Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Reserve
Compare the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve to assess which card provides better travel perks, rewards, and benefits. Make an informed choice based on your travel needs and spending habits.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve are both popular travel rewards credit cards offered by Chase. Each card offers a variety of benefits and features, and the choice between them largely depends on your travel and spending habits. Here's a comparison of the two cards:
Chase Sapphire Preferred:
Annual Fee: The Chase Sapphire Preferred typically has a lower annual fee compared to the Reserve. This makes it a more budget-friendly option for many cardholders.
Welcome Bonus: The Chase Sapphire Preferred often offers a generous sign-up bonus, making it an attractive option for new cardholders.
Earn Points: Cardholders earn points on their spending, with bonus points on travel and dining purchases. As of my last update, it offered 2x points on travel and dining and 1x point on all other purchases.
Point Redemption: Points can be redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program for various options, including travel, cash back, or gift cards.
Travel Benefits: While it offers several travel protections and benefits, they are generally not as extensive as those offered by the Reserve.
Transfer Partners: You can transfer your points to Chase's airline and hotel partners, allowing for flexible redemption options.
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: The card may offer a statement credit for the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Chase Sapphire Reserve:
Annual Fee: The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a significantly higher annual fee compared to the Preferred, but it comes with enhanced benefits.
Welcome Bonus: It often offers a substantial sign-up bonus as well, although it typically requires higher spending to unlock the bonus.
Earn Points: The Reserve card typically offers 3x points on travel and dining purchases, and 1x point on all other purchases.
Point Redemption: Like the Preferred, points can be redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. However, when used for travel through the portal, they are worth more.
Travel Benefits: The Reserve offers a range of premium travel benefits, including Priority Pass Select lounge access, a $300 annual travel credit, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary car rental insurance, and more extensive travel protections.
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Similar to the Preferred, it offers a statement credit for the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
In summary, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a more cost-effective choice for those who want travel rewards and benefits without a high annual fee. On the other hand, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is a premium card for frequent travelers who can take full advantage of its luxury travel benefits, and the higher annual fee is justified by these perks.
Your choice between the two will depend on your spending habits, travel preferences, and how much you value the premium travel benefits that the Reserve offers. Be sure to carefully consider your individual circumstances before making a decision.
A comparison of the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve to determine which one offers superior travel rewards..
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® are both premium travel rewards credit cards that offer excellent earning potential and redemption options. However, there are some key differences between the two cards, including their annual fees and rewards rates.
Annual Fees
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has an annual fee of $95, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve® has an annual fee of $550.
Rewards Rates
Both cards offer 2 points per dollar on travel and dining worldwide. However, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers additional bonus categories:
- 3 points per dollar on travel and dining worldwide after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.
- 10 points per dollar on Lyft rides through March 2025.
- 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.
Redemption Options
Both cards offer a variety of redemption options for your points, including:
- Travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® at a 25% bonus (1.25 cents per point).
- Transferring points to airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio.
- Redeeming points for cash at a rate of 1 cent per point.
Travel Benefits
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® also offers a number of travel benefits, including:
- A $300 annual travel credit.
- Priority Pass Select membership, which provides access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
- A $100 statement credit towards Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees every four years.
- Complimentary Lyft Pink All Access membership for two years (activate by Dec. 31, 2024).
- Complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription for at least one year (activate by Dec. 31, 2023).
Which Card Is Right for You?
So, which card is right for you? It depends on your spending habits and travel needs. If you travel frequently and want to take advantage of travel benefits such as airport lounge access and a travel credit, then the Chase Sapphire Reserve® may be a good option for you, even though it has a higher annual fee.
If you don't travel as frequently or don't need the extra travel benefits, then the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card may be a better option for you, as it has a lower annual fee and still offers good earning potential and redemption options.
Here is a table comparing the two cards:
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Chase Sapphire Reserve® |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 | $550 |
| Bonus rewards | 2 points per dollar on travel and dining worldwide | 3 points per dollar on travel and dining worldwide after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. 10 points per dollar on Lyft rides through March 2025. 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. |
| Redemption options | Travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® at a 25% bonus (1.25 cents per point). Transferring points to airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio. Redeeming points for cash at a rate of 1 cent per point. | Travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® at a 25% bonus (1.25 cents per point). Transferring points to airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio. Redeeming points for cash at a rate of 1 cent per point. |
| Travel benefits | $300 annual travel credit. Priority Pass Select membership. $100 statement credit towards Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees every four years. Complimentary Lyft Pink All Access membership for two years (activate by Dec. 31, 2024). Complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription for at least one year (activate by Dec. 31, 2023). |
Ultimately, the best way to decide which card is right for you is to consider your individual spending habits and travel needs.