Amex Business Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which Wins?

Running a business is like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle—you’ve got to keep everything in balance, and one wrong move can burn you. Choosing the right credit card for your business can feel just as high-stakes, especially when premium options like the Amex Business Platinum and the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business are on the table. These cards aren’t just pieces of plastic; they’re powerhouses of rewards, perks, and annual fees that demand you make every dollar count. So, how do you pick the one that fits your business like a tailored suit? Let’s break it down, step by step, to help you decide which card deserves a spot in your wallet.

Why Premium Business Cards Matter

Premium business credit cards are more than just a way to pay for expenses—they’re tools to maximize value, streamline operations, and elevate your travel game. Both the Amex Business Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business come with steep annual fees, but their benefits can outweigh the costs if you use them strategically. From airport lounge access to transferable points, these cards are designed for business owners who want to work smarter, not harder. Let’s dive into the details and see how they stack up.

Annual Fees: The Price of Prestige

Let’s not sugarcoat it—premium cards come with a hefty price tag. The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business has an annual fee of $795, while the Amex Business Platinum clocks in at $895. That’s a lot of cash to fork over every year, so you’ve got to make sure the perks justify the cost. In my experience, the key is to leverage every benefit these cards offer, from travel credits to lounge access, to make the fees feel like a smart investment rather than a burden.

“A high annual fee isn’t a dealbreaker if the card’s benefits align with your spending habits.”

– Financial advisor

Both cards offer value that can easily exceed their fees, but it’s not automatic—you’ve got to put in the work to unlock it. For example, if you’re a frequent traveler or spend heavily on business services, these cards can pay for themselves. Let’s compare their core offerings to see which one comes out on top.

Welcome Bonuses: A Head Start on Rewards

A welcome bonus can make or break your decision when choosing a business credit card. The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business offers 200,000 bonus points after you spend $30,000 in the first six months. Meanwhile, the Amex Business Platinum matches that with 200,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 in just three months. Both are generous, but the spending requirements tell different stories.

The Chase card gives you more time to hit the spending threshold, which works well if your business expenses are spread out. On the other hand, the Amex card’s lower spending requirement might be easier to meet if you’ve got a big purchase—like new equipment or a marketing campaign—on the horizon. It’s a toss-up, but I lean toward Amex here because $20,000 in three months feels more achievable for many small businesses.

• Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business: 200,000 points after $30,000 in 6 months
• Amex Business Platinum: 200,000 points after $20,000 in 3 months

Both cards earn transferable points, which are like gold in the rewards world. The real question is how you plan to use them—more on that later.

Rewards Rates: Earning Power for Your Business

Rewards are where these cards shine, but they cater to different types of spenders. The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business is a travel lover’s dream, with rates like:

• 8X points on Chase Travel purchases (airlines, hotels, car rentals, etc.)
• 5X points on Lyft rides (through September 2027)
• 4X points on direct flight and hotel bookings
• 3X points on social media and search engine advertising
• 1X points on everything else

This card is perfect if your business involves frequent travel or heavy digital marketing. The 8X points on Chase Travel bookings are hard to beat, and the uncapped rewards mean you can rack up points without worrying about hitting a limit.

The Amex Business Platinum, on the other hand, takes a broader approach:

• 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com
• 2X points on eligible travel through AmexTravel.com
• 2X points on key business categories (up to $2 million per year)
• 1X points on other purchases

The key business categories include U.S. construction materials, electronics/software, shipping providers, and purchases of $5,000 or more. If your business spends big on these, the Amex card could be a goldmine. However, the 2X points cap at $2 million annually, which might limit its value for high rollers.

Chase takes the lead here because its higher rewards rates and lack of caps give it more earning potential for travel-heavy businesses. But if your spending leans toward big-ticket items or specific business categories, Amex could edge out.

Redemption Options: Getting the Most Bang for Your Points

Points are only as good as what you can do with them. Both cards offer flexible redemption options, but their transfer partners and unique features set them apart. Chase has 14 travel partners, including heavyweights like Hyatt and United, with most transfers at a 1:1 ratio. Their Points Boost feature can also increase point value to 2 cents each for select hotel and flight bookings through Chase Travel.

