The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers premium travel benefits including lounge access, hotel elite status, and multiple statement credits that can offset its $795 annual fee. With bonus earnings on travel and dining purchases plus the ability to transfer points to 14 airline and hotel partners, this card delivers strong value for frequent travelers who can maximize its benefits.
This credit card review will cover everything you need to know about this card to determine if you should add this card or a different card to your wallet. Let’s dive right in.
Welcome Bonus
The Chase Sapphire Reserve currently offers the following welcome bonus:
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Several eligibility restrictions apply to this welcome bonus. You can’t receive the bonus if you currently hold this card or any other Sapphire card. Chase may also deny the bonus if you’ve previously earned it on this same card, though enforcement of this rule varies. The issuer will additionally consider factors like your recent card application history when determining bonus eligibility.
Before applying, Chase will display a pop-up message indicating whether you’re eligible for the welcome bonus. This helpful feature removes the guesswork and lets you know upfront if you qualify for this valuable offer.
Earning Points
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a powerhouse when it comes to earning rewards points, particularly in the travel and dining categories. Here’s a breakdown of the bonus points you can earn:
The revamped Sapphire Reserve delivers exceptional value for Chase Travel bookings with its industry-leading 8x points earning rate, making it particularly attractive if you’re comfortable booking through their portal.
While the 4x points on direct flight and hotel bookings represents solid value, you’ll find better earning rates on several transferable points cards that offer 5x on airfare.
The 3x dining category remains competitive but not class-leading, as cards like the American Express Gold offer 4x points at restaurants. For everyday spending outside bonus categories, you’d be better served pairing this card with the Chase Freedom Unlimited to earn 1.5x points rather than the standard 1x rate.
Annual Fee
The Chase Sapphire Reserve carries a hefty $795 annual fee, making it one of the most expensive premium travel cards on the market. However, the card offers numerous benefits that can help offset this cost, including a $300 annual travel credit, up to $500 in hotel credits, $300 in dining credits, $300 in entertainment credits, DoorDash benefits, Apple subscription benefits, and comprehensive lounge access. If you maximize these perks, you can potentially receive over $2,000 in annual value, making the effective cost much more reasonable for frequent travelers.
The card charges $195 for each authorized user you add. These additional cardholders receive their own Priority Pass membership with access to 1,700+ lounges worldwide, Chase Sapphire Lounge access, and Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge access when flying Star Alliance airlines.
Sapphire Reserve Benefits
The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers the following benefits: Annual Credits: The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers up to $300 in automatic statement credits for travel purchases each year. This credit applies to a wide range of travel expenses including flights, hotels, rideshares, parking, and more, making it incredibly easy to use without any registration required. Hotel Credits: You can earn up to $500 annually in hotel booking credits when you book through The Edit by Chase Travel. These credits are distributed as $250 every six months and require minimum two-night stays with pay-now bookings at luxury properties. Dining Credits: The card provides up to $300 yearly in dining statement credits at select restaurants in major cities. You receive $150 credits twice per year, though the participating restaurant list is limited to specific establishments in key metropolitan areas. Entertainment Credits: You’ll get up to $300 in annual credits for concert and event tickets through StubHub and Viagogo. The credits are split into $150 amounts every six months, making it easy to cover entertainment expenses for shows and sporting events. DoorDash Benefits: Cardholders receive up to $300 in annual DoorDash credits plus a complimentary DashPass membership worth up to $120 per year. The monthly credits include $5 for restaurant orders and two $10 credits for groceries and retail purchases. Apple Services: You can get complimentary Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions valued at up to $250 annually. This benefit covers both streaming services and remains active through June 2027 with proper activation. Lyft Credits: The card offers up to $120 in annual Lyft credits distributed as $10 monthly credits. These credits apply to various ride types, including Standard, Extra Comfort, XL, Black, and Black SUV options. Lounge Access: Cardholders enjoy Priority Pass membership with access to over 1,700 lounges worldwide, plus two complimentary guests per visit. You’ll also get unlimited access to Chase Sapphire Lounges and select Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges when flying Star Alliance airlines. IHG Status: You automatically receive IHG One Rewards Platinum elite status through December 2027. This status includes 60% bonus points on stays, complimentary room upgrades when available, early check-in, and late checkout privileges. Enhanced Benefits: After spending $75,000 annually, you unlock additional perks including IHG Diamond status, Southwest A-List status, a $500 Southwest flight credit, and $250 in credits for The Shops at Chase marketplace. Global Entry / TSA PreCheck / Nexus Credit: Receive an application fee credit of up to $120 every four years for either TSA PreCheck (expedited airport security), Global Entry (expedited airport security and customs), or NEXUS (expedited crossing between the US and Canada)for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®. These trusted traveler programs can save you time and hassle at the airport. No Foreign Transaction Fees: You’ll save money on every purchase while traveling internationally since this card doesn’t add the typical 3% surcharge that many other cards impose. Trip Delay Insurance: When your trip is significantly delayed due to covered reasons like equipment failures or severe weather, this protection reimburses you for reasonable expenses including lodging, meals, toiletries, and medication. The coverage activates when you pay for travel with your card and extends to family members on the same itinerary, though you’ll need to seek reimbursement from the travel carrier first. Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance: This protection reimburses you for non-refundable, prepaid travel expenses if you need to cancel before departure or cut your trip short due to covered situations like severe illness or weather events. Coverage activates when you pay for your trip with the card, but it’s important to note that reimbursement only applies for specific covered reasons rather than any cancellation. Primary Rental Car Insurance: When you rent a car and pay with this card, you’ll receive comprehensive coverage including damage and theft protection. Simply decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver and charge the entire rental to your card to activate coverage. This insurance covers damage, theft, and valid loss-of-use charges worldwide. Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Your checked luggage gets extra protection against loss, theft, or damage beyond the basic compensation offered by carriers when you pay for travel with this card. Baggage Delay Insurance: Missing luggage doesn’t have to derail your trip – this coverage steps in to reimburse you for essential purchases when your checked bags are delayed by airlines, trains, or other carriers. You can grab the necessities you need, from a fresh outfit to personal care items, while waiting for your bags to arrive. Roadside Dispatch: Get access to 24/7 emergency roadside assistance for situations like dead batteries, flat tires, fuel delivery, and mechanical breakdowns. While you’ll need to pay for the actual service provided, having access to reliable help when stranded can be invaluable. 120-Day Purchase Protection: Get 120 days of protection against damage, theft, and even loss of your purchases – one of the longest windows available. This premium coverage automatically applies when you pay with your card. Extended Warranty Protection: Your purchases gain an extra year of warranty protection when bought with this card, extending manufacturer warranties of three years or less without the inflated prices of store warranty plans. Return Protection allows cardholders to receive a refund for purchased items within a certain timeframe for items that merchants may not accept for return.
Travel Benefits
Purchase Benefits
Redeeming Points
When you’re looking to maximize your Chase Ultimate Rewards points from the Sapphire Reserve, your best strategy is transferring points to Chase’s 14 airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio. This approach consistently delivers the highest value, especially for international flights and premium bookings. The airline partners span multiple alliances, giving you extensive routing options. You can transfer to British Airways Executive Club for short-haul regional flights, Air Canada Aeroplan for excellent North American and international availability, or Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer for premium Asian routes. Other valuable partners include Air France-KLM Flying Blue, United MileagePlus for domestic travel, Southwest Rapid Rewards for no-blackout flights, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club for competitive transatlantic business class, and Emirates Skywards for their premium Middle East network. For hotels, you have three solid options. World of Hyatt consistently offers excellent redemption values, especially at luxury properties where cash rates exceed $400-500 per night. IHG One Rewards covers a massive global network with reasonable rates, while Marriott Bonvoy provides the largest hotel portfolio worldwide. Chase’s travel portal has become less attractive since recent changes. While Chase markets redemptions “up to 2 cents per point,” this enhanced rate only applies to premium airfare and luxury hotels through The Edit collection. For everyday economy flights and standard hotels, you’ll get just 1 cent per point after October 2027 – a significant decrease from the previous consistent 1.5 cents per point. The enhanced portal rates primarily benefit high-spending travelers booking expensive premium cabins and luxury properties, making partner transfers the smarter choice for most people.
Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners [1 to 1]
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Aer Lingus
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Air Canada Aeroplan
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Air France/KLM
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British Airways
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Emirates
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Hyatt Hotels
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Iberia
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IHG Hotels
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JetBlue
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Marriott
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Singapore
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Southwest
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United
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Virgin Atlantic
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Pros and Cons of the Chase Sapphire Reserve
Here’s a quick overview of this card’s advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
Extensive Airport Lounge Access: You’ll get Priority Pass membership with two guests, unlimited Chase Sapphire Lounge visits, and Air Canada Maple Leaf lounge access when flying Star Alliance.
High Earning Rates on Travel Purchases: Earn 8x points on Chase Travel bookings and 4x points on direct airline and hotel purchases.
Flexible $300 Annual Travel Credit: The $300 credit automatically applies to any travel purchase without restrictions or advance selection required.
Valuable Transfer Partners and Redemption Options: Transfer points to 14 airline and hotel partners or redeem at up to 2 cents per point through Chase Travel.
Cons
Very High $795 Annual Fee: This card carries the steepest annual fee of any publicly available premium travel card from major issuers.
Travel Credit Must Be Earned Before Points: Your first $300 in travel purchases each year won’t earn any points since they automatically trigger the annual credit.
Limited Bonus Categories Beyond Travel and Dining: You’ll only earn 1x point per dollar on everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and general shopping.
Complex Credit Structure Requires Planning: The numerous statement credits come with merchant restrictions, semi-annual deadlines, and specific requirements that demand careful attention to fully utilize.
