Credit One Bank® Platinum X5 Visa®
vs. Credit One Bank American Express® Card

Both the Credit One Bank® Platinum X5 Visa® and the Credit One Bank American Express® Card offer enticing cash back rewards for individuals with fair to good credit. However, the Credit One Platinum X5 edges ahead with its higher cash back rate of 5% on eligible categories, making it the superior choice for maximizing rewards. Despite its higher annual fee, the card's rewards potential justifies the cost for those who frequently spend in its bonus categories.

On the other hand, the Credit One Amex's unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases and access to Amex Offers still make it a solid option, especially for those who value simplicity and the American Express network benefits.

You might prefer the Credit One Platinum X5 if you're a heavy spender in categories like gas, groceries and utilities. This card maximizes rewards in these areas with 5% cash back on up to $5,000 of eligible purchases per year. Additionally, the flexibility to choose your payment due date and access to a free credit score can help you manage finances more effectively.

You might prefer the Credit One Amex if you're looking for a card with valuable perks and a lower annual fee. This card offers unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases and exclusive access to Amex Offers, which can lead to significant savings on shopping, dining and entertainment. Event enthusiasts can also benefit from Amex's presale ticket access.

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and additional features will help you determine which card aligns with your financial needs. The Credit One Platinum X5 and the Credit One Amex offer distinct advantages, whether you prioritize higher cash back rates or a lower annual fee. Specifics like the Credit One Amex's access to Amex Offers vs. the Platinum X5's customizable due date could sway your choice.

The Credit One Platinum X5 stands out with its 5% cash back in key spending categories, making it a strong contender for those who spend heavily on gas, groceries and utilities. With a cap of $5,000 per year for these elevated rewards, it's tailored for high-spenders in these areas. After reaching the cap, the rewards rate drops to 1%.

Credit One Amex offers a consistent rate of 1% on all purchases. While the card doesn't provide the same high rewards rate, its simplicity and lack of caps may appeal to those who prefer a straightforward rewards program without having to track category spending.

The following table compares the bonus categories for each card, allowing you to easily see where you can earn more with your spending.

The Credit One Platinum X5 allows cardholders to redeem cash back exclusively as a statement credit.

The Credit One Amex also automatically applies cash back rewards as a statement credit, simplifying the redemption process.

Neither card imposes an expiration date on rewards, provided the account remains open and in good standing. This ensures that cardholders have the flexibility to use their rewards when they are ready.

MoneyGeek rates and reviews various credit cards like the Credit One Platinum X5 and Credit One Amex using a tailored scoring system for various use cases, such as cash back. In this comparison, we focus on the use case where each card performs best: cash back. The largest factors influencing their cash back scores are the effective reward rate and the return on investment for offers.