The Chase Sapphire Preferred stands out as one of the most sought-after travel rewards credit cards on the market, combining generous earning rates with exceptional transfer partners and premium benefits. New cardholders can unlock a substantial welcome bonus while enjoying flexible redemption options that maximize the value of every point earned.
You will stay on the website
How Much Do You Earn Back?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred stands out in the rewards landscape by offering 2 points per dollar on travel and dining worldwide, categories where many cardholders naturally spend the most. This accelerated earning rate means that a modest monthly dining budget of $400 can translate to nearly 10,000 points annually, and that’s before counting bonus categories or the welcome offer. Points accumulate quickly when your everyday spending aligns with these broad, high-earning categories.
Beyond the headline categories, you’ll earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases, ensuring no transaction goes unrewarded. Chase Ultimate Rewards points are transferable to over a dozen airline and hotel partners at 1:1 ratios, or redeemable through the Chase travel portal at 1.25 cents per point, significantly boosting the effective return on every swipe. The program also carries no expiration on points as long as your account remains open, giving you the freedom to save for aspirational redemptions.
You will stay on the website
Benefits and Protections
Beyond the earning potential, the Sapphire Preferred delivers a comprehensive suite of travel and purchase protections that add measurable value to everyday spending. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance covers up to $10,000 per trip, reimbursing non-refundable expenses when unexpected events force you to change plans. Auto rental collision damage waiver provides primary coverage for theft and damage, eliminating the need for expensive insurance at the counter and offering peace of mind on domestic and international rentals alike.
Security features include $0 fraud liability on unauthorized purchases, purchase protection covering new items against damage or theft for 120 days up to $500 per claim, and extended warranty protection that adds an additional year to eligible manufacturer warranties. Baggage delay insurance reimburses essential purchases when luggage is delayed more than 6 hours, while 24/7 fraud monitoring and real-time transaction alerts help detect suspicious activity before it becomes a problem.
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Up to $10,000 per trip for covered events
Auto Rental Coverage
Primary collision damage waiver worldwide
Zero Fraud Liability
Complete protection on unauthorized charges
Purchase Protection
120 days coverage against damage and theft
Extended Warranty
Additional year on eligible warranties
Baggage Delay Insurance
Reimbursement after 6+ hour delays
You will stay on the website
How Does It Compare to Other Cards?
When evaluating premium travel rewards cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred stands out for its balanced value proposition that combines a competitive 70,000-point welcome bonus for three months with reasonable earning rates across everyday spending categories. Its $95 annual fee positions it as an accessible entry point into the Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, offering significantly more flexibility than flat-rate cashback cards while remaining more affordable than ultra-premium options with fees exceeding $500 annually.
The card’s 2X points on travel and dining make it particularly attractive for consumers who prioritize these categories, while the 25% bonus when redeeming points through Chase Travel effectively amplifies your earning power. This combination of benefits creates a compelling middle ground between entry-level rewards cards and high-tier travel cards, especially for those building toward aspirational redemptions without committing to steep annual fees or complex category structures that require constant optimization.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
| Annual Fee | $95 |
| Welcome Bonus | 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months |
| Rewards Rate | 2X points on travel & dining |
| Redemption Bonus | +25% via Chase Travel |
Chase Sapphire Reserve
| Annual Fee | $550 |
| Welcome Bonus | 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months |
| Rewards Rate | 3X points on travel & dining |
| Travel Credit | $300 annual statement credit |
Capital One SavorOne
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Welcome Bonus | $200 cash bonus after $500 spend in 3 months |
| Rewards Rate | 3% cash back on dining & entertainment |
| Redemption | Simple cash back (no transfer partners) |
You will stay on the website
Offer Details
Understanding the fine print ensures you maximize every reward. The 60,000 bonus points post to your account within 6 to 8 weeks after meeting the $4,000 spending requirement in the first 3 months, giving you flexibility to plan larger purchases or everyday expenses strategically. Only net purchases qualify—returns, balance transfers, cash advances, and fees don’t count toward the threshold, so tracking your progress through the Chase mobile app keeps you on target.
