Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

38 Valuable Benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card [$5,000+ Value]

Andrew Kunesh's image
Andrew Kunesh
Andrew Kunesh's image

Andrew Kunesh

Former Content Contributor

69 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 28U.S. States Visited: 22

Andrew’s a lifelong traveler who puts in over 100,000 miles a year, with over 25 countries, 10 business class products, and 2 airline statuses (United and Alaska) under his belt. Andrew’s worked at Th...
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury
Keri Stooksbury's image

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

29 Published Articles, 3029 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45U.S. States Visited: 28

With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

There’s no doubt that the Chase Sapphire Reserve® took the travel credit card world by storm when it launched in 2016.

The card was one of the first to offer 3x points on dining and travel purchases, extend a huge $300 travel credit, and provide other valuable benefits like rental car insurance and discounts, as well as hotel perks at select brands.

These benefits are all in addition to the fact that the card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points — some of the most flexible and valuable points on the market.

The card does, however, come with a higher annual fee, so you may be wondering if the card is actually worth having.

We’ll help you answer that question in this article. First, we’ll walk you through the card’s benefits and assign each a cash value. Then, we’ll round up all of the benefits and show you their combined value, giving you a complete look at the card’s benefits. Keep in mind that we’ve based our valuations on moderate spending and moderate travel, so the values are definitely subjective.

Make sure to think of how often you’ll use these benefits and assign your own values as you read through the article — this will give you an even better look as to if the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is the card for you.

1. Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Welcome Bonus ($1,200)

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's 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 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel.
60,000 points
$1,200
$550
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 cardapplication.
Excellent (740-850)

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

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

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

Pros

  • 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
  • 10x points on Lyft purchases March 31, 2025
  • 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
  • 5x points on airfare booked through Chase TravelSM
  • 3x points on all other travel and dining purchases; 1x point on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit
  • Priority Pass airport lounge access
  • TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS credit
  • Access to Chase Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection
  • Rental car elite status with National and Avis

Cons

  • $550 annual fee
  • Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
  • $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 $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

While 60,000 points are worth $900 when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, we find that based on our valuations, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth 2 cents per point, making 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points worth $1,200.

Travel Statement Credits

KLM Airplane At an Airport
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card includes a travel credit that you can use to cover airfare, Ubers, and more. Image Credit: Oskar Kadaksoo via Unsplash

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card has 2 travel statement credits: 1 for general travel expenses and 1 for Global Entry, Nexus, or TSA PreCheck.

These benefits are the quickest and easiest ways to realize savings with the card as they apply to your eligible purchases instantly. Plus, these credits help cancel out part of the card’s $550 annual fee so long as you use the entirety of both credits.

Let’s take a look at the credits.

2. $300 Annual Travel Credit Benefit ($300)

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders automatically receive a statement credit for travel purchases charged to the credit card, up to $300 per cardmember year. Do note that qualifying purchases for the annual travel credit do not earn 3x points.

This credit does not have to be used up in a single purchase. Instead, multiple smaller purchases will also be reimbursed so long as the $300 maximum has not been reached and the purchases are in an eligible travel category.

Specifically stated eligible purchases include the following:

  • Airlines
  • Campgrounds
  • Car rental agencies
  • Cruise lines
  • Discount travel sites
  • Hotels
  • Motels
  • Operators of passenger trains, buses, taxis, limousines, and ferries
  • Parking lots and garages
  • Timeshares
  • Toll bridges and highways
  • Travel agencies

3. Global Entry, Nexus, or TSA PreCheck Fee Credit Benefit ($100)

APC and Global Entry Kiosks
Approved passengers can use Global Entry kiosks like these to speed through their re-entry into the U.S. Image Credit: James Tourtellotte via U.S. Customs and Border Protection

If you haven’t already applied, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card will help you get either Global Entry, Nexus, or TSA PreCheck at no out-of-pocket cost.

