What To Know
- However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with a lower annual fee, then the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great choice.
- Both cards offer a 60,000-point sign-up bonus, but the Reserve card has a higher spending requirement of $4,000 compared to the Preferred card’s requirement of $3,000.
- The Preferred card has a lower annual fee and offers 2x points on dining and travel purchases, making it a better choice for everyday spending.
When it comes to premium travel rewards credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred are two of the most popular options. Both cards offer generous rewards, valuable perks, and access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program. However, they also come with different annual fees and benefits. So, which card is right for you? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the details and explore whether the Chase Sapphire Reserve is truly better than the Preferred.
Annual Fees and Benefits
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Reserve | Chase Sapphire Preferred |
| — | — | — |
| Annual Fee | $550 | $95 |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 80,000 points (after spending $4,000 in 3 months) | 60,000 points (after spending $4,000 in 3 months) |
| Points Earning | 3x on travel and dining, 1x on all other purchases | 2x on travel and dining, 1x on all other purchases |
| Travel Credits | $300 annual travel credit | None |
| Airport Lounge Access | Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership | None |
| Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit | Up to $100 every 4 years | None |
| Trip Delay Insurance | Up to $500 per ticket | Up to $300 per ticket |
| Baggage Delay Insurance | Up to $3,000 per trip | Up to $1,500 per trip |
| Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance | Up to $10,000 per trip | Up to $5,000 per trip |
Points Earning
Both cards offer competitive rewards earning rates, but the Reserve card has a slight edge. You’ll earn 3x points on travel and dining purchases, and 1x point on all other purchases. The Preferred card offers 2x points on travel and dining, and 1x point on all other purchases.
Travel Credits
One of the most valuable benefits of the Reserve card is its $300 annual travel credit. This credit can be used to offset the cost of airfare, hotels, car rentals, and more. The Preferred card does not offer any travel credits.
Airport Lounge Access
The Reserve card also includes complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, which provides access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. The Preferred card does not offer any airport lounge access.
Other Perks
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, both cards offer a variety of other perks, such as:
- No foreign transaction fees
- Chip-and-PIN technology for enhanced security
- Purchase protection
- Extended warranty protection
Which Card is Right for You?
So, which card is right for you? If you’re a frequent traveler who values airport lounge access, travel credits, and other premium benefits, then the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with a lower annual fee, then the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great choice.
Final Note: The Ultimate Choice
Ultimately, the decision of whether the Chase Sapphire Reserve is better than the Preferred depends on your individual needs and spending habits. If you’re a frequent traveler who values premium benefits, then the Reserve card is worth the higher annual fee. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, then the Preferred card is a great choice.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which card has a higher sign-up bonus?
A: Both cards offer a 60,000-point sign-up bonus, but the Reserve card has a higher spending requirement of $4,000 compared to the Preferred card‘s requirement of $3,000.
Q: Which card earns more points on travel?
A: The Reserve card earns 3x points on travel purchases, while the Preferred card earns 2x points.
Q: Which card offers airport lounge access?
A: Only the Reserve card offers complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, which provides access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
Q: Which card is better for everyday spending?
A: The Preferred card has a lower annual fee and offers 2x points on dining and travel purchases, making it a better choice for everyday spending.
Q: Which card offers better trip protection insurance?
A: The Reserve card offers more comprehensive trip protection insurance, including higher coverage limits for trip cancellation/interruption, trip delay, and baggage delay.
