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Chase and American Express are undoubtedly the top credit card issuers in the nation. Therefore, there is strong competition across the board, including cashback, travel, luxury, and rewards cards.
Let's explore each category and see what Amex and Chase offer, side by side – and which card wins in every category.
Cashback Battle: Chase Is Best For Travel, Amex For Families
Overall, Chase cashback cards are better for those who use it for travel as well, while Amex cards are great for families and those who need it to buy on supermarkets.
Chase cards are ideal for those who want to maximize travel redemptions through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Both cards offer robust travel and purchase protections with no annual fee. The Freedom Flex card has rotating categories that can yield higher cash back, while the Freedom Unlimited card provides consistent cashback rates on all purchases.
On the other hand, the Blue Cash Everyday® and Blue Cash Preferred® cards from American Express are perfect for those who spend heavily on groceries. The Blue Cash Preferred card offers higher rewards but comes with an annual fee, whereas the Blue Cash Everyday card has no annual fee.
Low-Mid-Tier Travel Cards: Amex Gold Or Chase Preferred?
When it comes to low and mid tier travel cards, we have two main options: Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Amex Gold card.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a great choice thanks to its solid points system and travel perks. Along with earning rewards and a generous sign-up bonus, it offers solid travel insurance, purchase protection, and no foreign transaction fees. Plus, you can redeem your points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, where they’re worth 25% more when used for travel.
Conversely, the Amex Gold card offers a higher rewards structure than the Premium Rewards card and includes additional benefits such as baggage insurance covering up to $500 for checked bags and $1,250 for carry-on bags, a $100 experience credit, and $120 in annual Uber and dining credits ($10 per month each).
Overall, the Chase Preferred card may be better if you tend to use mostly for travel. The Amex Gold card is good for travel and more important – it's very generous card for families and those who shop in U.S. supermarkets. But, its annual fee is higher.
Luxury Travel Cards: Amex Platinum or Sapphire Reserve?
There is no doubt that these two are among the top luxury cards in the nation. Both offer high rewards rates, welcome bonuses and various luxury benefits.
Platinum Card holders enjoy numerous exclusive benefits, such as Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status for hotel perks and a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, providing access to over 1,400 lounges worldwide.
Additional perks include preferred event seating, a $100 experience credit for bookings through The Hotel Collection, up to $200 in annual hotel credits, $240 in digital entertainment credits, $155 in Walmart+ credits, $200 in airline fee credits, and $189 for CLEAR® Plus memberships.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card comes with a $300 annual travel credit, access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide through Priority Pass Select, and a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees. It also offers strong travel protections, and your points are worth 50% more when used for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
There is no clear winner here; choosing between them depends on your personal preferences, the other cards you carry, and the types of benefits you need the most.
0% Intro APR: Chase Slate Edge vs. Amex Eeveryday
If you're looking for a balance transfer card with a long 0% introductory APR, Amex and Chase offer several options. Two popular choices are the Amex Everyday card and the Chase Slate Edge.
When comparing these cards, the Chase Slate Edge offers the longest 0% introductory APR, making it ideal for those who need extra time to repay their balance.
On the other hand, the Amex Everyday card provides rewards not available through Chase and also has a lower balance transfer fee, offering additional benefits for those who value earning rewards while managing their balance transfers.
Co-Branded Airline Cards: Delta, United, Southwest And More
When it comes to co-branded airline cards, American Express partners with Delta, while Chase collaborates with various airlines. Beyond the cards listed here, both issuers offer options for low, mid, and high-tier users, with each tier providing increasing levels of benefits.
Chase offers a range of co-branded credit cards tailored to specific brands and loyal customers. For example, Chase partners with United Airlines and Southwest Airlines to offer several card tiers, including the United Explorer Card, United Club Infinite Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus, Premier, and Priority.
Additionally, Chase partners with Air Canada, Iberia, British Airways, and Aer Lingus. These cards offer benefits such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and miles on purchases with United, dining, and hotels. The luxury cards may also provide lounge access or boost points towards elite status with these airlines.
American Express primarily partners with Delta. The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers mid-tier benefits, while the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Amex Card provides premium perks such as complimentary access to Delta Sky Club® and Centurion® Lounges, an Annual Companion Certificate, a $150 Delta Stays Credit, a $120 Resy Credit, MQD boosts, advanced protections, and more.
Co-Branded Hotel Cards: Marriot, Hilton, IHG & World Of Hyatt
When it comes to co-branded hotel cards, American Express partners with Marriot and Hilton, while Chase partners with various hotel companies including Marriot, IHG and World Of Hyatt.Hilton Honors cardholders enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors status, depending on the card, providing benefits such as bonus points on base earnings and late check-out.
Premium Hilton cards offer additional perks like free night awards, Hilton credit, enhanced travel protection, and various statement credits. Hilton Points can be redeemed for free nights at Hilton properties worldwide, as well as for experiences, car rentals, and more.
In contrast, Chase has partnerships with major hotel chains, offering a variety of co-branded credit cards. For instance, Chase provides the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless and Bonvoy Bold Credit Cards, as well as the IHG Rewards Club Premier and Traveler Credit Cards for IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group).
These cards earn points on hotel stays and other purchases, along with perks like annual free-night awards, room upgrades, hotel benefits, and elite status credits.
Bottom Line
Ultimately, there is no question that Chase and Amex are the top credit card issuers in the nation.
Unlike other comparisons, there is no clear winner here as each offers various cards for each category, including super premium travel benefits and generous rewards.