Simply charge the application fee to your card and it will be automatically reimbursed as a statement credit.

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that prescreens passengers and then allows expedited entry into the U.S. when returning from international travel. It requires a detailed application and an in-person interview before approval.

When you are approved for the Global Entry program, you also receive TSA PreCheck, so with your application fees being covered, there’s no reason not to apply for Global Entry if you are eligible.

If you already have Global Entry (like many of us do), this credit is great for your renewal or for gifting Global Entry to a friend or family member. As long as the application fee is paid for with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card, it doesn’t matter whose application fee it is.

Since the Global Entry and TSA PreCheck programs only require you to renew your membership every 5 years, this credit is not available every year that you hold the card. Instead, it is available every 4 years, so you’ll always have it when it’s time for you to renew.

We’ll value this credit at $100 for those that can use the credit for either their own Global Entry application fee or an application fee for a friend. Otherwise, the credit is worth $0.

Hot Tip: Looking for more info on Global Entry? Don’t miss our post on the top Global Entry FAQs

4. No Foreign Transaction Fees ($100)

Thankfully, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. This applies to both purchases you make when you are traveling internationally and to purchases you make from the U.S. but in a foreign currency — like buying train tickets in advance or buying something from an international online store.

Although the majority of travel credit cards have no foreign transaction fees, this is an important benefit because you will not have to think about switching the card you use when traveling or booking trips.

This lack of foreign transaction fees can save you up to 3% per purchase, so we’ll value this benefit at $100 for those who travel often.

Earn Valuable Flexible Points

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card earns valuable Ultimate Rewards points.

What makes these points so valuable? One word: flexibility!

Not only can you use Ultimate Rewards points to book travel directly through the Chase Travel portal, but you can transfer your points to a variety of airline and hotel partners like United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Hyatt hotels. This gives you the ability to book some seriously valuable rewards.

Make sure to check out our guide to redeeming Ultimate Rewards points — if you know where to look, you can find some amazing values in the program.

Hot Tip: The Chase Sapphire Reserve card does fall under the bank’s 5/24 rule. That means you can’t apply for a new Chase Sapphire Reserve card if you have received 5 or more new credit cards in the past 24 months. 

5. 3x Points on Travel and Dining ($300)

You’ll earn 3 points per dollar spent on both travel and dining purchases made with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card. This applies both at home and abroad.

To earn 3x points, all you need to do is charge an eligible travel or dining expense to your Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

These categories are super broad, too. Everything from fast food to fine dining and hostels to first class flights is eligible for 3x points, so you’ll be able to rack up points quickly. Plus, all other purchases are eligible for 1 point per dollar spent.

These bonus categories are a great way to quickly build up your Ultimate Rewards balance.

With that in mind, we value this benefit at $300. This could be higher or lower depending on how much you spend on travel and dining each year, but we think that $300 is a good medium for this perk. Plus, don’t forget about the card’s welcome bonus that could provide thousands in value across your first year of card membership.

Hot Tip: Looking for a travel rewards card without a $550 annual fee? Take a look at the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, which is a very popular card for those new to points and miles.

6. 10x Points on Hotels and Car Rentals via Chase Travel ($75)

Chase has a broad definition of travel, making it easy to earn 3x points per dollar spent. However, if you book your hotels or car rentals via the Chase Travel portal, you’ll be earning 10x total points per dollar spent.

This translates to $500 in spending equaling 5,000 Ultimate Rewards points worth up to $75, or potentially more when transferred to travel partners.

7. 10x Points on Chase Dining Purchases via Ultimate Rewards Portal ($75)

You’ll receive 3x earnings using your card for dining purchases in general, but if you book your dining experience via the Ultimate Rewards portal, you’ll earn 10x total points per dollar spent.

10x earnings apply to prepaid restaurant reservations, dining out, eligible delivery services, and takeout through Ultimate Rewards.

