Sorry if this question has been asked before but I’m (F25)currently looking to get a really good travel card with good overall benefits. It seems like the best options I’ve been seeing are btw AMEX platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve (May 2024) . I currently have Chase Freedom with a 19,500 limit. My FICO scores between the 3 seem to be 714-730. My only other forms of credit are my auto loan(March 2026) (16k) and my student loans(45k). I’m still a student so I haven’t been required to pay off SLs yet. My current credit age is 4years 9 months and I am using about 4k of my 19,500 limit but that will go to about 1.5k at the end of the month. What do you think is best or should I hold off until my scores are higher?
Advice on choosing a travel card
byu/SlideProfessional473 inCreditCards
Posted by SlideProfessional473
1 Comment
Both cards are solid but with your current setup I’d lean toward the Chase Sapphire Reserve since you already have that relationship with Chase and your Freedom card. You can transfer those UR points between cards which is pretty sweet for maximizing value. The annual fee is hefty at $550 but you get the $300 travel credit that basically brings it down to $250 and the airport lounge access is clutch if you travel even semi regularly
Your credit scores are actually in a decent range for either card – I got my CSR around 720 so you’re not far off. The main thing is getting that utilization down before you apply which you said you’re already doing. I’d wait until that 1.5k hits your statement then apply maybe a month or two after that when your scores reflect the lower utilization
The AMEX Platinum has more premium perks but the earning structure on the CSR is more flexible for everyday spending IMO. Plus since you’re still a student the Chase ecosystem might be easier to navigate without juggling multiple bank relationships