Amex, meanwhile, boasts 21 transfer partners, including Delta and Hilton. Its standout feature is the Pay with Points rebate, which gives you 35% of your points back (up to 1 million annually) when booking flights with your chosen airline. This can stretch your points further, especially for frequent flyers.

“Transferring points to travel partners often yields the highest value, but it takes strategy to maximize returns.”

– Rewards expert

Both cards are neck-and-neck here. Chase’s Points Boost is great for flexibility, but Amex’s larger partner list and rebate give it a slight edge for those who plan carefully.

Benefits: The Perks That Seal the Deal

Where these cards really shine is in their benefits. Both offer airport lounge access, statement credits, and travel protections, but the specifics vary.

Lounge Access

Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business includes access to Chase Sapphire Lounges and a Priority Pass Select membership, with two free guests (additional guests cost $27). Amex Business Platinum offers the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges and 10 annual Delta Sky Club visits (when flying Delta). However, Amex requires $75,000 in annual spending to unlock guest access, which is a hurdle for some.

Chase wins for guest-friendly lounge access, but Amex’s broader network might appeal if you value variety.

Statement Credits

Statement credits are where these cards turn annual fees into afterthoughts. Chase offers over $2,000 in annual value, including:

• $500 for The Edit hotel bookings (split semi-annually)
• $300 annual travel credit
• $200 Google Workspace credit
• $400 ZipRecruiter credit
• $420 DoorDash value (including DashPass)
• $120 Lyft credit
• $100 Giftcards.com credit
• $120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credit (every 4 years)

Amex counters with over $3,000 in potential value, but some credits require spending thresholds:

• $600 hotel credit (Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection)
• $200 Hilton credit (enrollment required)
• $1,150 Dell credit ($150 standard, $1,000 after $5,000 spend)
• $250 Adobe credit (after $600 spend)
• $120 wireless service credit
• $200 airline fee credit
• $360 Indeed.com credit
• $209 CLEAR Plus credit
• $120 TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit

Chase’s credits are easier to use since they don’t require enrollment or high spending thresholds. Amex’s higher total value is appealing, but you’ll need to jump through more hoops to unlock it.

Additional Perks

Both cards offer elite status with hotel and rental car programs. Chase provides IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status, with perks like room upgrades, while Amex offers Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold. Both also include robust travel and purchase protections, like trip delay insurance and purchase protection.

High spenders can unlock extra perks. With Chase, $120,000 in annual spending gets you IHG Diamond status and Southwest A-List status, plus $1,000 in credits. Amex’s $250,000 spend unlocks $1,200 in flight credits and $2,400 for Amex One AP fees. Chase’s perks are more straightforward, giving it a slight edge.

Which Card Should You Choose?

Choosing between these cards comes down to your business’s spending habits and priorities. If you’re a frequent traveler who books through Chase Travel or spends heavily on digital ads, the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business is your best bet. Its higher rewards rates, uncapped earning, and guest-friendly lounge access make it a powerhouse for travel-focused businesses.

On the flip side, the Amex Business Platinum shines for businesses with diverse spending, especially in construction, tech, or large purchases. Its broader transfer partner network and higher potential credit value appeal to those willing to navigate its complexities.

“The best card is the one that aligns with how you spend and travel—don’t chase perks you won’t use.”

– Business finance expert

Personally, I lean toward Chase for its simplicity and flexibility, but Amex’s robust benefits can’t be ignored if your business fits its mold. Either way, both cards can more than offset their fees if you maximize their perks.

FAQs: Clearing Up Common Questions

Still on the fence? Here are answers to some common questions:

1. Can I have both Chase Sapphire Reserve cards? Yes, you can hold both the personal and business versions simultaneously.
2. Does Amex Business Platinum offer lounge access? Absolutely, through the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges.
3. Which card is better for travel? Chase excels for direct bookings and flexibility, while Amex is ideal for those using its travel portal and transfer partners.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on how you’ll use the card. Take a hard look at your spending, travel habits, and willingness to chase credits. Both cards are winners in their own right—it’s about finding the one that feels like it was made for you.

So, which card will you pick? The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business, with its straightforward rewards and travel perks, or the Amex Business Platinum, with its massive credit potential and elite status? Whatever you choose, make sure it’s a tool that works as hard as you do.