Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Best Travel Rewards Credit Card in the USA
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has long been one of the most popular travel rewards credit cards in the United States. With its generous rewards on dining and travel, flexible redemption options, and valuable travel protections, it stands out as a top choice for both beginners and experienced travelers. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Sapphire Preferred, including how it works, what benefits it offers, and whether it’s the right card for you.
Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is So Popular
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is known for its incredible flexibility. Unlike many co-branded cards that lock you into a specific hotel or airline program, Sapphire Preferred gives you access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program, one of the most versatile points systems available. You can use points for travel bookings, transfer them to major airline and hotel partners, or redeem them for cashback and gift cards.
Travelers love this card because it offers:
- 2X to 5X points on travel and dining
- 25% more value when redeeming points through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Access to top-tier airline and hotel transfer partners
- Strong travel protections, including trip cancellation and rental car coverage
- A reasonable annual fee compared to premium travel cards
Rewards Structure Explained
The rewards program is the highlight of the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Here’s how you earn points on purchases:
| Category | Points Earned | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Purchased Through Chase | 5X points | Earn the highest rate when booking flights, hotels, and car rentals through Chase Ultimate Rewards. |
| Dining (including delivery services) | 3X points | Restaurants, cafés, takeout, and eligible food delivery services all earn accelerated rewards. |
| Streaming Services | 3X points | Earn on popular streaming services like Netflix, Spotify, and Hulu. |
| Online Grocery Purchases | 3X points | Excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs. |
| General Travel | 2X points | Earn on flights, hotels, taxis, buses, and more. |
| All Other Purchases | 1X point | Earn on everything else you buy. |
With this structure, frequent travelers and foodies can accumulate points rapidly. Plus, when redeeming points through Chase Ultimate Rewards, each point is worth 25% more, meaning 80,000 points can equal $1,000 toward travel.
Travel Benefits and Protections
Beyond rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers valuable travel protections that make it a must-have for frequent travelers:
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance: Coverage for non-refundable expenses if your trip is canceled or cut short due to illness or severe weather.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Primary coverage for rental cars, so you can decline the rental company’s insurance.
- Trip delay reimbursement: Compensation for delays over 12 hours, covering meals and lodging.
- Lost luggage reimbursement: Protection if your luggage is delayed or lost.
- Travel and emergency assistance: 24/7 access to emergency services while abroad.
Annual Fee and Costs
The Chase Sapphire Preferred has an annual fee of $95, which is relatively low compared to premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum. There are no foreign transaction fees, making it a solid choice for international travel.
Comparison With Other Travel Credit Cards
Here’s how the Chase Sapphire Preferred compares to some of its main competitors:
| Card | Annual Fee | Key Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® | $95 | 5X on Chase travel, 3X dining & streaming, 25% more value in Ultimate Rewards |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | $550 | 3X travel & dining, Priority Pass, $300 travel credit |
| Amex Gold Card | $250 | 4X dining, 4X US supermarkets (on up to $25K annually) |
| Capital One Venture Rewards | $95 | 2X miles on every purchase, transfer partners |
While premium cards like the Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum offer more luxury perks, the Chase Sapphire Preferred provides one of the best balances between affordability and high-value rewards.
Who Should Apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred?
This card is ideal for:
- Travelers who want strong rewards without high annual fees
- People who frequently dine out or order delivery
- Beginners in travel hacking looking for flexible points
- International travelers who want no foreign transaction fees
FAQ: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred worth it?
Yes. With its $95 annual fee, the value from rewards, travel protections, and point flexibility easily outweighs the cost for most cardholders.
How much are Chase Ultimate Rewards points worth?
Typically, points are worth 1 cent each, but when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards for travel, they’re worth 1.25 cents. Transferring to airline or hotel partners can increase the value even further.
Does the card come with lounge access?
No, lounge access is available with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, not the Preferred. However, Preferred still offers excellent benefits for its lower fee.
What’s the welcome bonus?
Welcome bonuses change frequently, but often it’s around 60,000 to 80,000 points after meeting minimum spend requirements. This can equal $750–$1,000 in travel.
Conclusion: Is the Sapphire Preferred Right for You?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is one of the best travel rewards credit cards in the USA, particularly for travelers who want strong rewards without paying a huge annual fee. With flexible redemption options, access to Ultimate Rewards transfer partners, and valuable travel protections, it’s a perfect card for anyone who loves to travel smart. Whether you’re a beginner building your rewards strategy or a seasoned traveler looking for a reliable everyday card, the Sapphire Preferred delivers outstanding value.
