Chase Reserve now $795; Amex Platinum $695. Compare perks, statement credits, lounge access & hidden value to see which premium travel card is best for you.
Table of Contents
💳 Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Amex Platinum — Is the $795/$695 Fee Worth It in 2025?
📣 Why This Blog?
With Chase recently hiking the Sapphire Reserve fee from $550 to $795, and Amex prepping a heavy refresh at $695, it’s the perfect time to compare their value in 2025.
🧭 Annual Fee & Key Credits
| Card | Fee (2025) | Travel Credits | Streaming/Other Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $795 (+45%) | $300 travel + $500 hotel, $120 Global Entry | Apple Music + TV+ |
| Amex Platinum | $695 | $200 airline, $200 hotel | $155 Walmart+, $200 Uber, $155 digital ent., CLEAR/TSA+ credits |
📈 Rewards & Earning Rates
- Sapphire Reserve: 10× on travel via portal, 3× on dining/travel, 4× direct flight bookings.
- Amex Platinum: 5× on flights/hotels via Amex Travel, 1× elsewhere
🌐 Lounge & Travel Perks
- Amex Platinum: Access to Centurion + Priority Pass (~1,400 lounges), CLEAR up to $199, Global Entry/TSA credits
- Sapphire Reserve: Priority Pass, Lyft Pink, Instacart+/DashPass, reserved by Sapphire events
🏷 Value vs. Spend Example
- Chase: requires ~$75K/year spend to fully utilize perks
- Amex: ideal for frequent flyers who use lounge access, subscription credits — over $1,500 in benefits possible
🧠 What Reddit Users Say
“Chase wins by far on lounges… Platinum beats out the CSR by far imho.”
“Amex Offers are far superior… the Rakuten integration is big for in‑store shopping.”
So winners depend on preferences: luxury travel vs. practical perks + sweet rewards.
✅ Pros & Cons Overview
Chase Sapphire Reserve
- ✔️ Strong dining/travel multipliers & 8× portal
- ✔️ Simpler travel credits
- ✖️ Fee bumped to $795
- ✖️ Less lounge lounge presence outside US
Amex Platinum
- ✔️ Best lounge network & luxury perks
- ✔️ Broad set of credits (Uber, Walmart+, CLEAR)
- ✖️ High annual fee
- ✖️ Value requires heavy usage and familiarity
🤔 FAQs
Q1. Is Chase worth $795 now?
Only if you fully utilize the $1,200 in travel & hotel credits and rewards boosts.
Q2. Should I hold both cards?
Redditors say: “I have both… overlapping benefits, but they complement each other well.”
Q3. Any upcoming changes?
Yes — Amex is rolling out their largest-ever refresh in 2025, which could shift the balance.
🔚 Final Thoughts
🔸 Choose Chase Sapphire Reserve if you spend heavily on travel/dining and prefer straightforward credit captures.
🔸 Opt for Amex Platinum if you prioritize premium lounge access, subscription offsets, and a luxury travel experience.
Bottom line: Both can deliver $2,000+ in value—but only if you align your lifestyle with the benefits.
Pick the one that fits your travel habits, or consider stacking them smartly!
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