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The Platinum Card® from American Express vs TrueEarnings® Card from Costco and American Express

Compare Rewards, Interest Rates, Fees, and Benefits

American Express Platinum Card is an excellent charge card for frequent travelers. How does it compare to Costco American Express, a cash back and gas credit card? Read our comparison chart below.

Keep in mind, the American Express Platinum Card has a $450 annual fee, while the Costco American Express has a $0 annual fee.


 The Platinum Card® from American ExpressTrueEarnings® Card from Costco and American Express
 Apply for The Platinum Card® from American ExpressApply for TrueEarnings® Card from Costco and American Express
 

The Platinum Card® from American Express

TrueEarnings® Card from Costco and American Express

 Personal Charge CardPersonal Credit Card
 
Introductory Bonus Reward PointsAirline RewardsPoint RewardsTravel RewardsInstant Approval
Cash Back RewardsTravel RewardsDining RewardsGas RewardsNo Limits on Rewards
 
  • 25,000 Membership Rewards® points bonus when you spend $2,000 during your first three months of Card membership
  • GLOBAL Travel benefits: Access over 600 lounges worldwide with Priority Pass™ Select, no foreign transaction fees, skip U.S. customs lines with Global Entry.
  • Enroll and select an airline to receive up to $200 annually in statement credits for incidental fees such as checked bags, in–flight refreshments, and change fees.*
  • Receive a companion ticket for discounted travel when you purchase a qualifying First- or Business-Class international ticket. Additional charges/taxes apply.
  • 24/7 Platinum Card® Concierge service for assistance with reservations, travel, gifts, and more
  • FINE HOTELS & RESORTS Program: exclusive upgrades and amenities at over 700 boutique, resort, and luxury hotels worldwide
  • Use Membership Rewards Pay with Points for part or all of your travel and get 20% of
  • American Express® Card and Costco Membership Card in one - with no annual fee for Costco members
  • Cash back on the things you buy: 3% for the first $3,000 in annual gasoline purchases (1% thereafter), 2% for restaurants, 2% for travel, and 1% everywhere else, including Costco
  • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in overall satisfaction by current TrueEarnings® Cardmembers from Costco and American Express
 

Card Interest Rates & Fees

Introductory APR for Purchases 0% introductory APR for 6 months
Purchases APR as low as 15.24% (Variable) based on your creditworthiness and other factors
Balance Transfers APR as low as 15.24% (Variable) based on your creditworthiness and other factors
Annual Fee$450 annual fee$0 annual fee
 

Card Rewards & Benefits

Introductory Bonus Reward PointsIntroductory Bonus Reward Points: 25,000 Membership Rewards® points when you spend $2,000 during your first three months of Card membership 
Cash Back Rewards Cash Back Rewards: Cash back on the things you buy: 3% for the first $3,000 in annual gasoline purchases (1% thereafter), 2% for restaurants, 2% for travel, and 1% everywhere else, including Costco
Airline RewardsAirline Rewards: Enroll and select an airline to receive up to $200 annually in statement credits for incidental fees such as checked bags, in–flight refreshments, and change fees.* 
Point RewardsPoint Rewards: Earn 1 point for virtually every dollar spent. 
Travel RewardsTravel Rewards: Use Membership Rewards Pay with Points for part or all of your travel and get 20% of those points back every time.Travel Rewards: 2% cash back for travel
Airline StatusAirline Status: Airport Club Access including American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club, US Airways Club - Gain instant access for you and 2 companions whenever you fly at partner airport lounges around the world. In addition to your existing lounge privileges, you have access to Priority Pass™ Select, which offers entry to more than 600 participating airport lounges worldwide, no matter what class or airline you fly. Enroll on American Express website to receive your complimentary Priority Pass Select membership card. 
Dining Rewards Dining Rewards: 2% cash back for restaurants
Gas Rewards Gas Rewards: 3% cash back for the first $3,000 in annual gasoline purchases (1% thereafter)
 Go to issuer's official application, terms, and detailsGo to issuer's official application, terms, and details
 

CreditDonkey® Card Reviews

 The Platinum Card® from American ExpressTrueEarnings® Card from Costco and American Express
Pros & ConsPros:
  • Travel perks
  • 25,000 bonus points
  • Concierge service
Cons:
  • $450 annual fee
Pros:
  • Excellent cash back
  • 3% gas cash back
  • Costco membership card
  • Intro APR
Cons:
  • Cashback expires
Bottom LineExcellent charge card for frequent travelers... Read full reviewExcellent cash back card for Costco members... Read full review
 Apply for The Platinum Card® from American ExpressApply for TrueEarnings® Card from Costco and American Express

See issuer's website for details including terms and conditions. While reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate and updated information, the information shown on this site may vary, be out of date, or not applicable to you. All information is provided without warranty. When you click on the Apply Now button, you can review the terms and conditions on the issuer's website.

