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 USAA Rewards American Express
Both are well-respected travel cards. The The Platinum Card from Amex comes from American Express at $895/yr; the USAA Rewards American Express from USAA 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 ($3,475 more in estimated value) than the USAA Rewards American Express's. Get the The Platinum Card from Amex first; revisit the USAA Rewards American Express after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | The Platinum Card from Amex | USAA Rewards American Express |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $895 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 175,000 points | 2,500 USAA Rewards points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $3,500 | $25 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $12,000 in 6 mo | $0 in 0 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | USAA |
| Card category | travel | rewards |
| 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
USAA Rewards American Express
$0/yr · 2,500 USAA Rewards points
Editorial take: USAA Rewards American Express
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, The Platinum Card from Amex or USAA Rewards American Express?
- The The Platinum Card from Amex has the bigger bonus, 175,000 points, worth roughly $3,500, versus 2,500 USAA Rewards points (~$25) on the USAA Rewards American Express.
- Is the The Platinum Card from Amex's $895 annual fee worth it compared to the USAA Rewards American Express?
- 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 USAA Rewards American Express at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the The Platinum Card from Amex and USAA Rewards American Express?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and USAA) 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 USAA Rewards American Express 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. USAA Rewards American Express: $0 in 0 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.