What To Know
- The Reserve card requires a good to excellent credit score, while the Sapphire Preferred has a lower credit score requirement.
- Whether or not the switch from the Sapphire Preferred to the Reserve is worth it depends on your individual circumstances.
- Can I keep my Sapphire Preferred points if I switch to the Reserve card.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® are two of the most popular premium travel credit cards on the market. Both cards offer valuable perks and benefits, but the Reserve card offers a more comprehensive suite of features and a higher annual fee. If you’re considering upgrading from the Sapphire Preferred to the Reserve, you’ll want to know if you can make the switch easily.
The Short Answer: Yes, You Can Switch
Yes, you can switch from the Chase Sapphire Preferred to the Reserve. The process is relatively simple and can be done online or over the phone. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you make the switch.
Factors to Consider Before Switching
1. Annual Fee: The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a significantly higher annual fee than the Sapphire Preferred. Make sure you’re prepared to pay the increased cost before making the switch.
2. Travel Habits: The Reserve card offers more extensive travel benefits, such as airport lounge access, travel insurance, and a higher earning rate on travel purchases. If you travel frequently, the Reserve card may be worth the extra cost.
3. Credit Score: The Reserve card has a higher credit score requirement than the Sapphire Preferred. Make sure your credit score is good before applying for the Reserve card.
How to Switch from Sapphire Preferred to Reserve
1. Online:
- Log in to your Chase account.
- Click on the “Cards” tab.
- Select your Sapphire Preferred card.
- Click on the “More Actions” button.
- Select “Switch to a Different Card.”
- Choose the Sapphire Reserve card.
- Follow the prompts to complete the application.
2. Over the Phone:
- Call Chase customer service at 1-800-432-3117.
- Tell the representative that you want to switch from the Sapphire Preferred to the Reserve.
- Provide your account information and personal details.
- The representative will guide you through the application process.
Benefits of Switching to the Reserve Card
- Airport Lounge Access: The Reserve card grants you access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
- Travel Insurance: The Reserve card provides trip cancellation and interruption insurance, lost luggage insurance, and rental car insurance.
- Higher Earning Rate: The Reserve card earns 3x points on travel and dining purchases, compared to 2x points on the Sapphire Preferred.
- Metal Card: The Reserve card is made of metal, giving it a more premium feel.
- Priority Pass Membership: The Reserve card includes a complimentary Priority Pass membership, which grants you access to even more airport lounges.
Downsides of Switching to the Reserve Card
- Higher Annual Fee: The Reserve card has an annual fee of $550, compared to $95 for the Sapphire Preferred.
- Higher Credit Score Requirement: The Reserve card requires a good to excellent credit score, while the Sapphire Preferred has a lower credit score requirement.
- Less Flexibility: The Reserve card has more restrictions on how you can use your points compared to the Sapphire Preferred.
Is the Switch Worth It?
Whether or not the switch from the Sapphire Preferred to the Reserve is worth it depends on your individual circumstances. If you travel frequently and value airport lounge access and travel insurance, the Reserve card may be worth the extra cost. However, if you don’t travel as often or don’t need the extra perks, the Sapphire Preferred may be a better option.
Alternative Options
If you’re not sure whether the Reserve card is right for you, there are other premium travel credit cards to consider:
- American Express Platinum Card: Offers similar benefits to the Reserve card, but with a higher annual fee.
- Citi Prestige Card: Offers a wide range of travel benefits, including airport lounge access, travel insurance, and a 3x earning rate on dining and travel purchases.
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: The most premium travel credit card on the market, with a host of exclusive benefits and a hefty annual fee.
Information You Need to Know
1. Can I keep my Sapphire Preferred points if I switch to the Reserve card?
Yes, you can keep your Sapphire Preferred points if you switch to the Reserve card. Your points will be automatically transferred to your Reserve account.
2. Will my credit score be affected if I switch to the Reserve card?
Applying for a new credit card can temporarily lower your credit score. However, if you have a good credit history, your score should recover quickly.
3. Can I downgrade from the Reserve card to the Sapphire Preferred card?
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 the Reserve card.
