By Matthew Coan
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has long been regarded as one of the best travel rewards credit cards. It's ideal for individuals who love to travel and dine out while earning rewards that can be redeemed for travel, cashback, and more. With its competitive rewards rate, generous sign-up bonus, and valuable travel protections, the card has become a favorite among frequent travelers.
If you're considering whether to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred, this review will break down everything you need to know about its features, fees, rewards program, and how it compares to other travel cards in the market. Let's dive in!
The Chase Sapphire Preferred comes with an annual fee of $95. While this may seem like a standard fee for travel cards, it’s relatively low compared to premium cards such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which has a $550 fee. For many users, the annual fee is easily justified by the card’s rewards program and travel perks.
One of the most attractive features of the Chase Sapphire Preferred is its sign-up bonus. New cardholders can earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months. This bonus is worth about $750 in travel when redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. Given the relatively low spending requirement for such a substantial bonus, it’s one of the card’s standout features.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a strong rewards program that lets you earn 2x points on travel and dining purchases, and 1x point on all other purchases. This is a great way to rack up points in categories that frequent travelers often spend the most on.
Points are earned through Chase Ultimate Rewards, which gives you flexible redemption options, including travel, cash back, and gift cards. Points are worth 1.25 cents per point when redeemed for travel through the Chase portal, offering even more value for frequent travelers.
The Chase Ultimate Rewards program offers a variety of redemption options, making it incredibly versatile:
The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers several travel protection benefits to provide peace of mind during your trips:
These benefits make the Chase Sapphire Preferred an excellent choice for frequent travelers who want added security and protection while on the go.
Also utilize the Chase Sapphire Preferred TSA PreCheck benefit to make your travels that much easier.
One of the most attractive features of the Chase Sapphire Preferred is its no foreign transaction fees. Whether you're traveling abroad for business or pleasure, this card ensures that you won’t be charged extra fees for purchases made outside the U.S. Many credit cards charge foreign transaction fees of 2-3%, but this card helps you avoid those extra costs. With the Chase Sapphire Preferred foreign transaction fee being $0 you can swipe all you want without worry.
Along with travel benefits, the Chase Sapphire Preferred also offers valuable purchase protections:
Chase cardholders also enjoy exclusive access to events through Chase Experiences, including concerts, sporting events, and dining experiences. This is a perk that can enhance the overall value of the card for those who enjoy unique experiences.
Also be sure to take advantage of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Doordash benefit
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is the more premium version of the Chase Sapphire Preferred, with a $550 annual fee. While the Reserve offers more points per dollar on travel (3x) and a higher redemption rate (1.5 cents per point when booking travel through the portal), the Preferred offers many of the same benefits at a much lower cost. If you're a frequent traveler and can justify the higher annual fee, the Sapphire Reserve may be a better choice. However, the Sapphire Preferred offers great value for those who want a more affordable option.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a strong competitor against other top travel cards, such as:
While the Chase Sapphire Preferred doesn’t offer the highest flat-rate earning on all categories, its combination of travel benefits, points value, and low annual fee make it a standout option for many.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is perfect for:
To get the most out of the Chase Sapphire Preferred, consider these tips:
Also be sure to check out the Chase Sapphire Preferred Instacart benefit for even more value.
The $95 annual fee is relatively low for a travel rewards card with this level of benefits. If you travel frequently and use the card for its bonus categories (2x points on dining and travel), the rewards you earn should easily outweigh the cost of the annual fee.
To apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred, visit the Chase website and fill out an online application. The application process is straightforward and typically requires:
Approval for the Chase Sapphire Preferred generally requires a good to excellent credit score (typically 690 or higher). However, other factors such as income level and existing relationship with Chase may also influence the approval process.
The card offers 2x points on travel and dining, a generous sign-up bonus, travel protection, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
Yes, it’s an excellent choice for international travelers due to the no foreign transaction fees and solid travel benefits.
You earn points for every purchase you make. Points can be redeemed for travel, cashback, gift cards, or transferred to travel partners for potentially more value.
Yes, you can upgrade from the Chase Sapphire Preferred to the Chase Sapphire Reserve, but keep in mind the higher annual fee and the additional benefits you’ll get with the upgrade.
Overall, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is an excellent card for frequent travelers who want to earn rewards and enjoy valuable travel perks without the high annual fee of premium cards. If you’re new to travel rewards or want a solid entry-level card with great benefits, this is a top choice.
If you’re not sure if the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the right card for you, here are a few alternatives:
Each of these cards has its own strengths, so choose the one that best suits your lifestyle and spending habits.
By understanding the full range of benefits, rewards, and fees, the Chase Sapphire Preferred can be an incredibly valuable tool for anyone looking to get more out of their spending while traveling. Whether you’re just starting your journey into travel rewards or you’re a seasoned traveler, this card is worth considering.