The Platinum Card from American Express vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited
On the criteria below, The Platinum Card from American Express wins 3 of 5. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
The Platinum Card from American Express
Amex
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase
The Platinum Card from American Express wins 3 of 5 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
The Platinum Card from American Express wins on first-year math, lounge access, and foreign transactions; Chase Freedom Unlimited wins on annual fee.
Pick the The Platinum Card from American Express if year-one math is your priority; take the Chase Freedom Unlimited if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
3 vs 1 (1 tie)- First-year math The Platinum Card from American Express
The Platinum Card from American Express wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Freedom Unlimited is $895 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Tie
Same peak earning rate.
- Lounge access The Platinum Card from American Express
The Platinum Card from American Express includes lounge access; the other doesn't.
- Foreign transactions The Platinum Card from American Express
The Platinum Card from American Express has a lower (or zero) foreign transaction fee.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $895
- Free
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $2,800
- $200
- First-year net
- +$1,905
- +$200
- Peak earning rate
- 5×
- 5×
- Top categories
- Flights, Prepaid Hotels
- Chase Travel, Dining, Drugstores
- Lounge access
- centurion, delta-sky-club, priority-pass
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- Yes
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- 3.00%
- Reward currency
- American Express Membership Rewards
- Chase Ultimate Rewards
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.