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The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (Rates & Fees) is getting a long-awaited refresh. Although we come to associate a “refresh” with an annual fee increase, that isn't the case today.
Sapphire Preferred cardholders will soon be able to enjoy a variety of new earning categories, travel credits, and protections at the same $95 annual fee that we know and love.
Here's what to know about the latest Sapphire Preferred changes.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Refresh: What's Changing?
Chase has just announced an update to one of the most popular travel rewards credit cards on the market: the Sapphire Preferred. And I have to say — these changes are welcome improvements that will make the card more competitive than ever.
Here's what's changing effective June 15, 2026:
- NEW: Earn 3X Chase Ultimate Rewards points on gas and EV charging.
- NEW: Earn 3X points on vacation homes at “top brands” — which include at least Airbnb and Vrbo.
- NEW: $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS credit every four years.
- NEW: Complimentary Apple TV subscription for one year when activated by December 31, 2026.
- UPDATED: $100 Chase Travel Hotel Credit every account anniversary (up from $50).
- UPDATED: Travel protections now include Emergency Evacuation and Transportation coverage.
Let's break down these changes one by one.
Increased earning rates
The most obvious competitors to the Sapphire Preferred are the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Citi Strata Premier® Card (Rates & Fees). The introduction of a 3X bonus category on gas and EV charging purchases makes the Sapphire Preferred much more competitive with the Citi Strata Premier, which offers an equivalent bonus earning category.
However, adding a 3X bonus category for vacation rentals gives the Sapphire Preferred a leg up over most cards at this price point. Hopefully, this will become a trend for credit card issuers, as it would be great to earn bonus points on Airbnb stays. Most issuers code vacation rentals as travel purchases, and when the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (Rates & Fees) removed the 3X general travel bonus category in 2025, it was a step away from maximizing Airbnb purchases.
New and improved travel credits
The Trusted Traveler program credit is a nice-to-have and makes the card more competitive with the Capital One Venture. However, most travelers already have a way to enroll in expedited security screening for free, so it isn't a mind-blowing improvement. Likewise, the complimentary Apple TV subscription is a nice perk, but not something that will convince you to apply.
The updated $100 Chase Travel hotel credit makes it even more competitive with the Citi Strata Premier and now completely covers the annual fee. Assuming you stay in at least one hotel a year, the Sapphire Preferred is simply a no-brainer addition to every traveler's wallet.
Why you might apply before June 15, 2026
If this refresh has convinced you to apply, you might want to do so before June 15, 2026. Sapphire Preferred cardholders will deal with two negative changes in the coming months:
- The 10% anniversary bonus is being discontinued. If you apply before June 15, eligible purchases made through October 1, 2026, will earn the 10% bonus — which will be posted in early 2027. However, if you apply on or after June 15, 2026, you will not be eligible for any anniversary bonus.
- Chase is decreasing the Hyatt transfer ratio for Sapphire Preferred cardholders to 4:3 (down from 1:1). If you apply before June 15, 2026, you can enjoy the current 1:1 ratio until October 1, 2026. If you apply on or after June 15, 2026, the decrease will take effect immediately.
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
- Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
- 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
- Member FDIC
- 5X points on Lyft rides through September 2027
- 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3X points on dining at restaurants worldwide
- 3X points on eligible streaming services
- 3X points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)
- 2X points on all other travel
- 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Bottom Line
It's refreshing — pun intended — when a credit card issuer listens to its customers. Not every credit card needs a dozen different credits to maximize, and for many travelers, keeping annual fees low helps keep the return on rewards high. This Sapphire Preferred refresh represents a meaningful improvement to the card that's already one of our favorite cards for travelers.
The Sapphire Preferred has always been a great card for travel protections, but it felt lackluster in terms of earning potential unless you spend a lot on online groceries and streaming. Starting June 15, you'll earn bonus points on gas and vacation rental purchases, which help you reach your next redemption faster. You can also take advantage of a $100 Chase Travel hotel credit, which will help you save on your next hotel stay.
Credit where credit is due: the Sapphire Preferred refresh is great news for cardholders.
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
- Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
- 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
- Member FDIC
- 5X points on Lyft rides through September 2027
- 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3X points on dining at restaurants worldwide
- 3X points on eligible streaming services
- 3X points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)
- 2X points on all other travel
- 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (Rates & Fees), Citi Strata Premier® Card (Rates & Fees), and Chase Sapphire Reserve® (Rates & Fees)
