What To Know
- The Reserve card offers a higher earning rate on dining and travel, but the Preferred card earns 2x points on streaming services, a category not included in the Reserve’s bonus categories.
- The Reserve card offers a substantial annual travel credit and access to airport lounges, making it a valuable asset for frequent travelers.
- Ideal for value-oriented travelers who seek a card with a low annual fee and a focus on dining and streaming rewards.
In the realm of travel rewards credit cards, Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve stand as two titans. Both offer an array of lucrative benefits, but which one is best suited for your spending habits and travel goals? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricacies of each card to help you make an informed decision.
Earning Rewards
Chase Sapphire Preferred:
- 2x points on dining, travel, and select streaming services
- 1x point on all other purchases
Chase Sapphire Reserve:
- 3x points on dining, travel, and select streaming services
- 1x point on all other purchases
- 10x points on Lyft rides
The Reserve card offers a higher earning rate on dining and travel, but the Preferred card earns 2x points on streaming services, a category not included in the Reserve’s bonus categories.
Redemption Options
Both cards offer flexible redemption options, including:
- Travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards portal or partners
- Cash back
- Gift cards
- Pay Yourself Back with Ultimate Rewards points
The Reserve card offers additional redemption options, such as:
- Pay for airfare, hotels, and car rentals with points through Chase Travel (1.5 cents per point value)
- Transfer points to select airline and hotel loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio
Travel Benefits
Chase Sapphire Preferred:
- No annual travel credit
- Primary rental car collision damage waiver
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
Chase Sapphire Reserve:
- $300 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass Select membership for airport lounge access
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance with higher coverage limits
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
The Reserve card offers a substantial annual travel credit and access to airport lounges, making it a valuable asset for frequent travelers.
Lounge Access
Chase Sapphire Preferred:
- No complimentary lounge access
Chase Sapphire Reserve:
- Priority Pass Select membership for access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
Lounge access is a key differentiator between the two cards. The Reserve card offers complimentary access to Priority Pass lounges, while the Preferred card does not.
Annual Fees
Chase Sapphire Preferred: $95
Chase Sapphire Reserve: $550
The Reserve card has a significantly higher annual fee than the Preferred card. However, its additional benefits may outweigh the cost for frequent travelers.
Which Card is Right for You?
Choosing between the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve depends on your individual needs and spending habits.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: Ideal for value-oriented travelers who seek a card with a low annual fee and a focus on dining and streaming rewards.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Excellent for frequent travelers who prioritize lounge access, a high earning rate on travel, and comprehensive travel benefits.
Additional Considerations
Credit Score: Both cards require a good to excellent credit score (700+).
Sign-Up Bonus: Both cards offer sign-up bonuses of 60,000 points after meeting minimum spending requirements.
Foreign Transaction Fees: Neither card charges foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international travel.
Conclusion: Weighing the Pros and Cons
The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve cards offer unique benefits tailored to different travel needs. While the Preferred card is more budget-friendly, the Reserve card provides a premium travel experience. Ultimately, the best card for you depends on your spending habits, travel frequency, and budget.
FAQ
1. Which card earns more rewards on travel and dining?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3x points on dining and travel, while the Preferred earns 2x points.
2. Which card offers lounge access?
Only the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers Priority Pass Select membership for airport lounge access.
3. Which card has a higher annual fee?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a $550 annual fee, while the Preferred has a $95 annual fee.
4. Which card is better for value-oriented travelers?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a lower annual fee and a focus on dining and streaming rewards.
5. Which card is better for frequent travelers?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a $300 annual travel credit, lounge access, and comprehensive travel benefits.
