josephstern

Right - that's the way all three of these cards work:

CSR: Fee of $450, easy rebate of $300, net $150
Prestige: Fee of $450, easy rebate of $250, net $200
Platinum: Fee of $450, rebate (not so easy) of $200, net $250

To me, these three occupy a pretty similar segment. They all have some type of lounge access (dwindling, admittedly), GE rebates, supposedly elite internal hotel programs, and rewards or discounts tied to airfare and travel.

The grand-daddy, the Platinum, is now the least-compelling, but still worthwhile for me. Had it for years now.

trikotret

Hi. I found this at another site

Chase Sapphire ReserveSM
Offer Details
100,000 Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
This product is not available to either (i) current cardmembers of this credit card, or (ii) previous cardmembers of this credit card who received a new cardmember bonus for this credit card within the last 24 months. To qualify and receive your bonus, you must make Purchases totaling $4,000 or more during the first 3 months from account opening. ("Purchases" do not include balance transfers, cash advances, cash-like charges such as travelers checks, foreign currency, and money orders, any checks that access your account, overdraft advances, interest, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, or fees of any kind, including an annual fee, if applicable.) After qualifying, please allow 6 to 8 weeks for bonus points to post to your account. To be eligible for this bonus offer, account must be open and not in default at the time of fulfillment.

Earning Points
How you can earn points: You'll earn points when you, or an authorized user, use a Chase Sapphire ReserveSM credit card to make purchases of products and services, minus returns or refunds. Buying products and services with your card, in most cases, will count as a purchase; however, the following types of transactions won't count and won't earn points: balance transfers, cash advances, travelers checks, foreign currency, money orders, wire transfers or similar cash-like transactions, lottery tickets, casino gaming chips, race track wagers or similar betting transactions, any checks that access your account, overdraft advances, interest, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, and fees of any kind, including an annual fee, if applicable. 3 points: You'll earn 3 points for each $1 spent when your card is used for purchases in the travel category or the dining at restaurants category. You may see "3X" in marketing materials to refer to the 3 points you earn for each dollar you spend in these categories. 1 point: You'll earn 1 point for each $1 spent on all other purchases. You may see "1X" in marketing materials to refer to the 1 point you earn for each dollar spent on all other purchases. We may offer you ways to earn bonus points through the program. You'll find out more about the number of bonus points you can earn and any other terms at the time of the offer. How you can use your points: You can use your points to redeem for cash starting at 2,000 points through an account statement credit or electronic deposit into an eligible checking or savings account held by a financial institution located in the United States. Other redemption options include gift cards and travel. When you use points to redeem for cash and gift cards, each point is worth $.01 (one cent), which means that 100 points equals $1 in redemption value. When you use points to redeem for travel, each point is worth $.0150 (one and a half cents), which means that 100 points is worth $1.50 in redemption value. You may see "Points are worth 50% more" in marketing materials to refer to the redemption value for travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Redemption values for other reward options may be worth more or less than that. Points expiration/losing points: Your points don't expire as long as your account remains open, however, you will immediately lose all your points if your account status changes, or your account is closed for program misuse, fraudulent activities, failure to pay, bankruptcy, or other reasons described in the terms of the Rewards Program Agreement. Rewards Categories: Merchants who accept Visa/MasterCard credit cards are assigned a merchant code, which is determined by the merchant or its processor in accordance with Visa/MasterCard procedures based on the kinds of products and services they primarily sell. We group similar merchant codes into categories for purposes of making rewards offers to you. Please note: We make every effort to include all relevant merchant codes in our rewards categories. However, even though a merchant or some of the items that it sells may appear to fit within a rewards category, the merchant may not have a merchant code in that category. When this occurs, purchases with that merchant won't qualify for rewards offers on purchases in that category. Purchases submitted by you, an authorized user, or the merchant through third-party payment accounts, mobile or wireless card readers, online or mobile digital wallets, or similar technology will not qualify in a rewards category if the technology is not set up to process the purchase in that rewards category. For more information about Chase rewards categories, see www.Chase.com/RewardsCategoryFAQs. Rewards Program Agreement: We will mail you a Rewards Program Agreement containing additional rewards program terms once your account is established. If you become a Chase Online customer, your Rewards Program Agreement will be available online as well.

