Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve [Detailed Comparison]

Key Takeaways

• The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card earns 3x points on dining, online groceries, and select streaming services and 2x points on travel.
• The Chase Sapphire Reserve^® earns 8x points on travel booked with Chase Travel, 4x points on flights and hotels when purchased directly, and 3x points on dining worldwide.
• The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is excellent for first-time travel rewards users, offering flexible points and a low annual fee. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is ideal for frequent travelers who can effectively utilize travel and statement credits, enhanced benefits, and protections.

Chase has some of the most sought-after travel rewards credit cards on the market.

In particular, 2 of its flagship credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve^®, are among the best and most popular offerings in the market.

Both of these Chase cards can help you earn lots of Chase Ultimate Rewards points, but that’s not all they offer. Let’s see what they have in common and where they differ, so you can decide which one is right for you.

Comparing Welcome Bonus Offers

See below for the current welcome offers for both of these Chase credit cards:

NEW OFFER

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

125,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,500

Annual Fee

$795

APR

19.99% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
• 5x points on Lyft rides
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly

Cons

• $795 annual fee

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Card Highlights

• Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
• Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^® every 4 years
• Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
• Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 75,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,500

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.74% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• 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

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Statement Credits

This is where we see a significant difference between the 2 cards.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card comes with a $795 annual fee, making this card somewhat of an investment with the initial fee hitting up front. However, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers many valuable benefits that make it worth the cost (we’ll mention some below).

Each cardmember year, you receive a $300 travel credit that automatically reimburses you for a wide range of travel expenses, including Uber.

For those who enjoy luxury hotels, the up to $500 in annual statement credits with The Edit, delivered in 2 separate up to $250 biannual credits (a 2-night minimum stay required), plus onsite benefits, will be a welcome card feature that can add value.

With Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables, cardholders get up to $300 in annual dining credits, available for booking on OpenTable. From January to June and then from July to December, statement credits of up to $150 are given for dining at Exclusive Tables restaurants.

Cardholders also receive up to $300 in annual StubHub credits for purchasing concert and event tickets, available in 2 separate up to $150 biannual credits (valid for StubHub and viagogo through December 31, 2027).

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can get up to $300 annually in monthly DoorDash promotion credits and a complimentary DashPass membership worth $120 annually. Included in membership is a $5 restaurant credit and 2 $10 credits to spend at supermarkets, drugstores, and more. Monthly credits do not carry over from one month to the next.

While earning 5x points on Lyft purchases, the card offers up to $120 in annual Lyft in-app credits, available in monthly credits of up to $10.

Additionally, up to $120 in annual statement credits toward a Peloton membership is included with the card.

Cardmembers also receive a statement credit for a Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck application or renewal fee every 4 years.

Hot Tip:

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can activate the complimentary Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions that come with the card and receive up to $250 in value. Subscriptions run through June 22, 2027.

These statement credits and offers can provide over $2,000 in value during your first year with the card.

For those cardholders who spend $75,000 or more in a calendar year, additional statement credits and benefits are offered.

• Southwest Airlines A-List Status and a $500 Southwest Airlines credit when booked through Chase Travel 
• $250 credit to the Shops at Chase
• IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card comes with a $95 annual fee. For that, you receive a $50 annual credit toward hotel stays booked via the Chase travel portal.

Bottom Line: The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a great starter card, but the Chase Sapphire Reserve card comes with a lot of credits, such as the easy-to-use $300 annual travel credits and monthly DoorDash credits, that can help offset the $795 annual fee.

Earning Potential

Both of these cards are ideal for people who travel and dine out, as these are the primary bonus-earning categories on both cards, although the earning rates differ between the cards. These cards are also very similar in terms of redeeming through the Chase Travel portal.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card earns 8x points per $1 on travel booked through Chase Travel portal, 4x points on airfare or hotels booked directly with the airline or hotel site, and 3x points on dining worldwide. The card also earns 5 points per $1 spent on Lyft purchases (through September 30, 2027). All other purchases made with the card earn 1 point per $1 spent.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card earns 5x points for all travel booked via Chase Travel, 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries, 2x points for each $1 spent on all other travel, and 1x on all other purchases. Plus, the card earns 5 points per $1 spent on Lyft purchases (through September 30, 2027).

Hot Tip: Both cards also earn extra points on select Peloton purchases over $150 through December 31, 2027. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card earns 5x points, with a maximum of 25,000 points earned, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card earns 10x points, with a maximum of 50,000 points earned.

