Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve<sup>®</sup> Card Worth the $550 Annual Fee in 2025? Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve<sup>®</sup> Card Worth the $550 Annual Fee in 2025?

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card Worth the $550 Annual Fee in 2025?

Bonus Points

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It can be complicated to decide whether the Chase Sapphire Reserve®⁠ is worth its annual fee. The answer will vary depending on your circumstances, and all boils down to whether the perks are sufficiently valuable enough to outweigh the card's $550 annual fee.

In this post, we'll examine the Sapphire Reserve‘s benefits, determining whether they're worth the fee and how to get the most out of the card.

We assigned values to the points you earn by swiping the card and its benefits, but depending on your travel habits and spending patterns, you may need to adjust your own personal valuations for each benefit.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Annual Fee$550
Welcome Bonus Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Chase's flagship Ultimate Rewards card. You get a $300 travel credit, airport lounge access courtesy of a Priority Pass membership and industry-leading travel insurance benefits. New cardholders earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Member FDIC
  • Rates & Fees
  • 10X points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel℠
  • 10X points on Chase Dining (including prepaid reservations and prepaid takeout purchased through Chase)
  • 5X points on airfare purchased through Chase Travel℠
  • 3X points on all other travel
  • 3X points on dining at restaurants
  • 1X points on all other purchases

What Benefits Does the Sapphire Reserve Provide?

The Sapphire Reserve has a laundry list of perks. Here's a broad overview of what you can access just by carrying the card in your wallet.

Chase Sapphire Lounge Boston additional seating
One of the seating areas at the Chase Sapphire Lounge in Boston. Image Credit: Carissa Rawson

You can access and activate your benefits by visiting the “Featured Benefits and Offers” page in the Chase Travel portal.

Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve Full Review

Earning rates

The Sapphire Reserve has multiple elements to its earning structure:

  • 10X points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel℠
  • 10X points on Chase Dining (including prepaid reservations and prepaid takeout purchased through Chase)
  • 5X points on airfare purchased through Chase Travel℠
  • 3X points on all other travel
  • 3X points on dining at restaurants
  • 1X points on all other purchases

For bonus earnings on travel, note that the earning rates only apply after you've exhausted the $300 travel credit. You'll also earn 10X per $1 on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more. This is valid through December 2027 with a maximum of 50,000 bonus points.

To decide how valuable the Sapphire Reserve earning rates are, you must ask yourself how often you'll use the card to pay for travel. Specifically, consider how often you'll book hotels and rental cars through the Chase Travel℠ portal.

Spending a lot in these categories (and in the Chase Travel portal) can present a significant opportunity to earn lots of extra points on each purchase. How you can use the card's earning rates will play into whether the Sapphire Reserve is worth it for you.

a traveler holding a laptop looks at flight departure screens at an airport
Credit: Anete Lusina/Unsplash

Related: How Many Points Does My Credit Card Earn?

Sapphire Reserve earnings in practice

Let's assume you spend $2,000 on hotels in a given year. You'd earn 20,000 Chase points by booking through the Chase Travel℠ portal instead of 6,000 when booked directly with the hotel.

Add in renting a car four times a year at an average of $200 per rental. Booking through the portal, you'll earn 10X points per dollar spent. Booking directly with the rental agency, you'd earn just 3X. That's an extra 5,600 Ultimate Rewards annually by using Chase's travel portal ($200 x 4 rentals x 7 additional points per dollar).

You'd earn a total of 28,000 points on these $2,800 in travel purchases. Valuing those points at a baseline of 1.5 cents each (which you can get when redeeming the points in the Chase Travel℠ portal), you're getting at least $420 in credit card rewards from those purchases.

However, data points from AwardWallet users show they redeem their Chase points for 1.95¢ apiece, further increasing the value of your earnings. And it's possible to unlock even more value through Chase's transfer partners.

