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The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has long been a favorite among travel enthusiasts and everyday credit card users alike. Offering a combination of robust travel rewards, flexible redemption options, and valuable sign-up bonuses, the card is a staple for anyone looking to maximize the benefits of their spending.
In this review, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Chase Sapphire Preferred. We’ll break down the key features, pros and cons, fees, and how this card compares to other popular options in the travel rewards category. Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred right for you? Let’s find out.
One of the primary reasons people flock to the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is the ability to earn rewards on travel and dining. You earn 3x points on dining purchases, which includes restaurants, takeout, and delivery services. You’ll also earn 2x points on all other travel-related purchases not booked through Chase’s travel portal.
If you frequently dine out, travel, or use services like Uber Eats or DoorDash, this card offers substantial rewards. The points you earn can be redeemed for travel, transferred to airline and hotel partners, or cashed out, making it a versatile option for everyday users as well as frequent travelers.
One of the standout features of the Chase Sapphire Preferred is access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. When you redeem points for travel through the Ultimate Rewards portal, each point is worth 25% more. For instance, 60,000 points are typically worth $600, but if redeemed through Ultimate Rewards, they increase in value to $750.
Additionally, points are flexible. You can transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to one of Chase’s 14 airline or hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio, including United MileagePlus, Southwest Rapid Rewards, and World of Hyatt. This flexibility allows savvy travelers to maximize their point values by leveraging airline and hotel loyalty programs.
The 60,000-point sign-up bonus is one of the most attractive offers in the travel credit card market. To earn this, you need to spend $4,000 in the first 3 months of opening your account. This bonus can be worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards for travel. Compared to many other cards in the same tier, this is one of the higher-value bonuses available, which makes the Chase Sapphire Preferred a compelling option for those seeking maximum travel rewards.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred doesn’t just stop at rewards—it also offers premium travel and purchase protections that are typically only found on cards with higher annual fees. These include:
The $95 annual fee is fairly standard for mid-tier travel cards. Considering the extensive travel benefits, purchase protections, and rewards-earning potential, this fee is often easily offset by the card’s value for frequent travelers.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers multiple ways to redeem your points:
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is best suited for the traveler who wants to maximize rewards on everyday purchases and redeem them for travel at a good value. If you enjoy dining out, booking travel through portals, and occasionally transferring points to travel partners, this card offers a solid balance of earning potential and flexible redemptions.
If you’re considering the Chase Sapphire Preferred® but want to know how it stacks up against other cards in this category, here is a side-by-side comparison for some of its direct competitor cards:
Read our review of the American Express Gold Card here.
The American Express Gold Card offers higher points on dining and U.S. supermarket purchases, with 4x points at restaurants and 4x points on up to $25,000 per year in purchases at U.S. supermarkets. This makes it an excellent choice for frequent diners and grocery shoppers. However, the annual fee of $325 is significantly higher than the Sapphire Preferred’s $95 fee, which could be a deciding factor for some.
Additionally, while Amex Gold points can be transferred to travel partners, Chase’s Ultimate Rewards is often viewed as more flexible, especially for people who frequently book through the Chase travel portal.
Verdict: If dining and grocery rewards are your top priority, the Amex Gold Card is better. However, for a lower annual fee and strong travel protections, the Chase Sapphire Preferred may be the more well-rounded choice.
Read our review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Card here.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers 2x miles on every purchase, making it a great option for people looking for a flat-rate rewards structure. The Venture card has an annual fee of $95, the same as the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
However, the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s ability to earn 5x points on travel and 3x on dining makes it a more lucrative card for those who spend heavily in those categories. Plus, Chase Ultimate Rewards offers more flexibility than Capital One’s travel redemption options, which can make a difference for more advanced points enthusiasts.
Verdict: If you prefer a simpler rewards structure, the Capital One Venture Rewards Card might be better for you. But for those who want to maximize travel and dining rewards, Chase Sapphire Preferred edges out.
Read our review of the Citi Strata Premier Card here.
The Citi Strata Premier® Card offers 10X ThankYou points on Hotels booked through CitiTravel.com. 3x points on air travel, other hotels, gas stations, restaurants, and supermarkets, making it a strong competitor to the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Citi’s ThankYou® Points can be transferred to travel partners, but the Citi program isn’t as widely regarded as Chase’s Ultimate Rewards in terms of ease of use and flexibility.
The Citi Strata Premier also has an annual fee of $95, but lacks some of the travel protections that come standard with the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Verdict: The Citi Strata Premier offers more categories to earn bonus points on, but the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s superior travel protections and Ultimate Rewards portal make it a better choice for frequent travelers.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card continues to stand out as one of the best travel rewards cards available, especially for those who want flexibility in redeeming points. With a competitive sign-up bonus, strong rewards rates on travel and dining, and access to the versatile Chase Ultimate Rewards system, this card offers great value for its $95 annual fee.
While the Chase Sapphire Preferred may not be the absolute best choice for everyone, particularly those who prioritize everyday rewards or more niche categories, it remains an excellent option for travelers looking for a combination of rewards, flexibility, and solid benefits.
For most people, the combination of rewards on dining, travel, and the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem will easily outweigh the annual fee, making the Chase Sapphire Preferred a top contender in the travel credit card market.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or someone who enjoys dining out and maximizing rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred delivers solid value across the board.
Affiliate and Relationship Disclosure: Credit Mileage may receive compensation from affiliate links included in this post at no extra cost to you. This helps support our mission of providing quality financial education and resources. Additionally, Credit Mileage has a direct business relationship with eCreditAdvisor, which may be mentioned or linked in our content. Our opinions and recommendations remain our own, and we only promote products or services that we believe offer value to our readers. We currently do not have any credit card affiliate links on our website.
Editorial note: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of any bank, credit card company, airline, or hotel chain. None of these organizations have reviewed, approved, or endorsed the content in any way.
Legal and Financial Advice Disclosure: Credit Mileage is not a law firm, and this article is not intended to provide legal or financial advice. This information is meant purely for educational purposes. We strive to offer accurate and up-to-date information, but it is not a substitute for professional financial or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney or financial advisor before making any decisions regarding your financial situation.
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