Amex Reward Points vs Chase Sapphire Reserve Point Value

For those who love to travel and maximize rewards, American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards are two of the most coveted points systems. Two of the top cards in these programs are the American Express Platinum Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve. In this article, we will compare the point value and redemption options of Amex Reward Points (with a focus on the Platinum Card) and Chase Sapphire Reserve Point Value to help you decide which one might be a better fit for your lifestyle.

Earning Points

American Express Platinum Card:

• Earn 5X Membership Rewards points for flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel.
• Earn 1X points on other purchases.

Chase Sapphire Reserve:

• Earn 3X points on travel (after earning the travel credit).
• Earn 3X points on dining at restaurants.
• Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

Point Values

American Express Membership Rewards:

• Points are generally worth 0.5 to 1 cent each, depending on the redemption option.
• Transferring points to airline partners can sometimes yield a higher value.

Chase Ultimate Rewards (Sapphire Reserve):

• Points are worth 1.5 cents each when redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
• When transferred to Chase’s travel partners, points can be worth 1 to 2 cents each, or sometimes more.

Redemption Options

American Express Membership Rewards:

• Use Pay with Points for travel bookings, gift cards, or shopping on Amazon and other online retailers.
• Transfer points to over 20 airline and hotel partners, including Delta, British Airways, Marriott, and Hilton.
• Redeem for statement credits or unique experiences.

Chase Ultimate Rewards (Sapphire Reserve):

• Redeem points for travel, including airfare, hotels, and car rentals through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal with a 50% bonus in point value.
• Transfer points at a 1:1 ratio to airline and hotel partners including United, Southwest, Hyatt, and Marriott.
• Use points for gift cards, Apple products, or shopping at Amazon.

Additional Benefits

American Express Platinum Card:

• Access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and Priority Pass Select lounges.
• $200 airline fee credit per calendar year.
• $200 in Uber credits annually.
• Hilton and Marriott Bonvoy Gold status.

Chase Sapphire Reserve:

• $300 annual travel credit.
• Priority Pass Select lounge access.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit.
• Lyft Pink and DoorDash DashPass subscriptions.

Conclusion

When comparing the Amex Reward Points and Chase Sapphire Reserve Point Value, the choice depends on your spending habits and redemption preferences.

• If you prioritize luxury travel benefits and earn points mainly through flights and high-end hotel stays, the American Express Platinum Card might be more beneficial.
• If you value flexible travel redemption with a simple, high-value option through the travel portal, and earn points through a broader range of travel and dining, the Chase Sapphire Reserve may be more appealing.

Always consider the annual fees and make sure the benefits and rewards align with your lifestyle and spending habits. It’s also essential to stay up to date with the latest offers as credit card rewards and benefits change over time.