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Transform your $795 fee into over $2,700 in luxury travel and dining rewards
Earn 8X points on Chase Travel, 4X on direct flights and hotels, and access exclusive airport lounges worldwide with $1,650 in annual credits across travel, dining, and premium lifestyle experiences. Ultimate Rewards points transfer 1:1 to leading airline and hotel partners.
$795
Annual Fee
125,000
Ultimate Rewards points · Welcome Bonus
8X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$795
Authorized User Fee
$195
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
Network
Visa Infinite
Rewards Currency
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Point Valuation
1.5–2 cpp (mid: 1.8)
Credit Required
Excellent
Welcome Offer
125,000
Ultimate Rewards points
Spend $6,000 in the first 3 months
Welcome bonus worth $2,500+ when redeemed through Chase Travel portal at up to 2 cents per point. Or transfer points 1:1 to airline partners like United and Southwest for business class flights worth $4,000+. Meet the $6,000 spend requirement on everyday purchases, then redeem points for luxury travel experiences.
Benefits & Perks
Program & Transfers
Transfer to 14 partners at 1:1 with 1.5-2.0cpp portal floor
Chase Ultimate Rewards stands as the most versatile transferable points program, combining best-in-class hotel transfers, strong airline coverage, and valuable portal redemptions. The crown jewel is the 1:1 World of Hyatt transfer, widely considered the best hotel transfer value in the industry. With 14 transfer partners spanning all three major alliances, Ultimate Rewards offers flexibility for both domestic and international travel. The program uniquely includes Southwest Rapid Rewards as a transfer partner - the only way to earn Southwest points through transfers, making it essential for Companion Pass strategies. The Sapphire Reserve's 1.5cpp portal value provides a reliable redemption floor, while Pay Yourself Back offers 1.5cpp for statement credits in select categories. This combination of transfer flexibility and fixed-value options makes Ultimate Rewards ideal for both beginners and optimization experts.
Reviews & Analysis
Details & Terms
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Sapphire Lifetime | You may be ineligible to earn a signup bonus on a Sapphire card if you received a new cardmember bonus for the same card any time in the past |
| 5/24 | Chase applications will be declined if 5 new cards have been added to your personal credit report in the past 24 months. |
| Chase 2/30 | You'll be declined if you apply for a third Chase card of any kind within 30 days |
| Chase 4/6 | Chase will decline your application you apply for a 5th Chase card (personal or BUSINESS) in 6 months |
| Purchase APR | 22.49%–29.49% (Variable) |
| Cash Advance APR | 29.49% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 |
| Authorized User Fee | $195 |
Media & Resources
Transform your $795 fee into over $2,700 in luxury travel and dining rewards
Earn 8X points on Chase Travel, 4X on direct flights and hotels, and access exclusive airport lounges worldwide with $1,650 in annual credits across travel, dining, and premium lifestyle experiences. Ultimate Rewards points transfer 1:1 to leading airline and hotel partners.
$795
Annual Fee
125,000
Ultimate Rewards points · Welcome Bonus
8X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$795
Authorized User Fee
$195
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
Network
Visa Infinite
Rewards Currency
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Point Valuation
1.5–2 cpp (mid: 1.8)
Credit Required
Excellent
Welcome Offer
125,000
Ultimate Rewards points
Spend $6,000 in the first 3 months
Welcome bonus worth $2,500+ when redeemed through Chase Travel portal at up to 2 cents per point. Or transfer points 1:1 to airline partners like United and Southwest for business class flights worth $4,000+. Meet the $6,000 spend requirement on everyday purchases, then redeem points for luxury travel experiences.
Benefits & Perks
Program & Transfers
Transfer to 14 partners at 1:1 with 1.5-2.0cpp portal floor
Chase Ultimate Rewards stands as the most versatile transferable points program, combining best-in-class hotel transfers, strong airline coverage, and valuable portal redemptions. The crown jewel is the 1:1 World of Hyatt transfer, widely considered the best hotel transfer value in the industry. With 14 transfer partners spanning all three major alliances, Ultimate Rewards offers flexibility for both domestic and international travel. The program uniquely includes Southwest Rapid Rewards as a transfer partner - the only way to earn Southwest points through transfers, making it essential for Companion Pass strategies. The Sapphire Reserve's 1.5cpp portal value provides a reliable redemption floor, while Pay Yourself Back offers 1.5cpp for statement credits in select categories. This combination of transfer flexibility and fixed-value options makes Ultimate Rewards ideal for both beginners and optimization experts.
Reviews & Analysis
Details & Terms
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Sapphire Lifetime | You may be ineligible to earn a signup bonus on a Sapphire card if you received a new cardmember bonus for the same card any time in the past |
| 5/24 | Chase applications will be declined if 5 new cards have been added to your personal credit report in the past 24 months. |
| Chase 2/30 | You'll be declined if you apply for a third Chase card of any kind within 30 days |
| Chase 4/6 | Chase will decline your application you apply for a 5th Chase card (personal or BUSINESS) in 6 months |
| Purchase APR | 22.49%–29.49% (Variable) |
| Cash Advance APR | 29.49% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 |
| Authorized User Fee | $195 |
Media & Resources
Transform your $795 fee into over $2,700 in luxury travel and dining rewards
Earn 8X points on Chase Travel, 4X on direct flights and hotels, and access exclusive airport lounges worldwide with $1,650 in annual credits across travel, dining, and premium lifestyle experiences. Ultimate Rewards points transfer 1:1 to leading airline and hotel partners.
$795
Annual Fee
125,000
Ultimate Rewards points · Welcome Bonus
8X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$795
Authorized User Fee
$195
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
Network
Visa Infinite
Rewards Currency
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Point Valuation
1.5–2 cpp (mid: 1.8)
Credit Required
Excellent
Welcome Offer
125,000
Ultimate Rewards points
Spend $6,000 in the first 3 months
Welcome bonus worth $2,500+ when redeemed through Chase Travel portal at up to 2 cents per point. Or transfer points 1:1 to airline partners like United and Southwest for business class flights worth $4,000+. Meet the $6,000 spend requirement on everyday purchases, then redeem points for luxury travel experiences.
Benefits & Perks
Program & Transfers
Transfer to 14 partners at 1:1 with 1.5-2.0cpp portal floor
Chase Ultimate Rewards stands as the most versatile transferable points program, combining best-in-class hotel transfers, strong airline coverage, and valuable portal redemptions. The crown jewel is the 1:1 World of Hyatt transfer, widely considered the best hotel transfer value in the industry. With 14 transfer partners spanning all three major alliances, Ultimate Rewards offers flexibility for both domestic and international travel. The program uniquely includes Southwest Rapid Rewards as a transfer partner - the only way to earn Southwest points through transfers, making it essential for Companion Pass strategies. The Sapphire Reserve's 1.5cpp portal value provides a reliable redemption floor, while Pay Yourself Back offers 1.5cpp for statement credits in select categories. This combination of transfer flexibility and fixed-value options makes Ultimate Rewards ideal for both beginners and optimization experts.
Reviews & Analysis
Details & Terms
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Sapphire Lifetime | You may be ineligible to earn a signup bonus on a Sapphire card if you received a new cardmember bonus for the same card any time in the past |
| 5/24 | Chase applications will be declined if 5 new cards have been added to your personal credit report in the past 24 months. |
| Chase 2/30 | You'll be declined if you apply for a third Chase card of any kind within 30 days |
| Chase 4/6 | Chase will decline your application you apply for a 5th Chase card (personal or BUSINESS) in 6 months |
| Purchase APR | 22.49%–29.49% (Variable) |
| Cash Advance APR | 29.49% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 |
| Authorized User Fee | $195 |
Media & Resources
| Bonus | Spend | Period | Ended | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75,000 | $4,000 | 2024-06-30 | ||
| 60,000 | $4,000 | 2023-03-31 |
Travel
All travel booked via Chase Travel portal (includes hotels, flights, car rentals)
Hotels
Hotels booked directly
Flights
Flights purchased directly with airlines
Dining
Dining at restaurants worldwide
Peloton
Hardware and accessory purchases, up to 50,000 total points
Cap: $5,000/annual
Lyft
Limited time promotion through Lyft app
All Other
All other purchases
Earn 8 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on hotels, flights, car rentals, activities, and experiences booked through Chase Travel. Redeem those points at up to 2 cents each for select travel, effectively earning 16% back on Chase Travel purchases.
Book a $2,000 hotel stay through Chase Travel: earn 16,000 points worth up to $320 toward future travel, making your effective earn rate 16%.
Earn 4X points when you book flights directly with airlines. Stack with airline loyalty programs to earn points from both programs simultaneously.
