American Express Platinum (Charles Schwab) or Chase United Explorer?
American Express Platinum (Charles Schwab) returns $2,079 over its fee and Chase United Explorer returns $230, so the fee difference comes down to which categories you use.


| CATEGORY | PLATINUM (CHARLES SCHWAB) | UNITED EXPLORER |
|---|---|---|
| 🌎Travel | $1,019 | $200 |
| ✨Lifestyle | $955 | — |
| 🍽️Food & Dining | $580 | $120 |
| 🚗Transportation | $300 | $60 |
| 🎭Entertainment & Media | $300 | — |
| Total credits | $2,974 | $380 |
| Annual fee | $895 | $150 |
| Net value | +$2,079 | +$230 |

You use travel, lifestyle, food & dining, or any of its 5 winning categories. Lifestyle and Entertainment & Media alone are worth $1,255 here and nothing on the United Explorer.
Where to use each card
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Frequently asked questions
Which is better, American Express Platinum (Charles Schwab) or Chase United Explorer?
The American Express Platinum (Charles Schwab) is better with $2,079 net annual value compared to the Chase United Explorer at $230. The American Express Platinum (Charles Schwab) wins by $1,849/year.
What's the difference between American Express Platinum (Charles Schwab) and Chase United Explorer?
The key differences: American Express Platinum (Charles Schwab) has a $895 annual fee and $2,974 in annual benefits, while Chase United Explorer has a $150 annual fee and $380 in annual benefits. The annual fee difference is $745.
Which has a lower annual fee, American Express Platinum (Charles Schwab) or Chase United Explorer?
The Chase United Explorer has a lower annual fee at $150 compared to the American Express Platinum (Charles Schwab) at $895. However, the American Express Platinum (Charles Schwab) offers $2,974 in total annual benefits.
Is the American Express Platinum (Charles Schwab) worth it compared to the Chase United Explorer?
Yes, the American Express Platinum (Charles Schwab) offers better value with $2,079 net annual value compared to $230 for the Chase United Explorer. Even though it has a higher annual fee ($895 vs $150), the American Express Platinum (Charles Schwab) provides more total benefits.
Amex vs Chase: which issuer is better?
For these specific cards, Amex's American Express Platinum (Charles Schwab) offers better value with $2,079 net annual value. Consider which issuer's broader ecosystem (transfer partners, redemption options) fits your needs.
Which card is better for lifestyle?
The American Express Platinum (Charles Schwab) is better for lifestyle with $955 in annual lifestyle benefits compared to $0 for the Chase United Explorer.
Should I get the American Express Platinum (Charles Schwab)?
If you're deciding between the American Express Platinum (Charles Schwab) and Chase United Explorer, the American Express Platinum (Charles Schwab) is the better choice with $2,079 net annual value. However, make sure you can use the key benefits to maximize value. Compare the full benefit breakdown to see which fits your spending better.
Other comparisons
NET VALUE SHOWN FOR EACHMORE AMEX PLATINUM (CHARLES SCHWAB) COMPARISONS
- vs. Amex Business Gold
- vs. Amex Business Platinum
- vs. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve
- vs. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business
- vs. Amex Gold
- vs. Amex Green
- vs. Amex Hilton Honors Aspire
- vs. Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
- vs. Amex Platinum
- vs. Amex Platinum (Morgan Stanley)
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Gold Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- vs. Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
- vs. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite
- vs. Capital One Venture X
- vs. Capital One Venture X Business
- vs. Hyatt
- vs. Sapphire Preferred
- vs. Sapphire Reserve
- vs. Sapphire Reserve for Business
- vs. United Club
- vs. United Quest
- vs. IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card
- vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
- vs. The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card
- vs. United Business Card
- vs. United Club Business Card
- vs. Citi AAdvantage Executive
- vs. Citi Strata Elite
- vs. U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
- vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey
MORE UNITED EXPLORER COMPARISONS
- vs. Amex Business Gold
- vs. Amex Business Platinum
- vs. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve
- vs. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business
- vs. Amex Gold
- vs. Amex Green
- vs. Amex Hilton Honors Aspire
- vs. Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
- vs. Amex Platinum
- vs. Amex Platinum (Morgan Stanley)
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Gold Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- vs. Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
- vs. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite
- vs. Capital One Venture X
- vs. Capital One Venture X Business
- vs. Hyatt
- vs. Sapphire Preferred
- vs. Sapphire Reserve
- vs. Sapphire Reserve for Business
- vs. United Club
- vs. United Quest
- vs. IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card
- vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
- vs. The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card
- vs. United Business Card
- vs. United Club Business Card
- vs. Citi AAdvantage Executive
- vs. Citi Strata Elite
- vs. U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
- vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey