In a previous post regarding the New Chase Sapphire Reserve that just recently dropped, we want to reiterate that this is a card made with the intentions of rivaling against Citi and American Express’s more revered prestigious cards: The Prestige from Citi & Platinum Card from American Express card. Without a doubt it’s a complete necessity that we had to make a comparison between each card in an attempt of addressing the distinguishing characters between the cards, NOT to demean, devalue or give superiority between the differing cards.
Editor’s Note: Be sure to also read my extensive review of each of these cards: Chase Sapphire Reserve, Citi Prestige, and American Express’s Platinum Card as well!
BONUS LINK | OFFER | REVIEW |
Chase Business Complete Checking® | $300 or $500 Cash | Review |
Chase Private Client | $3,000 Cash | Review |
Chase Total Checking® | $300 Cash | Review |
Chase College CheckingSM | $100 Cash | Review |
J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing | Up To $700 Cash | Review |
Chase Secure BankingSM | $100 Cash | Review |
Card Comparison Chart:
Sign Up Bonus
Comparatively, you can already notice the significant difference between Chase Sapphire Reserve’s 100 UR Point Offer vs. Citi Prestige’s and American Express Platinum’s 40,000 Bonus Points.
I’m assuming that the 100k UR point offer will come to terms with a lowered offer later on though considering that this is just a initiate offer to bring people in. Keep in mind that it is possible to get 75,000-100,000 bonus points off the American Express Platinum card targeted offers and you could get a 50,000 TY Bonus when you apply for a Citi Prestige in-branch.
Note that the annual fee is $450 for all 3 cards; $350 if you’re a CitiGold/CitiPriority account member or apply in a Citi branch.
Redeeming Points For Travel
The Reserve offers the best valued points for travel with a pretty considerate 1.5 cents per point. Secondly, mentioning that Prestige’s point value is pretty nice as well worth at 1.6 cents redeemed on American Airlines Flights and 1.33 cents for all other flights. Lastly, the Platinum is worth a 1 cent per point.
Lounge Access
Firstly, the Prestige offers priority pass select membership + Admirals Club Access (which is going to be revoked July 2017) and the CSR only offers priority pass select membership. Considering that the Platinum gives access to the exclusive Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs and with Priority Pass Select, it’s a clear cut as to who offers most in terms of Lounge Access.
Points Earning
- Chase Sapphire Reserve:
- 3x points on dining & travel
- 1x points on all other purchases
- Citi Prestige:
- 3x points on air travel & hotels
- 2x points on dining and entertainment
- American Express Platinum:
- 2x points at amextravel.com
- 1x points on all other purchase
- Chase Sapphire Reserve:
- Club 5C status if you complete two qualifying nights
- Citi Prestige: None
- Hilton HHonors Gold
- Starwood Preferred Guest Gold
Other Hotel Benefits
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Access to Luxury Hotel & Resorts
- 3PM check-out upon request, when available
- Best available rate guarantee
- VIP Guest status
- Automatic room upgrade upon arrival, when available
- Complimentary in-room Wi-Fi, when available
- Complimentary continental breakfast
- $25 USD food or beverage credit
- Access to Luxury Hotel & Resorts
- American Express Platinum
- Access to Luxury Hotels & Resorts
- Noon check-in, when available
- Guaranteed 4pm late checkout
- Room Upgrade upon arrival, when available
- Unique amenity valued at US$100, such as a spa or food and beverage credit
- Daily breakfast for two people
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Access to Hotel Collection (for stays of two nights or more)
- Room upgrade upon arrival, if available
- $75 Hotel Credit, to spend on qualifying dining, spa, and resort activities
- Access to Luxury Hotels & Resorts
- Citi Prestige
- 4th night free benefit
- Access to Luxury Hotels & Resorts portfolio
- Complimentary room upgrades
- Access to Luxury Hotels & Resorts Portfolio ebook
- Early check-in and late check-out upon availability
- Exclusive amenities
- Daily breakfast for two
Editor’s Note: the 4th Night Free Benefit that the Prestige by far outweighs the “Other Hotel Benefits” Categories.
Conclusion:
There’s no comparison that these cards are going to be revered as the most premium cards to get a hold of in the credit card world and for points and miles enthusiast, each and every perk could stand a substantial difference in determining the identity of these cards. Now, it is safe to say that these cards do have their superiority when it comes to certain perks BUT it does not conclude that one card is superior to the other.
Furthermore, each card has it’s own designated purpose, just like how AMEX’s Platinum offers exceptional lounge access or Citi’s offered 4th night stay benefit; each card has it’s own unique perk that makes it an exceptional choice; I recommend that you use your personal morals and ideals to judge which card would be more useful to you, but if you’re looking for what card is more well-rounded, then I definitely believe that the Chase Sapphire Reserve could be a better suited card for you. Lastly, be sure to check out our complete list of Credit Card Promotions for all credit card necessities you may have.