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The Platinum Card® from American Express is renowned for its extensive benefits, including annual credits for airline fees, hotel stays, digital entertainment and even Uber Cash. Cardholders also enjoy access to a vast network of hotel partner programs, like Hilton Honors and The Hotel Collection. Its ability to earn Membership Rewards points rapidly, particularly through flights and prepaid hotel bookings via Amex Travel, makes it a favorite among frequent travelers.
However, with a $695 annual fee, the Amex Platinum may not be the perfect fit for everyone. So, we've compiled a list of worthy alternatives to consider. Whether you're on the hunt for a card with a more affordable annual fee or prefer perks like enhanced hotel loyalty program statuses, we have a wide range of options to choose from.
Here are the best alternatives to the American Express Platinum Card:
| Card | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Best for | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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$550 |
1x - 10xPoints
The card offers 10x points per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars as well as 5x points on air travel booked directly through Chase Ultimate Rewards immediately after you spend $300 on travel purchases annually. Additionally, earn 3x points per dollar spent on all other travel and dining purchases and 1x everywhere else. |
Best for Luxury Travelers |
Apply Now Rates & Fees |
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$95 |
1x- 5xPoints
The card offers 5x points per dollar on Chase Travel℠, 3x points on dining (including eligible takeout and delivery services), as well as 3x points on select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs). This card earns 2x points on all other travel spending and 1x point per dollar everywhere else. Chase broadly defines travel to include not just airfare, hotels and rental cars, but expenses like parking, tolls and public transit too. |
Best for Chase Ultimate Rewards Fans |
Apply Now |
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$95 |
1X-10XPoints
10X total ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024. 3X -- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels 3X -- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets 1X -- Earn 1 Point on All Other Purchases |
Best for Rewards on Everyday Spending |
Apply Now Rates & Fees |
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$95 |
2 - 5 miles per dollarMiles
The card offers a flat 2 miles per dollar on every purchase you make, every day, giving cardholders predictability and simplicity. You'll also earn 5 miles per dollar on all hotel and rental car purchases that you make with the card through Capital One's proprietary travel booking platform. |
Best for Straightforward Travel Rewards |
Apply Now Rates & Fees |
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$525 |
1x - 4xPoints
The card earns 4X miles per dollar spent on United purchases, 2X miles per dollar spent on all other travel and dining purchases and 1X mile per dollar spent on all other purchases. |
Best for International United Flyers |
Apply Now |
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$199 |
1x - 9xPoints
9 points total per $1 spent at Hyatt. 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent with your card at Hyatt hotels, participating Small Luxury Hotels of the World, participating Exhale locations, and eligible Lindblad Expeditions. Plus, 5 Base points from Hyatt per eligible $1 spent just for being a World of Hyatt member.
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Best for Small Business Travelers |
Apply Now |
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work Read the review
- APR22.49% - 29.49% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$550
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Sign-Up Bonus
60,000Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after using your card to spend $4,000 within three months of account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $1,380 (60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points * 0.023 base)
This card features an annual credit for travel purchases, which can offset the annual fee, plus bonus points when you sign up. You'll also get free access to tons of Priority Pass lounges and restaurant options around the world, along with access to the upcoming Chase Sapphire Lounge network.
Overview
If you’re looking to elevate your travel experience, look no further than the Chase Sapphire Reserve. When you first get approved, you’ll earn a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months—that’s worth at least $900 in travel-related spending booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards® and potentially more if you transfer your rewards to one of Chase’s airline or hotel partners.
Read the reviewPros
- An array of premium travel perks including access to Priority Pass lounges
- Easy-to-use $300 travel credit that helps offset card's annual fee
- Generous rewards rates for spending
Cons
- High annual fee may be a deterrent for some
- Perks are starting to get stale relative to newer competition
Because of its high redemption value in the Chase Ultimate Rewards program and wide range of travel benefits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is arguably the most popular option among Amex Platinum alternatives. It's especially appealing to diners and frequent travelers who value luxury and comfort.
Why We Like It
We like the Chase Sapphire Reserve for its extensive luxury travel benefits, which include airport lounge access, substantial annual travel credits and exceptional hotel elite status perks. The lower annual fee of $550 makes it a highly attractive alternative to the Amex Platinum.
The cherry on top is the substantial sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, which is equivalent to $900 toward travel when redeemed through the Chase travel portal. If you currently have a Chase card that earns Ultimate Rewards points, it would be smart to add the Chase Sapphire Reserve to your wallet so you can build the Chase trifecta and supercharge your reward earnings.