Alternatives to the Chase Sapphire Reserve
Now that you know about this credit card’s various benefits and pros and cons, it’s time to see its alternatives.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (review) delivers both everyday value with unlimited 2x miles on purchases and premium comfort through comprehensive airport lounge access for you upon enrollment. You’ll also receive $300 in annual travel credits plus 10,000 anniversary bonus miles, creating substantial ongoing value. Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full Earning Rewards: 10x miles on hotels and rental cars and 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel; 2x miles on all other purchases. Card Benefits: $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary, airport lounge access (Capital One and Priority Pass) upon enrollment, Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit, Hertz President’s Circle elite status, primary rental car insurance, trip delay insurance, trip cancellation insurance, and cell phone protection. Transfer Partners: Accor (2 to 1), Aeromexico, Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Avianca LifeMiles, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Choice Privileges, Emirates, Etihad, Finnair, I Prefer Hotels (1 to 2), Japan Airlines(2 to 1.5), JetBlue (5 to 3), Qantas, Qatar, Singapore KrisFlyer, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Red, and Wyndham Rewards.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (review) is one of the most popular travel rewards cards because it offers nice welcome bonus and extra points on travel and dining, which can be transferred to airline and hotel partners or redeemed directly for travel at a rate of 1.25 cents per point through Chase Travel℠. The Sapphire Preferred also offers great travel and purchase protections for a card with a $95 annual fee. Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full Earning Rewards: 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2x points on all other travel purchases, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. Card Benefits: Ability to transfer to airline and hotel partners, 25% bonus when redeeming points through Chase Travel, $50 annual hotel stay credit via Chase Travel, 10% anniversary points bonus, no foreign transaction fees, primary rental car insurance, trip delay insurance, trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty. Transfer Partners: Aer Lingus, Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways, Emirates, Air France KLM Flying Blue, Hyatt, IHG, Iberia, JetBlue, Marriott, Singapore KrisFlyer, Southwest, United, and Virgin Atlantic.
American Express Platinum Card®
American Express Platinum Card® (review) offers the most comprehensive airport lounge network available, giving you access to premium Centurion Lounges plus thousands of other lounges worldwide. You can easily offset the card’s large annual fee through generous credits for Uber, hotels, digital entertainment, Resy dining, and lifestyle brands like lululemon. Earning Points: 5x on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel®, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year; 5x points on on prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com; 1x points on all other purchases. Card Benefits: Transfer Partners: Aer Lingus, AeroMexico, Air Canada Aeroplan, ANA, Avianca LifeMiles, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Choice Privileges, Delta, Emirates, Etihad, Air France – KLM Flying Blue, Hawaiian Airlines, Hilton, Iberia, JetBlue, Marriott, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Singapore KrisFlyer, and Virgin Atlantic.
Is the Sapphire Reserve Worth It?
Looking at the Chase Sapphire Reserve, I think this card can be worth it, but it definitely requires work to maximize all the benefits. You’ll need to be strategic about using the various credits throughout the year – from the travel and dining credits to the entertainment and lifestyle perks – to offset that hefty annual fee.
The card offers excellent airport lounge access through Priority Pass and Chase Sapphire Lounges, plus the ability to transfer points to valuable airline and hotel partners, which makes it compelling for frequent travelers.
However, I wouldn’t recommend this card to someone who wants a simple, set-it-and-forget-it rewards experience. You really need to stay on top of the semi-annual credits, monthly perks, and various redemption options to get your money’s worth.
If you’re someone who travels regularly, dines out often, and doesn’t mind putting in the effort to track and use multiple benefits throughout the year, then the combination of earning potential and premium perks can make this worthwhile. For those who prefer a more straightforward rewards card or don’t have the spending patterns to maximize the various credits, you might find better value with a lower-fee alternative that still earns transferable points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Fall Under the Chase 5/24 Rule?
Yes, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is subject to the Chase 5/24 rule. This means that if you’ve opened five or more credit cards from any issuer in the past 24 months, your application for the Sapphire Reserve will likely be denied. It’s essential to remember this when planning your credit card applications and prioritize the Sapphire Reserve if it’s a card you want.
Does the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Have Lounge Access?
Yes, one of the standout benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the complimentary Priority Pass Select membership. This membership grants you access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, allowing you to escape the crowds and enjoy a more comfortable pre-flight experience. You’ll also have access to select airport restaurants, where you can receive a credit towards your meal.
How Does the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Travel Credit Work?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a $300 annual travel credit that is incredibly easy to use. The credit is automatically applied to your account whenever you make eligible travel purchases, such as airfare, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and even public transportation. There’s no need to activate the credit or keep track of anything — Chase will take care of it for you. This credit effectively reduces your annual fee to $250, making the card more affordable.
What Are the Car Rental Benefits That Come With the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve provides primary rental car insurance, which can benefit those who frequently rent vehicles. This insurance covers damage or theft of your rental car, so you can decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver and save money. Additionally, the card offers special privileges to select car rental agencies.
Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Metal?
Yes, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is a sleek metal card that adds a touch of luxury to your wallet. It is made of durable, weighty metal that feels premium in your hand, and its metal construction makes it more resistant to wear and tear.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