Another exceptional perk of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is that cardholders receive a 10% points bonus after every account anniversary. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card doesn’t offer a benefit like this. This number is based on your total dollar amount spent, so it bumps your rewards up by another 0.1x points.

Redemption Options

Both of these cards earn Ultimate Rewards points, a valuable points currency that is highly flexible when it comes to redemption. Travelers find it easy to use their Ultimate Rewards points thanks to the variety of different travel partners or the flexibility of booking directly through Chase.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers a fixed value redemption of 1 cent per point with Chase Travel. However, with Points Boost, you can receive up to 2 cents per point.

Points redeemed for travel through the Chase Travel portal, connected to the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, can receive up to 100% additional value (2 cents per point versus 1 cent), making 60,000 points worth as much as $1,200 for travel redemptions.

You can book flights with select airlines and hotels through the Chase Travel portal with points earned on the Chase Sapphire Preferred card for up to 1.5 cents per point with Points Boost. This makes 60,000 points worth up to $900 for travel redemptions. For premium cabin tickets on select airlines (e.g., business and first class), the point value could be as high as 1.75 cents, which could mean a 75% bonus.

Both cards also let you transfer your points to several Chase airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio, almost instantly, providing you with an opportunity to maximize the value of your Chase points and receive even greater potential value.

Hot Tip: If you have other Chase credit cards that earn Ultimate Rewards, you can combine them with the points earned from either of these cards.

We’ve outlined some of the best ways to redeem your Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value if you’re looking for ideas!

Travel Benefits and Protections

Each of these cards offers a wide range of travel benefits. Like many other cards, there are no foreign transaction fees. Additionally, this card offers some of the best travel coverage available, protecting your trips and purchases.

While some of the levels of travel protections are similar, let’s highlight the main differences:

One of the best travel benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is access to 1,300 airport lounges available with complimentary Priority Pass membership. Lounge access includes the Chase Sapphire Lounges by the Club, as well as select Air Canada lounges and cafes. Lounge access helps frequent flyers travel in comfort and style when passing through airports worldwide.

Both cards offer primary auto rental coverage, which provides coverage for your car rental without requiring a claim to be filed with your personal car insurance.

The main difference, when it comes to car rental insurance, is that the Chase Sapphire Preferred card doesn’t cover expensive or exotic cars. In contrast, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers additional rental coverage with up to $75,000 in reimbursement for theft or collision.

Hot Tip: For more information on the top cards for coverage, check out our guide to the best credit cards for car rental insurance coverage.

Both cards also offer roadside assistance, but the Chase Sapphire Preferred card charges a flat fee per service call, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers 4 free service calls, valued up to $50 each, per year.

Purchase protection provides an added layer of peace of mind for purchases made with your card. Both offer up to $50,000 in claims per year, but the Chase Sapphire Reserve card protects up to $10,000 per item while the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers $500 per item.

Travel protections that cover lost or delayed luggage and trip cancellation are identical. However, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers slightly enhanced insurance benefits for trip delay coverage, travel accident coverage, and emergency evacuation.

Bottom Line: Both cards offer significant travel protections for the average traveler and solid purchase protections. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is ideal for those who would benefit from the enhanced coverage.

Authorized Users

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card does not charge additional annual fees for authorized users, however, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card charges $195 for each authorized user added to your account.

However, authorized users of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card do receive the added benefit of worldwide lounge access through the Priority Pass Select membership.

Final Thoughts

Both of these cards offer incredible benefits and travel protections, along with a flexible rewards program that provides fantastic value and earning potential for almost everyone.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is ideal for individuals seeking their first travel rewards credit card. Earn up to 3x points per $1 spent on popular categories like dining, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services.

This is also a great card for someone who may not have immediate travel plans but wants to start earning valuable and flexible rewards points currency. With its lower annual fee, keeping this card long-term is a more manageable investment, and it prevents your points from expiring as long as you keep the card open.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is ideal for the frequent traveler who will take full advantage of all the travel credits (remember, Uber counts as travel, too!), numerous statement credits for select purchases, enhanced travel benefits, and protections.

Frequent travelers can take greater advantage of the increased earning potential, with 8x points for all travel booked via Chase Travel, 4x points for direct airline and hotel purchases, and 3x points on dining worldwide.

The bottom line is that the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a great place to start. If you could benefit from elevated earnings and the extra perks that would make your travel better, you may find better value with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.