Person in a resort pool overlooking a beach.
Credit: Chelsea Gates/Unsplash

Earn even more points on flight bookings, DoorDash orders, and dining out

You can earn points if you book flights through Chase Travel, make reservations, dine out via Chase Dining, and order DoorDash. But just how valuable are these perks?

  • Flights: Booking through Chase Travel℠ only adds two extra points per dollar (5X vs. 3X). With limited savings and potential headaches, I rarely find it worth the hassle unless the price is unbeatable, and I’m confident I won’t cancel.
  • Chase Dining: Unless you live in a major city with participating restaurants, Chase Dining’s value is somewhat limited. Even then, remembering to make reservations through the portal can be tricky. For me, this perk is negligible.
  • DoorDash DashPass: If you order delivery via DoorDash five times a month, DashPass could save you around $240 annually — assuming you save around $4 per order (which is reasonable). Since I rarely use DoorDash, I value this at $0. For frequent users, though, the savings can add up.

Consider the value of the travel credit, lounge access, and Trusted Traveler application fee reimbursement

The card also comes with a few other benefits that are a bit more tangible, including:

  • $300 Annual Travel Credit: If you spend at least $300 on travel annually, this is worth its full $300 value.
  • Lounge Access: If you visit eligible lounges 12 times per year, I'd value this at ~$300 annually ($25/visit), as that's what I would pay to eat a reasonably priced meal at the airport. More visits or additional lounges (Priority Pass, Sapphire Lounge, Maple Leaf Lounge, etc.) increase the benefit.
  • Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS Credit: Get up to $120 every four years for trusted traveler program application fees — just pay with the card to receive the credit. This breaks down to a value of $30 per year.
inside the Chase Sapphire Lounge in Boston
The Chase Sapphire Lounge in Boston. Credit: Carissa Rawson/AwardWallet

Related: Guide to Chase Sapphire Lounges

Sign-up bonus

The sign-up bonus is one of the biggest draws of signing up for a premium credit card. New applicants for the Sapphire Reserve can earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Valued conservatively at 1.5¢ per point, this bonus is worth $900.

This sign-up bonus can easily offset the annual fee. Thus, it makes it worthwhile to try the Sapphire Reserve for a year. If you're unsure how much value the card’s benefits will provide, you can track your usage throughout the first year. When the annual fee comes due in year two, you can decide whether to keep or cancel the card based on your experience.

If the benefits don't seem worth the higher fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (Rates & Fees) offers a solid, lower-cost alternative. But you'll need to carefully navigate Chase's application rules if you plan to apply for this card and cancel your premium one.

Related: Best Rewards Credit Card Sign-up Bonus Offers for This Month

Visa Infinite perks

Visa Infinite is the highest tier of Visa credit cards, offering exclusive perks and privileges. Only a select few cards are issued as Visa Infinite products, making them relatively rare. Key benefits include:

  • Auto rental collision damage waiver and other travel protections
  • Global Entry statement credit
  • Visa Infinite rental car privileges with Avis, Hertz, National, and more
  • Visa Infinite concierge services
  • Access to the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection

Some of these perks are also available with Visa Signature cards; issuers control which features are included. Many Visa Signature cards offer travel insurance and trusted traveler credits, reducing the need to hold a Visa Infinite card specifically. And while Visa Infinite’s benefits are valuable, I wouldn’t consider them essential.

White Tesla Model 3 parked in front of a grassy hill.
Credit: Charlie Deets/Unsplash

How to Value the Sapphire Reserve‘s Perks

The value of any card’s benefits varies for everyone. Just because a benefit exists doesn’t mean you’re saving money or getting real value. For instance, if you never use food delivery apps (like me), the DashPass benefit holds no value.

Here’s how to determine the value of the Sapphire Reserve benefits:

  1. Review your spending habits. Look at your typical monthly expenses in areas where the card’s benefits or bonus categories align with your purchases. The AwardWallet Credit Card Spend Analysis tool is really helpful for this.
  2. Account for credits. The card offers monthly and annual credits. Identify them and assign them their full (or partial) value based on whether you'd make that purchase if you didn't have a credit for it.
  3. Calculate bonus points. For benefits that result in extra points, estimate how many more points the Sapphire Reserve earns you over another card in your wallet and calculate the difference in value.
  4. Ignore unused perks. Don’t assign value to benefits you wouldn’t use if the card wasn’t in your wallet.

