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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Review: A Premium Travel Companion
February 6, 2025
What Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card stands as one of the most popular travel rewards credit cards, offering a compelling mix of benefits for frequent travelers and dining enthusiasts. This chip-enabled card has earned its reputation through a robust rewards structure and comprehensive travel protections.
New cardmembers can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. This welcome bonus alone can be worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠ for travel.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Generous welcome bonus of 60,000 points
- 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel
- 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services
- Valuable travel and purchase protection benefits
- $50 annual Chase Travel hotel credit
- DoorDash DashPass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
- Points transfer to frequent travel programs
Cons:
- $95 annual fee
- Best value requires strategic redemption
- Travel insurance requires booking through Chase
- Higher credit score requirements
Who Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card For?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is ideal for travelers who want premium benefits without a premium annual fee. It's particularly suitable for:
- Frequent travelers who book through Chase Travel
- Dining enthusiasts who enjoy restaurants and delivery services
- Those who value travel insurance and purchase protection
- People looking to maximize rewards through point transfers
- Individuals with good to excellent creditworthiness
Comparing the Chase Sapphire Preferred® With Other Credit Cards
When considering the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the mid-tier travel card category:
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card:
- Annual fee: $95
- Sign-up bonus: Large miles bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 2X miles on all purchases, 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Standout feature: Miles transferable to travel partners
American Express® Gold Card [rates & fees]:
- Annual fee: $325
- Welcome offer: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 4X points at restaurants (up to $50,000 per year, then 1X) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1X) and 3X on booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com
- Standout feature: Up to $120 dining credit and up to $120 Uber Cash annually. An Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers versatile travel rewards
- Capital One Venture provides simple, flat-rate miles earning
- American Express® Gold Card features strong dining and groceries rewards
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Consider Using Kudos
While the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers excellent benefits, maximizing your rewards can be complex. That's where Kudos comes in. This free AI-powered browser extension helps ensure you're always using the right card for every purchase, potentially multiplying your rewards up to 5X during special events.
If you're looking to get more out of your credit cards, Kudos is the best free shopping app to use when you shop online. They're currently offering $20 back after your first eligible purchase — just sign-up for free with code "GET20" and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.
Our Expert Takeaway
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card remains a standout choice in the travel rewards space. With its comprehensive travel and purchase protection, flexible redemption options through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, and valuable partnership benefits, it provides excellent value despite its modest annual fee.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card FAQ
Do Chase Sapphire Preferred® points expire?
No, your points don't expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.
Can I use digital wallet services with this card?
Yes, the card is compatible with major digital wallet platforms for convenient and secure payments.
What credit score do I need for the Chase Sapphire Preferred®?
Generally, a credit score of 700 or higher is recommended for approval.
How do I redeem my points for the best value?
Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® or eligible Pay Yourself Back® categories.
What travel protection benefits are included?
The card includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage reimbursement, travel accident insurance, and travel and emergency assistance services.
Can I combine points with other Chase cards?
Yes, you can combine points from other eligible Chase credit card accounts through the Ultimate Rewards® program.
How does the $50 annual Chase Travel hotel credit work?
The credit is automatically applied to hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel, effectively reducing your annual fee value.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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