When it comes to premium travel rewards credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Chase Sapphire Reserve® are two of the most popular options. Both offer excellent rewards, travel perks, and valuable redemption options, but which one is right for you? In this guide, we’ll compare these two cards in detail to help you make an informed decision.
Key Differences Between Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve
While both cards belong to the Chase Sapphire family, they cater to different types of travelers. Here’s a quick comparison of their main features:
- Annual Fee: $95 for the Sapphire Preferred vs. $550 for the Sapphire Reserve.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Both cards typically offer a generous welcome bonus, but the exact amount may vary.
- Rewards Rate: The Sapphire Reserve offers higher earning rates on travel and dining.
- Travel Perks: The Sapphire Reserve includes airport lounge access, a $300 travel credit, and more.
- Redemption Value: Points are worth 25% more with the Sapphire Preferred and 50% more with the Sapphire Reserve when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Annual Fees and Value Proposition
The most significant difference between these two cards is the annual fee:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: $95 per year.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: $550 per year (but includes a $300 annual travel credit).
While the Sapphire Reserve has a much higher fee, frequent travelers can easily offset this cost with the included perks. If you don’t travel often, the Sapphire Preferred may be the better choice.
Rewards and Earning Potential
Both cards earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points, but at different rates:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred:
- 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases.
- 2x points on all other travel purchases.
- 1x point on all other purchases.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve:
- 10x points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- 5x points on flights booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- 3x points on all other travel and dining purchases.
- 1x point on all other purchases.
If you frequently spend on travel and dining, the Sapphire Reserve’s higher earning rates can make a significant difference.
Travel Benefits and Perks
The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers premium travel benefits that justify its higher annual fee:
- $300 Annual Travel Credit: Automatically reimburses travel purchases.
- Priority Pass Lounge Access: Free access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Up to $100 reimbursement every four years.
- Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection Benefits: Exclusive perks at select hotels.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred lacks these premium perks but still offers strong travel protections, including trip cancellation insurance and rental car coverage.
Redemption Value and Transfer Partners
Both cards allow you to redeem points through Chase Ultimate Rewards, but the value differs:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: Points are worth 1.25x when redeemed for travel.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Points are worth 1.5x when redeemed for travel.
Both cards also allow you to transfer points to airline and hotel partners like United Airlines, Southwest, Hyatt, and Marriott at a 1:1 ratio.
Who Should Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is ideal for:
- Travelers who want a great rewards card without a high annual fee.
- People who spend moderately on travel and dining.
- Beginners looking to maximize Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
Who Should Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is best for:
- Frequent travelers who can take advantage of lounge access and travel credits.
- People who spend heavily on travel and dining.
- Those who want to maximize point redemption value (1.5x through Chase Ultimate Rewards).
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Get?
Choosing between the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve depends on your travel habits and spending patterns. If you travel occasionally and want a solid rewards card with a low annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great choice. However, if you travel frequently and can take full advantage of the premium perks, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers exceptional value despite its higher fee.
Ultimately, both cards provide excellent rewards and benefits, making them top choices for travelers looking to maximize their spending.
