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The Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab vs Chase Sapphire Preferred

Both are travel travel cards. The The Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab comes from American Express at $695/yr; the Chase Sapphire Preferred from Chase at $95/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

If you're not sure you'll use premium perks, start with the Chase Sapphire Preferred, its annual fee is significantly lower and the bonus values are similar. Upgrade later if you find yourself using the higher-tier benefits.

FeatureThe Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles SchwabChase Sapphire Preferred
Annual fee$695$95
Sign-up bonusUp to 80,000 Membership Rewards points75,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$1,440$1,500
Min spend to unlock bonus$8,000 in 6 mo$5,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Flights_direct_or_amextravel)5x1x
Transfer partnersamex-mrchase-ur
Headline benefits
  • Invest with Rewards 1.1c/pt into Schwab
  • Centurion + Priority Pass + Delta Sky Club
  • 5X flights, 5X prepaid hotels
  • $1,500+ in annual credits
  • 5x on travel booked via Chase
  • 3x on dining & streaming
  • $50 annual hotel credit
  • Transfer to 13 partners (Hyatt 1:1)
Read the full review
The Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab
$695/yr · Up to 80,000 Membership Rewards points
Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Preferred
$95/yr · 75,000 points

Editorial take: The Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab

The premium Platinum for Schwab brokerage customers. Same lounge access, FHR, and credit suite as the Personal Platinum, but the killer feature is Invest with Rewards at 1.1 cents per point cash-into-brokerage — the highest fixed-value MR redemption in the program. Best for cardholders who don't max out airline transfer partners.

Editorial take: Chase Sapphire Preferred

The best starter travel card, period. Transferable points, solid bonus categories, and a low annual fee make this the card we recommend to almost everyone getting into the points game. Note: the 10% anniversary points bonus sunsets October 1, 2026.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, The Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab or Chase Sapphire Preferred?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred has the bigger bonus, 75,000 points, worth roughly $1,500, versus Up to 80,000 Membership Rewards points (~$1,440) on the The Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab.
Is the The Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab's $695 annual fee worth it compared to the Chase Sapphire Preferred?
Premium cards like the The Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab ($695/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $695+ of those credits, the math works. The Chase Sapphire Preferred at $95/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the The Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab and Chase Sapphire Preferred?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Chase) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
Should I get the The Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab or the Chase Sapphire Preferred first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. The Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab: $8,000 spend in 6 months. Chase Sapphire Preferred: $5,000 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.