The Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Chase Sapphire Reserve® are popular travel credit cards that offer a range of benefits and rewards. Choosing between them can be challenging, as both cater to travelers but with different features and fee structures. This detailed comparison will help you decide which Chase Sapphire credit card best aligns with your spending habits and travel aspirations.
Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Preferred: Key Differences
When comparing Chase credit cards, specifically the Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve, several key distinctions emerge. These differences span from annual fees and travel credits to airport lounge access and reward multipliers, significantly impacting the overall value proposition for different users.
Annual Fee and Travel Credit
The most immediate difference is the annual fee. The Chase Sapphire Preferred has a significantly lower annual fee compared to the Chase Sapphire Reserve. However, the Reserve offsets its higher cost with a generous annual travel credit of up to $300. This credit effectively reduces the out-of-pocket annual cost for Reserve cardholders who spend at least $300 on travel each year. The Preferred card, while having a lower annual fee, offers a smaller annual hotel credit of $50 specifically for hotel stays purchased through Ultimate Rewards.
Airport Lounge Access
For frequent flyers, airport lounge access is a valuable perk. The Chase Sapphire Reserve provides a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, granting access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. This can transform airport layovers into comfortable and productive experiences. The Sapphire Preferred, however, does not offer airport lounge access, making the Reserve a clear winner for travelers who prioritize lounge benefits.
Rewards and Bonuses: Earning Potential
Both cards are strong earners in the Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, but their reward structures differ.
Chase Sapphire Preferred: Earning Rewards
The Sapphire Preferred excels in everyday spending categories, offering:
- 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services and takeout.
- 2x points on travel purchased directly from airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and travel agencies.
Chase Sapphire Reserve: Premium Rewards
The Sapphire Reserve elevates the rewards game, particularly for travel enthusiasts:
- 3x points on travel and dining globally after the first $300 in travel purchases each cardmember year.
- 10x points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards after the first $300 in travel purchases annually.
- 5x points on flights purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards after the first $300 in travel purchases annually.
Redemption Value: Maximizing Your Points
The value of your Ultimate Rewards points increases when redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
- Sapphire Preferred: Points are worth 1.25 cents each when redeemed for travel through the portal. This means 10,000 points are worth $125 in travel.
- Sapphire Reserve: Points are worth 1.5 cents each when redeemed for travel through the portal, providing a 50% bonus. 10,000 points become $150 in travel value.
This difference in redemption value further enhances the benefits of the Sapphire Reserve, especially for those who frequently redeem points for travel.
Perks That Come With Both Chase Sapphire Cards
Despite their differences, both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve share valuable perks:
Sign-Up Bonus Opportunities
Both cards frequently offer attractive sign-up bonuses for new cardmembers who meet specific spending requirements within the first few months of account opening. These bonuses can be substantial, often worth hundreds of dollars in travel rewards. Check the Chase website for the latest offers for the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Food Delivery Benefits
Cardholders of both Sapphire cards can enjoy a complimentary DashPass membership from DoorDash. This membership provides free delivery and reduced service fees on eligible orders of $12 or more from participating restaurants, adding convenience and savings for food delivery.
Transferable Points to Travel Partners
A standout feature of both cards is the ability to transfer points to Chase’s travel partners at a 1:1 ratio. This unlocks significant value by allowing you to redeem points for flights and hotel stays with partners like United, British Airways, Hyatt, and Marriott, often at a better value than through the Chase portal.
Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners:
- United
- British Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
- Southwest Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- Emirates
- Iberia
- JetBlue
- Air France
- Air Canada Aeroplan
- Aer Lingus
- Hyatt
- Marriott
- IHG
This flexibility in redemption is a major advantage of the Chase Ultimate Rewards program.
Which Chase Sapphire Credit Card is Right for You?
Choosing between the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve depends on your lifestyle and spending patterns.
Who Should Choose Chase Sapphire Preferred?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is an excellent choice for individuals who:
- Are new to travel rewards and want a card with a lower annual fee.
- Want to earn bonus points on dining and travel without a high annual cost.
- May not travel frequently enough to fully utilize the Sapphire Reserve’s premium perks.
- Still desire access to the valuable Ultimate Rewards program and transfer partners.
The Sapphire Preferred provides a strong entry point into the world of travel rewards without a significant financial commitment, making it a versatile card for a wide range of users.
Who Should Choose Chase Sapphire Reserve?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is ideal for frequent travelers who:
- Can utilize the $300 annual travel credit to offset the higher annual fee.
- Value airport lounge access and premium travel benefits.
- Spend significantly on travel and dining and want to maximize rewards in these categories.
- Frequently redeem points for travel and can benefit from the higher redemption value through the Chase portal.
For those who travel often and can take advantage of its premium benefits, the Sapphire Reserve offers a richer travel experience and potentially greater rewards value, justifying its higher annual fee.
In Conclusion: Compare Chase Credit Cards to Maximize Rewards
When you compare chase credit cards like the Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve, it becomes clear that the “best” card is subjective and depends on individual needs. Evaluate your travel frequency, spending habits, and desired perks to determine which card aligns best with your financial and lifestyle goals. Consider using a Card Comparison Tool to further analyze the features side-by-side.
Whether you opt for the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Chase Sapphire Reserve, both cards offer valuable rewards and benefits within the Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, helping you get more from your spending and travel experiences.
