Exploring the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Sapphire Preferred® Cards
Introduction to the Sapphire Cards
In the world of travel credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® stands out for its array of premium benefits. This card is particularly well-known for its generous travel rewards and valuable perks, making it a favorite among frequent travelers. On the other hand, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card serves as a more accessible mid-tier option, allowing users to still enjoy significant rewards without the hefty annual fee that comes with the Reserve.
Annual Fees
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: $795
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: $95
The distinct differences in fees reflect the varying levels of rewards and benefits these cards offer, catering to different types of travelers.
Earning Points on Travel with Chase Sapphire Reserve—
If you already possess the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or are thinking about applying, understanding how it rewards travel spending is essential.
Existing Cardholders’ Points Structure
For existing cardholders who applied before June 23, the rewards structure until October 25 is as follows:
- 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel℠
- 5 points per dollar on Lyft rides (until Sept. 30, 2027) and flights booked through Chase Travel
- 3 points per dollar on all other travel purchases
New Cardholders’ Points Structure
If you applied from June 23 onwards (or are an existing cardholder from October 26), you’ll benefit from the following earning rates:
- 8 points per dollar on purchases made through Chase Travel
- 5 points per dollar on Lyft rides (until Sept. 30, 2027)
- 4 points per dollar on flights and hotels booked directly
- 1 point per dollar on all other travel purchases
Earning Points on Travel with Chase Sapphire Preferred—
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card also provides excellent rewards for travel purchases. Here’s how you can rack up points:
Points Structure
- 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel
- 5 points per dollar on Lyft rides (until Sept. 30, 2027)
- 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases
What Qualifies as "Travel" in the Chase Ecosystem
Chase offers clear definitions on what constitutes travel purchases, which is crucial for maximizing your rewards.
Eligible Travel Purchases
The Chase Travel portal covers various types of travel bookings. Eligible purchases include:
- Airlines
- Hotels, motels, and timeshares
- Car rentals (excluding RV and boat rentals)
- Cruise lines
- Travel agencies and discount travel sites
- Taxis, limousines, and passenger trains
- Campgrounds, ferries, toll bridges, and highways
Unlike many other credit cards, Chase’s classification of travel is notably broad, allowing you to earn rewards on a diverse range of travel-related expenses.
Non-Eligible Travel Purchases
Chase does draw the line on certain charges that won’t earn bonus points. These include:
- Real estate agents and educational merchants arranging travel
- Sightseeing activities, excursions, and tourist attractions
- In-flight goods and services, onboard cruise line goods
- Purchases made at gift card merchants or those selling points/miles
- RV and boat rentals
Being aware of what doesn’t qualify can save you from potential confusion when tracking your rewards.
Checking Your Points and Addressing Discrepancies
It’s not uncommon for travels to sometimes be miscategorized. If you believe a purchase should have earned you extra points, here’s what you can do:
- Review Transaction Codes: Check your Chase online account to see how the transaction was categorized.
- Contact Customer Support: If you suspect a coding error, don’t hesitate to reach out to Chase customer service for clarification or a manual review. While retroactive adjustments aren’t guaranteed, it can clarify future spending.
Capitalizing on Your Rewards
Both Sapphire cards excel in their return on travel spending, offering unique advantages. The Sapphire Reserve boasts a potential return of 8.2% on direct flight or hotel bookings, while the Sapphire Preferred may offer a meaningful 4.1% return on general travel.
With points transferable to numerous airline and hotel partners, you’ve got options when it comes to redeeming your rewards.
Insurance and Protections
Both cards provide some of the most comprehensive travel insurance and purchase protections among credit offerings. Therefore, beyond earning points, they also offer peace of mind, ensuring that your travels and purchases are insured.
Summary of Card Options
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Designed for frequent travelers who seek maximum rewards and perks.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: An excellent choice for those who travel less often but still want to capitalize on rewards.
By understanding how these credit cards function and their specific benefits, you can effectively maximize your points and enjoy your travels to the fullest.