The Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve are both good, so it really depends on what benefits you want and will actually use. Amex has a higher annual fee but includes several statement credits. For example, you get a $240 annual credit for digital subscriptions. (Since I’m already paying for a bunch of streaming services anyway, that’s good for me.) Both cards will cover TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, but Amex also gives you a $189 credit for Clear. I believe Amex also has access to more airport lounges. Another difference is that if you want to add authorized users,
Amex offers either a Gold card with no additional annual fee, or you can give them the Platinum card for an additional $175/yr. The Gold card for authorized users doesn’t have all the same perks as the Platinum, but they can still get the $100 PreCheck/Global Entry credit. So if you’re planning on adding authorized users, that’s more savings.
One of the benefits to Chase is that their $300 travel credit is less restrictive than Amex’s. They also offer higher reward points and more ways to earn and redeem points. Also, the Priority Pass lounge access membership with Chase is better bc it includes the Priority Pass restaurants. Amex doesn’t. Authorized users on the Chase card have an annual fee of $75, but that comes with lounge access. (Whereas your authorized users with Amex only get lounge access if you give them the Platinum card, which costs $175 for up to 3 cards).
You really can’t go wrong with either one. Just comes down to what you value most. Some people choose to get both.
Capital One Venture cards are also good, especially for luxury travel.
Quick Comparison (Mid-2026)
| Category | Chase Wins With | Amex Wins With | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner / Best Overall | Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95 fee) | — | Most people |
| Premium Luxury | Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795 fee) | Amex Platinum ($895 fee) | Heavy travelers |
| Dining & Groceries | — | Amex Gold ($325 fee) | Foodies |
| Ease of Use & Acceptance | Chase (wider merchant acceptance) | — | Everyday + international |
| Lounge Access | Good (Priority Pass via CSR) | Excellent (Centurion + more via Platinum) | Frequent flyers |
| Point Transfer Partners | Strong (Hyatt is standout) | Slight edge (more airline options) | Award travelers |
| Credits & Value | Simpler, flexible travel credits | Higher potential if you maximize them | Depends on usage |
Top Recommendations
1. Best for Most People: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- $95 annual fee (easy to offset with the $100 annual hotel credit).
- Strong earning: 5x on Chase Travel, 3x dining, 2x other travel.
- Flexible Ultimate Rewards points that transfer to great partners (including World of Hyatt).
- Excellent travel protections.
This is the most recommended “starter” travel card in 2026 for good reason — great value without complexity.
2. Best Premium Chase Card: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- $795 annual fee.
- $300 annual travel credit (very easy to use).
- Strong lounge access and top-tier protections.
- Great if you want a simpler luxury experience than Amex.
3. Best Premium Amex: American Express Platinum
- $895 annual fee.
- Massive lounge network (Centurion Lounges are excellent).
- Huge credits (airlines, hotels, dining, etc.) — but you must use them to justify the fee.
- Best for frequent flyers who value luxury perks and can maximize $1,000+ in credits.
4. Best Dining-Focused: Amex Gold
- $325 fee with strong credits (dining + Uber).
- 4x at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets.
- Pairs well with the Platinum for an “Amex Trifecta.”
Chase vs Amex: Key Trade-offs
- Chase → Easier for beginners, better everyday acceptance, simpler credits, strong hotel redemptions (Hyatt).
- Amex → Superior luxury perks and lounges, better for high dining/grocery spenders, slightly stronger airline transfer partners. However, Amex is accepted at fewer places (though improving).
- Many people run both ecosystems (“Chase + Amex Trifecta”) for maximum flexibility.
