{"id":2950,"date":"2025-05-14T00:00:01","date_gmt":"2025-05-14T00:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=2950"},"modified":"2026-04-08T14:15:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T14:15:17","slug":"best-beginners-rewards-card","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/best-beginners-rewards-card\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Reasons the Chase Sapphire Preferred\u00ae Is the Best Beginner Travel Rewards Card"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re new to points and miles, it\u2019s easy to feel overwhelmed. There\u2019s no shortage of advice out there \u2014 especially when it comes to credit cards. So today, we\u2019re going back to the basics with a look at one of the best beginner travel rewards cards on the market: the <a data-ccid=\"2061159\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/ChaseSapphirePreferredCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Chase Sapphire Preferred<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Card<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019re breaking it down using seven key factors that matter when picking your first travel credit card. Along the way, you\u2019ll see why the Sapphire Preferred is a top choice for beginners &#8212; even after you earn the incredible welcome bonus.<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"2061159\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">Chase Sapphire Preferred<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Card<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/7e0262fd-5b61-413b-8b01-c8feec5b1d04.png\" alt=\"Chase Sapphire Preferred\u00ae Card\" width=\"150\"\/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='Chase Sapphire Preferred\u00ae Card' data-ccid=\"2061159\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/ChaseSapphirePreferredCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><span class=\"qs-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"2061159\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005147&type=3&subid=0e50ff1736900859383109db1f4acb34c&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">Chase Sapphire Preferred<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Card<\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$95<\/b><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-tabs\"><a class=\"qs-more\" href=\"#more\">Show more<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"wwl\">Why We Like It<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"hl\">Highlights<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"er\">Earning Rates<\/a><div class=\"qs-tab-wwl\">Our <a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/best-beginners-rewards-card\/\">#1 recommended beginners rewards card<\/a> featuring a 75,000-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.<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-hl\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ??>\n<html><body><ul><li>Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/li><li>Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel&#x2120;, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases<\/li><li>Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel&#x2120;<\/li><li>10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.<\/li><li>Count on Trip Cancellation\/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.<\/li><li>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.<\/li><li>Member FDIC<\/li><\/ul><\/body><\/html>\n<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-er\"><ul>\r\n<li>5X points on Lyft rides through September 2027<\/li>\r\n<li>5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel\u2120<\/li>\r\n<li>3X points on dining at restaurants worldwide<\/li>\r\n<li>3X points on eligible streaming services<\/li>\r\n<li>3X points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)<\/li>\r\n<li>2X points on all other travel<\/li>\r\n<li>1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/SapphirePreferred\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-4-14923edb81#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div><\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_light_blue no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Page Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#What_Makes_a_Great_Beginner8217s_Credit_Card\">What Makes a Great Beginner's Credit Card?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Receive_a_Valuable_Welcome_Offer\">Receive a Valuable Welcome Offer<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Meet_a_Reasonable_Spending_Requirement\">Meet a Reasonable Spending Requirement<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Redeem_Points_Without_an_Advanced_Degree\">Redeem Points Without an Advanced Degree<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Enjoy_Ways_to_Redeem_Points_for_Maximum_Value\">Enjoy Ways to Redeem Points for Maximum Value<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Collect_Points_That_are_Easy_to_Earn\">Collect Points That are Easy to Earn<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Earn_more_points_by_creating_a_card_pairing\">Earn more points by creating a card pairing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Pay_A_Low_Annual_Fee\">Pay A Low Annual Fee<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Enjoy_Extra_Perks_and_Benefits\">Enjoy Extra Perks and Benefits<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Bottom_Line\">Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<h2><span id=\"What_Makes_a_Great_Beginner8217s_Credit_Card\">What Makes a Great Beginner's Credit Card?