If you spent just $500 a year, you’d be earning 5,000 Ultimate Rewards points worth up to 1.5 cents each for travel and Pay Yourself Back.

8. 5x Points on Flights via Chase Travel ($75)

Book your flights via the Chase Travel portal and earn 5x total points per dollar spent.

We’ll use just a $1,000 spending level to estimate the value of this benefit — $1,000 spent via the portal would earn 5,000 Ultimate Rewards points worth $75 or more when redeemed for travel.

Bottom Line: Earn up to 10x total Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent when you use your Chase Sapphire Reserve card to book dining, prepaid hotels, rental cars, and flights via the Chase Travel portal. 

9. 10x Points per Dollar on Lyft Purchases ($30)

In addition to elevated points earning on travel and dining, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders earn 10 points per dollar spent on Lyft purchases (through March 2025). You’ll earn these bonus points on rideshare, scooter, and bike rides booked through the app. This includes shared rides, private rides, and premium rides in Select and Lux vehicles.

Note that Lyft operates Citi Bike in New York City and Capital Bike in Washington, D.C., among others. Make sure to charge your rentals to your Chase Sapphire Reserve card through the app so you can earn bonus points while you exercise.

The value of this benefit largely depends on how often you use Lyft. But for the purpose of this article, we’ll give it a modest valuation of $30.

This is under the assumption that you spend at least $150 per year on Lyft rides, giving you a return of 1,500 in Ultimate Rewards points. We value these points at just under $30 based on our 2.0 cents per point Ultimate Rewards valuation.

10. 10x Points per Dollar on Select Peloton Purchases (Value Varies)

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can earn 10 points per dollar spent on Peloton Bike, Tread, Row, and Guide purchases over $250 with a maximum of 50,000 points earned through March 31, 2025.

11. Transfers to Partners ($300)

The best part about earning Ultimate Rewards points with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card is access to the Chase transfer partners. You can transfer your points to any of the following programs at a 1:1 transfer ratio in increments of 1,000 points.

Chase’s Airline Transfer Partners:

SCROLL FOR MORE
Chase Airline PartnerMin TransferTransfer Ratio
(Chase > Airline)
Transfer Time
Aer Lingus AerClub1,0001:1Almost Instant
Air Canada Aeroplan1,0001:1Almost Instant
Air France-KLM Flying Blue1,0001:11 hour
British Airways Executive Club1,0001:1Almost Instant
Emirates Skywards1,0001:1Almost Instant
Iberia Plus1,0001:1Almost Instant
JetBlue1,0001:1Almost Instant
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer1,0001:11-2 days
Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards1,0001:1Almost Instant
United Airlines MileagePlus1,0001:1Almost Instant
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club1,0001:1Almost Instant

Chase’s Hotel Transfer Partners:

SCROLL FOR MORE
Chase Hotel PartnerMin TransferTransfer Ratio
(Chase > Hotel)
Transfer Time
IHG One Rewards1,0001:11 day
Marriott Bonvoy1,0001:12 days
World of Hyatt1,0001:1Almost Instant

Why is this so valuable, you ask? Simple: once your points have been transferred to a travel partner, the rules of that loyalty program apply.

This means you can take advantage of awesome redemptions like cheap first class tickets to Tokyo on Asiana, luxurious jaunts to Europe in business class, and much more.

When booking award flights in premium cabins, it’s sometimes possible to get up to 15 cents (or more) per point in value!

Hot Tip: Need inspiration on how to use your Chase Ultimate Rewards points? Check out our article on the best redemptions.

We value Chase’s Ultimate Rewards transfer partners at $300. This is because of the amazing value you can get from transferring your points to this vast network of airlines and hotel partners — just 1 redemption in first or business class can completely make up for the card’s high annual fee!

12. 50% More Value in Travel Redemptions via Chase Travel ($100)

Cathay Pacific Plane on A Runway
You can book paid flights on any airline with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, including Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific! Image Credit: JIMMOYHT via Shutterstock

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card provides the highest value of all the Chase cards when you book your travel with points through the Chase Travel portal. You can redeem for both paid airfare and hotels through this portal without blackout dates of any kind.