Card Benefits
- $300 in annual credits for travel purchases
- 10x points per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars
- 5x points on flights booked through Chase
- 3x points per dollar spent on all other dining and travel purchases
- 1x on all other eligible purchases
- TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS application fee credit every four years
- $1,200 in additional partner value, including discounts and complimentary memberships for partners like DoorDash, Lyft, Instacart and more
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges with complimentary Priority Pass Select membership
- Comprehensive travel and rental car protections, including trip cancellation, delay reimbursement and lost luggage coverage
- No foreign transaction fees
Best for
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is best suited for frequent travelers who want a broad range of high-end travel benefits and a robust rewards program for travel and dining expenses. It's particularly appealing to those who value lounge access and can appreciate luxury travel benefits.
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
- Our Rating 5/5 How our ratings work Read the review
- APR21.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$95
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Sign Up Bonus
60,000Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $1,380 (60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points * 0.023 base)
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is one of the gold standards for earning travel rewards. It has a generous sign-up bonus and you can earn points on travel and dining expenses. The card does have an annual fee, but you can continue earning points through bonus categories and an anniversary points boost.
Overview
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is pretty flexible as it lets you transfer rewards points into miles or points several airlines and hotel programs. You can take advantage of strong transfer partners such as United, Southwest, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Hyatt. Similarly, you can book any reservation you want through the Chase Travel℠ portal. Although the card might not be ideal for the most frequent travelers, it has a built-in upgrade path, so when it’s time to level up your travel rewards game, you won’t have to start from scratch.
Read the reviewPros
- Points are easily transferable to airlines and hotel partners
- Accelerated earnings on dining, travel & household purchases
- Excellent travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Not ideal for the highest spenders
- $95 annual fee
For those who want a useful travel rewards card but don’t need the Platinum Card's expensive perks, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® is an affordable alternative. It offers a generous sign-up bonus, a lower annual fee, and a range of benefits that cater to casual travelers.
Why We Like It
The Chase Sapphire Preferred's affordable annual fee of $95 is significantly lower than the Amex Platinum Card, making it a more accessible option for those looking for a simple travel card without the high cost. You won't get the Amex Platinum's luxury perks, but you'll still enjoy a modest annual hotel credit, ability to transfer points to leading loyalty programs like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt, and a 25% boost in points when you redeem them through the Chase travel portal.
Card Benefits
- 5x points per dollar on Chase Travel℠
- 3x points on dining (including eligible takeout and delivery services)
- 3x points on select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)
- 2x points on all other travel purchases
- 1x point on other eligible purchases
- 10% annual point bonus based on yearly spending
- 25% boost when redeeming points via Chase Travel℠
- $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit
- Points transfer to 14 airline and hotel transfer partners at a 1:1 value
- No foreign transaction fees
- Comprehensive travel and purchase protections
Best for
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is ideal for fans of the Ultimate Rewards program and those who can leverage Chase's transfer partners to maximize point values.
Citi Premier® Card
- Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work Read the review
- APR21.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$95
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Sign Up Bonus
60,000Citi ThankYou Points
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou Points after making $4,000 worth of purchases during the first three months of account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $1,080 (60,000 Citi ThankYou Points * 0.018 base)
The Citi Premier® Card, from our partner Citi, is worth considering if you’re looking for accelerated travel rewards but don’t want to pay a huge annual fee. It’s easy to quickly rack up lots of points on this card. While you can redeem ThankYou points for gift cards, you’ll get more value when you redeem points for flights and hotels, and potentially even better value when you transfer points to travel partners.
Overview
This credit card offers its members a range of incentives, such as bonus points, gift cards and 1:1 point transfers with airline partners. One of the more unique features of the Citi Premier® Card from our partner Citi is that it offers 3x ThankPoints for every dollar spent at supermarkets, gas stations, restaurants and travel purchases. Plus, new cardholders can earn 60,000 ThankYou Points after spending $4,000 during the first three months of account opening.
Read the reviewPerks
- Earn 3x ThankYou Points per dollar spent on travel, grocery stores, restaurants and gas stations
- Annual $100 hotel savings benefit. Just book a hotel stay of $500 or more through thankyou.com or 1-800-THANKYOU to earn the discount.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Easily transfer your points to Citi's airline partners
Pros
- High reward rate on common categories of consumer spending
- Points are easily transferable to airlines and hotel partners
- No foreign transaction fees
- Points never expire
Cons
- $95 annual fee
- No standout rewards category
The Citi Premier® Card, from our partner Citi, stands out as an alternative to the Amex Platinum because of its reasonable annual fee of $95 and sizable sign-up bonus. This is a strong everyday and travel card that offers a compelling mix of rewards and benefits that make it well worth the annual fee.