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>We think seven factors make a card stand out for beginners:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>A valuable welcome bonus for new cardmembers<\/li>\n<li>A reasonable spending requirement to earn the bonus<\/li>\n<li>Easy ways to redeem points (without needing a PhD)<\/li>\n<li>The potential to redeem points for maximum value<\/li>\n<li>Points that are easy to earn on everyday purchases<\/li>\n<li>A low annual fee<\/li>\n<li>Solid additional cardmember benefits<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Let\u2019s look at how the Sapphire Preferred checks all those boxes.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Receive_a_Valuable_Welcome_Offer\">Receive a Valuable Welcome Offer<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Credit card issuers make a lot of money on cardholder spending \u2014 and welcome bonuses are how they get your attention in the first place. A generous bonus is their way of getting you to choose its card over someone else\u2019s.<\/p>\n<p>A typical <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/sign-up-bonus\/\" rel=\"noopener\">credit card sign-up<\/a> bonus has three aspects. The signup bonus (the number of points you can earn), a spending requirement (what it takes to earn the reward), and a time period for you to earn it.<\/p>\n<p>Right now, the <a data-ccid=\"2061159\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/ChaseSapphirePreferredCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Sapphire Preferred<\/a> is offering a whopping 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. But it's ending very soon, so if you think this is the card for you, run, don't walk.<\/p>\n<p>Welcome offers for the Sapphire Preferred range <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/chase-credit-card-offer-history\/\" rel=\"noopener\">between 50,000 and 100,000 Ultimate Rewards<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/450\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-204557 aligncenter lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_1420-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Business class tickets on Iberia booked using 34,000 points from the welcome bonus on my Sapphire Preferred for each seat\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_1420-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_1420-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_1420-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_1420-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_1420-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_1420-276x207.jpg 276w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_1420-476x357.jpg 476w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Iberia business class. Credit: Ben Nickel-D'AndreaWhen comparing credit cards, it\u2019s important to remember that not all points are created equal. A 100,000-point bonus from one program might be worth far more (or far less) than the same number of points in another.<\/p>\n<p>Stick with us to learn some of the reasons why Chase Ultimate Rewards are one of the most valuable rewards currencies available.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Meet_a_Reasonable_Spending_Requirement\">Meet a Reasonable Spending Requirement<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Earning a welcome bonus is usually an all-or-nothing deal. If you don\u2019t hit the spending requirement in time, you won\u2019t earn any of the bonus points. There is no sliding scale. And while it\u2019s tempting to spend more than you normally would just to hit the threshold, the ideal approach is to move spending you already make onto your new card.<\/p>\n<p>What counts as a \u201creasonable\u201d spending requirement depends on your own monthly budget. However, several strategies can help you <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/how-to-meet-minimum-spend-requirements\/\" rel=\"noopener\">meet the spending requirement<\/a> without going overboard. Here are some quick examples:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Pay your monthly bills<\/strong> \u2014 Things like power, internet, phone, insurance, daycare, auto maintenance, and even pet care can add up quickly and contribute to your minimum spend.<\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/pay-taxes-with-credit-card\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Pay your taxes with a credit card<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 If you time your application well or make estimated quarterly payments, you could meet the entire spending requirement in one go. Services like Pay1040 or ACI Payments, Inc. let you pay for a ~1.75% fee. It's not a great deal if you're earning just one point per dollar, but more justifiable if you\u2019re unlocking a large signup bonus.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pay by check with a credit card<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014\u00a0<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/plastiq-review\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Plastiq<\/a> lets you send a check using your credit card. It\u2019s useful for large expenses like rent or college tuition. Just be aware of the 2.90% service fee.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Front-load your expenses<\/strong> \u2014 Many providers allow prepayment. For example, when we got a $150 utility bill, we paid $450, creating a credit on the account. We\u2019ve also prepaid our HOA fees and property taxes \u2014 all to help hit a minimum spend threshold.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span id=\"Redeem_Points_Without_an_Advanced_Degree\">Redeem Points Without an Advanced Degree<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>One of the most frustrating things about rewards programs is how complicated they can be. Some programs are so complex that you practically need a PhD to use your points effectively. That\u2019s where the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Chase Ultimate Rewards<\/a> program shines as one of the best beginner travel credit cards.<\/p>\n<p>At a minimum, you can redeem points for statement credit at 1 cent per point. That should be your baseline value.