Hot Tip: Make sure to add your frequent flyer number to your flight bookings made through the Chase Travel portal. Since you’re technically redeeming for a paid flight, you’ll earn both redeemable and elite qualifying miles on your flights.

Do keep in mind that you’ll usually get better value from your points when transferring them to one of Chase’s various transfer partners. As mentioned earlier, this is because you can use points to take advantage of partner award chart sweet spots.

However, in some cases — think low-cost flights and cheap hotel nights — the 1.5 cents per point value can be better than transferring points to an airline or hotel partner due to the number of points required.

For example, a $75 flight domestic flight on American would only cost 5,000 Ultimate Rewards points when booked through the portal but may cost a minimum of 9,000 points if you transferred points to British Airways to book the same flight.

A word of caution though: hotels booked through this portal are not eligible for elite night credit, hotel points, or elite status benefits as bookings are processed by Expedia. If you value these benefits, it’s best to forgo using points and book directly with the hotel instead.

We value this benefit at $100. While we generally recommend making high-end bookings using Chase’s transfer partners for better value, being able to redeem at 1.5 cents per point towards any paid flight or hotel room is still an excellent option for lower-cost bookings.

13. Up to 50% More Value in Statement Credit Redemptions ($100)

Cardholders can use Pay Yourself Back to redeem their Chase Ultimate Reward points for 25% to 50% more when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories.

Travel Benefits

Priority Pass Lounge at Warsaw Airport
Airport lounges are a great place to relax and refresh before a long flight — access them with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s included Priority Pass Select membership. Image Credit: Sorbis via Shutterstock

14. Worldwide Airport Lounge Access ($300)

While the Chase Sapphire Reserve card doesn’t have as many travel perks as The Platinum Card® by American Express, the card does offer a few perks like airport lounge access and hotel benefits that can make your travel experience more comfortable.

Priority Pass Select Membership

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card comes with a complimentary membership to the Priority Pass Select network of airport lounges. All you have to do is sign up, and there is no additional fee to do so.

Once your Priority Pass Select membership is activated, you’ll have free access to over 1,400 airport lounges in more than 600 cities worldwide. Plus, you can bring up to 2 travel companions with you to the lounge for free.

Amenities in Priority Pass airport lounges can vary greatly, though, so it’s best to use its free app to get an idea of what to expect when planning your trip. Common lounge amenities include an open bar, free coffee and soda, snacks, Wi-Fi, and showers.

With your Priority Pass Select membership you can also enjoy additional amenities such as access to Minute Suites at select airports and a free $28 credit towards food and drink at select airport restaurants — check the Priority Pass website for more info on locations.

Do note that you have to enroll in Priority Pass after you’re approved for a Chase Sapphire Reserve card. You can do this on the Card Benefits page in the Chase Travel portal. Once enrolled, you’ll receive your physical Priority Pass Select card in 7 to 10 days. You’ll need this card (or the digital card in the Priority Pass mobile app) to enter lounges worldwide.

Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club

Coming soon to New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), and Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), the new Chase Sapphire Lounges by The Club will provide elevated experiences with “exceptional food, drink, art, entertainment, and wellness.”

Priority Pass members will also have access to the new Chase Sapphire Lounges.

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders plus 2 guests also have access to Chase Sapphire Terrace locations. Currently, there’s only 1 location which is due to open on March 20, 2023, at Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in Texas.

We value the lounge benefits that come with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card at $300, but they can be worth much more depending on how much you travel. Lounge access at the airport can make long layovers more comfortable, and can easily save you hundreds of dollars in airport food and drink purchases if you travel often.

Bottom Line: With access to over 1,400 lounge properties worldwide, including the new Chase Sapphire Lounges, this benefit alone could provide tremendous value for the cardholder. 

