The world of travel rewards can be complex, but two cards consistently rise to the top: the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Both unlock access to the valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, yet they cater to distinctly different types of travelers.
The core difference lies in the annual fee and the benefits it unlocks. The Sapphire Preferred offers a straightforward experience for $95 a year, while the Reserve demands a substantial $795 annually in exchange for a wealth of premium perks.
Let's delve into the earning potential. The Sapphire Preferred shines with 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, Lyft rides, and Peloton purchases. It also delivers 3x points on dining, online groceries, and select streaming services, making it ideal for everyday spending.
The Sapphire Reserve takes earning to another level. It boasts 10x points on Peloton purchases, 8x on all Chase Travel℠ purchases, and 5x on Lyft rides. Direct bookings for flights and hotels earn a generous 4x points, and dining worldwide earns 3x.
Beyond earning, the Reserve truly distinguishes itself with a suite of travel credits. Imagine complimentary subscriptions to Apple Music and Apple TV+, a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, and monthly allowances for Lyft, OpenTable, and even Peloton. Spending $75,000 in a calendar year unlocks even more elite status benefits with airlines and hotels.
The Preferred isn’t without its perks. It offers an annual $50 hotel credit through Chase Travel and complimentary DoorDash DashPass access with monthly credits. These benefits, while valuable, are less extensive than those offered by the Reserve.
Redeeming points also differs. Both cards allow for cash back, gift cards, or travel bookings. However, the Reserve unlocks “Points Boost,” potentially increasing the value of your points to up to 2 cents each on select hotel and flight bookings through Chase Travel. The Preferred offers a boost of up to 1.75 cents on flights and 1.5 cents on hotels.
The ultimate key to maximizing value lies in transferring points to Chase’s travel partners – airlines and hotels – for potentially exceptional redemption rates. Fortunately, both the Preferred and Reserve offer access to the same valuable network of partners.
For those who frequently travel and can fully utilize the extensive credits and benefits, the Sapphire Reserve is a powerful tool. It’s an investment in a premium travel experience. However, if you prefer simplicity and a lower annual fee, the Sapphire Preferred remains an excellent choice, offering strong earning rates and valuable rewards without the complexity.
Ultimately, the “best” card depends on your individual travel style and spending habits. Carefully consider how you’ll use the benefits and whether the annual fee aligns with the value you’ll receive. Both cards offer a gateway to rewarding travel experiences, but one may be a better fit for your journey.
