more prestigious.
• American Express offered credits and reduced annual fees during the pandemic.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a lower annual fee and offers a consistent welcome bonus.
• Both cards have their own set of benefits and it ultimately depends on individual preferences and travel habits.
• Having a credit score of at least 700 is recommended for approval.

Benefits of American Express Platinum Card

• Free Elite tiers from different hotels, such as Marriott, Hilton, and rental car companies like Nationals, Hertz, and Avis.
• AmEx Fine Hotels and Resorts portal offers additional benefits like experience credits, early check-in, late checkout, and complimentary room upgrades.
• Access to Platinum concierge for travel assistance.
• Protection and insurance for lost, stolen, or damaged items, as well as extended warranties.
• No credit limit as it is a charge card.

Benefits of Chase Sapphire Reserve

• Generous credit limit, usually starting at $10,000 or more.
• Beginner-friendly and fits well within the Chase ecosystem.
• Travel perks and benefits, including access to Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge.
• Opportunity to earn welcome bonus points.
• Can be used in combination with other credit cards to maximize benefits.

Overlap between American Express Platinum Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve

• Both cards offer travel perks and benefits.
• Both cards can be used to maximize travel experiences.
• Both cards have their own lounges at certain airports.
• Both cards have their own welcome bonus offers.
• Having both cards allows you to reap all the benefits and access points.

Tips for Maximizing Benefits

• Consider getting the Chase Sapphire Preferred first, then downgrade to the no annual fee card after 48 months to be eligible for the welcome bonus again.
• Use the American Express Platinum Card during the 48-month period.
• Read through the benefits of each card and see which ones align with your travel preferences.
• Take advantage of the perks and protections offered by both cards.
• Assess your spending habits and choose the card that best suits your needs.

Comparison of Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Platinum Card

• Consider your spending habits and the benefits you value the most, such as lounge access, Global Entry, TSA pre-check, booking portals, and higher earning rates on travel purchases.
• American Express card is better for international travel, while Chase Sapphire Reserve is better for domestic plans.
• It is beneficial to hold both cards for maximum benefits.
• Upgrade and downgrade paths, retention offers, and the ability to cancel and get another version of the card later are advantages of both cards.
• Make sure to do the math and ensure that the annual fees are not higher than the return you get back.
• Links to apply for the cards, join the travel summit, and join the free Facebook group are provided in the video description.

Watch the video on YouTube:
Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve | Which is Better? - YouTube