Chase Freedom Flex vs Amex Platinum: Which Is Better In 2025?

American Express Platinum Card® Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here's a breakdown of why the American Express Platinum Card®(See Rates & Fees) is a perennial favorite for those seeking luxury travel perks and premium benefits.

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• It's packed with premium travel and lifestyle benefits that are perfect for frequent flyers.
• Cardholders enjoy luxury perks like elite hotel status and exclusive access to dining reservations.
• A variety of annual statement credits and comprehensive travel protections provide extra value and peace of mind.

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_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

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Pros

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• Comprehensive travel benefits, including extensive airport lounge access and elite status with both the Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors programs.
• A suite of annual statement credits that apply to travel, digital entertainment, and retail purchases.
• Exclusive access to luxury experiences through the Fine Hotels + Resorts program and special dining opportunities.

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Cons

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• The card carries a significant annual fee, which may not be justifiable for those who do not travel frequently.
• Many of the card’s valuable statement credits require manual enrollment and have specific usage terms, adding a layer of complexity.
• Accelerated point earnings are limited to travel bookings, as everyday spending categories do not earn at a higher rate.

American Express Platinum Card® vs Chase Freedom Flex®

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Categories

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When considering which is better, Chase Freedom Flex or Amex Platinum, the answer depends entirely on the cardholder's spending habits and what they value most in a credit card.

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• Chase Freedom Flex® is ideal for no-fee card seekers who want to maximize rewards on rotating bonus categories and everyday spending like dining and drugstore purchases.
• The Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel card built for frequent travelers who can take full advantage of luxury perks, comprehensive airport lounge access, and numerous travel credits.

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Redemption

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Chase Freedom Flex®: Rewards can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, or travel through the Chase portal. Cardholders can also pool points with other eligible Chase cards to unlock more valuable travel redemption options.

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The Platinum Card® from American Express: Points are primarily redeemed for travel, either by booking directly through American Express Travel or by transferring them to a variety of airline and hotel loyalty programs.

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Travel Perks

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• Travel Portals: The Chase Freedom Flex® card allows users to book travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal. In contrast, The Platinum Card® from American Express provides access to American Express Travel, which includes premium booking options like the Fine Hotels + Resorts® program.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: When traveling abroad, the Chase Freedom Flex® card incurs a foreign transaction fee on purchases. The Platinum Card® from American Express, however, has no foreign transaction fees, making it more suitable for international spending.
• Airport Lounge Access: The Chase Freedom Flex® does not include complimentary airport lounge access. On the other hand, The Platinum Card® from American Express offers comprehensive access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection®, which includes Centurion® Lounges and Priority Pass™ lounges, among others. Terms Apply.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To make an informed decision, you can use a tool like Kudos to compare top-rated cards based on your own spending habits.

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• Test drive credit cards: Before you apply, you can test drive a card using your real spending data to see personalized projections of your potential earnings.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer within three months of getting approved for a card through Kudos, the platform will match it.
• Approval odds analysis: Get a detailed analysis of your approval odds for new cards based on your credit report.
• Kudos Boost: Earn extra rewards on top of your regular card rewards when you shop online at participating stores.
• Personalized recommendations: Receive data-driven card recommendations tailored to your unique spending patterns, not generic advice.

Who Should Choose the Chase Freedom Flex®?

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The Chase Freedom Flex® is a great fit for savvy spenders who enjoy maximizing their rewards by keeping track of rotating bonus categories each quarter. This card particularly benefits those who frequently dine out or shop at drugstores, as it offers elevated cash back in these categories without an annual fee. It's also a strategic choice for cardholders looking to pair it with other Chase cards to pool points and unlock even greater value.

Who Should Choose the American Express Platinum Card®?

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The American Express® Platinum Card® is tailored for the frequent traveler who values luxury experiences and can fully leverage its extensive benefits. This cardholder is someone who will consistently take advantage of perks like airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and exclusive dining reservations. Ultimately, the ideal user is a savvy spender who can naturally use the card's numerous statement credits for entertainment, travel, and retail, ensuring the benefits far outweigh the annual fee.

Alternatives to Consider

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If this Chase Freedom Flex® vs. American Express® Platinum Card® comparison didn't seal the deal for you, don't fret. The credit card landscape is full of strong contenders that might be a better fit for your wallet.

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Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score – Most rewards cards require good to excellent credit for approval.
• Plan your spending – Make sure you can naturally meet the spending requirement for the welcome offer.
• Know the issuer's rules – Be aware of application guidelines like Chase's 5/24 rule or Amex's welcome offer eligibility.

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Application Strategy

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• Time your application strategically – Apply before a large planned purchase to help meet the welcome offer spending requirement.
• Try different application channels – The best offers are sometimes targeted and may appear through different browsers or links.
• Be ready to activate your benefits – Some premium cards require you to enroll in perks and credits to maximize their value.

Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I have both the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and the American Express® Platinum Card?

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Yes, many cardholders have both cards as they serve very different purposes. The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is excellent for maximizing rewards on everyday spending, while the American Express® Platinum Card offers premium travel benefits and perks.

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Which card is better for everyday spending?

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The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is generally the stronger choice for everyday spending due to its rotating 5% cash back categories on common purchases. The American Express® Platinum Card's rewards are primarily focused on travel and do not offer bonus rates on most day-to-day spending.

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Is the American Express® Platinum Card worth its high annual fee?

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The value of the American Express® Platinum Card depends on how much you use its extensive travel credits and benefits, like airport lounge access and hotel status. If you are a frequent traveler, the perks can easily outweigh the annual fee; otherwise, a card with no annual fee might be more practical.

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