Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Review: How to Maximize? Comprehensive Guide

Hi Credit lovers,

Welcome to your guide on making the most of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card! Whether you love to travel or just want to get more from your everyday spending, this guide will help you explore the card’s perks and benefits. From big bonuses to valuable travel protections, let’s see how the Chase Sapphire Preferred can enhance your travel experiences. Let’s get started and maximize your rewards!

Introduction to Chase Sapphire Preferred

If you’re looking for a credit card that rewards you for living the good life, look no further than the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. With its impressive benefits and rewards, this card is a traveler’s dream come true. Here are some of the key features:

• Generous Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s equivalent to $750 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
• Rewards Rates: Earn 5X points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X point on everything else.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Travel internationally without worrying about extra charges.
• Annual Fee: $95, which can be offset by the card’s numerous benefits.

This card is particularly appealing to frequent travelers and foodies due to its high rewards rates in those categories.

Earning Ultimate Rewards

One of the coolest perks of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is its ability to earn you some serious points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. Here’s how you can maximize your points earnings:

1. Travel Purchases:

• Earn 5X points per dollar on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
• Earn 2X points on other travel purchases such as flights, hotels, car rentals, and more.

2. Dining:

• Enjoy 3X points per dollar spent on dining, including eligible delivery services and takeout. This makes it a perfect card for foodies who love to dine out or order in.

3. Select Streaming Services:

• Earn 3X points on select streaming services like Netflix, Spotify, Hulu, and more. Just use your card to pay for these services to rack up points effortlessly.

4. Online Grocery Purchases:

• Earn 3X points on online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs). This is great for those who prefer to do their grocery shopping online.

5. Everyday Purchases:

• Earn 1X point per dollar on all other purchases. While this may not be as high as the bonus categories, it still adds up over time.

To maximize your points earnings, make the Chase Sapphire Preferred your go-to card for these categories. Additionally, keep an eye out for promotions and bonus offers that can help you earn even more points. For instance, Chase periodically offers bonus points for shopping through their online portal or for using their card with specific merchants.

The True Cost of Sapphire Preferred: $95 Fee or Just $45?

At first glance, the $95 annual fee of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card might seem daunting. However, when you take a closer look at the card’s benefits and perks, you’ll find that the true cost of ownership can be significantly lower.

Here’s how you can potentially reduce the annual fee to just $45 or even less:

$50 Annual Travel Credit:

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers a $50 annual travel credit toward hotel stays booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. By using this credit, you effectively reduce the annual fee to $45.

DoorDash DashPass Subscription:

With a complimentary DashPass membership, you can save on delivery fees for eligible orders over $12 from DoorDash. Depending on how often you use this service, the savings can offset a portion of the annual fee.

Travel Benefits:

The card’s travel benefits, such as no foreign transaction fees, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and primary rental car coverage, can save you money on travel-related expenses, further justifying the annual fee.

Earned Rewards Value:

If you take advantage of the card’s generous rewards program and redeem points for travel through the Ultimate Rewards portal or transfer them to travel partners, the value you receive can far exceed the $95 annual fee.

Introductory Offer:

The introductory offer of 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening is worth $750 when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. This initial bonus can more than offset the annual fee for the first few years of card ownership.

By considering these factors and actively utilizing the card’s benefits, you can minimize the true cost of owning the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and maximize the value you receive in return.

Maximizing Your Rewards

Once you’ve earned your points, it’s time to make the most out of them. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers several ways to maximize your rewards, ensuring you get the best value possible.

Redemption Option	Value per Point
Travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards Portal	1.25 cents
Transfer to Travel Partners	Varies, up to 2 cents or more (depending on the partner and redemption)
Statement Credits	1 cent
Gift Cards	1 cent
Cash Back	1 cent
Shopping through Amazon	0.8 cents

1. Redeem Through the Ultimate Rewards Portal:

• When you redeem points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, you get a 25% bonus in value. This means 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel, making your points go further.

2. Transfer to Travel Partners:

• Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio to various airline and hotel partners. This includes popular programs like United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Marriott Bonvoy. By transferring points, you can unlock even greater value, especially for premium cabin flights or high-end hotel stays.

