What To Know
- The best way to decide if the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is right for you is to compare its benefits and annual fee to your current spending habits and travel needs.
- If you decide to upgrade to the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, there are a few things you can do to maximize your benefits.
- Upgrading from the Chase Sapphire Preferred to the Reserve card can be a great way to enhance your travel experience.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® are two of the most popular travel rewards credit cards on the market. Both cards offer a generous welcome bonus, valuable perks, and a flexible rewards program. However, the Reserve card comes with a higher annual fee and a more exclusive set of benefits. As a result, many Sapphire Preferred cardholders wonder if they can upgrade to the Reserve card.
Can You Upgrade from Sapphire Preferred to Reserve?
Yes, you can upgrade from the Chase Sapphire Preferred to the Reserve card. The upgrade process is simple and can be completed online or over the phone. Here are the steps:
1. Log in to your Chase account.
2. Navigate to the “My Cards” tab.
3. Select your Sapphire Preferred card.
4. Click on the “Upgrade” button.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Benefits of Upgrading to the Reserve Card
Upgrading to the Chase Sapphire Reserve card comes with several benefits, including:
- Higher welcome bonus: You’ll earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- Increased points earning rate: You’ll earn 3x points on dining, travel, and transit purchases.
- Free airport lounge access: You’ll get access to over 1,300 Priority Pass lounges worldwide.
- Travel credit: You’ll receive a $300 annual travel credit to use on travel purchases.
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit: You’ll get a $100 credit every four years towards the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
- Luxury hotel and resort credits: You’ll get up to $1,250 in statement credits each year for purchases at luxury hotels and resorts.
- Exclusive benefits: You’ll have access to exclusive experiences and events, such as private dinners and wine tastings.
Annual Fee Comparison
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has an annual fee of $95. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card has an annual fee of $550. While the Reserve card has a higher annual fee, it also offers more valuable benefits.
Which Card Is Right for You?
The best way to decide if the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is right for you is to compare its benefits and annual fee to your current spending habits and travel needs. If you travel frequently and value airport lounge access, luxury hotel credits, and exclusive benefits, the Reserve card may be worth the higher annual fee. However, if you’re on a budget or don’t travel as often, the Sapphire Preferred card may be a better option.
How to Maximize Your Upgrade Benefits
If you decide to upgrade to the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, there are a few things you can do to maximize your benefits:
- Use your travel credit: The $300 annual travel credit can be used on a variety of travel purchases, including flights, hotels, and rental cars.
- Take advantage of airport lounge access: The Priority Pass lounge network provides access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide. This can save you money on food and drinks, and it can also make your travel experience more enjoyable.
- Use your luxury hotel and resort credits: The $1,250 in statement credits each year can be used to offset the cost of luxury hotel stays.
- Earn and redeem points: The Chase Sapphire Reserve card earns 3x points on dining, travel, and transit purchases. These points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, or gift cards.
Wrapping Up
Upgrading from the Chase Sapphire Preferred to the Reserve card can be a great way to enhance your travel experience. However, it’s important to weigh the benefits and annual fee of the Reserve card against your current spending habits and travel needs. If you’re a frequent traveler who values airport lounge access, luxury hotel credits, and exclusive benefits, the Reserve card may be worth the higher annual fee.
Popular Questions
Q: How long does it take to upgrade from Sapphire Preferred to Reserve?
A: The upgrade process can be completed online or over the phone in a few minutes.
Q: Will I lose my Sapphire Preferred points if I upgrade to the Reserve card?
A: No, your Sapphire Preferred points will be transferred to your Reserve card account.
Q: Can I downgrade from the Reserve card to the Sapphire Preferred card?
A: Yes, you can downgrade from the Reserve card to the Sapphire Preferred card at any time. However, you will not be eligible for the Sapphire Preferred welcome bonus if you downgrade within 24 months of opening your account.
