Why We’re Keeping Both The AmEx Platinum and CSR
Many people in the points and miles community often debate whether it’s worth keeping both the American Express Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve credit cards. While both cards offer an array of benefits, some may wonder if it’s redundant to have both in their wallets. However, there are several reasons why we’ve decided to keep both cards.
Benefits of the AmEx Platinum
- Generous travel credits
- Lounge access (Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, Delta Sky Club)
- 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmEx Travel
- Hotel status perks
Benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve
- 3x points on travel and dining
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
- Transferable points to airline and hotel partners
- Excellent travel insurance coverage
Why Keep Both?
While it may seem redundant to have both premium credit cards, there are several reasons why we’ve decided to keep both the AmEx Platinum and CSR:
- Diverse travel credits: The travel credits offered by both cards can be used for a variety of expenses, allowing us to maximize our benefits.
- Lounge access: Having access to multiple lounge networks ensures that we can relax and enjoy complimentary food and drinks regardless of the airport we’re in.
- Category bonuses: The earning rates on both cards complement each other, with the AmEx Platinum offering bonus points on airfare and the CSR offering bonus points on dining.
- Transfer partners: By having both cards, we can take advantage of a wider range of transfer partners for booking award travel.
FAQs
Here are some common questions people may have about keeping both the AmEx Platinum and CSR:
- Can you justify the annual fees for both cards? Yes, the benefits and perks we receive from both cards far outweigh the annual fees, making them worth keeping.
- Do you find it cumbersome to manage two premium credit cards? While it does require some organization, the benefits we receive make it worthwhile.
- Do you plan to downgrade or cancel one of the cards in the future? We regularly reassess our credit card portfolio based on our travel habits and spending patterns, so it’s possible that we may make changes in the future.
In conclusion, while it may not be necessary for everyone to have both the AmEx Platinum and CSR, for us, the combination of benefits and perks make it worth keeping both cards in our wallets.