Why We Like It
The Citi Premier is popular for its rewards rate, which awards triple points on everyday spending like restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, as well as air travel and hotels. The card's $100 annual hotel credit alone makes up for the annual fee. Cardholders can also earn outsized redemptions from their points when transferred to a variety of travel partners. If you have another Citi card like the Citi Custom Cash® Card, you can pool and transfer your points to the Citi Premier to access their many travel partners.
Card Benefits
- 3x points per dollar on restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, plus air travel and hotels
- 1x point per dollar on all other eligible purchases
- Transfer points to popular travel partners
- No foreign transaction fees
- Annual $100 hotel savings benefit on bookings of $500 or more through Thankyou.com
- ThankYou Points never expire and can be redeemed for gift cards, travel, statement credits, and online purchases at BestBuy.com and Amazon.com
Best for
Those who frequently spend across diverse categories of dining, groceries, fuel and travel will benefit the most from the Citi Premier. It's a great fit for households seeking a balance between earning travel rewards and practical everyday use.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work Read the review
- APR19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$95
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Sign Up Bonus
75,000Capital One Rewards Miles
You can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within three months of account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $1,350 (75,000 Capital One Rewards Miles * 0.018 base)
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a lot of value to both beginner and expert travelers. The upfront bonus and high ongoing rewards rate aren’t easy to beat, making the card a solid option for a large audience. Where it really shines is with the flexibility of the redemption process, though. You can redeem miles to cover past travel expenses, book travel through Capital One or transfer miles to any of Capital One’s airline and hotel loyalty programs.
Overview
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a lot of value to beginner and expert travelers alike. The card’s big upfront bonus and high ongoing rewards rate aren’t easy to beat, making it a solid option for a large audience. Where it really shines, though, is with the redemption process. When it comes to travel credit cards, it can be really challenging to find a way to use your rewards in the way you want.
With hotel and airline credit cards, for instance, you’re basically stuck redeeming your points or miles with the co-branded hotel or airline partner. And with some general rewards programs, you might get less value if you use your points or miles to book a flight versus a rental car or hotel.
With the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, though, you’ll get a lot of flexibility. Here are some of the top redemption options that are available: redeem miles to cover past travel expenses, book travel through Capital One or transfer miles to any of Capital One’s multiple airline and hotel loyalty programs.
Read the reviewPerks
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to premier culinary events, must-see music events and major sporting events
Pros
- Simple rewards and earning structure
- Ability to earn transferable points to use with travel partners
- Relatively modest $95 annual fee
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Cons
- Other travel cards offer higher rewards rates on certain spending categories
When it comes to premium travel credit cards, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a practical Amex Platinum alternative. With an annual fee of $95 (Rates & Fees), you'll enjoy valuable travel perks, straightforward rewards on everyday purchases and access to Capital One Travel, where you can earn more on travel bookings made through the platform.
Why We Like It
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card stands out for its simple rewards program—unlimited 2 miles per dollar on every purchase and 5 miles on hotels and rental cars through Capital One's travel portal. This card is designed for people who value uncomplicated rewards without the hassle of tracking numerous bonus categories or activating rewards. While you won't get the high-end perks offered by the American Express Platinum Card, you can enjoy nice travel perks like the Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit and the ability to transfer your rewards to any of Capital One’s 15+ travel partners, which can make your miles go further.
Card Benefits
- Earn unlimited 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2x miles on every eligible purchase
- Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years when you pay the application fee with the card
- No foreign transaction fees (Rates & Fees)
- Travel and purchase protections, such as extended warranty and travel cancellation/interruption coverage*
Best for
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is best suited for those who are looking for a simple travel card that earns straightforward rewards on everyday spending, not just travel-related ones.
*For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
United Club℠ Infinite Card
- Our Rating 4.0/5 How our ratings work
- APR21.99% - 28.99% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$525
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Sign Up Bonus
80,000United MileagePlus Miles
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $1,120 (80,000 United MileagePlus Miles * 0.014 base)
United’s premier card comes with a sizable annual fee, but if you’re a serious United flyer, want lounge access and can use other perks like free checked bags or the TSA PreCheck credit, you could eke a lot of value out of this card. Those who can’t use enough of the perks to offset the high annual fee may be better off with a different card.
Overview
If you love United Airlines, can fly with the airline often and enjoy benefits like airport lounge access free checked bags and quick trips through airport security on busy travel days, then the United Club Infinite Card is made for you. It’s loaded with travel perks such as statement credits and valuable insurance benefits.
