The Chase Sapphire Preferred is often considered one of the best mid-tier travel credit cards available in the United States. With a strong welcome bonus, flexible point redemption options, and solid travel and dining rewards, it appeals to a wide range of consumers from frequent flyers to occasional travelers. While it comes with an annual fee, the benefits offered often outweigh the cost for many users. Understanding whether the Chase Sapphire Preferred is worth it depends on your spending habits, travel goals, and preferences regarding point value and redemption flexibility.
Overview of the Chase Sapphire Preferred
What Type of Card Is It?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a travel rewards credit card issued by JPMorgan Chase. It falls into the mid-tier category, positioned between basic no-fee cards and premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve. It is designed for people who want to earn rewards on travel and dining without paying a high annual fee.
Annual Fee and Interest Rates
This card has a $95 annual fee, which is considered reasonable for the benefits it offers. The variable APR typically ranges from around 21.24% to 28.24%, depending on your creditworthiness. While the APR is on par with other travel cards, it’s best to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
Welcome Bonus and Earning Potential
Generous Sign-Up Bonus
One of the biggest attractions of the Chase Sapphire Preferred is its welcome offer. New cardholders can often earn 60,000 to 80,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening. Depending on how you redeem these points, the bonus can be worth $750 or more in travel value when booked through Chase’s travel portal.
Reward Earning Categories
The card offers accelerated earning in several key categories:
- 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services and takeout
- 3x points on select streaming services
- 2x points on all other travel purchases
- 1x point on all other purchases
These rates make it a solid option for individuals who frequently dine out or travel.
Point Redemption and Travel Flexibility
Chase Ultimate Rewards Program
The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, known for its flexibility and value. Points can be redeemed in several ways:
- Travel bookings through Chase’s portal (points are worth 25% more)
- Transfers to travel partners (e.g., United, Southwest, Hyatt, Marriott)
- Statement credits or cash back
- Gift cards and Amazon purchases
The best value is typically achieved when points are transferred to airline and hotel partners. For example, transferring 60,000 points to Hyatt can result in hotel stays worth $1,000 or more depending on location and season.
Travel Partners
Chase’s list of transfer partners includes:
- Airlines: United, Southwest, British Airways, Air France/KLM, Emirates, JetBlue, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
- Hotels: Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG Rewards Club
Transfers are typically at a 1: 1 ratio and are generally processed quickly, giving cardholders great flexibility and value in planning trips.
Travel and Purchase Protections
Built-In Insurance and Coverage
The Chase Sapphire Preferred includes multiple travel protections that can be highly valuable in emergencies or when travel plans go wrong:
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance (up to $10,000 per person)
- Primary Rental Car Insurance
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement
- Trip Delay Reimbursement
- Travel Accident Insurance
In addition, the card offers purchase protection for new items, extended warranty coverage, and fraud protection, which adds peace of mind to everyday purchases.
Who Should Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred?
Ideal Candidates
This card is well-suited for:
- Individuals who travel occasionally or frequently
- People who spend significantly on dining and streaming services
- Users looking for flexible travel points with premium transfer options
- Cardholders who want strong travel protection benefits without a high fee
It’s especially attractive to users new to travel rewards who want a balanced card without diving into higher-fee alternatives.
Credit Score Needed
Approval generally requires good to excellent credit. A FICO score of 700 or above improves your chances, though some applicants have been approved with slightly lower scores if they have a strong credit profile overall.
Pros and Cons of Chase Sapphire Preferred
Advantages
- High-value sign-up bonus
- Bonus rewards on popular spending categories
- Flexible and valuable point redemption options
- Strong travel insurance and protections
- 1: 1 point transfers to travel partners
Drawbacks
- $95 annual fee
- No airport lounge access
- No introductory 0% APR offer
- Lower reward rates on non-bonus spending
While the card lacks a few luxury features found in premium travel cards, its overall value still positions it as a top choice for travelers.
Comparison with Chase Sapphire Reserve
Which One Should You Choose?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred’s older sibling, the Sapphire Reserve, offers more premium features such as lounge access, higher earning rates, and a 50% boost in travel redemption value through Chase Ultimate Rewards. However, it comes with a hefty $550 annual fee.
For those who travel frequently and value luxury perks, the Reserve might be a better choice. But for most casual to moderate travelers, the Preferred provides excellent value at a fraction of the cost.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a top-tier travel credit card for individuals who want to earn valuable rewards without paying premium fees. Its combination of a generous welcome bonus, solid earning potential, and flexible redemption options makes it especially appealing to new and intermediate points enthusiasts. With strong travel protections and no foreign transaction fees, it is a reliable companion for both domestic and international travel. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long overseas trip, the Chase Sapphire Preferred can help you make the most of your everyday spending and travel goals.