Book a $1,000 direct flight: earn 4,000 Chase points plus airline miles. Transfer those 4,000 Chase points to United for 4,000 United miles - double-dip on the same purchase.
Earn 4X points when you book hotels directly with properties. Stack with hotel loyalty programs to earn points from both programs simultaneously.
Book a $500 direct hotel stay: earn 2,000 Chase points plus hotel loyalty points. Combine with elite status benefits for upgrades and late checkout.
Earn 3X points at restaurants worldwide - from quick service to fine dining. No categories to activate, no spending caps, no enrollment required. Automatically earns on all dining purchases globally.
Spend $500 monthly on dining: earn 1,500 points per month (18,000 annually), worth $360 at 2cpp through Chase Travel.
Limited-time promotional rate of 5X points on eligible Lyft products through September 30, 2027. Combine with complimentary Lyft Pink membership for 5% Lyft credit on every ride.
Take $200 in Lyft rides monthly: earn 1,000 points per month plus 5% ($10) Lyft credit, reducing effective cost to $190 while earning points.
Earn 10X points on Peloton hardware and accessory purchases, up to $5,000 in annual spend (50,000 points max). Limited-time promotion through September 30, 2027. Plus receive $10 monthly credit toward Peloton membership.
Purchase $2,500 Peloton Bike: earn 25,000 points worth $500 through Chase Travel, plus $120 annual membership credit, making effective price $1,880 for a $2,500 bike.
Up to
$3,508
in annual credits
$500 Southwest Airlines credit
$500
Annual
Get a $500 Southwest Airlines Credit through Chase Travel after you spend $75,000 on your Sapphire Reserve card each calendar year.
$300 travel credit
$300
Annual
Get $300 back on travel purchases with automatic statement credits - no enrollment required
$250 Shops at Chase
$250
Annual
Get up to $250 in statement credits on purchases through The Shops at Chase after you spend $75,000 on your Sapphire Reserve card each calendar year.
$500 hotel credit
$500
Annual
Two $250 credits for 2+ night stays at 1,300+ luxury Edit hotels with breakfast and $100 property credit
$300 dining at 275+ restaurants
$300
Annual
Two $150 credits for dining at 275+ hard-to-book restaurants plus reserved table access
$300 event tickets StubHub
$300
Annual
Two $150 credits per year for concerts, sports, and theater tickets on StubHub and viagogo
$250 select hotels
$250
Annual
Get $250 back on prepaid 2-night stays at IHG, Montage, Pendry, Omni, Virgin, Minor, and Pan Pacific through Chase Travel.
$120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
$120
Automatic reimbursement for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, NEXUS, or SENTRI every 4 years
$25/mo DoorDash + DashPass
$25
Free DashPass with $0 delivery fees plus $25 monthly credits for restaurants, groceries, and retail
$24/mo Apple TV+ & Music
$24
Free Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions worth $288 annually through June 2027
Access select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges with 1 guest when flying any Star Alliance carrier
1 guest free, then 59 USD/CAD/GBP/EUR/guest
Free $469 Priority Pass Select membership with unlimited visits for you and 2 guests at 1,300+ lounges
2 guests free
1,300+
Worldwide
Free access at 7 Chase Sapphire Lounges with made-to-order food, cocktails, and wellness amenities
2 guests free, then $27/guest
7
Worldwide
Fast track to top-tier perks
This card comes with 4 elite status and membership benefits that can unlock priority service, upgrades, and exclusive access.
Automatic IHG Platinum Elite through 2027 with 60% bonus points, room upgrades, and 2pm late checkout
Complimentary elite status with National Emerald Executive and Avis Preferred Plus discounts up to 30% off, plus Hertz fast-track.
Get Southwest A-List status after you spend $75,000 on your Sapphire Reserve card each year.
Free Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions worth $288 annually through June 2027
Access premium 24/7 multilingual travel assistance with enhanced coordination for medical, legal, and emergency services.
Reimbursement for essentials when bags delayed 6+ hours up to $500, plus up to $3,000 coverage for lost or damaged luggage.
Up to $100,000 coverage for emergency medical evacuation and transportation when injured or ill while traveling more than 100 miles from home.
Reimbursement up to $2,500 for medical and dental expenses when you or family become sick or injured while traveling 100+ miles from home.
Get an extra year of warranty protection on electronics and appliances with up to $10,000 coverage per claim
Skip rental counter insurance with primary coverage for collision damage and theft on rentals up to 31 days worldwide.
Access 900+ luxury properties with automatic room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, and daily food/beverage credits.
Stay at ~500 luxury Relais & Châteaux properties with complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and VIP amenities.
Access premium 24/7 multilingual travel assistance with enhanced coordination for medical, legal, and emergency services.
Access a dedicated concierge team 24/7 for travel planning, reservations, tickets, and shopping assistance.
Play at 200+ Troon courses with 20% discounts plus access to 20+ private clubs at $99 per round.
Get free 3GB eSIM coverage for 15 days in 175+ countries plus 30% off other plans.
Save up to 25% on Avis and Hertz rentals with complimentary upgrades and VIP priority service.
Earn up to 10% Travel Credits on eligible Booking.com stays for use on future bookings.
Premium network benefits include 24/7 concierge, Luxury Hotel Collection with room upgrades and breakfast, and exclusive dining offers.
Sapphire Reserve Experiences and Venue Benefits
Access exclusive events, curated trips, venue lounges, preferred seating, and VIP packages at Chase-partnered venues like Madison Square Garden.
Points Boost replaces fixed portal multipliers for new Sapphire cardholders, changing CSR from guaranteed 1.5cpp to variable 1.0-2.0cpp
Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card launched with 150,000 point welcome bonus and $120K annual spend threshold
Air Canada Aeroplan added as 14th transfer partner with instant transfers and 10% bonus for Chase Aeroplan cardholders on 50K+ transfers
The Edit luxury hotel collection launched for Sapphire Reserve holders with breakfast, $100 credit, and room upgrades
Transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to 14 leading loyalty programs for maximum value.
Most partners accept Ultimate Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio with instant or near-instant transfers.
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | 91% | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | 85% | 1.5 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | 79% | — | |
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intra-Europe in Economy on a Partner | 3,500 | British Airways Avios | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Economy | 3,500 | Iberia Plus | economy | europe |
| Short Haul Intra-Europe | 4,000 | British Airways Avios | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Economy on a Partner | 4,000 | Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Economy | 7,500 | Air France Klm Flying Blue | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe on Star Alliance | 8,000 | United Mileageplus | economy | europe |
| Domestic US in Economy | 4,600 | Jetblue Trueblue | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 6,300 | United Mileageplus | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US and Canada in Economy | 7,100 | Air Canada Aeroplan | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 7,500 | Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 13,500 | British Airways Avios | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 15,000 | Singapore Krisflyer | economy | united_states |
| US to Europe in Economy | 6,000 | Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 13,000 | Aer Lingus Avios | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 16,000 | Iberia Plus | economy | europe |
| US to Iceland in Economy on a Partner | 17,000 | Jetblue Trueblue | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 25,000 | Air France Klm Flying Blue | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 26,700 | United Mileageplus | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 35,000 | Air Canada Aeroplan | economy | europe |
| US to Hawaii in Economy | 8,000 | Southwest Rapid Rewards | economy | united_states |
Showing top 20 of 57 sweet spots
The Chase Sapphire Reserve delivers the most flexible points currency and easiest-to-use travel credits among super-premium travel cards. The $300 travel credit applies automatically to nearly all travel purchases - no airline restrictions or manual enrollment. Points worth up to 2 cents each through Chase Travel or transferred to 13 airline and hotel partners.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers huge first-year value thanks to a big signup bonus and an annual $300 travel credit, but long-term value depends on how well its credits and perks match your spending habits.
It’s the top of the line card for Chase and has one of the highest annual fees of any card. So is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth it? **For the first year, absolutely**. The high signup bonus and $300 annual travel credit alone make the card worth $1800 minimum in the first year, which easily offsets the $795 annual fee (and that's not taking into account any of the other credits and benefits). But after that? You’re going to have to break down the variety of credits the card offers to see if it fits with your spending habits. And then combine those credits with the other perks to decide if the annual fee is worth it. If it does, then it could be a keeper for you. But the high annual fee and change into a “coupon book” style of card might price some people out of keeping this card around, both from a cost and convenience standpoint.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with a 125,000 point signup bonus after spending $6000 in the first three months, which is a pretty low spend considering the value of the bonus.
