Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth the higher annual fee?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $795/yr vs $95/yr for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. The higher fee includes lounge access and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve?

Both cards earn 1X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.

What benefits does the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card have that the Chase Sapphire Reserve doesn't?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers travel credits. The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers lounge access, travel credits.

Should I get the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve?

Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you spend enough to justify the $795/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth the higher annual fee?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $795/yr vs $95/yr for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. The higher fee includes lounge access and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve?

Both cards earn 1X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.

What benefits does the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card have that the Chase Sapphire Reserve doesn't?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers travel credits. The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers lounge access, travel credits.

Should I get the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve?

Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you spend enough to justify the $795/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth the higher annual fee?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $795/yr vs $95/yr for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. The higher fee includes lounge access and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve?

Both cards earn 1X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.

What benefits does the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card have that the Chase Sapphire Reserve doesn't?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers travel credits. The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers lounge access, travel credits.

Should I get the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve?

Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you spend enough to justify the $795/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card vs Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card ($95/yr) is better for everyday value, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Chase

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$95

$795

Welcome Bonus

75,000 Flex point

125,000 Flex point

Earn Rates

Category	Chase Sapphire Preferred Card	Chase Sapphire Reserve
Flights	1X	4X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card wins in 4 of 6 categories. The Chase Sapphire Reserve leads in 2.

Streaming

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 3X vs 1X

Online Groceries

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 3X vs 1X

Grocery Delivery

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 3X vs 1X

Travel

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 2X vs 1X

Hotels

Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 4X vs 1X

Flights

Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 4X vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $795/yr — that's $700 more than the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card ($95/yr). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $700 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers travel credits, lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. With 3 premium perks, heavy spenders on hotels and flights can often offset the full fee.

Bottom line: The $700 gap is significant. Choose the Chase Sapphire Reserve only if you spend heavily on hotels and flights and will use its premium benefits regularly — otherwise the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card delivers strong value at a fraction of the cost.

The Bottom Line

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has a lower annual fee ($95 vs $795), making it the more accessible option.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access and travel credits.

Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth the higher annual fee?: The Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $795/yr vs $95/yr for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. The higher fee includes lounge access and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve?: Both cards earn 1X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.
What benefits does the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card have that the Chase Sapphire Reserve doesn't?: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers travel credits. The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers lounge access, travel credits.
Should I get the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve?: Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you spend enough to justify the $795/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Preferred Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Reserve Amex Green vs Chase Sapphire Preferred Amex Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Preferred

Explore More

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card — Full Review All Chase Cards

Chase Sapphire Reserve — Full Review All Chase Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: Chase cards

Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card vs Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Chase

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$95

$795

Welcome Bonus

75,000 Flex point

125,000 Flex point

Earn Rates

Category	Chase Sapphire Preferred Card	Chase Sapphire Reserve
Flights	1X	4X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card wins in 4 of 6 categories. The Chase Sapphire Reserve leads in 2.

Streaming

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 3X vs 1X

Online Groceries

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 3X vs 1X

Grocery Delivery

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 3X vs 1X

Travel

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 2X vs 1X

Hotels

Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 4X vs 1X

Flights

Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 4X vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers travel credits, lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. With 3 premium perks, heavy spenders on hotels and flights can often offset the full fee.

The Bottom Line

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has a lower annual fee ($95 vs $795), making it the more accessible option.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access and travel credits.

Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth the higher annual fee?: The Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $795/yr vs $95/yr for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. The higher fee includes lounge access and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve?: Both cards earn 1X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.
What benefits does the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card have that the Chase Sapphire Reserve doesn't?: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers travel credits. The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers lounge access, travel credits.
Should I get the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve?: Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you spend enough to justify the $795/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Preferred Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Reserve Amex Green vs Chase Sapphire Preferred Amex Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Preferred

Explore More

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card — Full Review All Chase Cards

Chase Sapphire Reserve — Full Review All Chase Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: Chase cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card vs Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Chase

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$95

$795

Welcome Bonus

75,000 Flex point

125,000 Flex point

Earn Rates

Category	Chase Sapphire Preferred Card	Chase Sapphire Reserve
Flights	1X	4X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card wins in 4 of 6 categories. The Chase Sapphire Reserve leads in 2.

Streaming

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 3X vs 1X

Online Groceries

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 3X vs 1X

Grocery Delivery

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 3X vs 1X

Travel

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 2X vs 1X

Hotels

Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 4X vs 1X

Flights

Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 4X vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers travel credits, lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. With 3 premium perks, heavy spenders on hotels and flights can often offset the full fee.