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_204558\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/269\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-204558 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ben-Nickel-DAndrea-ChaseUR-CashBack-300x108.png\" alt=\"Screenshot of Chase Ultimate Rewards portal showing the statement credit option\" width=\"750\" height=\"269\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ben-Nickel-DAndrea-ChaseUR-CashBack-300x108.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ben-Nickel-DAndrea-ChaseUR-CashBack-1024x367.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ben-Nickel-DAndrea-ChaseUR-CashBack-768x275.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ben-Nickel-DAndrea-ChaseUR-CashBack-1536x551.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ben-Nickel-DAndrea-ChaseUR-CashBack-2048x735.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Chase<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>You can boost that redemption rate and get up to 1.5 cents per point (depending on your specific redemption) just by using them to book travel through the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/chase-travel-portal\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Chase Travel\u2120 portal<\/a>. Doing so is incredibly easy. For example, I was able to redeem 25,589 points for flights from Seattle to Las Vegas round trip for a value of $357.37.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_204561\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/362\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-204561 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/C6EBC289-29D9-4198-B5E8-360A7EB7F025-300x145.png\" alt=\"Screenshot from Chase Ultimate Rewards showing a flight redemption at 1.25 cents per point\" width=\"750\" height=\"362\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/C6EBC289-29D9-4198-B5E8-360A7EB7F025-300x145.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/C6EBC289-29D9-4198-B5E8-360A7EB7F025-1024x494.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/C6EBC289-29D9-4198-B5E8-360A7EB7F025-768x370.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/C6EBC289-29D9-4198-B5E8-360A7EB7F025-1536x741.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/C6EBC289-29D9-4198-B5E8-360A7EB7F025.png 1576w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Chase<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>Even better, booking hotels through the Chase portal can trigger the card\u2019s <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/chase-sapphire-preferred-hotel-credit\/\" rel=\"noopener\">$50 annual hotel credit<\/a>, which helps offset the card\u2019s annual fee.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related:\u00a0<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/do-chase-points-expire\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Do Chase Points Expire?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"Higher_Value_Redemptions_as_You_Learn\"><span id=\"Enjoy_Ways_to_Redeem_Points_for_Maximum_Value\">Enjoy Ways to Redeem Points for Maximum Value<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You won't be a beginner forever if you stick with us. So, it's important to earn points that have a higher upside as you gain more experience with redemption strategies.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, having a card that earns flexible, transferable points is one of the best moves you can make \u2014 whether you\u2019re a beginner or a seasoned expert. You\u2019re not locked into a single airline or hotel program. You can keep your options open and choose the best redemption when the time is right.<\/p>\n<p>Chase Ultimate Rewards are special because they can be <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/chase-transfer-partners\/\" rel=\"noopener\">transferred at a 1:1 ratio to 14 partner loyalty programs<\/a>. These transfer partners often require far fewer points than you'd pay by booking through the Chase travel portal, creating the opportunity to unlock outsize value.<\/p>\n<p>Ultimate Rewards points transfer into World of Hyatt at a 1:1 rate, and because most Hyatt hotels are priced in category bands, you can redeem a set number of points for some top-notch hotels. For example, I transferred my points so I could book a one-week stay at the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hyatt.com\/en-US\/hotel\/argentina\/palacio-duhau-park-hyatt-buenos-aires\/bueph\" rel=\"noopener\">Palacio Duhau &#8211; Park Hyatt Buenos Aires<\/a> that would have cost me a few thousand dollars otherwise.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_200739\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-200739 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ben-NickelDAndrea-Palacio-Duhau-BuenosAires-featured-300x240.jpg\" alt=\"Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ben-NickelDAndrea-Palacio-Duhau-BuenosAires-featured-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ben-NickelDAndrea-Palacio-Duhau-BuenosAires-featured-768x614.jpg 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ben-NickelDAndrea-Palacio-Duhau-BuenosAires-featured-325x260.jpg 325w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ben-NickelDAndrea-Palacio-Duhau-BuenosAires-featured.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Palacio Duhau &#8211; Park Hyatt Buenos Aires<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h2><span id=\"Collect_Points_That_are_Easy_to_Earn\">Collect Points That are Easy to Earn<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Another reason the <a data-ccid=\"2061159\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/ChaseSapphirePreferredCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Sapphire Preferred<\/a> stands out is how easy it is to rack up points from everyday spending:<\/p>\n<ul>\r\n<li>5X points on Lyft rides through September 2027<\/li>\r\n<li>5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel\u2120<\/li>\r\n<li>3X points on dining at restaurants worldwide<\/li>\r\n<li>3X points on eligible streaming services<\/li>\r\n<li>3X points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)<\/li>\r\n<li>2X points on all other travel<\/li>\r\n<li>1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\n<p>This card also has no foreign transaction fees, making it a reliable option when traveling internationally.