Chase Sapphire Preferred® Review: The Ultimate Travel Rewards Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Score Requirement

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How Do You Qualify for the Chase Sapphire Preferred?

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To qualify for the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you'll generally need a good to excellent credit score, typically in the range of 670 or higher. Keep in mind that approval also depends on other factors like income and credit history. Applying through Kudos can streamline this process and potentially offer additional benefits.

^{Kudos credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.}

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The Chase 5/24 Rule

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Chase has an unofficial policy known as the 5/24 rule, which means if you've opened 5 or more credit cards (from any issuer) in the past 24 months, your application will likely be denied. Consider your recent credit history before applying for the Sapphire Preferred.

Redeeming Chase Sapphire Preferred Rewards

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One of the standout features of the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the flexibility and value of its rewards program. Here are some of the best ways to redeem your hard-earned Chase Ultimate Rewards points:

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1. Book travel through Chase Travel℠, where points are worth 25% more (and up to 1.5 cents each with Points Boost on select rotating hotel and flight offers). There are no blackout dates through Chase Travel℠.
2. Transfer points to travel partners like United, Southwest, Hyatt, and Marriott for potentially even higher value. Note that as of October 1, 2026, points transfer to World of Hyatt at a 4:3 ratio (1,000 Ultimate Rewards points equal 750 Hyatt points) rather than 1:1.
3. Cash back at a rate of 1 cent per point
4. Gift cards and merchandise (though usually not the best value)

How To Maximize Your Chase Sapphire Preferred Benefits

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To get the most out of your Chase Sapphire Preferred, follow these tips:

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1. Use your card for 3x on dining, select streaming services, online groceries (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), and gas and EV charging, along with 1x on all other purchases
2. Take advantage of the DoorDash DashPass benefit for food delivery savings
3. Use the Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS credit to offset your application fee every four years
4. When redeeming points, compare the value of different options like booking through Chase Travel℠ vs. transferring to partners
5. Combine points with other eligible Chase cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited®. Chase Freedom Flex® or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card for even more earning potential
6. Use your card's travel protections by charging flights, hotels, and other travel to your Sapphire Preferred

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Card Comparisons

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Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve®

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "510", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Travel Protections", "headerHint" : "LUXURIOUS PERKS" } ]]

^{Points are not earned until after the first $300 is spent annually on travel purchases. The first $300 goes toward the $300 Annual Travel Credit.}

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Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "438", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Flexible Rewards", "headerHint" : "VERSATILE TRAVEL" } ]]

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Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. American Express® Gold Card

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "118", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "3", "bestForText": "Dining Rewards", "headerHint" : "TRAVEL REWARDS FOR FOODIES" } ]]

^{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 vary by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Widely Accepted for International Travel?

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The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a Visa credit card, which means it is accepted at millions of locations worldwide. Visa has a much broader acceptance network compared to American Express and Discover, so you'll rarely encounter issues using your Chase Sapphire Preferred both in the U.S. and abroad. Plus, the card has no foreign transaction fees, making it an ideal card to swipe abroad.

Can You Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred If You Don't Live in the United States?

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Currently, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is only available to residents of the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. If you live outside these areas, you won't be able to apply for the card. However, if you're a U.S. citizen living abroad, you may still be eligible as long as you have a U.S. address and SSN. It's best to check with Chase directly for your specific situation.

Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Worth It?

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For frequent travelers, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is absolutely worth considering. Its generous rewards rates, valuable sign-up bonus, and comprehensive travel protections make it a top contender among travel rewards credit cards. Plus, the reasonable annual fee of $95 is easily justified if you take advantage of the card's benefits.

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However, if you're a more occasional traveler or prefer simplicity, a no-annual-fee cash back credit card like the Chase Freedom Flex® might be a better fit. And if you're a true road warrior who wants the most premium perks, the Chase Sapphire Reserve or another high-end travel card like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card could be worth the higher annual fee.

The Bottom Line

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The Chase Sapphire Preferred has always offered exceptional value for frequent travelers seeking to maximize rewards without a premium annual fee. As far as travel rewards cards are concerned, this card is an absolute must-have.