When it comes to travel rewards credit cards, few names are as well-known as the Chase Sapphire Credit Card. It has become a favorite among travelers, food lovers, and everyday spenders who want to earn rewards while enjoying premium perks.
With its strong reward system, flexible redemption options, and travel protections, the Chase Sapphire is one of the top choices in the credit card market.
The Sapphire lineup consists of two main cards: the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card.
Both cater to different spending habits, with the Preferred being a great entry-level option at a low annual fee, while the Reserve offers luxury perks for frequent travelers.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about the Chase Sapphire credit cards—from benefits and costs to tips for maximizing your rewards.
Why the Chase Sapphire Card Stands Out
The Chase Sapphire card is designed for those who love experiences—whether that means dining out, traveling the world, or both.
What sets it apart is the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program, which allows cardholders to earn points on everyday purchases and redeem them for flights, hotels, cash, and more.
Unlike some cards that tie you to a specific airline or hotel, the Sapphire cards provide flexibility, with points that can be transferred to multiple partners or redeemed directly through the Chase portal.
Add in the fact that neither card charges foreign transaction fees, and you’ve got a product that works just as well abroad as it does at home.
Who Should Consider Getting It
The Sapphire cards are perfect for:
- Frequent travelers who want premium perks and higher point multipliers.
- Food enthusiasts who spend often at restaurants or on delivery services.
- Rewards strategists who want to maximize point values through transfers and bonus categories.
On the other hand, if you rarely travel and prefer straightforward cashback, there may be better alternatives.
Types of Chase Sapphire Credit Cards
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Preferred is the entry-level Sapphire card, but it packs serious value. With an annual fee of only $95, it earns 2x points on travel and dining and gives access to Chase Ultimate Rewards.
It also includes travel insurance, purchase protection, and rental car coverage.
Most importantly, it frequently comes with a signup bonus worth $750 or more in travel, which alone can offset the fee for years.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
The Reserve is the premium option, with a higher annual fee of $550. But the perks justify the cost: 3x points on travel and dining, a $300 annual travel credit, and access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide through Priority Pass Select.
Points are also worth 50% more when redeemed through the Chase portal.
Key Differences Between Preferred and Reserve
- Annual Fee: $95 (Preferred) vs. $550 (Reserve)
- Travel Credit: None (Preferred) vs. $300 yearly (Reserve)
- Lounge Access: None (Preferred) vs. Included (Reserve)
- Redemption Boost: 25% more value (Preferred) vs. 50% more (Reserve)
If you travel often, the Reserve pays for itself quickly. If not, the Preferred delivers excellent value at a lower cost.
Benefits of Chase Sapphire Credit Cards
Travel Rewards and Points System
The Chase Ultimate Rewards® program is among the most flexible in the industry. You earn points on every purchase, with bonus multipliers for travel and dining. Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, rental cars, or transferred to partners like United Airlines, Southwest, or Hyatt.
For instance, 60,000 points are worth $750 in travel with the Preferred, $900 with the Reserve, and potentially even more when transferred to partners for premium flights or luxury hotel stays.
Dining Perks and Cashback Features
Both cards reward dining generously, whether you’re at a local café or ordering delivery. Cardholders often receive added perks with partners like DoorDash, such as free DashPass subscriptions.
Points can also be redeemed for cashback at a rate of 1 cent per point. While not as valuable as travel, this flexibility makes the card useful for non-travelers as well.
Travel Insurance and Protection
Both cards include valuable travel protections:
- Trip cancellation/interruption coverage
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Primary rental car insurance
- Travel accident insurance
These protections can save cardholders thousands in unexpected emergencies.
Airport Lounge Access
Exclusive to the Reserve, cardholders get Priority Pass Select membership, which provides free access to lounges worldwide—perfect for frequent flyers.
Rewards Earning Potential
Points on Travel Purchases
Both Sapphire cards reward travel expenses generously. The Reserve offers 3x points plus a $300 annual travel credit, while the Preferred provides 2x. Chase defines “travel” broadly, covering flights, hotels, parking, tolls, and even campgrounds.
Everyday Spending Rewards
You’ll earn 1x points per dollar on all other purchases. Pairing the Sapphire with other Chase cards, like the Freedom Flex® or Freedom Unlimited®, helps maximize rewards across all categories.
Maximizing Rewards with Bonus Categories
Chase often runs promotions, such as extra points on Lyft rides or 10x points on hotel bookings through the Chase portal. Keeping an eye on these opportunities helps supercharge point earnings.
Redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards® Points
Travel Redemption through Chase Travel Portal
Booking through the Chase portal is simple and rewarding. Points are worth 25% more with the Preferred and 50% more with the Reserve, making travel one of the most valuable redemption options.
Transfer Partners for Airlines and Hotels
Chase’s 1:1 transfer partnerships include airlines like United, JetBlue, British Airways, and hotels like Hyatt and Marriott. This allows cardholders to unlock high-value redemptions such as business-class flights or luxury hotel stays.
Cashback, Gift Cards, and Shopping
Points can also be redeemed for cashback, gift cards, or even online shopping. While convenient, these typically provide less value than travel redemptions.
Best Strategies for Value
To get the most out of your points, focus on either the travel portal or transferring to partners. Avoid using points for merchandise, where redemption rates are lowest.
Fees and Costs Associated with Chase Sapphire Cards
Annual Fees and Value
- Sapphire Preferred: $95
- Sapphire Reserve: $550 (but includes a $300 annual travel credit, effectively lowering the cost to $250)
When you factor in lounge access, insurance, and bonus redemption rates, both cards can easily justify their fees.
Foreign Transaction Fees
Neither card charges foreign transaction fees, saving international travelers around 3% per purchase compared to standard cards.
APR and Interest Considerations
Both cards come with high APRs, ranging from 20–30%. Carrying a balance can quickly erase any rewards earned, making these cards best suited for those who pay in full each month.
Comparing Chase Sapphire with Competitors
- Amex Platinum: Better for luxury perks and lounge access, but less flexible with categories and a higher $695 fee.
- Capital One Venture X: Simpler 2x rewards on all purchases with a lower $395 fee, but Chase wins on transfer partners.
In short, Sapphire is best for flexibility, Amex for luxury, and Venture X for simplicity.
Credit Requirements and Approval Odds
Applicants typically need a credit score of at least 700+ for the Preferred and 740+ for the Reserve. Chase also applies the 5/24 rule, meaning you’ll likely be denied if you’ve opened five or more cards in the last 24 months.
To increase approval chances, maintain a low credit utilization ratio, pay bills on time, and build a history with Chase through checking or savings accounts.
Tips to Maximize the Chase Sapphire Credit Card
- Pair it with Freedom cards for the Chase Trifecta strategy.
- Time your application around major purchases to easily hit the signup bonus spending requirement.
- Always redeem points for travel or transfers for maximum value.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Redeeming points for low-value options like merchandise.
- Canceling too soon without leveraging perks that outweigh the annual fee.
- Carrying a balance and paying high interest rates.
Chase Sapphire for Travelers and Foodies
For travelers, perks like lounge access, trip insurance, and no foreign transaction fees make the Sapphire cards stand out.
For foodies, extra points on dining and partnerships with delivery services like DoorDash add daily value.
Even everyday spenders can benefit by using the card for bills, subscriptions, and shopping through Chase’s portal.
Customer Reviews and Experiences
Most customers highlight the ease of redeeming points, the value of signup bonuses, and the strong travel protections.
Common complaints include the Reserve’s high annual fee and occasional customer service delays. Overall, the Sapphire series is consistently rated among the top travel credit cards.
Is the Chase Sapphire Worth It?
For frequent travelers and food lovers, the Sapphire is a fantastic choice. The Preferred delivers strong value for beginners, while the Reserve is ideal for those who fly often and want luxury perks.
However, if you rarely travel or don’t want to deal with annual fees, a simple cashback card may be a better fit.
The Chase Sapphire Credit Card isn’t just a way to spend—it’s a way to unlock experiences. With flexible redemptions, travel protections, and lucrative rewards, it continues to be one of the most popular and recommended credit cards in the U.S.
Used wisely, it can turn your everyday purchases into luxury travel, fine dining, and unforgettable adventures.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve?
Preferred has a $95 annual fee with 2x travel/dining points, while Reserve has a $550 fee with 3x points, $300 travel credit, and lounge access.
2. Can I have both Sapphire cards?
No, Chase allows only one Sapphire card per customer at a time.
3. Do Chase Sapphire points expire?
No, points don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
4. Is it good for international travelers?
Yes—no foreign transaction fees and global lounge access make it excellent for international use.
5. How can I maximize my Sapphire points?
Redeem for travel through Chase’s portal or transfer to airline/hotel partners for the highest value.