50% More in Travel Redemption
When you use points to redeem for cash, each point is worth $.01 (one cent), which means that 100 points equals $1 in redemption value. Each point you redeem for travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards is worth $.0150 (one and a half cents), which means that 100 points equals $1.50 in redemption value, and points are worth 50% more than if redeemed for cash. For example, 100,000 points are worth $1,500 towards travel, or $1,000 when redeemed for cash. The cost of travel is based on the rates and fares available through the Ultimate Rewards website and travel center, and may not reflect all rates and fares that are available through other sales channels.

$300 Annual Travel Credit
A statement credit will automatically be applied to your account when your card is used for purchases in the travel category, up to $300 in statement credits annually ("annually" means the year beginning with your account open date through the first December statement date of that same year, and each 12 billing cycles starting after your December statement date through the following December statement date). Purchases are when you, or an authorized user, use a card to make purchases of products and services, minus returns or refunds. Buying products and services with your card, in most cases, will count as a purchase; however, the following types of transactions won't count: balance transfers, cash advances, travelers checks, foreign currency, money orders, wire transfers or similar cash-like transactions, lottery tickets, casino gaming chips, race track wagers or similar betting transactions, any checks that access your account, overdraft advances, interest, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, and fees of any kind, including an annual fee, if applicable. We do not determine whether merchants correctly identify and bill transactions as being of a certain type. For more information about Chase rewards categories, see www.Chase.com/RewardsCategoryFAQs. Statement credit(s) will post to your account the same day your travel category purchase posts to your account and will appear on your monthly credit card billing statement within 1-2 billing cycles. Qualifying purchases made by authorized users on your account will be included in the $300 Annual Travel Credit. Maximum statement credit accumulation for the Annual Travel Credit is $300 annually. The Annual Travel Credit will be issued for the year in which the transaction posts to your account, through your December statement date. For example, if you pay for baggage fees, but the airline does not post the transaction until after your December statement date, the cost of the baggage fees will be allocated towards the following year's Annual Travel Credit maximum of $300.

Complimentary Priority Pass™ Select Membership
One time activation required. There is no additional cost to activate your membership and certain terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Priority Pass Select membership includes access to airport lounges participating in the Priority Pass Select network. Participating lounges are owned and operated by independent third parties and their participation and/or facilities may change. To access a lounge, member must show his/her valid Priority Pass Select membership card. Priority Pass Select membership is subject to the Priority Pass Select Terms and Conditions. Account must be open and not in default to maintain membership. For complete Priority Pass Select Terms and Conditions and a listing of participating lounges, please visit www.prioritypass.com/select Opens Overlay .

Global Entry or TSA Pre ✓® Application Fee Statement Credit
To be eligible for this statement credit you must use your Chase Sapphire ReserveSM card to either complete the Global Entry application and pay the $100 application fee, or complete the TSA Pre ✓® application and pay the $85 application fee. A statement credit will be processed after the Global Entry program application fee OR TSA Pre ✓® application fee (whichever program is applied for first) is charged to your Chase Sapphire ReserveSM card. You are entitled to either: one (1) $100 statement credit per account, OR one (1) $85 statement credit per account, every 4 years in connection with the Global Entry or TSA Pre ✓® program application fee. The statement credit will be posted to your account within 24 hours of the Global Entry or TSA Pre ✓® program application fee being charged to your card. You are responsible for payment of all charges until the statement credit posts to the account. Global Entry is a U.S. Government program, operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). TSA Pre ✓® is a U.S. Government program, operated by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Chase has no control over either program including, but not limited to, applications, approval process or enrollment, or fees charged by CBP or TSA, and no liability regarding the Global Entry or TSA Pre ✓® programs. For complete details on the Global Entry program, including full terms and conditions, go to globalentry.gov. For complete details on the TSA Pre ✓® program, including full terms and conditions, go to tsa.gov. Websites and other information provided by government agencies are not within Chase's control and may not be available in Spanish. To be eligible for this benefit, your account must be open and not in default at the time of statement credit fulfillment.

