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 Discover it Miles
Both are travel travel cards. The The Platinum Card from Amex comes from American Express at $895/yr; the Discover it Miles 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 ($3,050 more in estimated value) than the Discover it Miles's. Get the The Platinum Card from Amex first; revisit the Discover it Miles after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | The Platinum Card from Amex | Discover it Miles |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $895 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 175,000 points | Unlimited Miles Match (entire first-year miles doubled) |
| Bonus value (est.) | $3,500 | $450 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $12,000 in 6 mo | $0 in 12 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Discover |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (Flights) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | None |
| Headline benefits |
|
|
Read the full review
The Platinum Card from Amex
$895/yr · 175,000 points
Read the full review
Discover it Miles
$0/yr · Unlimited Miles Match (entire first-year miles doubled)
Editorial take: Discover it Miles
A rare card that effectively earns 3x in year one (1.5x + match). Miles aren't transferable, but the simplicity + first-year match make this a strong starter travel card.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, The Platinum Card from Amex or Discover it Miles?
- The The Platinum Card from Amex has the bigger bonus, 175,000 points, worth roughly $3,500, versus Unlimited Miles Match (entire first-year miles doubled) (~$450) on the Discover it Miles.
- Is the The Platinum Card from Amex's $895 annual fee worth it compared to the Discover it Miles?
- 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 Miles at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the The Platinum Card from Amex and Discover it Miles?
- 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 Miles 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 Miles: $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.