Maximize Your Travel Rewards: Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Is a Must-Have!
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The Chase Sapphire Preferred
Card is a go-to option for anyone looking to rack up travel rewards. It strikes a nice balance with solid rewards, flexible ways to use points, and decent travel protections — all for a reasonable annual fee. Let’s break down what makes this card appealing, including the benefits for new members and how to get the most bang for your buck.
Welcome Offer Breakdown
One of the coolest perks right off the bat is the welcome bonus. If you’re a new cardholder, you can snag 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months after opening your account.
How Much Are Those Points Worth?
When you're looking at a sign-up bonus, remember it's not just about the number of points. Those 75,000 Ultimate Rewards
points can really add up:- If you redeem them for cash back, they’re worth about 1 cent each.
- Book travel through the Chase Travel portal, and you can get 1.25 cents per point.
- The "Points Boost" feature can also increase value for certain flights and hotels.
- Transferring points to airline or hotel partners can amp up the value even more.
Earning Points: Get More for Your Spending
This card is designed to help you earn points in categories where you likely spend the most.
- You’ll earn 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel.
- Get 3x points on dining, online grocery (with some exceptions), and selected streaming services.
- Enjoy 2x points on any general travel purchases outside the Chase portal.
- You'll earn 1 point per dollar on everything else.
- Plus, you can snag a 10% Anniversary Points Bonus based on how much you spend each year.
- For a limited time, earn 5x points on qualifying Lyft rides until September 30, 2027.
- You can also get 5x points on eligible Peloton purchases over $150 until December 31, 2027.
The Cost and Perks Breakdown
The annual fee for the Chase Sapphire Preferred
Card is $95, but there are some benefits that can offset this cost if you use the card often.- You get a $50 annual hotel credit for bookings made through Chase Travel.
- There are no foreign transaction fees, which can save you a chunk of cash when traveling abroad (like $150 on $5,000 spent).
- If you activate by 2027, you’ll receive a complimentary DashPass for you and any authorized users.
- You also get a monthly $10 DoorDash credit on non-restaurant orders if you're a DashPass member until December 2027.
Flexible Rewards and Travel Protections
What really sets the Chase Sapphire Preferred
Card apart is how flexible its rewards are.- Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio to various travel loyalty programs.
- So, 1,000 Chase points equal 1,000 points or miles with partner programs.
- Some of the key airline partners include Aer Lingus, Air Canada, United, Southwest, and Virgin Atlantic.
- You’ll also find major hotel partners like IHG Rewards Club, Marriott Bonvoy, and World of Hyatt.
- This flexibility lets you book premium travel for way fewer points, which is a huge perk.
Travel Protections to Keep You Covered
Using this card to book your trips unlocks a variety of insurance benefits to give you peace of mind when you’re on the road:
- Primary Auto Rental Coverage: Collision and theft coverage up to $60,000.
- Trip Cancellation Insurance: Up to $10,000 reimbursement for nonrefundable expenses.
- Trip Delay Reimbursement: $500 for unreimbursed expenses if your trip is delayed by more than 12 hours.
- Baggage Delay Insurance: $100 daily for essentials if your baggage is delayed by more than six hours.
- Purchase Protection: Covers theft or damage for 120 days and extends warranties by one year.
Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Right for You?
Overall, the Chase Sapphire Preferred
Card is a standout option in the mid-tier travel rewards category. It’s perfect for those who love dining out and traveling, offering good returns for its $95 annual fee. It works especially well if you pair it with other Chase cards to create what’s known as the "Chase Trifecta." This card fits the bill for both newbies and seasoned travelers who want a simple rewards system without the hefty fees of some premium cards, such as the $795 Chase Sapphire Reserve. With flexible points, it’s no wonder it’s a favorite among rewards fans, keeping it popular in the travel rewards scene. -
Hey @Caleb , If you’ve previously earned a Sapphire card bonus, you may not qualify again due to issuer restrictions. Check eligibility, terms, and spending requirements carefully. If you are eligible, the 75,000 points can offer strong value, especially for travel rewards.