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.
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Side-by-side
The Platinum Card from Amex vs Discover it Cash Back
Both are well-respected travel cards. The The Platinum Card from Amex comes from American Express at $895/yr; the Discover it Cash Back from Discover 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 Discover it Cash Back's. Get the The Platinum Card from Amex first; revisit the Discover it Cash Back after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | The Platinum Card from Amex | Discover it Cash Back |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $895 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 175,000 points | Cashback Match (first year, unlimited) |
| Bonus value (est.) | $3,500 | $200 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $12,000 in 6 mo | $0 in 12 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Discover |
| Card category | travel | cashback |
| Best earning category (Flights) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
The Platinum Card from Amex
$895/yr · 175,000 points
Read the full review
Discover it Cash Back
$0/yr · Cashback Match (first year, unlimited)
Editorial take: Discover it Cash Back
The first-year Cashback Match effectively doubles your earnings, someone who earns $300 in cash back gets $600 total. It's the best no-fee first card for building credit with real rewards.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, The Platinum Card from Amex or Discover it Cash Back?
- The The Platinum Card from Amex has the bigger bonus, 175,000 points, worth roughly $3,500, versus Cashback Match (first year, unlimited) (~$200) on the Discover it Cash Back.
- Is the The Platinum Card from Amex's $895 annual fee worth it compared to the Discover it Cash Back?
- 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 Discover it Cash Back at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the The Platinum Card from Amex and Discover it Cash Back?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Discover) 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 Discover it Cash Back 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. Discover it Cash Back: $0 in 12 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.