Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular travel rewards credit card known for its flexible rewards program, valuable benefits, and reasonable annual fee. It’s often recommended for individuals looking to maximize their travel rewards without committing to a high annual fee.
Key Features:
• Rewards Structure:
• Earn 5 points per $1 spent on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
• Earn 3 points per $1 spent on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out.
• Earn 3 points per $1 spent on select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs).
• Earn 2 points per $1 spent on other travel purchases.
• Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Annual Fee: $95.
• Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. These points are worth $750 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.
Additional Benefits:
• 25% More Value on Travel Redemptions: When redeeming points through Chase Travel℠, each point is worth 1.25 cents, enhancing the value of your rewards.
• $50 Annual Hotel Credit: Receive up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel℠.
• 10% Anniversary Points Bonus: Each account anniversary, earn bonus points equal to 10% of total purchases made the previous year.
• DoorDash Benefits: Complimentary DashPass membership for a minimum of one year when activated by December 31, 2027, providing $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders.
• Travel and Purchase Protections: Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, and extended warranty protection.
Pros:
• Flexible Redemption Options: Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, or transferred to various airline and hotel loyalty programs, offering versatility in how rewards are used.
• High-Value Travel Rewards: The 25% boost in point value when redeeming through Chase Travel℠ increases the overall value of earned points.
• Comprehensive Travel Protections: Offers a range of travel insurance and purchase protection benefits, providing peace of mind during trips.
Cons:
• Annual Fee: While modest compared to premium travel cards, the $95 annual fee may not be justifiable for infrequent travelers.
• No Premium Travel Perks: Lacks benefits such as airport lounge access or statement credits for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fees, which are available with some higher-tier travel cards.
• Complex Rewards Structure: Multiple bonus categories and redemption options may require active management to maximize rewards.
Considerations:
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is well-suited for individuals who travel occasionally and seek a balance between valuable rewards and a manageable annual fee. Its flexible redemption options and travel protections make it a strong contender in the travel rewards card market. However, those seeking premium travel perks or who prefer a simpler rewards structure might explore other options.