3. Combine with Other Chase Cards:

• If you have other Chase cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Chase Freedom Flex, you can combine points from these cards with your Sapphire Preferred points. This allows you to take advantage of different earning rates and maximize your rewards.

4. Book Travel with Points:

• Use your points to book flights, hotels, car rentals, and more directly through the Ultimate Rewards portal. This can often provide better flexibility and ease of booking compared to transferring points.

5. Statement Credits:

• Redeem your points for statement credits to offset purchases on your card. While this may not provide as high a value as travel redemptions, it’s a convenient option for covering everyday expenses.

6. Other Redemption Options:

• Points can also be redeemed for gift cards, cash back, or shopping through Amazon. Sometimes some special promotions comes, like 25% boost to redemption points for Apple products.Although these options typically offer a lower value per point, they provide versatility for different needs.

These values indicate how much each point is worth depending on how you choose to redeem them. Travel redemptions through the Ultimate Rewards portal and transferring to travel partners often provide the highest value, while options like cash back and shopping through Amazon offer slightly lower value per point.

Maximize Earning: Chase Trifecta

For those who want to supercharge their rewards earnings, the Chase Trifecta strategy combines the power of three Chase credit cards: the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Chase Freedom Flex, and the Chase Freedom Unlimited. By strategically using each card for different spending categories, you can maximize your earning potential and unlock even more value.

Earning Rates and Categories for the Chase Trifecta

Spending Category	Chase Sapphire Preferred	Chase Freedom Flex	Chase Freedom Unlimited
Travel (booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards)	5X points	5X points	5X points
Travel (other)	2X points	N/A	1.5X points
Dining	3X points	3X points	3X points
Select Streaming Services	3X points	N/A	1.5X points
Online Grocery Purchases	3X points	N/A	1.5X points
Drugstore Purchases	1X points	N/A	3X points
Quarterly Bonus Categories	N/A	5X points on up to $1,500 per quarter	N/A
Lyft Rides (through March 2025)	5X points	5X points	5X points
All Other Purchases	1X point	1X point	1.5X points

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve:

Start with either the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve as your primary card. These cards offer high rewards rates on travel and dining purchases, making them perfect for globetrotters and food enthusiasts. Use your Sapphire card for all travel and dining expenses to earn 2X or 3X points per dollar spent, depending on the card you choose.

2. Chase Freedom Flex:

The Chase Freedom Flex is known for its rotating quarterly bonus categories, where you can earn 5% cash back (or 5X points when paired with a Sapphire card) on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter. These categories often include popular spending areas like groceries, gas stations, and streaming services. Keep an eye on the quarterly categories and use your Freedom Flex card strategically to maximize your earnings in these bonus categories.

3. Chase Freedom Unlimited:

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is your go-to card for everyday purchases. It offers a flat rate of 1.5% cash back (or 1.5X points when paired with a Sapphire card) on all purchases with no rotating categories or annual fee. Use your Freedom Unlimited card for all non-bonus category spending to continue earning valuable points on every purchase.

By utilizing the Chase Trifecta strategy, you can earn bonus points on a wide range of spending categories, from travel and dining to everyday purchases, allowing you to rack up rewards quickly and efficiently. Deep dive into the Chase trifecta:

Unlocking the Benefits of the Chase Trifecta

Redeem points through Chase Sapphire cards

Plus, by pairing your Freedom Flex and Freedom Unlimited with a Sapphire card, you can redeem your points for travel through the Ultimate Rewards portal or transfer them to travel partners for even greater value.

Whether you’re a frequent traveler looking to maximize rewards on your adventures or a savvy spender aiming to get the most out of every purchase, the Chase Trifecta offers a winning combination for earning and redeeming valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Travel Benefits

Calling all jet setters! The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is packed with travel benefits that can make your journeys more comfortable and rewarding. Here are some of the key travel perks you can enjoy:

1. Airport Lounge Access:

• While the Chase Sapphire Preferred doesn’t come with complimentary lounge access, you can upgrade to the Chase Sapphire Reserve to get access to Priority Pass lounges, which offer a comfortable place to relax before your flight.

