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U.S. Credit Cards | How to Get the Most Travel Rewards from Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire (2025 Guide)

In the U.S., travel credit cards (Travel Credit Cards) can help you earn points, redeem free flights and get hotel upgrades, and even enjoy premium perks like airport lounges (Lounge Access). This article breaks down American Express Platinum (Amex Platinum) and Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve and shares how to get the most out of your travel rewards.

📌 Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire: Which Card Is Right for You?

Credit card Annual fee (Annual Fee) Main rewards Best for
Amex Platinum $695 5x points on flights and hotels, airport lounges, travel insurance Frequent travelers who like a premium experience
Chase Sapphire Preferred $95 2x on travel and dining, flexible point transfers, no foreign transaction fees A low annual fee and flexible points
Chase Sapphire Reserve $550 3x on travel and dining, airport lounges, $300 annual travel credit Frequent travelers willing to pay a high annual fee for more perks

🔗 Official application links:

📝 Who Can Apply for These Cards?

✅ American Express Platinum (Amex Platinum) eligibility

  • You need a good credit score (Good to Excellent Credit, around 700 or higher)
  • A steady income that can cover the $695 annual fee
  • A U.S. resident or a holder of a valid Social Security number (SSN)
  • A good history with Amex (if you already have another Amex card) helps your approval odds

✅ Chase Sapphire Preferred eligibility

  • Recommended credit score: 690+ (Good Credit)
  • You must meet Chase's 5/24 rule (you can't have opened 5 or more credit cards in the past 24 months)
  • A steady income that can cover the $95 annual fee
  • A U.S. resident or a holder of a valid Social Security number (SSN)

✅ Chase Sapphire Reserve eligibility

  • Recommended credit score: 740+ (Excellent Credit)
  • You must meet the Chase 5/24 rule
  • A higher income to cover the $550 annual fee in exchange for richer travel rewards
  • A U.S. resident or a holder of a valid Social Security number (SSN)

🎟 How to Get the Most Travel Rewards from Amex Platinum

✅ 5x rewards: flights & hotel bookings

✅ Airport lounges (Lounge Access)

  • Access to 1,400+ lounges worldwide, including The Centurion Lounge, Priority Pass and Delta Sky Club (with a Delta ticket).

✅ Annual travel credits (Annual Travel Credits)

  • $200 airline fee credit (for baggage fees, seat upgrades and so on).
  • $200 Fine Hotels + Resorts & The Hotel Collection credit.

✅ Point transfers to airlines & hotels

  • 1:1 point transfers to 20+ airline & hotel partners, such as ANA, United, Singapore Airlines.

✅ Luxury Travel Perks

  • Hilton Honors Gold & Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.
  • Free car rental memberships (Hertz President’s Circle & Avis Preferred Plus).

✈️ How to Earn the Most Points with a Chase Sapphire Card

✅ Chase Ultimate Rewards travel rewards

✅ $300 travel credit (Reserve only)

  • Each year, the first $300 you spend on travel (flights, hotels, Uber and so on) is reimbursed automatically.

✅ Priority Pass Select airport lounges

  • With Sapphire Reserve you get free access to the Priority Pass network's 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide.

✅ Flexible 1:1 point transfers to airlines and hotels

  • Like Amex, you can transfer points to ANA, American Airlines, Korean Air, Hyatt, IHG and more.

✅ No foreign transaction fees (No Foreign Transaction Fees)

  • Good for travel abroad and international purchases.

🛫 How to Decide Which Card to Apply For

📌 Pick Amex Platinum 👉 for high-end travelers who want lounges, luxury hotels and travel credits.

📌 Pick Chase Sapphire Preferred 👉 for a low annual fee and flexible transfers, good for everyday travel spending.

📌 Pick Chase Sapphire Reserve 👉 for frequent travelers who want 3x rewards, lounges and the $300 travel credit.

With the travel rewards on these cards, you can save money on every trip and even get free flights and upscale stays! 🎉💳✈️

 

I'm C.  I'm from Taiwan and now run a business in Los Angeles. When I first arrived, the challenges were everywhere! From the language barrier to culture shock, every small detail took me a long time to figure out. Those experiences taught me how to adapt quickly here, until I was in my element. I've put years of that experience on this site to help newcomers like me settle into life in the U.S. more easily and quickly. Whether it's moving here, finding a job or handling everyday tasks, you'll find plenty of practical shortcuts and solutions so you can skip the detours. I hope what I share helps you start your new life in America smoothly, with less effort and a lot more fun!

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