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Earn_more_points_by_creating_a_card_pairing\">Earn more points by creating a card pairing<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you want to fast-track accumulating points earned, you can combine points from multiple Ultimate Rewards earning cards into a single account. We've written a comprehensive post about how to put together the ultimate <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/chase-rewards-card-combo\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Chase travel rewards card combo<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>This lets you earn a ton of bonus points across different spending categories since virtually all of your purchases could fall into one of the multiple cards' bonus categories. Then, you can combine your points when it comes time to redeem them.<\/p>\n<p>Chase also lets you <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/how-to-combine-chase-points\/\" rel=\"noopener\">pool points with family members<\/a> living in the same household. Ultimately, this makes it easy for you to work towards a common goal with a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/travel\/points-miles-player-2\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Player 2<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_136871\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-136871 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Arty-Unsplash-couple-travel-featured.png\" alt=\"a couple looks over rice fields at sunrise\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Arty-Unsplash-couple-travel-featured.png 1000w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Arty-Unsplash-couple-travel-featured-300x240.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Arty-Unsplash-couple-travel-featured-768x614.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Arty-Unsplash-couple-travel-featured-325x260.png 325w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Arty\/Unsplash<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/chase-rewards-cards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Cards that Earn Chase Ultimate Rewards Points<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Pay_A_Low_Annual_Fee\">Pay A Low Annual Fee<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While we\u2019d all love it if rewards cards came with no annual fees, the important question is whether you still get more value from the card than you pay in annual fees. At just $95 per year, the <a data-ccid=\"2061159\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/ChaseSapphirePreferredCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Sapphire Preferred<\/a>\u2019s annual fee is in line with other <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/best-mid-tier-cards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">mid-tier travel cards<\/a> \u2014 and it offers significantly more value.<\/p>\n<p>Another great thing about the Sapphire Preferred is the ability to potentially upgrade it to the <a data-ccid=\"4048084\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/ChaseSapphireReserve\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Chase Sapphire Reserve<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a>  (<a data-ccid=\"4048084\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1975477.10005148&type=3&subid=037065e8520fba81f6895d8d518b66583&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>). As you get more comfortable with annual fees, you can eventually determine if upgrading to the card is worth it based on how much value you get from its points and extra perks.<\/p>\n<p>For many, the ability to earn Ultimate Rewards on everyday purchases can more than cover the cost of the card. However, the additional benefits you get just for being a card member do a great job of lessening the sting of the annual fee.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Enjoy_Extra_Perks_and_Benefits\">Enjoy Extra Perks and Benefits<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The solid signup bonus and double points on dining and travel are fantastic incentives on their own, but the <a data-ccid=\"2061159\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/ChaseSapphirePreferredCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Sapphire Preferred<\/a> has a whole bunch of additional perks and benefits.<\/p>\n<p>It pays to read the <a data-ccid=\"2061159\" title=\"Sapphire Preferred Benefits Guide\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chasebenefits.com\/sapphirepreferred\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sapphire Preferred Benefits Guide<\/a> as these benefits are a significant reason you want this card as a permanent feature in your wallet. The <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/collision-damage-waiver-proof\/\" rel=\"noopener\">auto rental Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)<\/a> and trip cancellation\/interruption protection, in particular, are fantastic perks.<\/p>\n<p>As an avid rental car renter, I have resorted to these protections multiple times and they have always come to the rescue. For example, I rented a car using my Sapphire Preferred, which ended up covering the damage to this vehicle after a smash-and-grab incident.