What To Know
- Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with a metal card, while Chase Sapphire Preferred comes with a plastic card.
- If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with a lower annual fee and still want to earn rewards on travel and dining, Chase Sapphire Preferred may be a better choice.
- If you’re on a budget and don’t travel as often, Chase Sapphire Preferred may offer a better value.
When it comes to premium credit cards, Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred are two of the most popular options on the market. Both cards offer attractive benefits for frequent travelers, but which one is truly better? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key features, perks, and drawbacks of each card to help you make an informed decision.
Annual Fee
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: $550
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: $95
The annual fee for Chase Sapphire Reserve is significantly higher than that of Chase Sapphire Preferred. However, the value of the card’s benefits may outweigh the cost for frequent travelers.
Sign-Up Bonus
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points
Both cards offer a generous sign-up bonus of 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points. These points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, or gift cards.
Travel Rewards
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: 3x points on travel and dining
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: 2x points on travel and dining
Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a higher earning rate on travel and dining purchases than Chase Sapphire Preferred. However, Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a broader range of travel partners for redeeming points.
Lounge Access
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Priority Pass Select membership
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: No lounge access
Chase Sapphire Reserve provides complimentary access to Priority Pass Select lounges, which offer amenities such as free Wi-Fi, snacks, and beverages. Chase Sapphire Preferred does not offer lounge access.
Travel Insurance
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Comprehensive travel insurance
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: Limited travel insurance
Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a wide range of travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay insurance, and baggage delay insurance. Chase Sapphire Preferred offers more limited travel insurance benefits.
Dining Perks
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: $300 annual dining credit
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: No dining credit
Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a $300 annual dining credit that can be used at restaurants worldwide. Chase Sapphire Preferred does not offer a dining credit.
Other Features
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement: Chase Sapphire Reserve reimburses the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, while Chase Sapphire Preferred does not.
- Sapphire Reserve card: Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with a metal card, while Chase Sapphire Preferred comes with a plastic card.
- Points transfer partners: Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a wider range of points transfer partners than Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Which Card is Right for You?
The best card for you depends on your individual needs and travel habits. If you’re a frequent traveler who values lounge access, travel insurance, and dining perks, Chase Sapphire Reserve may be a better option. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with a lower annual fee and still want to earn rewards on travel and dining, Chase Sapphire Preferred may be a better choice.
Summary: Elevate Your Travel with the Perfect Choice
Whether you choose Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred, you’ll enjoy a premium credit card experience that will enhance your travels. Consider your travel needs, budget, and preferences to make the best decision for your lifestyle.
Questions You May Have
1. Which card offers better value for money?
It depends on your individual spending habits and travel frequency. If you travel frequently and value lounge access and travel insurance, Chase Sapphire Reserve may be a better value. If you’re on a budget and don’t travel as often, Chase Sapphire Preferred may offer a better value.
2. Can I earn Ultimate Rewards points with both cards?
Yes, you can earn Ultimate Rewards points with both Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred. The points can be combined and redeemed for travel, cash back, or gift cards.
3. Which card has a higher credit limit?
The credit limit for both Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred varies depending on your creditworthiness. However, Chase Sapphire Reserve typically offers higher credit limits than Chase Sapphire Preferred.
4. Can I use my Chase Sapphire points to book flights on any airline?
Yes, you can use your Chase Sapphire points to book flights on any airline through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. You can also transfer points to airline loyalty programs for greater redemption flexibility.
5. What is the difference between Priority Pass and LoungeKey?
Priority Pass and LoungeKey are two different airport lounge access programs. Chase Sapphire Reserve offers Priority Pass Select membership, which provides access to a wider range of lounges than LoungeKey, which is offered by Chase Sapphire Preferred.
