Editorial take: The Platinum Card from Amex
The granddaddy of premium cards with Centurion Lounge access, hotel elite status, and a mountain of credits. The $695 fee stings, but if you use even half the credits, you come out ahead.
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Side-by-side
The Platinum Card from Amex vs IHG One Rewards Premier
Both are well-respected travel cards. The The Platinum Card from Amex comes from American Express at $695/yr; the IHG One Rewards Premier from Chase 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 The Platinum Card from Amex is the stronger pick today — the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($900 more in estimated value) than the IHG One Rewards Premier's. Get the The Platinum Card from Amex first; revisit the IHG One Rewards Premier after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | The Platinum Card from Amex | IHG One Rewards Premier |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $695 | $99 |
| Sign-up bonus | 80,000 points | 140,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,600 | $700 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $8,000 in 6 mo | $3,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Chase |
| Card category | travel | hotel |
| Best earning category (Flights) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
The Platinum Card from Amex
$695/yr · 80,000 points
Read the full review
IHG One Rewards Premier
$99/yr · 140,000 points
Editorial take: IHG One Rewards Premier
A solid hotel card if you stay at IHG properties regularly. The free night award and 4th night free on award stays can easily offset the $99 annual fee.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, The Platinum Card from Amex or IHG One Rewards Premier?
- The The Platinum Card from Amex has the bigger bonus — 80,000 points, worth roughly $1,600, versus 140,000 points (~$700) on the IHG One Rewards Premier.
- Is the The Platinum Card from Amex's $695 annual fee worth it compared to the IHG One Rewards Premier?
- Premium cards like the The Platinum Card from Amex ($695/yr) earn their fee through credits — travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $695+ of those credits, the math works. The IHG One Rewards Premier at $99/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the The Platinum Card from Amex and IHG One Rewards Premier?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Chase) 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 The Platinum Card from Amex or the IHG One Rewards Premier first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. The Platinum Card from Amex: $8,000 spend in 6 months. IHG One Rewards Premier: $3,000 in 3 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.