Pros
- You and your eligible travel companions can enjoy complimentary access to United Club locations
- Up to $100 statement credit for your Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS application
- Check up to two bags for free
Cons
- $525 annual fee will only be worth it for United loyalists
For those who frequently fly internationally and prefer United Airlines, the United Club℠ Infinite Card is an excellent option over the Amex Platinum Card. Despite its $525 annual fee, the card is rich in perks that enhance your overall travel experience. It's an ideal choice for loyal United travelers who may not care for the generalized luxury perks offered by American Express.
Why We Like It
The United Club℠ Infinite Card is packed with benefits and perks for frequent United flyers. Key perks include a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit and complimentary United Club membership, which gives you access to airport lounges worldwide (up to a $650 value per year). Additionally, your first and second checked bags are free on United flights, along with priority boarding and security screening.
Card Benefits
- United Club membership, which includes access to United Club lounges and participating Star Alliance-affiliated lounges worldwide
- 5x miles on United fare as MileagePlus member, 4x miles on United purchases, 2x miles on dining and all other travel purchases, and 1x mile on all other eligible purchases
- 1st and 2nd checked bags free on United flights, for you and a companion
- Premier Access® travel services include priority check-in, security screening (where available), boarding and baggage handling
- 25% back statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi onboard United-operated flights
- Up to $75 IHG statement credit per calendar year as reimbursement for IHG hotel purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
Best for
The United Club Infinite is best for frequent United Airlines travelers who can take full advantage of United Club access and airline-specific benefits. If you prioritize comfort and convenience while you travel, the card's premium benefits can more than make up for the hefty annual fee.
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
- Our Rating 4.0/5 How our ratings work Read the review
- APR21.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$199
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Sign Up Bonus
60,000World of Hyatt Points
60,000 Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening Dollar Equivalent: $1,020 (60,000 World of Hyatt Points * 0.017 base)
This card is a good option for small business owners loyal to Hyatt. It offers elite status benefits, with the opportunity to spend your way to higher tiers. Hyatt loyalists with lots of business expenses they can channel on this credit card and its vast bonus categories will be rewarded for it.
Overview
The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card is a good option for small business owners loyal to Hyatt. The card offers elite status benefits, with the opportunity to spend your way to higher tiers. The card’s bonus categories are vast but aren’t substantial at 2 points per $1 spent.
Read the reviewPros
- Enjoy Hyatt Discoverist elite status for you and up to five employees
- Up to 9x points on Hyatt hotels
- Earn up to $100 in Hyatt statement credits per year
Cons
- $199 annual fee
- No free night award unlike the consumer Hyatt card
For those who often stay at Hyatt hotels and prefer tailored hotel rewards, the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card is not to be missed when considering Amex Platinum alternatives. With an annual fee of $199, this card is especially valuable for business travelers looking to quickly climb the tiers of the World of Hyatt loyalty program.
Why We Like It
One of the most compelling features of the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card is the card's sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening. This hefty bonus can translate into multiple free nights at Hyatt hotels, offering significant value right from the start.
The card also comes with Hyatt-specific perks, including up to $100 in annual Hyatt credits, complimentary Hyatt Leverage membership and higher rewards on Hyatt spending to accelerate your status in the program.
Card Benefits
- 5x base points from Hyatt per eligible $1 spent as World of Hyatt member
- 4x points per dollar spent at Hyatt hotels, which includes expenses at participating restaurants and spas.
- 2x points per dollar in the top three spending categories each quarter through 12/31/24, then in the top two categories each quarter thereafter
- 2x points per dollar on fitness club and gym memberships
- 1x on all other eligible purchases
- Receive five tier-qualifying night credits toward your next tier status for every $10,000 spent in a calendar year
- Up to $100 in annual statement credits: Spend at least $50 at any Hyatt property and earn $50 in statement credits up to twice a year.
- No foreign transaction fees
Best for
The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card is a prime choice for business owners and individuals who frequently lodge at Hyatt properties. You'll enjoy valuable perks and unlock elite Hyatt status just from your regular spending alone.
Bottom Line
While the Platinum Card by American Express offers a range of prestigious benefits—particularly for those who frequently use Amex Travel and value partnerships with Hilton Honors and the American Express Global Lounge Collection—it's not the only premium card on the market. There are plenty of worthy alternatives that offer a lot of value and perks, at a much lower annual fee.
Remember, the best credit card for you is one that aligns with your spending habits and lifestyle. Consider your options carefully to choose a card that truly complements your financial goals.
Ryan Tronier
Ryan Tronier is a personal finance expert and writer. His work has been published on NBC, ABC, USATODAY, The Mortgage Reports, Yahoo Finance, MSN, and more. Ryan is the former managing editor of the finance website Sapling, as well as the former personal finance editor at Slickdeals. Find him online at ryantronier.com.
