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IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card vs The Platinum Card® from American Express
This comparison aims to help you decide between the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express. Both cards offer unique features and benefits tailored to different spending habits and travel preferences.
Card Overviews
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is designed for frequent travelers who prefer staying at IHG Hotels & Resorts. With generous rewards on hotel stays and additional perks, this card caters to those who want to maximize their hotel loyalty benefits.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express is tailored for luxury travelers seeking premium rewards and extensive travel benefits. With a higher annual fee, it offers a range of upscale perks, including lounge access and significant credits on travel-related expenses.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card | The Platinum Card® from American Express |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $99 | $695 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 in 3 months | Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in 6 months |
| Rewards Structure | Up to 26 points per $1 at IHG Hotels, 5 points on travel, gas, and restaurants, 3 points on all else | 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None |
| Other Fees | None specified | None specified |
| Additional Benefits | Anniversary Free Night, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit, Automatic Platinum Elite Status | $200 Hotel Credit, $240 Digital Entertainment Credit, Extensive Lounge Access |
Rewards Highlights
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
- Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants.
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
Pros and Cons
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- Pros:
- Lower annual fee compared to premium cards
- Generous rewards for IHG hotel stays
- Free night benefit each year
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
- Cons:
- Limited to IHG hotels for maximum rewards
- Lower welcome bonus compared to premium cards
The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Pros:
- Extensive travel perks and credits
- Access to luxury airport lounges
- High rewards potential on travel bookings
- Cons:
- High annual fee
- Complex benefits may require careful management to maximize
Who Should Consider Which Card?
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is ideal for travelers who frequently stay at IHG properties and prefer a lower annual fee with straightforward rewards. In contrast, The Platinum Card® from American Express is best suited for luxury travelers who are willing to pay a higher fee for extensive travel benefits and premium rewards.
Conclusion
Ultimately, choosing between the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express should depend on your individual travel habits and financial goals. Assess your spending patterns and the value you place on the benefits offered by each card to make the best decision.