National Terms and Conditions
Discount applies to base rate only at participating locations. Discount varies by rental date, location and vehicle type. Taxes, other governmentally-authorized or imposed surcharges, license and concession recoupment fees, airport and airport facility fees, fuels, additional driver fee, one-way rental charge and optional items such as Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) up to $30 per day are extra. In the U.S., check your insurance and/or credit card for rental vehicle coverage. Renter must meet standard age, driver and credit requirements. 24-hour advance reservation required. May not be combined with other discounts. Availability is limited. Subject to change without notice. Blackout dates may apply.

Visa Terms & Conditions
Offer subject to change, and is based on the individual merchant's terms and conditions. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Any taxes are the sole responsibility of the purchaser.

Avis Terms & Conditions
Discount applies to base rate only at participating locations. Discount varies by rental date, location and vehicle type. Taxes, other governmentally-authorized or imposed surcharges, license and concession recoupment fees, airport and airport facility fees, fuels, additional drive fee, one-way rental charge and optional terms such as Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) up to $30 per day are extra. Renter must meet standard age, driver and credit requirements. 24-hour advance reservation required. May not be combined with other discounts. Availability is limited. Subject to change without notice. Blackout dates may apply.

Visa Terms & Conditions
Offer subject to change, and is based on the individual merchant's terms and conditions. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Any taxes are the sole responsibility of the purchaser.

Silvercar Terms and Conditions
No blackout dates. Reservations must be 2 days or longer. Offer not valid with any other offer unless stated otherwise. Discount applies to base rental rate before surcharges and taxes.

Visa Terms & Conditions
Offer subject to change, and is based on the individual merchant's terms and conditions. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Any taxes are the sole responsibility of the purchaser.

Many of the stated benefits and services of this product are provided by third parties who are solely responsible for their provision or fulfillment.

The Luxury Hotel & Resort CollectionSM
The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection program benefits and Guest Privileges are available exclusively on select Chase credit cards. To receive the Guest Privileges, reservations must be made through a Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection Travel Specialist or on the website, LHRCollection.com. All exclusive amenities and Guest Privileges are provided per room and are based on double occupancy. Some amenities may only apply to select rates, may be subject to availability at check-in, and are not redeemable for cash. Amenities may not be combined with other offers, including tour operator or wholesaler rates and packages. Program benefits, participating properties, and Guest Privileges are valid through the current calendar year, but may become unavailable due to circumstances outside of Chase's control. All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained. We reserve the right to correct any mistakes. Certain blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. This program is brought to you by Chase through an agreement with Signature Travel Network.

Travel & Purchase Coverage
These benefits are available when you use your card. Restrictions, limitations and exclusions apply. Most benefits are underwritten by unaffiliated insurance companies who are solely responsible for the administration and claims. There are specific time limits and documentation requirements. Once your account is opened we will send you a Guide to Benefits, which includes a full explanation of coverages.

Chase Sapphire is a registered mark of JPMorgan Chase & Co.

The TSA Pre ✓® trademark is used with the permission of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

DaveInLA

Based on the rebate, you're right. But I know several people who have had the AMEX Plat for years, but I literally know of zero non-travel hackers/MSers who have the Prestige card. The Plat concierge and customer service has won over a lot of people.

STS-134

CSR won't have any sort of hotel status AFAIK. But it also has the lowest net AF.

Happy

This.
Not so much for the concierge as we hardly use it but the customer service still is much higher standard than either Citi or Chase on their top cards.

Between Prestige and CSR, many may prefer CSR simply because UR is more valuable than TYP when it comes to partner transfer.

The advantage of Prestige is the best Priority lounge access. However many such lounges are meh, especially in mid to small airports aboard. Some even only open on seasonal basis.