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_204550\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/450\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-204550 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_0080-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Rental car with rear window smashed in in a smash and grab that was covered by the protections on my Chase Sapphire Preferred\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_0080-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_0080-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_0080-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_0080-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_0080-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_0080-276x207.jpg 276w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_0080-476x357.jpg 476w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Ben Nickel-D'Andrea<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h2><span id=\"Bottom_Line\">Bottom Line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re ready to dive into the world of rewards points, the <a data-ccid=\"2061159\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/ChaseSapphirePreferredCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Sapphire Preferred<\/a> is one of the best places to start. It combines a massive welcome bonus with an achievable spending requirement, strong earning rates, easy redemption options, and valuable travel protections \u2014 all for a low $95 annual fee.<\/p>\n<p>Best of all, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are some of the most valuable you can earn. Even if you never get into complex redemptions, you can still get great value. And if you do decide to go deeper, your points have even more potential, thanks to Chase\u2019s impressive list of transfer partners.<\/p>\n<p>If you're looking for one of the best beginner travel credit cards out there, you really can\u2019t go wrong with the Sapphire Preferred. And with a 75,000-point offer available, there\u2019s no better time to apply than right now.<\/p>\n<div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"2061159\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">Chase Sapphire Preferred<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Card<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/7e0262fd-5b61-413b-8b01-c8feec5b1d04.png\" alt=\"Chase Sapphire Preferred\u00ae Card\" width=\"150\"\/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='Chase Sapphire Preferred\u00ae Card' data-ccid=\"2061159\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/ChaseSapphirePreferredCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><span class=\"qs-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"2061159\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005147&type=3&subid=0e50ff1736900859383109db1f4acb34c&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">Chase Sapphire Preferred<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Card<\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$95<\/b><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-tabs\"><a class=\"qs-more\" href=\"#more\">Show more<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"wwl\">Why We Like It<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"hl\">Highlights<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"er\">Earning Rates<\/a><div class=\"qs-tab-wwl\">Our <a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/best-beginners-rewards-card\/\">#1 recommended beginners rewards card<\/a> featuring a 75,000-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.<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-hl\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ??>\n<html><body><ul><li>Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/li><li>Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel&#x2120;, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases<\/li><li>Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel&#x2120;<\/li><li>10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.<\/li><li>Count on Trip Cancellation\/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.<\/li><li>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.<\/li><li>Member FDIC<\/li><\/ul><\/body><\/html>\n<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-er\"><ul>\r\n<li>5X points on Lyft rides through September 2027<\/li>\r\n<li>5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel\u2120<\/li>\r\n<li>3X points on dining at restaurants worldwide<\/li>\r\n<li>3X points on eligible streaming services<\/li>\r\n<li>3X points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)<\/li>\r\n<li>2X points on all other travel<\/li>\r\n<li>1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/SapphirePreferred\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-4-14923edb81#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Chase Sapphire Preferred\u00ae Card is the ultimate beginner&#8217;s travel credit card. With a huge welcome bonus, flexible points, and valuable perks, it\u2019s a smart first step into the world of points and miles. Here&#8217;s why.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":172746,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":null,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"default","_twitter_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type":"default","_pinterest_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"default","_medium_share_type":"default","_threads_share_type":"","_google_business_share_type":"","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[12055],"tags":[12655,12786,12709],"coauthors":[36388,36499],"class_list":["post-2950","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-credit-cards","tag-beginners","tag-chase","tag-chase-ultimate-rewards"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<title>Chase Sapphire Preferred: The Best Beginner&#039;s Rewards Card<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We think the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the best beginner travel credit card thanks to its bonus, redemption options, and perks. 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