The Bottom Line

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has a lower annual fee ($95 vs $795), making it the more accessible option.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access and travel credits.

Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth the higher annual fee?: The Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $795/yr vs $95/yr for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. The higher fee includes lounge access and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve?: Both cards earn 1X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.
What benefits does the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card have that the Chase Sapphire Reserve doesn't?: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers travel credits. The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers lounge access, travel credits.
Should I get the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve?: Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Chase Sapphire Reserve if you spend enough to justify the $795/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Preferred Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Reserve Amex Green vs Chase Sapphire Preferred Amex Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Preferred

Explore More

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card — Full Review All Chase Cards

Chase Sapphire Reserve — Full Review All Chase Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: Chase cards

Pros & Cons

Pros

+75,000 point welcome bonus worth $937+ via transfers
+$95 annual fee offset by $50 hotel credit
+1:1 transfer to 13+ airline and hotel partners including Hyatt
+5X on Chase Travel, 3X dining, streaming, online groceries
+Trip cancellation, delay, and lost luggage insurance included

+$1,650 in annual credits more than covers $795 fee
+Priority Pass Select with 2 guests included
+Exclusive Chase Sapphire Lounge access
+Primary rental car coverage saves $15-30/day
+Points worth 50% more through Chase Travel

Cons

−$95 annual fee vs $0 Freedom cards
−No lounge access included
−Secondary rental car coverage only (not primary)
−5/24 rule restricts applicants with 5+ cards in 24 months
−No 0% intro APR offer

−$795 annual fee is substantial commitment
−5/24 rule restricts applicants with recent cards
−Credits require specific spending patterns to use
−$195 authorized user fee with no free users
−No 0% intro APR offer

Pros & Cons

Pros

+75,000 point welcome bonus worth $937+ via transfers
+$95 annual fee offset by $50 hotel credit
+1:1 transfer to 13+ airline and hotel partners including Hyatt
+5X on Chase Travel, 3X dining, streaming, online groceries
+Trip cancellation, delay, and lost luggage insurance included

+$1,650 in annual credits more than covers $795 fee
+Priority Pass Select with 2 guests included
+Exclusive Chase Sapphire Lounge access
+Primary rental car coverage saves $15-30/day
+Points worth 50% more through Chase Travel

Cons

−$95 annual fee vs $0 Freedom cards
−No lounge access included
−Secondary rental car coverage only (not primary)
−5/24 rule restricts applicants with 5+ cards in 24 months
−No 0% intro APR offer

−$795 annual fee is substantial commitment
−5/24 rule restricts applicants with recent cards
−Credits require specific spending patterns to use
−$195 authorized user fee with no free users
−No 0% intro APR offer

Pros & Cons

Pros

+75,000 point welcome bonus worth $937+ via transfers
+$95 annual fee offset by $50 hotel credit
+1:1 transfer to 13+ airline and hotel partners including Hyatt
+5X on Chase Travel, 3X dining, streaming, online groceries
+Trip cancellation, delay, and lost luggage insurance included

+$1,650 in annual credits more than covers $795 fee
+Priority Pass Select with 2 guests included
+Exclusive Chase Sapphire Lounge access
+Primary rental car coverage saves $15-30/day
+Points worth 50% more through Chase Travel

Cons

−$95 annual fee vs $0 Freedom cards
−No lounge access included
−Secondary rental car coverage only (not primary)
−5/24 rule restricts applicants with 5+ cards in 24 months
−No 0% intro APR offer

−$795 annual fee is substantial commitment
−5/24 rule restricts applicants with recent cards
−Credits require specific spending patterns to use
−$195 authorized user fee with no free users
−No 0% intro APR offer

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card vs Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Fees & Welcome Offer

Earn Rates

Category-by-Category Winner

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons

Explore More

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card vs Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Fees & Welcome Offer

Earn Rates

Category-by-Category Winner

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons

Explore More

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card vs Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Fees & Welcome Offer

Earn Rates

Category-by-Category Winner

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons

Explore More

Benefits & Features

Pros & Cons

What You Give Up

Which Card Is Right for You?

Benefits & Features

Pros & Cons

What You Give Up

Which Card Is Right for You?

Benefits & Features

Pros & Cons

What You Give Up

Which Card Is Right for You?