Reviews

Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: A Traveler's Guide to Rewards

Sapphire Preferred: Big bonuses & flexible rewards for $95

Rickie C. Keys, Ph.D., MPH

17 Mar 2024 — 1 min read

Features

Annual Fee: $95, striking a balance between affordability and value.
Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, equivalent to $750 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Rewards Rate: Earn between 1x and 5x points per dollar spent, with enhanced earnings on travel and dining.
Recommended Credit Score: 690-850 (Good to Excellent), ensuring accessibility for many consumers.

Benefits

Flexible Redemption Options: Redeem points for travel, transfer to partners, or cash back, maximizing value and versatility.
Bonus Categories: Earn extra points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases catering to modern spending habits.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers, enhancing the card's overall value.
Additional Perks: Includes primary rental car coverage, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and more, offering peace of mind while on the go.

Drawbacks

Annual Fee: Carries a $95 annual fee, which could offset rewards for less frequent travelers.
Reward Complexity: Multiple categories and rates can make maximizing rewards challenging.
Limited Direct Perks: Lacks some of the premium travel benefits of higher-fee cards.

Product Summary

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card stands out for its reasonable annual fee and robust rewards program, making it a favorite among travelers seeking value and versatility. Its sign-up bonus alone can offset the annual fee for several years, while the broad spectrum of bonus categories ensures that cardholders can accumulate points rapidly. Notably, points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, significantly enhancing the potential value of each point earned.

Flexibility is a key advantage of the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, with multiple redemption options, including travel, cash back, or transfer points to various airline and hotel partners. This flexibility, combined with comprehensive travel protections and no foreign transaction fees, positions the card as a top choice for those who travel domestically and internationally.

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