Chase Sapphire Reserve wins — Chase Sapphire Reserve wins for most travelers: auto $300 credit, best hotel redemption value via Hyatt, and simpler cre…
Scores: Chase Sapphire Reserve 9/10 · American Express Platinum Card 8/10
Chase Sapphire Reserve wins for most travelers: auto $300 credit, best hotel redemption value via Hyatt, and simpler credit structure. Amex Platinum wins specifically for Delta frequent flyers and airport lounge addicts who can stomach the credit activation complexity — Centurion Lounge quality is genuinely better than Priority Pass.
Chase Sapphire Reserve lists at $550 while American Express Platinum Card lists at $695 — Chase Sapphire Reserve undercuts American Express Platinum Card by $145 (26%).
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | American Express Platinum Card | |
|---|---|---|
| annual_fee | $550/year | $695/year |
| travel_credit | $300 automatic travel credit | — |
| sign_on_bonus | 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points ($900 travel value) | 80,000 Membership Rewards points ($800+ travel value) |
| earn_rate | 3x on dining + travel; 1x all else | 5x on flights + hotels booked through Amex; 1x all else |
| transfer_partners | United, Southwest, Hyatt, Marriott, BA, Air France | Delta, Air France, British Airways, Singapore, Marriott, Hilton |
| lounge | Priority Pass Select (1,300+ lounges) | Amex Centurion Lounges + Priority Pass + Delta Sky Club |
Our pick: Chase Sapphire Reserve. It edges out the alternative on $300 travel credit is fully automatic — any travel purchase triggers it with no activation or portal restriction. That said, American Express Platinum Card still wins on amex centurion lounge access is the best lounge network available — centurion lounges at jfk, lax, and las are categorically better than priority pass — consider it if that single trade matters most for your use.