One of the biggest benefits the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers is an **annual $300 travel credit**. This credit is automatically applied to any travel purchase made with the card. It does not need to be made through the portal or all at once. It can be piecemealed throughout the year for ANY travel purchase. So this essentially knocks the annual fee down to $495.
Do the rest of the benefits make you want to keep it beyond the first year? The Reserve has gone the “coupon” route that so many other rewards cards have turned to, so not only will you have to work harder to receive the necessary benefits to offset that annual fee, but you’ll have to sit down and **analyze which credits you’ll even use to figure out if the card is worth keeping**.
Below are the credits the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers:
- Cardholders will receive a $250 credit for select Chase Travel hotels (the stay has to be at least 2 nights) to be used any time in 2026. They only announced this as a perk for use in 2026 - it is unclear if they'll make this an ongoing credit after that.
- $300 annual travel credit (automatically applied to any travel purchase)
- Two $150 credits per year (one January - June and one July - December) for StubHub or Viagogo
- You already have Global Entry/TSA Precheck and/or Priority Pass (either through another card or paid for it yourself)
- For those who only take one trip per year or travel solo, the benefits of lounge access with guests and TSA precheck probably won’t offset the high annual fee, even with that $300 travel credit
- You don’t like having to work so hard to earn the necessary credits to offset the high annual fee
**Chase Ultimate Rewards is our most valued point system.**
- These points are the most flexible of any credit card points. You can transfer points to their partners (the most valuable way to redeem)
- Or you can book travel directly through the Chase portal, including cruise, car rental, or specialty hotels.
- The quality of their transfer partners (Hyatt, United & Southwest) is unmatched. As is the value you can get when you transfer.
- You can get a “multiplier effect” on your Chase Ultimate Rewards points when you have either of Chase’s Sapphire cards by taking advantage of Points Boost.
- We view Ultimate Rewards as the points “savings account” to top off a partner reward system for a flight or hotel. Or to book travel items directly through the Chase travel portal.
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$2,104.80
Annual Fee
-$795
Net Annual Value
+$1,309.80
Sapphire family
| Card | Tier | Annual Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | premium | $95 | |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve Business | super_premium | $795 |
Product changes available between family members without a new credit inquiry.
Cash back redemptions return only 1 cent per point. Booking travel through the Chase Travel Portal can be worth up to 2 cents per point with the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Points Boost redemptions. Transferring points to airline or hotel partners can deliver even higher value, up to 7-10 cents per point.
The most efficient way to redeem Chase points is to transfer them to travel partners. Transfers deliver outsized value, often well more than 2 cents per point. Booking through the Chase Travel Portal is easier, but learning partner awards maximizes long-term value and flexibility.
The two Chase Sapphire Reserve cards, personal and business, offer the biggest signup bonuses and most perks, but they also carry higher annual fees. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is an excellent alternative for travelers who want strong value and transferable points with a lower fee.
You cannot book Airbnb through Chase Travel, as Airbnb is not a direct transfer partner. Chase does offer vacation rentals in its portal for select cardholders. Log in to Chase Travel, and if your card is eligible you will see options to search hotels or vacation homes.
American Express provides access to more lounges than Chase through the Global Lounge Collection, which includes Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and other partner lounges. The premium cards from both reward systems offer access to the most lounges.
Comprehensive review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve covering the $795 annual fee, $1,650+ in annual credits, Priority Pass Select lounge access, and 10X earning rates on Chase Travel portal. Analysis of whether the premium benefits justify the increased annual fee in 2025.
Video deep dive analyzing the major 2025 changes to Chase Sapphire Reserve including the $795 annual fee, removal of fixed 1.5cpp redemption rate, introduction of Points Boost feature, and comprehensive breakdown of new statement credits.
Value analysis of the refreshed Chase Sapphire Reserve examining whether the $795 annual fee is justified by the card's expanded benefits. Includes breakeven calculations and comparison with pre-2025 version of the card.
Detailed CNBC review evaluating whether the Chase Sapphire Reserve's luxury perks and statement credits justify the $795 annual fee. Analysis covers lounge access, travel protections, Ultimate Rewards transfers, and credit utilization strategies.
Breaking news coverage of Chase's 2025 Sapphire Reserve overhaul, including the increased welcome bonus, new annual fee structure, and comprehensive list of added statement credits and benefits. Discusses immediate vs. October 2025 implementation dates.
Frequent Miler's comprehensive 2026 review of the refreshed Chase Sapphire Reserve analyzing earning rates, statement credits, lounge access programs, travel protections, and optimal redemption strategies. Includes comparison with other super-premium travel cards.
Analysis of Chase's removal of the fixed 1.5cpp Chase Travel redemption rate and introduction of variable Points Boost feature offering 1-2cpp on select travel bookings. Discusses implications for cardholders and optimal redemption strategies.
Details on Chase's enhancement of The Edit hotel credit and addition of one-time $250 Select Hotels credit at luxury properties including Aman, Auberge, Rosewood, and Oetker Collection. Includes booking requirements and eligible properties.
Comprehensive Upgraded Points review covering Chase Sapphire Reserve's earning structure, $1,650+ in annual credits, lounge access programs, travel insurance benefits, and recommended strategies for maximizing value. Includes pros/cons analysis and card comparison tool.
2026 worth-it analysis examining Chase Sapphire Reserve's value proposition for different traveler types. Includes breakeven calculations based on various credit utilization patterns and comparison with other premium travel cards in the market.
Daily Drop's expert review of Chase Sapphire Reserve covering the card's premium travel benefits, earning rates on dining and travel, Priority Pass access, comprehensive insurance coverage, and Ultimate Rewards transfer partners.
WalletHub's aggregated user reviews and expert analysis of Chase Sapphire Reserve with 300+ user ratings. Includes community feedback on actual benefit usage, credit application, and real-world value delivered by the card.
| Source | Date | URL |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| Bonus | Spend | Period | Ended | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75,000 | $4,000 | 2024-06-30 | ||
| 60,000 | $4,000 | 2023-03-31 |
Travel
All travel booked via Chase Travel portal (includes hotels, flights, car rentals)
Hotels
Hotels booked directly
Flights
Flights purchased directly with airlines
Dining
Dining at restaurants worldwide
Peloton
Hardware and accessory purchases, up to 50,000 total points
Cap: $5,000/annual
Lyft
Limited time promotion through Lyft app
All Other
All other purchases
Earn 8 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on hotels, flights, car rentals, activities, and experiences booked through Chase Travel. Redeem those points at up to 2 cents each for select travel, effectively earning 16% back on Chase Travel purchases.
Book a $2,000 hotel stay through Chase Travel: earn 16,000 points worth up to $320 toward future travel, making your effective earn rate 16%.
Earn 4X points when you book flights directly with airlines. Stack with airline loyalty programs to earn points from both programs simultaneously.
Book a $1,000 direct flight: earn 4,000 Chase points plus airline miles. Transfer those 4,000 Chase points to United for 4,000 United miles - double-dip on the same purchase.
Earn 4X points when you book hotels directly with properties. Stack with hotel loyalty programs to earn points from both programs simultaneously.
Book a $500 direct hotel stay: earn 2,000 Chase points plus hotel loyalty points. Combine with elite status benefits for upgrades and late checkout.
Earn 3X points at restaurants worldwide - from quick service to fine dining. No categories to activate, no spending caps, no enrollment required. Automatically earns on all dining purchases globally.
Spend $500 monthly on dining: earn 1,500 points per month (18,000 annually), worth $360 at 2cpp through Chase Travel.
Limited-time promotional rate of 5X points on eligible Lyft products through September 30, 2027. Combine with complimentary Lyft Pink membership for 5% Lyft credit on every ride.
Take $200 in Lyft rides monthly: earn 1,000 points per month plus 5% ($10) Lyft credit, reducing effective cost to $190 while earning points.
Earn 10X points on Peloton hardware and accessory purchases, up to $5,000 in annual spend (50,000 points max). Limited-time promotion through September 30, 2027. Plus receive $10 monthly credit toward Peloton membership.
Purchase $2,500 Peloton Bike: earn 25,000 points worth $500 through Chase Travel, plus $120 annual membership credit, making effective price $1,880 for a $2,500 bike.
Up to
$3,508
in annual credits
$500 Southwest Airlines credit
$500
Annual
Get a $500 Southwest Airlines Credit through Chase Travel after you spend $75,000 on your Sapphire Reserve card each calendar year.
$300 travel credit
$300
Annual
Get $300 back on travel purchases with automatic statement credits - no enrollment required
$250 Shops at Chase
$250
Annual
Get up to $250 in statement credits on purchases through The Shops at Chase after you spend $75,000 on your Sapphire Reserve card each calendar year.
