Maximize Rewards with Sapphire Preferred
Link: Apply now for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a big favorite among travel enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why. It sports a manageable annual fee, a stellar rewards system, and some valuable travel perks. In this deep dive, let’s explore why this card might just deserve a spot in your wallet.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Bonus & Fee Basics
Consider this: while the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card often steals the limelight, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is where the magic originally started. Despite being a bit overshadowed by its Reserve sibling, it still packs a punch, especially for those either dipping their toes into travel rewards or those who are pros on a budget.
Thanks to a low annual fee, it offers great value that’s hard to overlook. So, let’s break it all down.
Welcome Bonus of 75K Ultimate Rewards Points
We’re looking at an impressive welcome bonus here: 75,000 Ultimate Rewards points after dropping $5,000 in the first three months. That’s a neat 25% update from the previous 60,000 points. Valued at 1.7 cents each, this offer stands proudly at $1,275. Not too shabby for a card offering such rewards!
Card Welcome Bonus Eligibility Restrictions
If you’ve already got a Sapphire card open, or if you’ve had a new cardmember bonus on either, you might be out of luck for this welcome offer. Chase also might consider the number of recent and closed accounts when determining your eligibility.
Chase uses a new pop-up alert system during the application process to inform you if you’re not eligible. It’s worth noting the word ‘may’—meaning, there are cases where people got the bonus despite past bonuses. But remember, product changes might affect your bonus eligibility.
Reasonable $95 Annual Fee
The card’s $95 annual fee is a budget-friendly entry point for users looking to rack up rewards without breaking the bank. Plus, authorized users can be added cost-free, helping to pile up points on their purchases too.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Points Earning Structure
Known for its stellar rewards structure, the Chase Sapphire Preferred tailors its bonus categories to align nicely with frequent spending habits. A top choice for travel spenders!
5x Points on Chase Travel Portal Bookings
If booking travels via Chase Travel is your jam, you’ll rejoice in getting 5x points on your spend. That’s equivalent to an 8.5% return, if you value points at 1.7 cents each. Just beware of the limitations that come with not booking directly with airlines or hotels.
5x Points on Lyft Rides
With the Chase-Lyft partnership, you’ll earn 5x points on Lyft rides through September 2027—equivalent to an 8.5% back in your pocket. A well-rated option for rideshare spenders!
3x Points on Dining
Dining out or ordering in? Score 3x points on those purchases, translating into about a 5.1% return. Whether fine dining or fast food, your meals are part of your rewards.
3x Points on Online Grocery Purchases
Your online grocery spending earns 3x points too, excluding big names like Target and Walmart. For meal kit services or specialty stores, that’s a potential 5.1% return.
3x Points on Select Streaming Services
Streaming services such as Disney+, Hulu, and Netflix rack up 3x points, translating into a 5.1% return. A cozy night in just got more rewarding!
2x Points on Travel
Travel beyond the Chase portal yields 2x points globally. From flights to hotels, those expenditures see a 3.4% return, guaranteed across a multitude of travel categories.
10% Anniversary Bonus Points
Each year, you’ll snag a bonus worth 10% of your spending. Note, this excludes welcome bonuses or extra bonus categories, but all base spending counts.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Travel internationally with ease; the Sapphire Preferred has zero foreign transaction fees, so you earn while saving on those 3% fees commonly charged abroad.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Points Redemption Options
Ultimate Rewards Points—widely acknowledged as a flexible points currency— open up a world of redemption options. Transfers to airline or hotel partners like Hyatt or Virgin Atlantic provide outsized values for luxury travel.
You might redeem points for a stay at the Park Hyatt Maldives, or a first-class flight with All Nippon Airways—a testament to the power of strategic point usage.
Beyond transfers, the Ultimate Rewards portal lets you redeem for travel, gift cards, or more. With Point Boost features, sometimes points can stretch beyond their typical one-cent value.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Benefits & Perks
With benefits spanning from car rental coverage to enhanced points earning, the Chase Sapphire Preferred doesn’t just stop at great rewards—it backs them up with solid perks.
$50 Anniversary Hotel Credit
Score a $50 statement credit on an annual hotel booking through Chase Travel. No minimum spend to qualify, applicable even in year one.
Travel Protection and Purchase Coverage
From baggage delay to trip cancellation insurance, the card offers robust protection. Coverage extends to valuable repair warranties, too.
Primary Rental Car Coverage
Rentals come with primary collision damage waiver coverage, a considerable weight off your travel planning shoulders.
DoorDash DashPass Membership
Sign up by 2027 to enjoy DashPass benefits, where delivery fees disappear on orders over a minimum amount. It’s cost-friendly for the food delivery fans!
Chase Offers
Let your wallet breathe easier with Chase Offers, which save money on routine purchases with popular retailers.
Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Worth It?
In a nutshell, yes! If you’re eligible, the welcome bonus alone sells it. Add in a nice array of bonuses and perks, and it shines brightly as a quality “hub” for Ultimate Rewards afficionados.
It strikes a nice balance for both newbies and veterans alike, easily complementing the more premium-but-expensive Sapphire Reserve.
Comparison: Sapphire Preferred vs. Sapphire Reserve
- Welcome bonus—Preferred kicks off with 75,000 points, Reserve with a huge 100,000 bonus
- Annual fees—Preferred is at $95, Reserve stretches up to $795
- Points earning and perks—Reserve edges out with benefits like $500 annual hotel credits and much more
For the long haul, Reserve’s suited for those leveraging its premium perks. But with Preferred, the annual fees and swift, budget-friendly rewards make perfect sense for many.
Complements: Freedom Flex & Freedom Unlimited
Team your Sapphire Preferred with the Freedom Flex and Freedom Unlimited cards for a true points powerhouse. Their no annual fees and complimentary rewards categories ramp up your points strategy.
- Earn more at drugstores and with quarterly rotating bonuses
- Rack up 1.5x points on other spend categories
Chase Sapphire Preferred Alternatives
Other cards play in similar spaces, so let’s consider the Sapphire Preferred alongside competitors like the Citi Strata Premier and Amex Gold Card.
Citi Strata Premier Card
Citi’s card rivals with 3x points on various categories, from dining and groceries to airfare. A top contender thanks to its generous offering in bonus categories.
Amex Gold Card
With its 4x points on dining and U.S. groceries, and 3x on airfare, it’s an option for those who spend a lot on dining out, despite the higher annual fee. It’s great for food lovers!
Bottom Line
The Chase Sapphire Preferred remains a celebrated choice for a good reason. With strong rewards categories and a straightforward fee structure, it stands as a blend of user-friendly and rewarding.
Debating between this and its bigger brother, the Reserve? Consider if lounge access and added perks outweigh the doubled-up annual fee. Ultimately, the choice hinges on what perks fit your travel vibe the best.
Dive deeper into what the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers or apply now.