15. The Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection ($100)

The Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection is a network of over 900 of the world’s best hotels and resorts around the world. Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers get free Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection membership, and can take advantage of special benefits and privileges including:

  • Daily breakfast for 2 guests
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Room upgrade (when available, at select properties)
  • Early check-in and late checkout (when available, at select properties)
  • Special amenity unique to each property

Special amenities can include things like lunch or dinner for 2, a spa treatment, golf green fee waivers, welcome gifts, or airport transfers. Details on the amenities available for a specific property are available when searching and booking.

Note that you must book hotels through the Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection program and pay for your stay with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card to take advantage of these benefits — hotel stays booked direct or through another portal are not eligible.

Like booking through the Chase Travel portal, booking a chain hotel through the Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection will make you ineligible for using hotel status benefits, earning hotel points, or earning elite qualifying nights. Make sure to compare and contrast your hotel benefits and the benefits offered by the Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection before booking.

We value this benefit at $100 so long as you can use it at least once per year. You’ll quickly find that this benefit is worth more if you use it often, but is worth $0 if you don’t use it at all. Check it out before you book your next hotel stay.

16. Elite Hotel Benefits at Relais & Châteaux ($50)

Continuing on the topic of hotel perks, Relais & Châteaux is a prestigious collection of luxury properties located in various cities around the world. When you book a stay at one of these hotels with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you will receive a “VIP welcome” and complimentary breakfast during your stay.

The VIP welcome benefit varies by property but can include things like a bottle of Champagne at check-in or a complimentary drink at the hotel bar. Regardless of what you get, the benefit is a great way to settle into your hotel!

We’re giving this benefit a conservative valuation of $50. Relais & Châteaux is a small hotel company, so you’re not likely to use the benefit often. However, the included benefits are a nice way to enhance any upcoming hotel stays at Relais & Châteaux properties.

17. Elite Hotel Benefits at Ennismore ($50)

Ennismore (formerly sbe) is a luxury hotel brand that includes brands like Delano, Hyde, Mondrian, The Originals, The Redbury, and SLS. These properties can be found in cities like Beverly Hills, London, New York City, and others around the world.

Book Ennismore hotel stays through the Ennismore Chase Sapphire Reserve card portal and you’ll get access to benefits like:

  • Fourth night free
  • $30 food and beverage credit
  • Complimentary upgrades (subject to availability)
  • Complimentary continental breakfast for 2 people
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Late checkout (subject to availability)

We also value the Ennismore benefits at $50. Like Relais & Châteaux, there aren’t many Ennismore locations worldwide. However, these benefits can be extremely valuable for times when you do find yourself staying at one of the company’s boutique properties, and the fourth-night free benefit can save you a ton of money depending on the cost of your free night. For more information, check out our guide to the Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s Ennismore hotel benefits.

Food and Grocery Delivery Benefits

Chase revamped the Chase Sapphire Reserve card and added food and grocery delivery benefits. This includes a subscription to DoorDash DashPass, an annual food delivery credit, and Instacart benefits.

Here’s a look at these benefits:

18. Free Subscription to DoorDash DashPass ($120)

All Chase Sapphire Reserve cards include a subscription to DoorDash DashPass for the card’s primary cardholder.

This subscription gives you free food delivery and discounted service fees from select DoorDash restaurants so long as your total bill is $12 or more. DoorDash is available in most large American cities, so you can order food to your home or hotel room.

DashPass usually costs $10 per month, giving you $120 in value per year. If activated by December 31, 2023, the subscription is active through December 31, 2024. If activated during the 2024 calendar year, the subscription will be valid for 1 year from the date of activation.

19. Monthly DoorDash Food Delivery Credit ($5/month)

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders receive a $5 monthly DoorDash credit. This fee can be carried over for a maximum of 2 months, allowing you to accrue up to $15 in credit before $5 expires.