The 4th night free does not work for people who hardly stay at one place for 4 days especially if their travels are 100% leisure. The booking process also is not an easy one. Though it would work for those who travel on business and get reimbursement on their own CC.

Look forward to see the actual lounge benefit of CSR. Dont understand why people jump the gun to apply as the CSR offer would be a public offer unlike the AMEX 100K Plat back in May.

SPG Gold hardly worth anything.

michael_v

People jump the gun in the hopes that Chase does not enforce 5/24 for this card right away.

SPG Gold is good for 4 PM late checkout.

josephstern

Well, I'm not sure it's really a status, but with the CSR, you'll have access to "The Luxury Hotel & Resort CollectionSM."

penner42

I disagree. A free $15 drink per stay adds up quickly. Also I do find I get 1-category upgrades often, and upgraded to a suite at the Bonaventure in LA every time. And bonus points, which are not nothing. (But then, I've gotten my SPG status from spend on the SPG card, not from the Platinum, the last few years.)

That said, yeah, I wouldn't be keeping the Amex Platinum for it. I'm really torn on what to do with my Plat and Prestige. I use points for almost all hotel stays right now, so the 4th night free benefit isn't as useful. If I'm staying at a non-chain hotel, hotels.com + TopCashBack essentially gets me 17% back on those stays, compared to 25% (or less, if it's more than 4 nights) with the Prestige. The real benefit with the 4th night free is that it still counts for elite status qualifying and points earning with the hotel chain.

Also, the Platinum has Hilton Gold, which is definitely valuable for breakfast. But I also get that from the Citi Hilton Reserve.

Crap, I was approved for the Platinum on 8/26/15. Gotta make a decision soon.

sjackson12

I just want award flights, I could care less about hotels or anything like that since I just use airbnb for super cheap

aradisc

More than once this year I have had to wait on hold for two hours to speak to the Amex Plat concierge. Meanwhile, I've never had to wait on hold for Sapphire Preferred customer service and there's not even a phone tree.

slivrflyr

Not only the phone tree but Amex always forces inputting of the entire card number.

Happy

For those who drinks, yeah. But this is not a given, nor a stated benefit in the program. Choose from drink or bonus points. The drink voucher value is NOT $15. It is up to the hotels.

Never has $15 worth drink voucher offered to us on all International SPG properties we stayed at in the past 2 to 3 years. There might be a small room upgrade, a plate of 2 whole fruits, and that was it. Did not see ANY drink voucher at Sheraton Dubrovnik in May when we stayed 3 nights as the latest example. Got a fruit plate at check in but that was it. 4P at Ljubljana did give a drink voucher for 10 euro max. We used it for a 4 euro beer. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING at Sheraton Zagreb where I had to politely request a renovated room knowing the non-renovated rooms were horrible. Took the agent 10 min key stroke to find me one. No offer to choose amenities. Had to come down to FD again to request the amenity (get the 250 pts).

On top of that, I dont think there is any difference on how to gain SPG Gold outside actual stay. We had it on both routes in different years - dont see an iota difference. Given SPG counts award stay as qualify stay, it is not that hard either to earn Gold via stays either. Still dont see any difference in treatment. It is all hotel specific and therefore how valuable it is, all depends on one's travel pattern.

penner42

Wow... that's a shame. Only international SPGs I've stayed at the last few years were Vedema in Greece and Hotel President Wilson in Geneva. Got much more in Greece (was our honeymoon, they gave us a bottle of champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, and an upgrade... might have regardless of status), and did get the drink voucher in Geneva, but no upgrade.

I guess this is off-topic from the Sapphire Reserve so I'll stop with it now.

MD/DC Flyer

If the customer service for the CSR will be the same as it is for the Ritz, you will be surprised how good it can get.

The Ritz are automatically connected to the executive customer service (and although it seems random, when calling for other cards I do get to be connected there at times).

Hardly any wait time, US based customer service, and the most important - really wanting to help you and go the extra mile to solve issues.

United747

Free drink is one of the welcome gifts SPG gold members can choose from.