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 $695 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 United Explorer Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The The Platinum Card from Amex comes from American Express at $695/yr; the United Explorer Card from Chase at $95/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 ($820 more in estimated value) than the United Explorer Card's. Get the The Platinum Card from Amex first; revisit the United Explorer Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | The Platinum Card from Amex | United Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $695 | $95 |
| Sign-up bonus | 80,000 points | 60,000 miles |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,600 | $780 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $8,000 in 6 mo | $3,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Chase |
| Card category | travel | airline |
| 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
$695/yr · 80,000 points
Read the full review
United Explorer Card
$95/yr · 60,000 miles
Editorial take: United Explorer Card
Solid for United flyers. The free checked bag and 2 United Club passes per year add up, and the 60k bonus is a great starting point for domestic award flights.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, The Platinum Card from Amex or United Explorer Card?
- The The Platinum Card from Amex has the bigger bonus — 80,000 points, worth roughly $1,600, versus 60,000 miles (~$780) on the United Explorer Card.
- Is the The Platinum Card from Amex's $695 annual fee worth it compared to the United Explorer Card?
- Premium cards like the The Platinum Card from Amex ($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 United Explorer Card at $95/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the The Platinum Card from Amex and United Explorer Card?
- 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 United Explorer Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. The Platinum Card from Amex: $8,000 spend in 6 months. United Explorer Card: $3,000 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.