We’ll value this benefit at its face value of $5. DoorDash partners with tons of restaurants for delivery nationwide, so chances are you can use this credit to cover dinner at one of your favorites.

Hot Tip: If you get food delivery fairly regularly, explore the best cards for food delivery services to make sure you’re earning bonus points on your purchases

20. Instacart+ Membership ($99)

Cardholders are eligible for a complimentary 12-month membership to Instacart+ which normally costs $99 per year. This membership comes with free delivery on orders over $35, a 5% credit back on eligible pick up orders, and lower service fees. Registration is required.

21. Monthly Instacart Credit ($15/month)

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders receive a monthly credit of $15 to use for grocery delivery through Instacart.

Car Rental Privileges

Tesla Model 3 On A Hill
Your Chase Sapphire Reserve card will make renting a car more enjoyable than ever. Image Credit: Charlie Deets via Unsplash

From insurance to picking a car class, renting a car can be a stressful task. Thankfully, though, your Chase Sapphire Reserve card will make this process easier as it offers complimentary rental car discounts, elite status at select rental companies, and even free collision insurance to its cardmembers.

Here’s a look at each of the card’s rental car benefits:

22. Avis Preferred Discount ($50)

After enrolling in Avis Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers can use code S107100 to save up to 30% on qualifying rentals. We value this discount at $50, but it can be worth more if you rent cars from Avis frequently.

23. National Emerald Club Executive Status and Discount ($100)

One of our favorite benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is a complimentary upgrade to Emerald Club Executive status.

Emerald Club Executive status allows you to reserve a midsize car and then choose any car on the lot when you pick it up — including minivans, sports cars, and other full-sized vehicles. Certain National locations are better for finding high-end cars, but you’ll almost always end up with something in a higher category than what you reserved.

Other benefits of Emerald Club Executive status include:

  • No Second Driver Fees — Add a second driver for free
  • Upgrades in Europe — Free 1-class upgrades at participating National locations in the U.K., Ireland, France, Spain, and Germany
  • Special Pricing on Premier Selection Cars — You’ll receive special pricing on upgrades to Premier Selection cars at the rental lot
  • Faster Free Rentals — Earn a free rental credit after just 6 car rentals

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders also get up to 25% off all National bookings. Just use the code 5030849 when booking your next rental car with National.

We value these National benefits at $100, but you’ll get much more value if you rent with National often. We’re particularly big fans of being able to pick any car on the National lot, something that becomes especially valuable if you need to rent a minivan or another more expensive car for a special event.

24. Audi on demand Discount ($50)

With Audi on demand, you can save up to 30% on rentals when you use promotion code VINFINITE25 and pay for the rental with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card. This discount now even applies to single-day rentals.

For some background, Audi on demand (formerly Silvercar) is a high-end car rental company with 18 locations around the U.S. It only rents Audi cars and SUVs, and each rental comes with free Wi-Fi, GPS, and satellite radio.

We value the Audi on demand discount at a conservative $50.

While the discount can be worth a lot more if you use Audi on demand often, the company has limited locations — mostly near major U.S. airports. Make sure to enroll in Audi on demand’s loyalty program before you rent a car.

25. Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver ($200)

The cardholder and any additional drivers authorized by the rental agreement will be covered for up to $75,000 for car rentals that are 31 days or shorter.

This coverage is primary and pays for any loss, theft, or damage to the rental car, as well as towing and loss of use for the rental company.

For this coverage to apply, you must pay for the entire rental with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card. You also need to refuse any collision damage and loss damage waiver coverages from the rental company — if you don’t do this, the rental company’s coverage will apply first.

Do note that there are certain vehicle exclusions, namely for high-end sports and luxury cars. With that in mind, be sure to double-check your coverage if you’re renting any type of specialty vehicle.

The Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver is worth $200 for the purpose of this article, but again, it can be worth much more. You’ll generally pay $20 to $30 per day for this insurance from the rental company, so those that rent cars regularly can get thousands in value from the benefit.

