Yahoo Finance·2025-07-21 16:20Core Insights - The Amex Platinum Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve are two of the most expensive credit cards, but their benefits can outweigh costs for travel enthusiasts [1] - A careful comparison is necessary to determine which card is better suited for individual needs due to overlapping perks [1] Annual Fee Comparison - The Amex Platinum has an annual fee of $895, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve has a lower fee of $795 [3][40] Welcome Bonus - The Amex Platinum offers a potentially higher welcome bonus of up to 175,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 in the first six months, but eligibility varies [6] - The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first three months, which is considered more straightforward [4][6] Rewards Structure - The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a better overall rewards rate with multiple bonus categories for frequent travelers, while the Amex Platinum offers 5x points on airfare booked directly with airlines [5][16] Other Benefits - The Amex Platinum provides over $3,500 in potential value, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers over $2,700 [6] - The choice between the two cards depends on individual travel preferences and which benefits are more useful [7][9] Transfer Partners - American Express has more transfer partners than Chase, but the value depends on the user's travel habits [8] Suitability for Different Users - The Amex Platinum is suitable for frequent travelers who value premium benefits, while the Sapphire Reserve is better for those focused on earning rewards [12][39] - For travel rewards enthusiasts, having both cards may be justified, but most users may find it challenging to maximize the benefits of both due to high annual fees [17][18]