Don't have an AwardWallet account yet? Sign up for free and track unlimited rewards programs and travel plans!

Related: How To Evaluate Your Credit Card Portfolio

Is the Sapphire Reserve Worth Its Annual Fee?

The value of the sign-up bonus makes it easy to justify the cost of the Sapphire Reserve in the first year. After that, it’s worth reassessing the benefits you use most and assigning a dollar value based on your habits. Remember that some perks — like TSA PreCheck credits or lounge access — may overlap with other cards, reducing their overall value.

But all that said, here’s how I evaluate the Sapphire Reserve:

  • $300 – Annual travel credit (full value, reimbursed directly)
  • $300 – Lounge access perks (based on personal usage; your value may vary)
  • $50 – Extra value from redeeming 20,000 points annually through the Chase Travel℠ (1.5¢ vs. 1.25¢ with other cards)
  • $30 – Trusted Traveler Program application fee credit ($120 over four years)
  • $75 – Estimated savings/points from DashPass, Peloton, and other partners

Total Estimated Value: $755

This is a conservative estimate, but many travelers can get even more value from the card. However, if you don’t spend much in the card's bonus categories or rarely use the lounge access benefit, the Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (Rates & Fees) may be better options.

A Low Angle Shot of an Elderly Man Using His Mobile Phone
Credit: Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels

Alternatives to the Sapphire Reserve

If the Sapphire Reserve doesn’t quite fit your needs, here are a few alternatives to consider:

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Welcome Bonus Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee$395
Credit ScoreExcellent
  • 10X miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
  • 5X miles per $1 on purchases through Capital One Entertainment (through 12/31/2025)
  • 5X miles per $1 on flights when booking via Capital One Travel
  • 5X miles per $1 on vacation rentals booked via Capital One Travel
  • 2X miles per $1 on all other eligible purchases
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Welcome Offer Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee$695Rates & Fees
(Terms apply)
Credit ScoreExcellent, Good
  • Earn 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® (up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year).
  • Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel®.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Welcome Bonus Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee$95Rates & Fees
Credit ScoreExcellent, Good
  • 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

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The closest competitor to the Sapphire Reserve is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Like the Sapphire Reserve, it offers a $300 annual travel credit — though you must book through Capital One Travel to use it. The card also includes 10,000 bonus miles annually (worth at least $100) and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every four years.

In terms of earnings, the Capital One Venture X provides 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, and 2X miles on other eligible purchases, which compares well to the Sapphire Reserve.

However, booking through Capital One Travel can be frustrating, and I typically prefer booking directly with travel providers. The Capital One Venture X falls short when it comes to dining rewards but allows you to transfer miles to 19 Capital One partners.

The Capital One Venture X offers a similar lounge access perk with Priority Pass and access to Capital One Lounges.

Food counter at the Capital One Landing Lounge DCA
Capital One Landing Lounge DCA. Credit: Capital One

But where the Capital One Venture X stands out most is its lower annual fee of $395, making it a more affordable option while still delivering comparable benefits.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Annual Fee$395
Welcome Bonus Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel-focused card, stacked with benefits. Cardholders get complimentary access to Capital One Lounges, plus more than 1,300 other lounges worldwide, receive up to a $300 annual travel credit for bookings via Capital One Travel and up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. There's also an anniversary bonus of 10,000 miles, equivalent to $100 towards travel. High earning rates include 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, plus 2X on all other purchases.
  • 10X miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
  • 5X miles per $1 on purchases through Capital One Entertainment (through 12/31/2025)
  • 5X miles per $1 on flights when booking via Capital One Travel
  • 5X miles per $1 on vacation rentals booked via Capital One Travel
  • 2X miles per $1 on all other eligible purchases

