Editorial take: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Recently revamped with over $3,000 in annual credits and perks. If you travel three or more times a year and live near an airport with a Sapphire lounge, this card is a smart choice.
All credit cards
Side-by-side
Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
Both are travel travel cards. The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes from Chase at $795/yr; the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select from Citi at $99/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,660 more in estimated value) than the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select's. Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve first; revisit the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Reserve | Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $795 | $99 |
| Sign-up bonus | 125,000 points | 60,000 miles |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,500 | $840 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $6,000 in 3 mo | $3,500 in 4 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Citi |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (Chase_travel) | 8x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | chase-ur | None |
| Headline benefits |
|
|
Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Reserve
$795/yr · 125,000 points
Read the full review
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
$99/yr · 60,000 miles
Editorial take: Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
The free checked bag covers the fee on just one round-trip with a partner. Good if you fly AA more than twice a year, otherwise AAdvantage is worth collecting through other means.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Sapphire Reserve or Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select?
- The Chase Sapphire Reserve has the bigger bonus, 125,000 points, worth roughly $2,500, versus 60,000 miles (~$840) on the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select.
- Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve's $795 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select?
- Premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $795+ of those credits, the math works. The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select at $99/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase and Citi) 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 Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Sapphire Reserve: $6,000 spend in 3 months. Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select: $3,500 in 4 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.