$500 hotel credit
$500
Annual
Two $250 credits for 2+ night stays at 1,300+ luxury Edit hotels with breakfast and $100 property credit
$300 dining at 275+ restaurants
$300
Annual
Two $150 credits for dining at 275+ hard-to-book restaurants plus reserved table access
$300 event tickets StubHub
$300
Annual
Two $150 credits per year for concerts, sports, and theater tickets on StubHub and viagogo
$250 select hotels
$250
Annual
Get $250 back on prepaid 2-night stays at IHG, Montage, Pendry, Omni, Virgin, Minor, and Pan Pacific through Chase Travel.
$120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
$120
Automatic reimbursement for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, NEXUS, or SENTRI every 4 years
$25/mo DoorDash + DashPass
$25
Free DashPass with $0 delivery fees plus $25 monthly credits for restaurants, groceries, and retail
$24/mo Apple TV+ & Music
$24
Free Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions worth $288 annually through June 2027
Access select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges with 1 guest when flying any Star Alliance carrier
1 guest free, then 59 USD/CAD/GBP/EUR/guest
Free $469 Priority Pass Select membership with unlimited visits for you and 2 guests at 1,300+ lounges
2 guests free
1,300+
Worldwide
Free access at 7 Chase Sapphire Lounges with made-to-order food, cocktails, and wellness amenities
2 guests free, then $27/guest
7
Worldwide
Fast track to top-tier perks
This card comes with 4 elite status and membership benefits that can unlock priority service, upgrades, and exclusive access.
Automatic IHG Platinum Elite through 2027 with 60% bonus points, room upgrades, and 2pm late checkout
Complimentary elite status with National Emerald Executive and Avis Preferred Plus discounts up to 30% off, plus Hertz fast-track.
Get Southwest A-List status after you spend $75,000 on your Sapphire Reserve card each year.
Free Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions worth $288 annually through June 2027
Access premium 24/7 multilingual travel assistance with enhanced coordination for medical, legal, and emergency services.
Reimbursement for essentials when bags delayed 6+ hours up to $500, plus up to $3,000 coverage for lost or damaged luggage.
Up to $100,000 coverage for emergency medical evacuation and transportation when injured or ill while traveling more than 100 miles from home.
Reimbursement up to $2,500 for medical and dental expenses when you or family become sick or injured while traveling 100+ miles from home.
Get an extra year of warranty protection on electronics and appliances with up to $10,000 coverage per claim
Skip rental counter insurance with primary coverage for collision damage and theft on rentals up to 31 days worldwide.
Access 900+ luxury properties with automatic room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, and daily food/beverage credits.
Stay at ~500 luxury Relais & Châteaux properties with complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and VIP amenities.
Access premium 24/7 multilingual travel assistance with enhanced coordination for medical, legal, and emergency services.
Access a dedicated concierge team 24/7 for travel planning, reservations, tickets, and shopping assistance.
Play at 200+ Troon courses with 20% discounts plus access to 20+ private clubs at $99 per round.
Get free 3GB eSIM coverage for 15 days in 175+ countries plus 30% off other plans.
Save up to 25% on Avis and Hertz rentals with complimentary upgrades and VIP priority service.
Earn up to 10% Travel Credits on eligible Booking.com stays for use on future bookings.
Premium network benefits include 24/7 concierge, Luxury Hotel Collection with room upgrades and breakfast, and exclusive dining offers.
Sapphire Reserve Experiences and Venue Benefits
Access exclusive events, curated trips, venue lounges, preferred seating, and VIP packages at Chase-partnered venues like Madison Square Garden.
Points Boost replaces fixed portal multipliers for new Sapphire cardholders, changing CSR from guaranteed 1.5cpp to variable 1.0-2.0cpp
Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card launched with 150,000 point welcome bonus and $120K annual spend threshold
Air Canada Aeroplan added as 14th transfer partner with instant transfers and 10% bonus for Chase Aeroplan cardholders on 50K+ transfers
The Edit luxury hotel collection launched for Sapphire Reserve holders with breakfast, $100 credit, and room upgrades
Transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to 14 leading loyalty programs for maximum value.
Most partners accept Ultimate Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio with instant or near-instant transfers.
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | 91% | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | 85% | 1.5 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | 79% | — | |
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intra-Europe in Economy on a Partner | 3,500 | British Airways Avios | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Economy | 3,500 | Iberia Plus | economy | europe |
| Short Haul Intra-Europe | 4,000 | British Airways Avios | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Economy on a Partner | 4,000 | Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Economy | 7,500 | Air France Klm Flying Blue | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe on Star Alliance | 8,000 | United Mileageplus | economy | europe |
| Domestic US in Economy | 4,600 | Jetblue Trueblue | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 6,300 | United Mileageplus | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US and Canada in Economy | 7,100 | Air Canada Aeroplan | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 7,500 | Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 13,500 | British Airways Avios | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 15,000 | Singapore Krisflyer | economy | united_states |
| US to Europe in Economy | 6,000 | Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 13,000 | Aer Lingus Avios | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 16,000 | Iberia Plus | economy | europe |
| US to Iceland in Economy on a Partner | 17,000 | Jetblue Trueblue | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 25,000 | Air France Klm Flying Blue | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 26,700 | United Mileageplus | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 35,000 | Air Canada Aeroplan | economy | europe |
| US to Hawaii in Economy | 8,000 | Southwest Rapid Rewards | economy | united_states |
Showing top 20 of 57 sweet spots
The Chase Sapphire Reserve delivers the most flexible points currency and easiest-to-use travel credits among super-premium travel cards. The $300 travel credit applies automatically to nearly all travel purchases - no airline restrictions or manual enrollment. Points worth up to 2 cents each through Chase Travel or transferred to 13 airline and hotel partners.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers huge first-year value thanks to a big signup bonus and an annual $300 travel credit, but long-term value depends on how well its credits and perks match your spending habits.
It’s the top of the line card for Chase and has one of the highest annual fees of any card. So is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth it? **For the first year, absolutely**. The high signup bonus and $300 annual travel credit alone make the card worth $1800 minimum in the first year, which easily offsets the $795 annual fee (and that's not taking into account any of the other credits and benefits). But after that? You’re going to have to break down the variety of credits the card offers to see if it fits with your spending habits. And then combine those credits with the other perks to decide if the annual fee is worth it. If it does, then it could be a keeper for you. But the high annual fee and change into a “coupon book” style of card might price some people out of keeping this card around, both from a cost and convenience standpoint.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with a 125,000 point signup bonus after spending $6000 in the first three months, which is a pretty low spend considering the value of the bonus.
One of the biggest benefits the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers is an **annual $300 travel credit**. This credit is automatically applied to any travel purchase made with the card. It does not need to be made through the portal or all at once. It can be piecemealed throughout the year for ANY travel purchase. So this essentially knocks the annual fee down to $495.
Do the rest of the benefits make you want to keep it beyond the first year? The Reserve has gone the “coupon” route that so many other rewards cards have turned to, so not only will you have to work harder to receive the necessary benefits to offset that annual fee, but you’ll have to sit down and **analyze which credits you’ll even use to figure out if the card is worth keeping**.
Below are the credits the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers:
- Cardholders will receive a $250 credit for select Chase Travel hotels (the stay has to be at least 2 nights) to be used any time in 2026. They only announced this as a perk for use in 2026 - it is unclear if they'll make this an ongoing credit after that.
- $300 annual travel credit (automatically applied to any travel purchase)
- Two $150 credits per year (one January - June and one July - December) for StubHub or Viagogo
- You already have Global Entry/TSA Precheck and/or Priority Pass (either through another card or paid for it yourself)
- For those who only take one trip per year or travel solo, the benefits of lounge access with guests and TSA precheck probably won’t offset the high annual fee, even with that $300 travel credit
- You don’t like having to work so hard to earn the necessary credits to offset the high annual fee
**Chase Ultimate Rewards is our most valued point system.**
- These points are the most flexible of any credit card points. You can transfer points to their partners (the most valuable way to redeem)
- Or you can book travel directly through the Chase portal, including cruise, car rental, or specialty hotels.
- The quality of their transfer partners (Hyatt, United & Southwest) is unmatched. As is the value you can get when you transfer.
- You can get a “multiplier effect” on your Chase Ultimate Rewards points when you have either of Chase’s Sapphire cards by taking advantage of Points Boost.
- We view Ultimate Rewards as the points “savings account” to top off a partner reward system for a flight or hotel. Or to book travel items directly through the Chase travel portal.
