As the busiest travel season unfolds, frequent flyers are comparing how leading credit cards hold up under real-world conditions—from airport access to delay support.
Travellers are choosing between Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve and HSBC Premier for perks this summer.
User reviews reveal how each card card performs during the busiest travel season.
From airport lounges to lost luggage claims, some cards earn more trust.
As peak travel season unfolds, premium credit cards are playing a central role in how consumers manage disruptions, access perks, and redeem travel rewards. From flight delays and missing baggage to hotel upgrades and airport lounge access, travellers are putting card features to the test.
Three top tier travel cards —Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve and HSBC Premier — stand out in the crowded market. While each offers high-end benefits, user reviews and travel reports suggest that differences in protection, usability and support are influencing cardholder trust.
Amex Platinum maintains strong lounge access
Amex Platinum is known for premium benefits like Centurion Lounge access, luxury hotel perks and travel credits. While the lounges remain a strong draw—especially SkyClub—they're often crowded. The high annual fee continues to be debated.
Extras like Uber and airline fee credits add value if used strategically. Concierge reviews are mixed, though some report success with last-minute bookings. Customer support remains a strong point, with fast issue resolution.
Availability: U.S. market (global variants offered separately)
Chase sapphire reserve the smart traveler’s favourite?
Chase Sapphire Reserve remains popular for its flexible points system, strong travel protections, and new bonus categories introduced in June 2025. Users praise the 8x earn rate on Chase Travel, though some miss the broader 3x on all travel.
The $300 travel credit is easy to use. While Sapphire Lounges are limited, Priority Pass access is a major asset. The card offers reliable reimbursement for delays and lost baggage but comes with higher fees.
Availability: U.S. market
HSBC Premier a hidden gem for global travelers
HSBC Premier is more than a familiar name—it is increasingly seen as a strong option for international travellers, particularly those with premier banking status. The card offers unlimited global lounge access with no foreign transaction fees, a combination gaining quiet attention.
Guest access to lounges is included, which many users find valuable. Redemption generally works well with major international airlines and hotels, though not always as smoothly as with Chase or Amex.
Availability: Global – popular in the UK, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and select US markets
Head-to-head comparison
|
Feature/Benefit |
Amex Platinum |
Chase Sapphire Reserve |
HSBC Premier |
|
Lounge Access |
Best / Most Extensive |
Growing (Sapphire + Priority Pass) |
Unlimited Global (Great for Intl) |
|
Travel Protections |
Strong |
Excellent (Trip Delay = standout) |
Moderate / Location-dependent |
|
Earning on Travel |
Good via Amex Travel |
Very Good (Direct Booking Boost) |
Flat rewards, no forex markup |
|
Redemption Value |
Great for Hotels, Transfers |
Best for Hyatt, Portal Redemptions |
Good for Global Airlines |
|
Annual Fee Impact |
High, offset if used wisely |
High, offset via easy credits |
Can be waived with banking status |
|
Customer Service |
Premium / Reliable |
Fast and responsive |
Best for Premier clients |
Final verdict who's winning the game?
If customers want luxury and excess, Amex platinum still delivers but only if they use all the perks. For balanced travelers who truly value flexibility Chase Sapphire Reserve currently leads the pack. HSBC Premier is perfect for travellers who travel globally.
As peak travel continues, performance varies. Travellers are relying on peer reviews over promises, with platforms like BankQuality offering insight into what works.