Point redemption offers exceptional versatility, with each point worth at least 1.25 cents when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards for travel, effectively boosting your 2x earning categories to 2.5% back and dining to the same rate. You can transfer points at 1:1 ratios to 14 airline and hotel partners, including United, Southwest, Hyatt, and Marriott, often unlocking even greater value. Redemptions for cash back, gift cards, or statement credits are processed within 1 to 3 business days, while travel bookings post instantly to your itinerary with no blackout dates.
The 60,000 point welcome bonus is available to applicants who have not received a new cardmember bonus on any Sapphire card (Preferred, Reserve, or the former Sapphire) in the past 48 months. You must spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months of account opening to qualify.
Current Chase cardholders may apply, but product changes from existing Sapphire cards do not qualify for the bonus. The bonus posts 6 to 8 weeks after meeting the requirement, and you must keep your account open and in good standing to retain points.
Purchases that count toward the $4,000 spending threshold and ongoing rewards include everyday transactions, online shopping, bills, subscriptions, and travel bookings. Dining and travel purchases earn 2x points, while all other eligible purchases earn 1x point per dollar.
Excluded transactions include balance transfers, cash advances, traveler’s checks, money orders, wire transfers, lottery tickets, casino gaming chips, and fees of any kind. Returns and credits reduce your purchase total, potentially delaying bonus qualification if you fall below the threshold.
Redeem points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for travel at 1.25 cents per point, effectively earning 2.5% back on dining and travel. You can also transfer points at 1:1 ratios to 14 partner programs, including United MileagePlus, Southwest Rapid Rewards, World of Hyatt, and Marriott Bonvoy, often unlocking even greater value for international flights and luxury hotel stays.
Additional options include cash back via statement credit or direct deposit (1 cent per point), gift cards, and shopping through the Ultimate Rewards portal. Points never expire as long as your account remains open, and there’s no minimum redemption amount for most options.
The variable APR ranges from 21.24% to 28.24% based on your creditworthiness, applied to any balances carried beyond the grace period. There is no intro 0% APR offer on this card—it’s designed for transactors who pay in full each month to avoid interest while maximizing rewards.
The $95 annual fee posts to your account shortly after approval and is not waived the first year. Other fees include balance transfers and cash advances at 5% (minimum $10), foreign transactions at 0% (a standout benefit for international travelers), and late payments up to $40. Paying on time and in full keeps your costs limited to the annual fee alone.
The $95 annual fee is offset quickly through everyday spending and the welcome bonus alone. Earning 2x points on dining and travel means just $4,750 in combined annual spending in those categories (redeemed at 1.25 cents per point through the portal) covers the fee, not counting the 1x points on other purchases.
Factor in benefits like trip cancellation and interruption insurance (up to $10,000 per trip), auto rental collision coverage, and purchase protection, and the card delivers value far exceeding the annual cost for travelers and diners who use it as their primary card.
You will stay on the website
Ready to Get Started?
With a comprehensive package that includes 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases within the first three months, an APR as low as 21.74% to 28.74% variable, and premium travel benefits like primary rental car insurance and trip cancellation coverage, the Chase Sapphire Preferred positions itself as a compelling option for those seeking to maximize rewards without overwhelming fees. The $95 annual fee is offset by the card’s robust earning structure and flexible redemption options through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, where points can be worth 25% more when booking travel.
Whether you’re planning your next international adventure or simply want a credit card that rewards everyday spending with 2X points on dining and travel, this card delivers measurable value. The absence of foreign transaction fees and the added layer of purchase protection and extended warranty coverage provide peace of mind that extends well beyond the initial welcome bonus, making it a strategic choice for both frequent travelers and savvy consumers alike.
Subject to credit approval. Terms and conditions apply.
For consumers who prioritize travel rewards and value flexibility in redemption, the Chase Sapphire Preferred delivers a well-rounded proposition that outpaces many competitors in its tier. While cards like the Capital One Venture Rewards offer simpler flat-rate structures, the Sapphire Preferred’s category multipliers on dining and travel spending—combined with the ability to transfer points to over a dozen airline and hotel partners—create opportunities for outsized value that justify the annual investment. Its suite of travel protections and the absence of foreign transaction fees further solidify its standing as a top-tier travel credit card for those willing to leverage its full ecosystem.
You will stay on the website