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$2,104.80
Annual Fee
-$795
Net Annual Value
+$1,309.80
Sapphire family
| Card | Tier | Annual Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | premium | $95 | |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve Business | super_premium | $795 |
Product changes available between family members without a new credit inquiry.
Cash back redemptions return only 1 cent per point. Booking travel through the Chase Travel Portal can be worth up to 2 cents per point with the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Points Boost redemptions. Transferring points to airline or hotel partners can deliver even higher value, up to 7-10 cents per point.
The most efficient way to redeem Chase points is to transfer them to travel partners. Transfers deliver outsized value, often well more than 2 cents per point. Booking through the Chase Travel Portal is easier, but learning partner awards maximizes long-term value and flexibility.
The two Chase Sapphire Reserve cards, personal and business, offer the biggest signup bonuses and most perks, but they also carry higher annual fees. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is an excellent alternative for travelers who want strong value and transferable points with a lower fee.
You cannot book Airbnb through Chase Travel, as Airbnb is not a direct transfer partner. Chase does offer vacation rentals in its portal for select cardholders. Log in to Chase Travel, and if your card is eligible you will see options to search hotels or vacation homes.
American Express provides access to more lounges than Chase through the Global Lounge Collection, which includes Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and other partner lounges. The premium cards from both reward systems offer access to the most lounges.
Comprehensive review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve covering the $795 annual fee, $1,650+ in annual credits, Priority Pass Select lounge access, and 10X earning rates on Chase Travel portal. Analysis of whether the premium benefits justify the increased annual fee in 2025.
Video deep dive analyzing the major 2025 changes to Chase Sapphire Reserve including the $795 annual fee, removal of fixed 1.5cpp redemption rate, introduction of Points Boost feature, and comprehensive breakdown of new statement credits.
Value analysis of the refreshed Chase Sapphire Reserve examining whether the $795 annual fee is justified by the card's expanded benefits. Includes breakeven calculations and comparison with pre-2025 version of the card.
Detailed CNBC review evaluating whether the Chase Sapphire Reserve's luxury perks and statement credits justify the $795 annual fee. Analysis covers lounge access, travel protections, Ultimate Rewards transfers, and credit utilization strategies.
Breaking news coverage of Chase's 2025 Sapphire Reserve overhaul, including the increased welcome bonus, new annual fee structure, and comprehensive list of added statement credits and benefits. Discusses immediate vs. October 2025 implementation dates.
Frequent Miler's comprehensive 2026 review of the refreshed Chase Sapphire Reserve analyzing earning rates, statement credits, lounge access programs, travel protections, and optimal redemption strategies. Includes comparison with other super-premium travel cards.
Analysis of Chase's removal of the fixed 1.5cpp Chase Travel redemption rate and introduction of variable Points Boost feature offering 1-2cpp on select travel bookings. Discusses implications for cardholders and optimal redemption strategies.
Details on Chase's enhancement of The Edit hotel credit and addition of one-time $250 Select Hotels credit at luxury properties including Aman, Auberge, Rosewood, and Oetker Collection. Includes booking requirements and eligible properties.
Comprehensive Upgraded Points review covering Chase Sapphire Reserve's earning structure, $1,650+ in annual credits, lounge access programs, travel insurance benefits, and recommended strategies for maximizing value. Includes pros/cons analysis and card comparison tool.
2026 worth-it analysis examining Chase Sapphire Reserve's value proposition for different traveler types. Includes breakeven calculations based on various credit utilization patterns and comparison with other premium travel cards in the market.
Daily Drop's expert review of Chase Sapphire Reserve covering the card's premium travel benefits, earning rates on dining and travel, Priority Pass access, comprehensive insurance coverage, and Ultimate Rewards transfer partners.
WalletHub's aggregated user reviews and expert analysis of Chase Sapphire Reserve with 300+ user ratings. Includes community feedback on actual benefit usage, credit application, and real-world value delivered by the card.
| Source | Date | URL |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| Bonus | Spend | Period | Ended | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75,000 | $4,000 | 2024-06-30 | ||
| 60,000 | $4,000 | 2023-03-31 |
Travel
All travel booked via Chase Travel portal (includes hotels, flights, car rentals)
Hotels
Hotels booked directly
Flights
Flights purchased directly with airlines
Dining
Dining at restaurants worldwide
Peloton
Hardware and accessory purchases, up to 50,000 total points
Cap: $5,000/annual
Lyft
Limited time promotion through Lyft app
All Other
All other purchases
Earn 8 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on hotels, flights, car rentals, activities, and experiences booked through Chase Travel. Redeem those points at up to 2 cents each for select travel, effectively earning 16% back on Chase Travel purchases.
Book a $2,000 hotel stay through Chase Travel: earn 16,000 points worth up to $320 toward future travel, making your effective earn rate 16%.
Earn 4X points when you book flights directly with airlines. Stack with airline loyalty programs to earn points from both programs simultaneously.
Book a $1,000 direct flight: earn 4,000 Chase points plus airline miles. Transfer those 4,000 Chase points to United for 4,000 United miles - double-dip on the same purchase.
Earn 4X points when you book hotels directly with properties. Stack with hotel loyalty programs to earn points from both programs simultaneously.
Book a $500 direct hotel stay: earn 2,000 Chase points plus hotel loyalty points. Combine with elite status benefits for upgrades and late checkout.
Earn 3X points at restaurants worldwide - from quick service to fine dining. No categories to activate, no spending caps, no enrollment required. Automatically earns on all dining purchases globally.
Spend $500 monthly on dining: earn 1,500 points per month (18,000 annually), worth $360 at 2cpp through Chase Travel.
Limited-time promotional rate of 5X points on eligible Lyft products through September 30, 2027. Combine with complimentary Lyft Pink membership for 5% Lyft credit on every ride.
Take $200 in Lyft rides monthly: earn 1,000 points per month plus 5% ($10) Lyft credit, reducing effective cost to $190 while earning points.
Earn 10X points on Peloton hardware and accessory purchases, up to $5,000 in annual spend (50,000 points max). Limited-time promotion through September 30, 2027. Plus receive $10 monthly credit toward Peloton membership.
Purchase $2,500 Peloton Bike: earn 25,000 points worth $500 through Chase Travel, plus $120 annual membership credit, making effective price $1,880 for a $2,500 bike.
Up to
$3,508
in annual credits
$500 Southwest Airlines credit
$500
Annual
Get a $500 Southwest Airlines Credit through Chase Travel after you spend $75,000 on your Sapphire Reserve card each calendar year.
$300 travel credit
$300
Annual
Get $300 back on travel purchases with automatic statement credits - no enrollment required
$250 Shops at Chase
$250
Annual
Get up to $250 in statement credits on purchases through The Shops at Chase after you spend $75,000 on your Sapphire Reserve card each calendar year.
$500 hotel credit
$500
Annual
Two $250 credits for 2+ night stays at 1,300+ luxury Edit hotels with breakfast and $100 property credit
$300 dining at 275+ restaurants
$300
Annual
Two $150 credits for dining at 275+ hard-to-book restaurants plus reserved table access
$300 event tickets StubHub
$300
Annual
Two $150 credits per year for concerts, sports, and theater tickets on StubHub and viagogo
$250 select hotels
$250
Annual
Get $250 back on prepaid 2-night stays at IHG, Montage, Pendry, Omni, Virgin, Minor, and Pan Pacific through Chase Travel.
$120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
$120
Automatic reimbursement for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, NEXUS, or SENTRI every 4 years
$25/mo DoorDash + DashPass
$25
Free DashPass with $0 delivery fees plus $25 monthly credits for restaurants, groceries, and retail
$24/mo Apple TV+ & Music
$24
Free Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions worth $288 annually through June 2027
Access select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges with 1 guest when flying any Star Alliance carrier
1 guest free, then 59 USD/CAD/GBP/EUR/guest
Free $469 Priority Pass Select membership with unlimited visits for you and 2 guests at 1,300+ lounges
2 guests free
1,300+
Worldwide
Free access at 7 Chase Sapphire Lounges with made-to-order food, cocktails, and wellness amenities
2 guests free, then $27/guest
7
Worldwide
Fast track to top-tier perks
This card comes with 4 elite status and membership benefits that can unlock priority service, upgrades, and exclusive access.
Automatic IHG Platinum Elite through 2027 with 60% bonus points, room upgrades, and 2pm late checkout
Complimentary elite status with National Emerald Executive and Avis Preferred Plus discounts up to 30% off, plus Hertz fast-track.
Get Southwest A-List status after you spend $75,000 on your Sapphire Reserve card each year.
Free Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions worth $288 annually through June 2027
Access premium 24/7 multilingual travel assistance with enhanced coordination for medical, legal, and emergency services.
