Dreaming of exotic destinations and unforgettable adventures? Chasing those travel dreams can be easier with the right credit card rewards program. Chase Ultimate Rewards is a frontrunner in this arena, offering cardholders a flexible and valuable way to earn and redeem points for travel.
This guide explores two of Chase's best travel reward cards: the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Experienced Users
60,000 Points
Chase Ultimate Rewards Program
At the heart of these cards lies the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. By using your Chase card for everyday purchases, you accumulate points redeemable for various rewards, with travel being a major perk. Here's what makes Ultimate Rewards so attractive for travel enthusiasts:
- Earning Power: Chase cards offer tiered points earning. You'll typically earn at least 1 point per dollar spent, with bonus points in specific categories like travel and dining.
- Transfer Partners: The program boasts a vast network of travel transfer partners, including airlines and hotels. This allows you to transfer your points to these partners' loyalty programs and potentially unlock even greater value for award flights and hotel stays.
- Ultimate Rewards Travel Portal: Redeem your points directly through Chase's travel portal for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. You can often enjoy increased point value when booking through the portal.
Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel rewards card offering a luxurious benefits package. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
- Annual Fee: $550 (waived for the first year)
- Sign-up Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Travel Perks: Enjoy complimentary Priority Pass Select membership granting access to airport lounges worldwide. A Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit of up to $85 is included each year.
- Other Benefits: Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, travel credit for airport lounge fees, and statement credits for DoorDash and Instacart DashPass memberships.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card caters to a broader audience seeking a versatile travel rewards card with a moderate annual fee. Let's explore its offerings:
- Annual Fee: $95
- Sign-up Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Travel Perks: Earn 2x points on travel and dining and enjoy statement credits for travel purchases through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. This card doesn't offer airport lounge access or Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit.
- Comparison with Reserve Card: While lacking the premium travel perks of the Reserve card, the Preferred card comes with a significantly lower annual fee, making it a more budget-friendly option for frequent travelers who value points for travel booked through Chase.
Statement Credits and Ultimate Rewards Redemption
There are two main ways to redeem your Chase Ultimate Rewards points for travel rewards:
- Statement Credits: Use your points to directly offset travel purchases made on your card. This offers a redemption value of 1 cent per point.
- Ultimate Rewards Travel Portal: Redeem points for travel booked through the Chase portal. Here, you can often unlock enhanced value, with points sometimes worth more than 1 cent each, especially on premium travel options.
By understanding the Chase Ultimate Rewards program and the benefits offered by the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® cards, you can choose the option that best aligns with your travel goals and budget. With the right card in hand, you can turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel experiences.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® vs Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase offers two different Sapphire credit cards: the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve. Both of these cards provide generous bonuses and perks, but which one is best for you?