Hot Tip: The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is one of the few cards that offers primary car rental coverage. This means the coverage from your card will serve as primary coverage without having to first file a claim with other insurance. Primary coverage is a huge benefit, and worth considering whenever you rent a car.

Travel Protections

Above, we’ve taken a look at what this card can do for you when you’re planning and booking your trips. But what happens if you have an issue while you are on the road? Think of things like injuries, trip delays, and lost or delayed luggage.

Thankfully, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card will help protect you during your travels, too.

Everything from delays to cancellations to travel accidents and other emergencies can be covered. And while we’d never want anything bad to happen when we’re away from home, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card provides peace of mind so you can be confident that you’ll be taken care of if something does come up.

Here’s a look at all of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s travel protections:

26. Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance ($100)

Trip cancellation provides coverage when a trip cannot be taken on or before the scheduled date and therefore must be canceled.

Some examples of this include illness before departure or a natural disaster that affects your travel destination — just make sure to check the card’s benefits guide for restrictions.

On the other hand, trip interruption insurance provides coverage when you experience a covered loss on the way to departure or after a trip begins that causes a trip to be interrupted.

Reimbursement is secondary, meaning that it covers the excess of any other travel insurance purchased. The benefit covers arrangements for prepaid tours, trips, or vacations that have been purchased with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card (or with points earned on the card).

One especially nice part of this coverage is that it not only covers the cardholder but also immediate family members, too — even if the cardholder is not traveling with them.

Note that coverage is limited to up to $10,000 per trip and a maximum of $20,000 per occurrence. Total coverage is limited to $40,000 per 12-month period. We value this benefit at $100 as you’re unlikely to use it, but it can be worth much more when you do.

27. Baggage Delay Insurance ($100)

If your bag is delayed by an airline, bus, cruise ship, or train for more than 6 hours, your Chase Sapphire Reserve card will cover up to $100 per day in purchases of emergency supplies like toiletries, clothing, and 1 cell phone charger.

Cardholders, spouses, domestic partners, and immediate family members are also covered by this benefit. Just note that your ticket must have been purchased with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card or with your Ultimate Rewards points, and the benefit is limited to 5 days, so it can be worth up to $500 per use per person.

We’ll also value this benefit at $100. We certainly hope your baggage is never delayed, but if it is, this benefit can be worth hundreds of dollars while you wait for your bag to be returned to you.

28. Lost Luggage Reimbursement ($50)

A Broken Suitcase
Your Chase Sapphire Reserve card will help if your bag is lost or damaged by an airline, train service, cruise line, or bus company. Image Credit: goffkein.pro via Shutterstock

This coverage provides reimbursement for the repair or replacement of checked and/or carry-on bags that are damaged or lost during a covered trip with a common carrier. Common carriers include airlines, buses, trains, and cruises.

The trip must have been purchased with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card or your Ultimate Rewards points, and coverage is limited to $3,000 per person per trip. Of that maximum benefit, $500 can be reimbursed for watches, jewelry, and electronics, so don’t check your laptop or other expensive items.

Even if the cardholder is not traveling, the cardholder and any immediate family are covered so long as travel is booked with a Chase Sapphire Reserve card. We recommend keeping a copy of your suitcase’s original receipt for reimbursement, too.

We value this benefit at $50 as an airline losing your bag is a very rare occurrence. But again, using this benefit even once can give you potentially thousands of dollars in value.

29. Trip Delay Reimbursement ($200)

If your travel on a common carrier is delayed more than 6 hours or requires an extra overnight stay, you’re covered for up to $500 per person who had a ticket that was delayed. This delay can be for any reason — even bad weather or air traffic control issues.

Tickets must have been purchased with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card or your Ultimate Rewards points, and you are limited to 1 covered loss per trip.