Reimbursement for essentials when bags delayed 6+ hours up to $500, plus up to $3,000 coverage for lost or damaged luggage.
Up to $100,000 coverage for emergency medical evacuation and transportation when injured or ill while traveling more than 100 miles from home.
Reimbursement up to $2,500 for medical and dental expenses when you or family become sick or injured while traveling 100+ miles from home.
Get an extra year of warranty protection on electronics and appliances with up to $10,000 coverage per claim
Skip rental counter insurance with primary coverage for collision damage and theft on rentals up to 31 days worldwide.
Access 900+ luxury properties with automatic room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, and daily food/beverage credits.
Stay at ~500 luxury Relais & Châteaux properties with complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and VIP amenities.
Access premium 24/7 multilingual travel assistance with enhanced coordination for medical, legal, and emergency services.
Access a dedicated concierge team 24/7 for travel planning, reservations, tickets, and shopping assistance.
Play at 200+ Troon courses with 20% discounts plus access to 20+ private clubs at $99 per round.
Get free 3GB eSIM coverage for 15 days in 175+ countries plus 30% off other plans.
Save up to 25% on Avis and Hertz rentals with complimentary upgrades and VIP priority service.
Earn up to 10% Travel Credits on eligible Booking.com stays for use on future bookings.
Premium network benefits include 24/7 concierge, Luxury Hotel Collection with room upgrades and breakfast, and exclusive dining offers.
Sapphire Reserve Experiences and Venue Benefits
Access exclusive events, curated trips, venue lounges, preferred seating, and VIP packages at Chase-partnered venues like Madison Square Garden.
Points Boost replaces fixed portal multipliers for new Sapphire cardholders, changing CSR from guaranteed 1.5cpp to variable 1.0-2.0cpp
Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card launched with 150,000 point welcome bonus and $120K annual spend threshold
Air Canada Aeroplan added as 14th transfer partner with instant transfers and 10% bonus for Chase Aeroplan cardholders on 50K+ transfers
The Edit luxury hotel collection launched for Sapphire Reserve holders with breakfast, $100 credit, and room upgrades
Transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to 14 leading loyalty programs for maximum value.
Most partners accept Ultimate Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio with instant or near-instant transfers.
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | 91% | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | 85% | 1.5 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | 79% | — | |
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intra-Europe in Economy on a Partner | 3,500 | British Airways Avios | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Economy | 3,500 | Iberia Plus | economy | europe |
| Short Haul Intra-Europe | 4,000 | British Airways Avios | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Economy on a Partner | 4,000 | Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Economy | 7,500 | Air France Klm Flying Blue | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe on Star Alliance | 8,000 | United Mileageplus | economy | europe |
| Domestic US in Economy | 4,600 | Jetblue Trueblue | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 6,300 | United Mileageplus | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US and Canada in Economy | 7,100 | Air Canada Aeroplan | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 7,500 | Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 13,500 | British Airways Avios | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 15,000 | Singapore Krisflyer | economy | united_states |
| US to Europe in Economy | 6,000 | Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 13,000 | Aer Lingus Avios | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 16,000 | Iberia Plus | economy | europe |
| US to Iceland in Economy on a Partner | 17,000 | Jetblue Trueblue | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 25,000 | Air France Klm Flying Blue | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 26,700 | United Mileageplus | economy | europe |
| US to Europe in Economy | 35,000 | Air Canada Aeroplan | economy | europe |
| US to Hawaii in Economy | 8,000 | Southwest Rapid Rewards | economy | united_states |
Showing top 20 of 57 sweet spots
The Chase Sapphire Reserve delivers the most flexible points currency and easiest-to-use travel credits among super-premium travel cards. The $300 travel credit applies automatically to nearly all travel purchases - no airline restrictions or manual enrollment. Points worth up to 2 cents each through Chase Travel or transferred to 13 airline and hotel partners.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers huge first-year value thanks to a big signup bonus and an annual $300 travel credit, but long-term value depends on how well its credits and perks match your spending habits.
It’s the top of the line card for Chase and has one of the highest annual fees of any card. So is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth it? **For the first year, absolutely**. The high signup bonus and $300 annual travel credit alone make the card worth $1800 minimum in the first year, which easily offsets the $795 annual fee (and that's not taking into account any of the other credits and benefits). But after that? You’re going to have to break down the variety of credits the card offers to see if it fits with your spending habits. And then combine those credits with the other perks to decide if the annual fee is worth it. If it does, then it could be a keeper for you. But the high annual fee and change into a “coupon book” style of card might price some people out of keeping this card around, both from a cost and convenience standpoint.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with a 125,000 point signup bonus after spending $6000 in the first three months, which is a pretty low spend considering the value of the bonus.
One of the biggest benefits the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers is an **annual $300 travel credit**. This credit is automatically applied to any travel purchase made with the card. It does not need to be made through the portal or all at once. It can be piecemealed throughout the year for ANY travel purchase. So this essentially knocks the annual fee down to $495.
Do the rest of the benefits make you want to keep it beyond the first year? The Reserve has gone the “coupon” route that so many other rewards cards have turned to, so not only will you have to work harder to receive the necessary benefits to offset that annual fee, but you’ll have to sit down and **analyze which credits you’ll even use to figure out if the card is worth keeping**.
Below are the credits the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers:
- Cardholders will receive a $250 credit for select Chase Travel hotels (the stay has to be at least 2 nights) to be used any time in 2026. They only announced this as a perk for use in 2026 - it is unclear if they'll make this an ongoing credit after that.
- $300 annual travel credit (automatically applied to any travel purchase)
- Two $150 credits per year (one January - June and one July - December) for StubHub or Viagogo
- You already have Global Entry/TSA Precheck and/or Priority Pass (either through another card or paid for it yourself)
- For those who only take one trip per year or travel solo, the benefits of lounge access with guests and TSA precheck probably won’t offset the high annual fee, even with that $300 travel credit
- You don’t like having to work so hard to earn the necessary credits to offset the high annual fee
**Chase Ultimate Rewards is our most valued point system.**
- These points are the most flexible of any credit card points. You can transfer points to their partners (the most valuable way to redeem)
- Or you can book travel directly through the Chase portal, including cruise, car rental, or specialty hotels.
- The quality of their transfer partners (Hyatt, United & Southwest) is unmatched. As is the value you can get when you transfer.
- You can get a “multiplier effect” on your Chase Ultimate Rewards points when you have either of Chase’s Sapphire cards by taking advantage of Points Boost.
- We view Ultimate Rewards as the points “savings account” to top off a partner reward system for a flight or hotel. Or to book travel items directly through the Chase travel portal.
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$2,104.80
Annual Fee
-$795
Net Annual Value
+$1,309.80
Sapphire family
| Card | Tier | Annual Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | premium | $95 | |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve Business | super_premium | $795 |
Product changes available between family members without a new credit inquiry.
Cash back redemptions return only 1 cent per point. Booking travel through the Chase Travel Portal can be worth up to 2 cents per point with the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Points Boost redemptions. Transferring points to airline or hotel partners can deliver even higher value, up to 7-10 cents per point.
The most efficient way to redeem Chase points is to transfer them to travel partners. Transfers deliver outsized value, often well more than 2 cents per point. Booking through the Chase Travel Portal is easier, but learning partner awards maximizes long-term value and flexibility.
The two Chase Sapphire Reserve cards, personal and business, offer the biggest signup bonuses and most perks, but they also carry higher annual fees. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is an excellent alternative for travelers who want strong value and transferable points with a lower fee.
You cannot book Airbnb through Chase Travel, as Airbnb is not a direct transfer partner. Chase does offer vacation rentals in its portal for select cardholders. Log in to Chase Travel, and if your card is eligible you will see options to search hotels or vacation homes.
American Express provides access to more lounges than Chase through the Global Lounge Collection, which includes Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and other partner lounges. The premium cards from both reward systems offer access to the most lounges.
Comprehensive review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve covering the $795 annual fee, $1,650+ in annual credits, Priority Pass Select lounge access, and 10X earning rates on Chase Travel portal. Analysis of whether the premium benefits justify the increased annual fee in 2025.
Video deep dive analyzing the major 2025 changes to Chase Sapphire Reserve including the $795 annual fee, removal of fixed 1.5cpp redemption rate, introduction of Points Boost feature, and comprehensive breakdown of new statement credits.
Value analysis of the refreshed Chase Sapphire Reserve examining whether the $795 annual fee is justified by the card's expanded benefits. Includes breakeven calculations and comparison with pre-2025 version of the card.