The Platinum Card® from American Express

For those wanting maximum travel perks, The Platinum Card® from American Express is worth considering. Although its $695 annual fee (Rates & Fees) is higher than the Sapphire Reserve, numerous credits help offset the cost, including:

  • $200 hotel credit for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection (stay at least two nights) bookings through Amex Travel®
  • $200 airline incidental fee credit for your selected airline
  • $199 CLEAR® Plus membership fee reimbursement
  • $200 in annual Uber Cash ($15/month + $20 in December)
  • $240 in digital entertainment credits ($20/month)
  • Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit every four years

Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.

Amex Disclosure: To receive the Uber Cash benefit, you must add The Platinum Card® from American Express to your account in the Uber app. Please see full terms for more details.

Other perks include a Walmart+ membership, $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit, and more. If maximized, these benefits (combined) can exceed the annual fee.

The Amex Platinum also provides lounge access, including entry to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs® (when flying on a same-day Delta ticket), and Plaza Premium Lounges.

Amex Centurion Lounge atrium in the ATL airport.
Amex Centurion Lounge Atlanta Airport. Credit: Tyler Glatt/AwardWallet

And while the earning structure isn’t as strong for everyday purchases, the Amex Platinum excels on airfare and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. However, it lacks the flexibility of the Sapphire Reserve‘s 3X on travel and dining.

The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Apply Now
Rates & Fees
(Terms apply)
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Annual Fee$695
Welcome Offer Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Cardholders can access more than 1400 airport lounges worldwide, take advantage of up to $200 in annual airline fee credits, up to $199 in CLEAR® Plus credits, and TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry fee credits. The card also includes a $200 annual hotel credit on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings (The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay), Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, and a suite of benefits with Fine Hotels + Resorts®. Additional perks include $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership credit, up to $240 in annual digital entertainment credits, up to $300 Equinox credits, up to $200 annual Uber Cash, and up to $100 annual Saks Fifth Avenue credits. Enrollment required for select American Express benefits.
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel®.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • With American Express Global Lounge Collection® eligible Card Members can enjoy access to over 1,400 airport lounges globally, including The Centurion® Lounge, Unlimited Delta Sky Club® Access when flying an eligible Delta flight, Escape Lounges, Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Group, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass™ Select Lounges, & Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges subject to visit limitations. Lounges may have their own rules, like additional access rules and guest fees, and for Priority Pass Select, you need to enroll and there are unlimited airport lounge visits for Card Members. With Delta Sky Club Access, Card Members will receive 10 Visits to the Delta Sky Club to be used from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access by spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their Card in a calendar year. To find a lounge, visit the membership section in the American Express® App or visit http://www.americanexpress.com/findalounge#/loungefinder.
  • A Walmart+ membership can get you free shipping with no order minimum on eligible items shipped by Walmart. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) and receive one statement credit for up to $12.95 (plus applicable taxes. Plus Ups not eligible) each month. Free Shipping excludes most Marketplace items, freight & certain location surcharges. Paramount+ Essential plan only, separate registration required.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
  • $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. Use the dedicated CLEAR Lane to confirm your identity without taking out your passport or ID - this can mean shorter lines, less waiting. Receive up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for your CLEAR Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the Platinum Card®.
  • Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • Use Global Dining Access by Resy to access premium dining experiences. Receive Priority Notify and unlock insider access to some of the world's most sought-after restaurants with Global Dining Access by Resy. Download the Resy iOS app or log into Resy.com and add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile to take advantage of your special benefits and discover restaurants near you.
  • $695 annual fee.¤
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
  • Rates & Fees
  • Earn 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® (up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year).
  • Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel®.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

If the Sapphire Reserve’s annual fee feels too high, the Sapphire Preferred is a solid alternative at $95 per year. It earns the same valuable points but without premium perks like lounge access or a big travel credit.