Blank fields indicate either the information is not available, not applicable, or not known to CreditDonkey. Please visit the issuer's website for details.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.


Articles on The Platinum Card® from American Express

    American Express Platinum Card Review: Annual Fee Worth It?

    American Express Platinum Card Review: Annual Fee Worth It?

    January 13, 2012 - By David R - Review for American Express Platinum Card
    The American Express Platinum Card is one of the most prestigious rewards cards in the market today. It is also one of the most expensive cards, with an annual fee of $450. In exchange for the high annual fee, the Platinum Card offers a number ...

    Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.


Articles on TrueEarnings® Card from Costco and American Express

    American Express Costco Card Review: Earn Cash Back at Costco

    American Express Costco Card Review: Earn Cash Back at Costco

    September 30, 2011 - By Meghan Clark - Review for Costco American Express
    Costco shoppers looking for rewards on their in-store and gasoline purchases should check out the TrueEarnings Card from Costco and American Express. There is no annual fee for active Costco members, so the cash back you earn goes straight to ...

    Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.


Compare American Express Platinum Card to:

American Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

Intro APR (P)Intro APR (BT)APR as low as
--N/A
Point RewardsTravel RewardsInstant ApprovalNo Pre-Set Spending Limit
  • Exclusive access to Gold Card Events – select concerts, shows, major sporting events, and more.
  • Purchase Protection* can protect eligible items for up to 90 days from the date of purchase if stolen or accidentally damaged. *Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company
  • Redeem Membership Rewards® points for an exclusive array of travel, shopping, dining and entertainment rewards.
  • Introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, then $125.
  • Get a decision in as little as 60 seconds.
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express

Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express

Intro APR (P)Intro APR (BT)APR as low as
--
15.24% - 19.24% (Variable)
Introductory Bonus Hotel RewardsAirline RewardsHotel RewardsBonus Airline Rewards
  • Starpoints® BONUS: 10K with your first purchase and another 15K when you spend $5k within 6 months – enough for up to 6 free nights at a category 1 or 2 hotel.
  • Free nights, free flights: Redeem Starpoints with over 350 airlines through SPG Flights and more than 1,000 hotels and resorts worldwide. No blackout dates
  • 2011 SmarterTravel® Award for "Best Travel Rewards Card"
  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $65
Apply for Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express
Chase Sapphire Preferred℠ Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred℠ Card

Intro APR (P)Intro APR (BT)APR as low as
--
15.24% (Variable)
Introductory Bonus Reward PointsPoint RewardsTravel RewardsBonus Reward Points
  • Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months - that's $500 toward travel rewards!
  • 2 points per dollar spent on travel and at restaurants & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • Get 20% off airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises when you book through Ultimate Rewards(SM)
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Receive a 7% annual dividend on all new points earned - even on points already redeemed
  • 1:1 point transfer to participating frequent travel programs
  • Direct access to expert service advisors anytime
  • No Annual Fee for your first year - A $95 value
Apply for Chase Sapphire Preferred℠ Card

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Compare Costco American Express to:

Blue Cash Everyday℠ Card from American Express
Apply for Blue Cash Everyday℠ Card from American Express
  • Earn $100 cash back after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months of Cardmembership
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, flexibility to pay over time
  • Get 3% cash back at supermarkets, 2% cash back at gas stations and department stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • NO spend minimum, NO enrollment, and NO rotating rewards categories
  • Get a $25 Referral Bonus for each friend or family member who is approved for the Card
  • No annual fee, flexibility to pay over time
Introductory Bonus Cash BackCash Back RewardsInstant ApprovalGas RewardsGrocery RewardsEventsCar Rental InsuranceExtended WarrantyPurchase Protection Return ProtectionTravel Accident Insurance
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
0% for 12 months
-
17.24% - 22.24% (Variable)
$0

Chase Freedom® Visa
Apply for Chase Freedom® Visa
  • Earn $100 Bonus Cash Back after you make $500 in purchases in your first 3 months
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
  • 5% Cash Back on up to $1,500 spent at grocery stores and movie theaters from 4/1/12 - 6/30/12
  • You'll enjoy new 5% categories every 3 months like gas stations, restaurants and even airlines. It's free and easy to activate your bonus each quarter!
  • Unlimited 1% Cash Back on all other purchases
  • Up to an additional 10% Cash Back when you shop online at select merchants through Chase
  • No annual fee and rewards never expire
Introductory Bonus Cash BackCash Back RewardsBonus Cash BackGrocery RewardsNo Expiration on Rewards
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
0% for 15 months
0% for 15 months
12.99% - 22.99% (Variable)
$0
May
13
2012

How to Choose the Best Cash Back Credit Card for You

You want to earn cash back, but how do you decide which card is right for you? Compare rewards, annual fees and interest rates to determine the best card. Remember! Pick a card that fits your current spending pattern—don’t be tempted to sign up ...

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