Detailed CNBC review evaluating whether the Chase Sapphire Reserve's luxury perks and statement credits justify the $795 annual fee. Analysis covers lounge access, travel protections, Ultimate Rewards transfers, and credit utilization strategies.
Breaking news coverage of Chase's 2025 Sapphire Reserve overhaul, including the increased welcome bonus, new annual fee structure, and comprehensive list of added statement credits and benefits. Discusses immediate vs. October 2025 implementation dates.
Frequent Miler's comprehensive 2026 review of the refreshed Chase Sapphire Reserve analyzing earning rates, statement credits, lounge access programs, travel protections, and optimal redemption strategies. Includes comparison with other super-premium travel cards.
Analysis of Chase's removal of the fixed 1.5cpp Chase Travel redemption rate and introduction of variable Points Boost feature offering 1-2cpp on select travel bookings. Discusses implications for cardholders and optimal redemption strategies.
Details on Chase's enhancement of The Edit hotel credit and addition of one-time $250 Select Hotels credit at luxury properties including Aman, Auberge, Rosewood, and Oetker Collection. Includes booking requirements and eligible properties.
Comprehensive Upgraded Points review covering Chase Sapphire Reserve's earning structure, $1,650+ in annual credits, lounge access programs, travel insurance benefits, and recommended strategies for maximizing value. Includes pros/cons analysis and card comparison tool.
2026 worth-it analysis examining Chase Sapphire Reserve's value proposition for different traveler types. Includes breakeven calculations based on various credit utilization patterns and comparison with other premium travel cards in the market.
Daily Drop's expert review of Chase Sapphire Reserve covering the card's premium travel benefits, earning rates on dining and travel, Priority Pass access, comprehensive insurance coverage, and Ultimate Rewards transfer partners.
WalletHub's aggregated user reviews and expert analysis of Chase Sapphire Reserve with 300+ user ratings. Includes community feedback on actual benefit usage, credit application, and real-world value delivered by the card.
| Source | Date | URL |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
$10/mo Lyft credit
$10
Get $120 per year with automatic credits on your first Lyft ride each month plus bonus points on additional rides
$10/mo Peloton credits
$10
$10 monthly membership credits plus 10x points on equipment purchases over $150 through 2027
Get coverage for damage or theft on eligible purchases made with your card within 120 days of purchase
Get refunded for eligible purchases up to $500 per item when merchants refuse your return within 90 days
Up to $1,000,000 coverage for accidental death or dismemberment while traveling on flights, trains, buses, and cruises paid with your card.
Get reimbursed for prepaid travel if your trip is cancelled or interrupted due to illness, severe weather, or other covered reasons.
Get reimbursed for meals, hotel, and essentials when your common carrier travel is delayed 6+ hours or requires overnight stay
| 1:1 |
| instant |
| 79% |
| 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 79% | 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 79% | 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 73% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 67% | — |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | instant | 103% | 1.7 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | 42% | 0.7 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | 36% | 0.6 cpp |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
air_france_klm_flying_blue | 1:1 | instant | 79% | — |
- $250 in Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions annually
- Two $250 credits per year for prepaid bookings with The Edit (a two night minimum stay is required each time to receive the twice per year credit). These credits can be used any time throughout the year, and you have to have two separate bookings to receive the $250 credit both times (it won't work on a single, 4 night booking)
- You can you book two, 2-night stays back to back at the same hotel, and you will receive both $250 credits in this scenario. If you book the exact same room type, you should not have to check out then back in on the third day
- There are also extra benefits that come with The Edit bookings: Free breakfast (at select properties), $100 property credit, room upgrade (if available), and early check-in/late check-out (if available)
- The extra Edit benefits are not available on the second two nights of back to back bookings in the same hotel (though the $250 credits are, provided you made two separate bookings)
- Two $150 credits per year (one January - June and one July - December) for restaurants in Chase Exclusive Tables
- Complimentary DashPass Membership (worth $120 annually), two $10 monthly credits on non-restaurant orders, and one $5 monthly credit on restaurant orders
- One $10 credit on Lyft rides per month
- $10 monthly credits on Peloton
- $120 credit every 4 years for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
Below are additional benefits, perks, and spending multipliers:
- Priority Pass Select Membership: This is good for the cardholder and two guests
- Access to any Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club for the cardholder and two guests
- Access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes
- IHG Platinum Elite Status
- Points Boost: Redeem your points for up to 2 cents per point value on select flight and hotel options through the Chase Portal and The Edit bookings
- A variety of purchase and travel protections, including auto rental coverage, roadside assistance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, among others
- 8x points on travel booked through the Chase portal, 5x on Lyft rides, 4x on flights and hotels, 3x on dining, and 1x everywhere else
If you spend more than $75,000 on the card in a calendar year, you access the following benefits:
- IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite Status
- $250 credit for The Shops at Chase
- $500 Southwest Airlines Chase Travel credit
- Southwest Airlines A-List status
Note: If you owned this card before the changes were made to it on June 23, 2025, you will be able to redeem all points earned before October 26, 2025 for 1.5 cents per point through the Chase Portal. That redemption opportunity will last until October 26, 2027. After that, all points earned will only be eligible for points boost.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is the **top of the line personal Chase card with the highest annual fee and the most perks**. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one step down, offering a $50 hotel credit (with only a $95 annual fee), 3x points on dining, and 2x points on travel, plus many of the same travel protections but without Priority Pass and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit.
The Reserve is a great card if you are just getting started in the points game, especially if you know you will have multiple trips coming up the first year of owning it. With such a high annual fee, whether this is a “keep in your wallet forever card” is going to differ for each person depending on spending habits and whether or not you’ll organically use the coupon credits.
If you decide to get rid of this card after the first year, we recommend downgrading instead of canceling. With Chase's updated rules regarding Sapphire cards, you are allowed to earn the signup bonus on BOTH the Reserve and Preferred once per lifetime. So if you have never owned the Preferred, don't downgrade to it. Apply for it outright to earn the welcome offer.
Then you can downgrade to a no annual fee card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Chase Freedom Flex. If you downgrade to one of the Freedom cards, it is important to have a strategy for what to do with any points you haven’t transferred or cashed in, as you can only transfer to hotel partners with one of the Sapphire cards or two of Chase's business cards.
If you are doing this 2 player style, you can transfer points between spouses with the Reserve and Preferred. If you have (or are planning on getting) Chase business card(s), then it's important to know that two of them have partner transfer capabilities ( Chase Sapphire Reserve Business and Chase Ink Business Preferred), and two don't ( Chase Ink Business Cash and Chase Ink Business Unlimited).
It’s crucial to always have a card that transfers to partners, as that's where the highest value comes from Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
This was the very first card we opened when we started collecting points. The principal reason was the 1.5 redemption value we get on every point. We make some big annual spends on a couple of Chase business cards -- points that we always transfer to the Sapphire Reserve card for the 50% bonus. Factor in 3 points earned per dollar spent on dining, and you're getting back 4.5% every time you go out to eat. The $550 annual fee (less the $300 travel credit) made this card worth keeping for our spending patterns.
$10/mo Lyft credit
$10
Get $120 per year with automatic credits on your first Lyft ride each month plus bonus points on additional rides
$10/mo Peloton credits
$10
$10 monthly membership credits plus 10x points on equipment purchases over $150 through 2027
Get coverage for damage or theft on eligible purchases made with your card within 120 days of purchase
Get refunded for eligible purchases up to $500 per item when merchants refuse your return within 90 days
Up to $1,000,000 coverage for accidental death or dismemberment while traveling on flights, trains, buses, and cruises paid with your card.
Get reimbursed for prepaid travel if your trip is cancelled or interrupted due to illness, severe weather, or other covered reasons.