The Sapphire Preferred offers a modest $50 annual hotel credit, but this pales in comparison to the Sapphire Reserve’s $300 broader travel credit. It earns 5X on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ (2X on all other travel purchases); 3X on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries; and 1X on all other purchases., though it lacks the 10X categories on Chase travel and dining purchases.

When redeeming points through Chase Travel℠, the Sapphire Preferred’s points are worth 1.25¢, compared to 1.5¢ with the Sapphire Reserve. This can make a significant difference if you redeem frequently through Chase’s portal.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Annual Fee$95
Welcome Bonus Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Our #1 recommended beginners rewards card featuring a 60,000-point signup bonus after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. This card comes with great benefits and earns valuable Ultimate Rewards points.
  • Earn 60,000 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, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • 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
  • Rates & Fees
  • 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

Can I have two Sapphire-branded cards?

You cannot hold both Sapphire cards at the same time. However, you can product change between them. For example, if the Sapphire Reserve’s annual fee feels unjustifiable after the first year, you can downgrade to the Sapphire Preferred.

Since both cards share similar benefits like transfer partners and travel protections, there’s little reason to carry both as it is. The real question is which one better fits your needs.

Bottom Line

Depending on who you are, how you travel, and how you spend your money, the Sapphire Reserve may be worth its $550 — or maybe it won't. But no matter what, you should continuously evaluate what's in your wallet to ensure your card works for you and provides tangible value. Otherwise, you're not getting what you're paying for.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Annual Fee$550
Welcome Bonus Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Chase's flagship Ultimate Rewards card. You get a $300 travel credit, airport lounge access courtesy of a Priority Pass membership and industry-leading travel insurance benefits. New cardholders earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Member FDIC
  • Rates & Fees
  • 10X points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel℠
  • 10X points on Chase Dining (including prepaid reservations and prepaid takeout purchased through Chase)
  • 5X points on airfare purchased through Chase Travel℠
  • 3X points on all other travel
  • 3X points on dining at restaurants
  • 1X points on all other purchases

FAQ

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve really worth it?

This depends on your unique circumstances. If you can use the card's $300 travel credit each year, then you need to get $250 in additional annual value from the lounge membership, spending credits, and elevated earning rates.

How much do I have to spend for Chase Sapphire Reserve to be worth it?

It depends on your spending categories. If you redeem at least 62,000 points annually in the travel portal (using the elevated redemption rates), this card justifies its higher fee in comparison to the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve hard to get?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a Visa Infinite card. This is the highest category of Visa credit cards and typically requires an excellent credit score — considered to be 750 or above. That's not the only factor, though. Proof of income and other application rules also matter.

Who is the Chase Sapphire Reserve best for?

This card is ideal for those who want top-notch perks from their credit card. Think lounge access, multiple spending credits, and elevated earning rates. If you won't take advantage of these, it's hard to justify the annual fee.

Why is the Chase Sapphire Reserve so popular?

It's popular because it offers so much. A $300 annual travel credit covers more than half of the annual fee, plus you get unlimited lounge visits, strong earning rates, and earn valuable points that can be used in multiple ways.

Should I pay off my Chase Sapphire immediately?

As with all credit cards, you should pay your bill in full each month — on or before the due date. If you don't pay your full bill each month, you will accrue interest. This can negate the value of rewards you earn and can lead to debt.

When can I cancel my Chase Sapphire Reserve to avoid an annual fee?

If you decide to cancel your card, do so within 30 days of the annual fee posting to your account. Within this timeframe, Chase typically allows cardholders to close their account and have the fee removed from their final bill.

Does Chase Sapphire increase credit?

It is possible to build your credit score and to get an increased credit line. Using credit cards responsibly can build credit history and improve your credit score. If you use your card responsibly, Chase also may provide an increased credit limit — which could further help your credit score.

For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Chase Sapphire Reserve® (Rates & Fees), Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (Rates & Fees), Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (Rates & Fees), and The Platinum Card® from American Express (Rates & Fees)

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