2. No Foreign Transaction Fees:

• Use your card abroad without worrying about extra charges. This can save you a significant amount of money on your international travels.

3. Primary Rental Car Coverage:

• When you use your Chase Sapphire Preferred card to pay for your rental car and decline the rental company’s collision insurance, you’re covered for theft, damage, and valid loss-of-use charges imposed by the rental company. This primary coverage can save you from having to use your personal auto insurance.

4. Trip Delay Reimbursement:

• If your trip is delayed more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay, you and your family are covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket.

5. Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance:

• If your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather, or other covered situations, you can be reimbursed up to $10,000 per person for prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses, including passenger fares, tours, and hotels.

6. Baggage Delay Insurance:

• If your baggage is delayed more than 6 hours, you’re covered for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing, up to $100 per day for 5 days.

7. Lost Luggage Reimbursement:

• If your checked or carry-on luggage is damaged or lost by the carrier, you’re covered up to $3,000 per passenger. This can provide peace of mind knowing your belongings are protected during your travels.

8. Travel Accident Insurance:

• Get coverage for accidental death or dismemberment up to $500,000 when you use your card to pay for air, bus, train, or cruise transportation.

9. Travel and Emergency Assistance Services:

• As a cardholder, you have access to a variety of emergency services, including medical and legal referrals, lost luggage assistance, and emergency translation services. While the costs of these services are your responsibility, the coordination is provided at no extra charge.

10. Emergency Evacuation and Transportation:

• If you or a family member becomes injured or ill during a trip that results in an emergency evacuation, you’re covered for transportation expenses, including medical services and transportation back home.

By taking full advantage of these travel benefits, you can travel with confidence and comfort, knowing that you’re protected against a wide range of potential issues.

Added Bonuses and Protections

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card not only offers great rewards and travel benefits but also provides several bonuses and protections to enhance your overall experience. Here are some of the key additional benefits:

1. Purchase Protection:

• Purchases made with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card are covered against damage or theft for up to 120 days. This coverage is up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.

2. Extended Warranty Protection:

• This benefit extends the time period of the U.S. manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less.

3. Return Protection:

• If you’re unsatisfied with an item purchased with your card and the store won’t accept the return, you can be reimbursed for the cost of the item within 90 days of purchase. This coverage is up to $500 per item and $1,000 per year.

4. Price Protection:

If you purchase an item and find it advertised for less in another retail store within 90 days, you can be reimbursed for the difference in price, up to $500 per item and $2,500 per year.

5. Cell Phone Protection:

Use your Chase Sapphire Preferred card to pay your monthly cell phone bill, and you’re covered against damage or theft up to $600 per claim with a $100 deductible, and up to three claims per year.

6. DoorDash DashPass Subscription:

Enjoy a complimentary DashPass membership for at least one year, which gives you unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders over $12 from DoorDash.

By taking full advantage of these additional bonuses and protections, you can enhance your cardholder experience and ensure you’re getting the most value from your Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

Is Chase Sapphire Preferred Right for You?

Deciding whether the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is right for you depends on your lifestyle and spending habits. Here’s a breakdown of who would benefit most from this card and who might want to consider other options:

Who Should Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred?

1. Frequent Travelers: If you travel often, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a great choice. The card’s high rewards rates on travel purchases, no foreign transaction fees, and travel-related benefits like trip delay reimbursement and baggage delay insurance make it ideal for globetrotters.
2. Foodies: If you enjoy dining out or ordering takeout, you’ll love earning 3X points per dollar spent on dining. This includes restaurants, eligible delivery services, and takeout.
3. Online Shoppers: Those who frequently shop online for groceries or use select streaming services will benefit from the 3X points per dollar spent in these categories.
4. Points Maximizers: If you’re someone who likes to get the most out of your rewards, the ability to transfer points to various airline and hotel partners or redeem through the Ultimate Rewards portal at a higher value is a significant advantage.
5. People Looking for a Lower Annual Fee: Compared to premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Sapphire Preferred has a lower annual fee of $95, making it more accessible while still offering substantial benefits.

