The Chase Sapphire family is among the most popular lines of travel and rewards credit cards in the United States.
Known for flexible rewards, premium travel perks, and strong earning rates on dining and travel purchases, the Sapphire cards appeal to frequent travelers, food lovers, and those who want to maximize their everyday spending.
Currently, Chase offers two main versions of the Sapphire card: the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
While both are excellent choices, they cater to slightly different lifestyles and budgets.
In this guide, we’ll explore the key features, benefits, and differences between the types of Chase Sapphire credit cards, so you can make an informed decision.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Annual Fee
- $95
Rewards Structure
- 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out.
- 3x points on select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart/Target).
- 2x points on all other travel purchases.
- 1x point on all other purchases.
Key Benefits
- Welcome Bonus: Often a large sign-up offer after meeting minimum spending requirements.
- Point Value Boost: Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards (e.g., 60,000 points = $750 toward travel).
- Transfer Partners: Access to 1:1 point transfers with major airline and hotel partners such as United, Southwest, Hyatt, and Marriott.
- Travel Protections: Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and primary rental car coverage.
Best For
- Travelers looking for strong benefits without a high annual fee.
- Foodies and streaming enthusiasts who want to maximize dining and entertainment spending.
- Beginners in the world of travel rewards who want flexibility and value.
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Annual Fee
- $550
Rewards Structure
- 10x points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 10x points on Chase Dining purchases (through Ultimate Rewards).
- 5x points on flights booked via Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- 3x points on travel purchases outside of the portal.
- 3x points on dining worldwide.
- 1x point on all other purchases.
Key Benefits
- Welcome Bonus: Higher point value compared to the Preferred.
- Point Value Boost: Points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards (e.g., 60,000 points = $900 toward travel).
- $300 Annual Travel Credit: Automatically applied to travel purchases.
- Priority Pass™ Select Membership: Access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS Credit: Up to $100 reimbursement every 4 years.
- Luxury Travel Protections: Includes trip delay, lost luggage reimbursement, emergency medical evacuation, and primary rental car coverage.
Best For
- Frequent travelers who want premium benefits.
- Those who value airport lounge access and luxury perks.
- Cardholders who spend enough on travel and dining to offset the higher annual fee.
3. Chase Sapphire (No Longer Available)
Chase used to offer a basic Chase Sapphire card with no annual fee, but it has been discontinued. Today, the Sapphire lineup only includes the Preferred and Reserve, with no entry-level version. If you’re new to Sapphire, you’ll need to choose between these two options.
4. Chase Sapphire Authorized User Cards
Both Sapphire Preferred and Reserve allow you to add authorized users. Authorized users can make purchases, earn points, and enjoy certain benefits.
However, some premium perks (like lounge access with Reserve) are only available to the primary cardholder.
Key Differences Between Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve
| Feature | Sapphire Preferred® | Sapphire Reserve® |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $95 | $550 |
| Travel Redemption Bonus | 25% | 50% |
| Travel Credit | None | $300 annually |
| Lounge Access | No | Priority Pass™ |
| Point Earning | 5x travel via portal, 3x dining | Up to 10x on portal travel, 3x dining |
| Best For | Beginners, casual travelers | Frequent, premium travelers |
How to Choose the Right Chase Sapphire Card
- Choose Sapphire Preferred if:
You want strong travel rewards, a manageable annual fee, and flexibility with points. It’s ideal for those who want premium travel protection without the luxury price tag. - Choose Sapphire Reserve if:
You travel frequently, value airport lounge access, and will make use of the $300 travel credit to offset the annual fee. The higher rewards rate and redemption bonus make it worth it for heavy travelers.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve are two of the most rewarding travel credit cards available. Both offer excellent earning rates, flexible redemption options, and valuable perks that appeal to travelers and everyday spenders alike.
Your choice ultimately depends on your lifestyle and budget: if you want premium benefits and don’t mind paying for them, the Reserve is unbeatable.
If you prefer a balance of rewards and affordability, the Preferred is one of the best cards on the market.
✅ Pro Tip: Both cards are subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule, meaning you’re unlikely to be approved if you’ve opened five or more credit cards in the past 24 months. Plan your application strategy accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the types of Chase Sapphire credit cards?
Currently, there are two main types: the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. A basic no-annual-fee version once existed but is no longer available.
2. What is the main difference between Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve?
The Preferred has a $95 annual fee and offers 25% more value when redeeming points through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, while the Reserve has a $550 fee but offers 50% more value plus premium perks like lounge access and a $300 annual travel credit.
3. Which Chase Sapphire card is best for beginners?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is better for beginners thanks to its lower annual fee and strong rewards on travel and dining without overwhelming premium perks.
4. Which Chase Sapphire card is best for frequent travelers?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is ideal for frequent travelers, offering higher redemption rates, airport lounge access, and extensive travel protections.
5. Do both cards earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points?
Yes, both earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, which can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, or transferred to airline and hotel partners.
6. Can I transfer points from Sapphire Preferred to Sapphire Reserve?
Yes, if you hold both cards, you can combine points. Many cardholders transfer points to the Reserve to maximize the 50% redemption bonus.
7. Does Chase Sapphire Preferred offer lounge access?
No, only the Sapphire Reserve offers Priority Pass™ Select airport lounge access.
8. How much are Chase Sapphire points worth?
- With the Preferred: 1.25 cents per point through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- With the Reserve: 1.5 cents per point through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
9. What travel credits do the Sapphire cards offer?
The Sapphire Reserve provides a $300 annual travel credit automatically applied to travel purchases. The Preferred does not include a travel credit.
10. Do both cards offer dining rewards?
Yes. The Preferred offers 3x points on dining, while the Reserve also offers 3x points worldwide, plus 10x on Chase Dining purchases through Ultimate Rewards.
11. Do either of the cards cover Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?
Yes. The Sapphire Reserve reimburses up to $100 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS. The Preferred does not.
12. Do Chase Sapphire cards have foreign transaction fees?
No. Both cards have no foreign transaction fees, making them excellent for international travel.
13. Do Chase Sapphire cards provide travel insurance?
Yes. Both offer trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and primary rental car coverage. The Reserve provides more premium coverage like emergency evacuation benefits.
14. Can I downgrade from Reserve to Preferred?
Yes. If you no longer want to pay the higher annual fee, you can request to downgrade your Reserve to Preferred.
15. Can I upgrade from Preferred to Reserve?
Yes. After one year, you may be eligible to upgrade if you meet Chase’s requirements. It’s often worth it for frequent travelers.
16. Can I hold both Sapphire cards at the same time?
No. Chase does not allow cardholders to hold both Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve simultaneously. You must choose one.
17. What is the Chase Sapphire welcome bonus?
Both cards typically offer a large welcome bonus (such as 60,000 points) after meeting minimum spend requirements. The bonus varies by promotion.
18. How do Chase Sapphire points transfer to airlines and hotels?
Points can be transferred 1:1 to major partners like United, Southwest, JetBlue, Hyatt, Marriott, and IHG, giving cardholders more flexibility and potentially higher value.
19. Do Chase Sapphire cards offer purchase protection?
Yes. Both offer extended warranty protection, purchase protection against damage/theft, and return protection (up to set limits).
20. Who should get the Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Reserve?
- Preferred: Best for casual travelers who want rewards at a lower cost.
- Reserve: Best for frequent travelers who will use the $300 travel credit, lounge access, and premium perks enough to justify the $550 annual fee.
