The best choice in 2025? Let’s break down its latest benefits, drawbacks, and whether it fits your spending habits.">Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has been a top travel rewards card for years, offering great value for a reasonable $95 annual fee. But is it still the best choice in 2025? Let’s break down its latest benefits, drawbacks and whether it fits your spending habits.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – Overview
The credit-cards/chase-sapphire-preferred">Chase Sapphire Preferred is a mid-tier travel rewards card designed for those who want strong travel perks without the high cost of premium cards.
Key Features & Benefits (2025)
- Annual Fee: $95
- Variable APR: 21.49%–28.49% (based on creditworthiness)
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months (worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel)
- No Foreign Transaction Fees – Perfect for international travelers
- Flexible Redemption: Use points for travel, cash back, gift cards, or transfer to airline and hotel partners
Earning Points with Chase Sapphire Preferred
Bonus Categories (2025):
- 5x points on travel purchases through Chase Travel
- 3x points on dining, streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs)
- 2x points on all other travel purchases
- 1x points on everything else
💡 Pro Tip: Pair this card with the Chase Freedom Flex® or Chase Freedom Unlimited® to earn even more rewards on everyday spending.
Redeeming Your Points: Why Chase Sapphire Preferred Stands Out
1. 25% More Value for Travel
When you book through Chase Travel, your points are worth 1.25 cents each, making redemptions even more valuable.
2. 1:1 Transfers to Travel Partners
Chase points can be transferred to 14+ airline and hotel programs, including:
✈️ United MileagePlus, Southwest Rapid Rewards, JetBlue TrueBlue
🏨 World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG One Rewards
3. Cashback & Other Redemption Options
You can also redeem points for statement credits, gift cards, and cash back (though travel redemptions provide the best value).
Additional Travel Perks
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Up to $10,000 per person, per trip
- Primary Auto Rental Insurance: This covers rental car collision damage when you decline the agency’s coverage
- Baggage Delay & Lost Luggage Insurance: Up to $100 per day for five days if baggage is delayed
- Travel & Emergency Assistance Services
💡 Why it matters: Unlike many travel cards, Chase Sapphire Preferred offers primary rental car coverage, saving you money on insurance.
Drawbacks to Consider
❌ $95 Annual Fee: While affordable, some travelers may prefer a no-fee card
❌ High Credit Score Required: Typically requires a 700+ credit score
❌ Limited Bonus Categories: No gas or general retail store rewards
Recent Updates & Changes for 2025
✔️ $50 Annual Hotel Credit – Get $50 in statement credits when booking hotels through Chase Travel
✔️ New Streaming & Dining Bonus – Earn 3x points on popular services like Netflix, Hulu, and more
🚨 Lyft Benefit Expired – The 5x points on Lyft rides ended in March 2025
Who Should Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred?
✅ Best for:
✔️ Frequent Travelers – Earn 5x points on travel and 2x on other travel purchases
✔️ Chase Ultimate Rewards Enthusiasts – Maximizes point value when paired with other Chase cards
✔️ Dining & Streaming Spenders – Earn 3x points on these everyday expenses
❌ Not ideal for:
✘ Those who don’t travel often or prefer cash-back rewards
✘ Those who want premium perks like lounge access (consider Chase Sapphire Reserve® instead)
Final Verdict: Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Worth It in 2025?
✔️ Yes! If you travel at least once a year, the credit-cards/chase-sapphire-preferred">Chase Sapphire Preferred card easily pays for itself through its welcome bonus and ongoing rewards. The 60,000-point sign-up bonus alone is worth $750 in travel, making it one of the best entry-level travel credit cards.
However, if you prefer cash-back rewards or want airport lounge access, other cards might be a better fit.
💳 Bottom Line: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® remains one of the best travel credit cards in 2025, offering great rewards, flexible redemption options, and solid travel protections—all at a reasonable $95 annual fee.
