Editorial take: The Platinum Card from Amex
The granddaddy of premium cards with Centurion Lounge access, hotel elite status, and a mountain of credits. The $895 fee stings, but if you use even half the credits, you come out ahead.
All credit cards
Side-by-side
The Platinum Card from Amex vs Chase Freedom Unlimited
Both are well-respected travel cards. The The Platinum Card from Amex comes from American Express at $895/yr; the Chase Freedom Unlimited from Chase at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the The Platinum Card from Amex is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($3,300 more in estimated value) than the Chase Freedom Unlimited's. Get the The Platinum Card from Amex first; revisit the Chase Freedom Unlimited after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | The Platinum Card from Amex | Chase Freedom Unlimited |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $895 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 175,000 points | $200 bonus |
| Bonus value (est.) | $3,500 | $200 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $12,000 in 6 mo | $500 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Chase |
| Card category | travel | cashback |
| Best earning category (Flights) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | chase-ur |
| Headline benefits |
|
|
Read the full review
The Platinum Card from Amex
$895/yr · 175,000 points
Read the full review
Chase Freedom Unlimited
$0/yr · $200 bonus
Editorial take: Chase Freedom Unlimited
The best no-fee cash back card in the Chase family. Stack it with a Sapphire and your cash back converts into transferable Ultimate Rewards points, a free upgrade most people miss. Note: Cell phone protection is on Freedom Flex, not Freedom Unlimited.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, The Platinum Card from Amex or Chase Freedom Unlimited?
- The The Platinum Card from Amex has the bigger bonus, 175,000 points, worth roughly $3,500, versus $200 bonus (~$200) on the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
- Is the The Platinum Card from Amex's $895 annual fee worth it compared to the Chase Freedom Unlimited?
- Premium cards like the The Platinum Card from Amex ($895/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $895+ of those credits, the math works. The Chase Freedom Unlimited at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the The Platinum Card from Amex and Chase Freedom Unlimited?
- 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 Amex or the Chase Freedom Unlimited first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. The Platinum Card from Amex: $12,000 spend in 6 months. Chase Freedom Unlimited: $500 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.