Get reimbursed for meals, hotel, and essentials when your common carrier travel is delayed 6+ hours or requires overnight stay
| 1:1 |
| instant |
| 79% |
| 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 79% | 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 79% | 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 73% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 67% | — |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | instant | 103% | 1.7 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | 42% | 0.7 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | 36% | 0.6 cpp |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
air_france_klm_flying_blue | 1:1 | instant | 79% | — |
- $250 in Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions annually
- Two $250 credits per year for prepaid bookings with The Edit (a two night minimum stay is required each time to receive the twice per year credit). These credits can be used any time throughout the year, and you have to have two separate bookings to receive the $250 credit both times (it won't work on a single, 4 night booking)
- You can you book two, 2-night stays back to back at the same hotel, and you will receive both $250 credits in this scenario. If you book the exact same room type, you should not have to check out then back in on the third day
- There are also extra benefits that come with The Edit bookings: Free breakfast (at select properties), $100 property credit, room upgrade (if available), and early check-in/late check-out (if available)
- The extra Edit benefits are not available on the second two nights of back to back bookings in the same hotel (though the $250 credits are, provided you made two separate bookings)
- Two $150 credits per year (one January - June and one July - December) for restaurants in Chase Exclusive Tables
- Complimentary DashPass Membership (worth $120 annually), two $10 monthly credits on non-restaurant orders, and one $5 monthly credit on restaurant orders
- One $10 credit on Lyft rides per month
- $10 monthly credits on Peloton
- $120 credit every 4 years for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
Below are additional benefits, perks, and spending multipliers:
- Priority Pass Select Membership: This is good for the cardholder and two guests
- Access to any Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club for the cardholder and two guests
- Access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes
- IHG Platinum Elite Status
- Points Boost: Redeem your points for up to 2 cents per point value on select flight and hotel options through the Chase Portal and The Edit bookings
- A variety of purchase and travel protections, including auto rental coverage, roadside assistance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, among others
- 8x points on travel booked through the Chase portal, 5x on Lyft rides, 4x on flights and hotels, 3x on dining, and 1x everywhere else
If you spend more than $75,000 on the card in a calendar year, you access the following benefits:
- IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite Status
- $250 credit for The Shops at Chase
- $500 Southwest Airlines Chase Travel credit
- Southwest Airlines A-List status
Note: If you owned this card before the changes were made to it on June 23, 2025, you will be able to redeem all points earned before October 26, 2025 for 1.5 cents per point through the Chase Portal. That redemption opportunity will last until October 26, 2027. After that, all points earned will only be eligible for points boost.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is the **top of the line personal Chase card with the highest annual fee and the most perks**. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one step down, offering a $50 hotel credit (with only a $95 annual fee), 3x points on dining, and 2x points on travel, plus many of the same travel protections but without Priority Pass and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit.
The Reserve is a great card if you are just getting started in the points game, especially if you know you will have multiple trips coming up the first year of owning it. With such a high annual fee, whether this is a “keep in your wallet forever card” is going to differ for each person depending on spending habits and whether or not you’ll organically use the coupon credits.
If you decide to get rid of this card after the first year, we recommend downgrading instead of canceling. With Chase's updated rules regarding Sapphire cards, you are allowed to earn the signup bonus on BOTH the Reserve and Preferred once per lifetime. So if you have never owned the Preferred, don't downgrade to it. Apply for it outright to earn the welcome offer.
Then you can downgrade to a no annual fee card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Chase Freedom Flex. If you downgrade to one of the Freedom cards, it is important to have a strategy for what to do with any points you haven’t transferred or cashed in, as you can only transfer to hotel partners with one of the Sapphire cards or two of Chase's business cards.
If you are doing this 2 player style, you can transfer points between spouses with the Reserve and Preferred. If you have (or are planning on getting) Chase business card(s), then it's important to know that two of them have partner transfer capabilities ( Chase Sapphire Reserve Business and Chase Ink Business Preferred), and two don't ( Chase Ink Business Cash and Chase Ink Business Unlimited).
It’s crucial to always have a card that transfers to partners, as that's where the highest value comes from Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
This was the very first card we opened when we started collecting points. The principal reason was the 1.5 redemption value we get on every point. We make some big annual spends on a couple of Chase business cards -- points that we always transfer to the Sapphire Reserve card for the 50% bonus. Factor in 3 points earned per dollar spent on dining, and you're getting back 4.5% every time you go out to eat. The $550 annual fee (less the $300 travel credit) made this card worth keeping for our spending patterns.
$10/mo Lyft credit
$10
Get $120 per year with automatic credits on your first Lyft ride each month plus bonus points on additional rides
$10/mo Peloton credits
$10
$10 monthly membership credits plus 10x points on equipment purchases over $150 through 2027
Get coverage for damage or theft on eligible purchases made with your card within 120 days of purchase
Get refunded for eligible purchases up to $500 per item when merchants refuse your return within 90 days
Up to $1,000,000 coverage for accidental death or dismemberment while traveling on flights, trains, buses, and cruises paid with your card.
Get reimbursed for prepaid travel if your trip is cancelled or interrupted due to illness, severe weather, or other covered reasons.
Get reimbursed for meals, hotel, and essentials when your common carrier travel is delayed 6+ hours or requires overnight stay
| 1:1 |
| instant |
| 79% |
| 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 79% | 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 79% | 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 73% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 67% | — |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | instant | 103% | 1.7 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | 42% | 0.7 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | 36% | 0.6 cpp |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
air_france_klm_flying_blue | 1:1 | instant | 79% | — |
- $250 in Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions annually
- Two $250 credits per year for prepaid bookings with The Edit (a two night minimum stay is required each time to receive the twice per year credit). These credits can be used any time throughout the year, and you have to have two separate bookings to receive the $250 credit both times (it won't work on a single, 4 night booking)
- You can you book two, 2-night stays back to back at the same hotel, and you will receive both $250 credits in this scenario. If you book the exact same room type, you should not have to check out then back in on the third day
- There are also extra benefits that come with The Edit bookings: Free breakfast (at select properties), $100 property credit, room upgrade (if available), and early check-in/late check-out (if available)
- The extra Edit benefits are not available on the second two nights of back to back bookings in the same hotel (though the $250 credits are, provided you made two separate bookings)
- Two $150 credits per year (one January - June and one July - December) for restaurants in Chase Exclusive Tables
- Complimentary DashPass Membership (worth $120 annually), two $10 monthly credits on non-restaurant orders, and one $5 monthly credit on restaurant orders
- One $10 credit on Lyft rides per month
- $10 monthly credits on Peloton
- $120 credit every 4 years for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
Below are additional benefits, perks, and spending multipliers:
- Priority Pass Select Membership: This is good for the cardholder and two guests
- Access to any Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club for the cardholder and two guests
- Access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes
- IHG Platinum Elite Status
- Points Boost: Redeem your points for up to 2 cents per point value on select flight and hotel options through the Chase Portal and The Edit bookings
- A variety of purchase and travel protections, including auto rental coverage, roadside assistance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, among others
- 8x points on travel booked through the Chase portal, 5x on Lyft rides, 4x on flights and hotels, 3x on dining, and 1x everywhere else
If you spend more than $75,000 on the card in a calendar year, you access the following benefits:
- IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite Status
- $250 credit for The Shops at Chase
- $500 Southwest Airlines Chase Travel credit
- Southwest Airlines A-List status
Note: If you owned this card before the changes were made to it on June 23, 2025, you will be able to redeem all points earned before October 26, 2025 for 1.5 cents per point through the Chase Portal. That redemption opportunity will last until October 26, 2027. After that, all points earned will only be eligible for points boost.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is the **top of the line personal Chase card with the highest annual fee and the most perks**. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one step down, offering a $50 hotel credit (with only a $95 annual fee), 3x points on dining, and 2x points on travel, plus many of the same travel protections but without Priority Pass and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit.
The Reserve is a great card if you are just getting started in the points game, especially if you know you will have multiple trips coming up the first year of owning it. With such a high annual fee, whether this is a “keep in your wallet forever card” is going to differ for each person depending on spending habits and whether or not you’ll organically use the coupon credits.
If you decide to get rid of this card after the first year, we recommend downgrading instead of canceling. With Chase's updated rules regarding Sapphire cards, you are allowed to earn the signup bonus on BOTH the Reserve and Preferred once per lifetime. So if you have never owned the Preferred, don't downgrade to it. Apply for it outright to earn the welcome offer.
Then you can downgrade to a no annual fee card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Chase Freedom Flex. If you downgrade to one of the Freedom cards, it is important to have a strategy for what to do with any points you haven’t transferred or cashed in, as you can only transfer to hotel partners with one of the Sapphire cards or two of Chase's business cards.
If you are doing this 2 player style, you can transfer points between spouses with the Reserve and Preferred. If you have (or are planning on getting) Chase business card(s), then it's important to know that two of them have partner transfer capabilities ( Chase Sapphire Reserve Business and Chase Ink Business Preferred), and two don't ( Chase Ink Business Cash and Chase Ink Business Unlimited).
It’s crucial to always have a card that transfers to partners, as that's where the highest value comes from Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
This was the very first card we opened when we started collecting points. The principal reason was the 1.5 redemption value we get on every point. We make some big annual spends on a couple of Chase business cards -- points that we always transfer to the Sapphire Reserve card for the 50% bonus. Factor in 3 points earned per dollar spent on dining, and you're getting back 4.5% every time you go out to eat. The $550 annual fee (less the $300 travel credit) made this card worth keeping for our spending patterns.