Who Might Not Benefit as Much?

1. Infrequent Travelers: If you don’t travel often, you might not fully utilize the travel-related benefits and might be better off with a card that offers higher rewards in categories you spend more on.
2. Low Annual Fee or No Fee Seekers: If you prefer a credit card with no annual fee, there are other options that might suit your needs better, though they may not offer as high rewards or as many benefits.
3. Big Spenders: If you spend a lot on travel and dining and can justify a higher annual fee, you might want to consider upgrading to the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which offers even more rewards and benefits.
4. Those Seeking Simplicity: If you prefer a simpler rewards structure without the need to manage multiple categories or transfer points, a straightforward cashback card might be more suitable.

By considering these factors, you can determine whether the Chase Sapphire Preferred card aligns with your spending habits and financial goals.

Sapphire Preferred vs. Sapphire Reserve: Choosing the Right Card for You

Choosing between the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve can be a tough decision, as both cards offer valuable benefits and rewards. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences to help you determine which card is the best fit for your lifestyle and spending habits:

• Annual Fee: The Chase Sapphire Preferred has a lower annual fee of $95, making it a more affordable option for those who want to enjoy travel benefits without breaking the bank.In contrast, the Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with a higher annual fee of $550. However, it offers additional perks and benefits that may justify the higher cost for frequent travelers.
• Rewards Rates: Both cards offer generous rewards rates, but the Chase Sapphire Reserve generally offers higher rewards rates than the Chase Sapphire Preferred.With the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you’ll earn 2X points on travel and dining, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 3X points in these categories.Additionally, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 10X points on Lyft rides, 3X points on other travel (excluding $300 travel credit), and 3X points on dining worldwide.
• Travel Benefits: Both cards offer valuable travel benefits, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary rental car coverage, and no foreign transaction fees.The Chase Sapphire Reserve provides additional perks like a $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access through Priority Pass Select, and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement.
• Annual Travel Credit: The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with a $300 annual travel credit, which can effectively offset a portion of the annual fee if used fully.The Chase Sapphire Preferred does not offer an annual travel credit, but its lower annual fee may still make it a more cost-effective option for some cardholders.
• Airport Lounge Access: One of the standout benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve is its airport lounge access through Priority Pass Select. Cardholders can enjoy complimentary access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.The Chase Sapphire Preferred does not offer complimentary lounge access, making it less appealing for frequent travelers who value this perk.

Who Needs Sapphire Preferred?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is ideal for individuals who want to enjoy travel benefits and rewards at a lower annual fee. It’s a great option for occasional travelers, diners, and those who want to earn valuable rewards without the higher cost of the Sapphire Reserve.

Who Needs Sapphire Reserve?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is perfect for frequent travelers who value luxury travel perks and are willing to pay a higher annual fee for premium benefits. It’s also suitable for those who spend heavily on travel and dining and can take full advantage of the card’s rewards and benefits.

Consider your travel habits, spending patterns, and desired benefits to determine which card aligns best with your needs and preferences.

The Bottom Line

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a top contender in the world of travel rewards credit cards, offering generous benefits, valuable rewards, and robust travel protections. With its high rewards rates on travel and dining, no foreign transaction fees, and a variety of additional perks, it’s a favorite among frequent travelers and food enthusiasts alike.

By strategically using the Chase Trifecta strategy with the Sapphire cards, Freedom Flex, and Freedom Unlimited, you can maximize your earning potential and unlock even more value from your everyday spending. Whether you’re jet-setting around the globe or simply making everyday purchases, these cards offer a winning combination for earning and redeeming valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Ultimately, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is not only a smart choice for those who love to travel but also for anyone looking to maximize their rewards and enjoy a host of additional benefits along the way. With the potential to offset the annual fee through travel credits, introductory offers, and ongoing rewards, it’s a card that can deliver significant value year after year.

If you’re ready to take your rewards game to the next level and elevate your travel experiences, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card might just be the perfect fit for you. Apply today and start reaping the rewards of smart spending and savvy travel!

FAQ: Chase Sapphire Preferred

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