The cardholder, cardholder’s spouse or domestic partner, and cardholder’s dependent children under age 22 can be reimbursed for expenses incurred during the delay, including meals, lodging, toiletries, medication, and other personal items.

Just note that to be covered, the trip must be away from your city of residence and under 365 days in length.

We value this benefit generously at $200 because it packs a ton of value, especially if you travel to the Midwest or East Coast in the wintertime. Getting stuck in a city like Chicago or New York City can be expensive, so having your hotel and meals reimbursed even once means hundreds of dollars in value.

30. Travel Accident Insurance ($50)

There are 2 types of travel accident insurance provided by your Chase Sapphire Reserve card. In the case that both coverages apply, you will be paid out only by the coverage with the higher limit.

  • Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance: Pays a benefit for a covered loss when riding on, entering, or exiting a bus, airplane, train, or cruise ship. Coverage is limited to a maximum of $1,000,000 for loss of life and is proportional depending on the injury.
  • 24-Hour Travel Accident Insurance: Provides a benefit for covered losses between your trip starting and ending (as printed on a travel ticket). A maximum payout of $100,000 is available for loss of life and injuries are paid on a proportional scale.

This benefit covers the cardholder and immediate family members, even if the cardholder is not traveling with them. However, if more than 1 person is injured, the maximum coverage will not exceed twice the stated limits.

There is a list of exclusions to be aware of, which include losses sustained during illegal acts, skydiving, racing, or sporting activities that have a salary or monetary prize.

We sincerely hope that you never have to use these benefits, and it’s unlikely that you’ll ever have to. However, we’ll value them at $50 for the purpose of this article. The added peace of mind is a nice perk, especially for adventurous travelers who like to travel off-the-beaten-path.

31. Travel and Emergency Assistance ($25)

By calling the number provided with your benefits information, you can receive no-cost referrals and assistance for emergency services while away from home.

Available services include the following:

  • Emergency message service
  • Emergency ticket replacement
  • Emergency translation service
  • Emergency transportation assistance
  • Legal referrals
  • Lost luggage locator service
  • Medical referrals
  • Prescription and document delivery arrangements
  • Pre-trip destination information

Although the referrals and assistance are provided at no cost, the cardholder will be responsible for any costs from the service providers that are referred. With that in mind, we’ll value this benefit at $25.

32. Emergency Medical and Dental ($50)

This benefit provides reimbursement for medical and dental expenses that are a result of emergency treatment due to sickness or injury while on a covered trip.

To be covered, the trip must have been purchased with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card or points earned with the card. Additionally, this benefit is secondary to your personal medical and dental insurance or any travel insurance you have purchased.

The cardholder, cardholder’s spouse or domestic partner, and legally dependent children under 18 years old (25 if enrolled as a full-time student) are covered.

Coverage is subject to a maximum of $2,500 with a $50 deductible. In addition, up to $75 per day will be covered for lodging when a physician says you cannot travel immediately after treatment.

Again, you’re unlikely to have to use this benefit, but it can be nice to have the peace of mind, so we’ll value the benefit at $50 for the purpose of this article.

33. Emergency Evacuation and Transportation ($50)

If you or a member of your eligible party is injured or becomes ill during a trip and requires emergency evacuation, coverage will apply up to a maximum of $100,000 for emergency evacuation and medical services.

Eligible party members include cardholders, spouses or domestic partners, and legally dependent children under 18 years old (25 if enrolled as a full-time student).

Your trip must have been purchased with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card or Ultimate Rewards points to be eligible for this coverage. Further, this benefit’s coverage is in excess of your personal insurance or any other travel insurance that applies.

We’ll value this benefit at $50, but it can be worth thousands if you ever have to use it. This benefit is especially important when you consider that you could be unable to fly commercially if you fall ill with specific conditions.

Bottom Line: The above travel protection benefits are some of the best offered by any credit card available. If at all possible, you should try to purchase your prepaid travel with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card or your Ultimate Rewards points just in case something goes wrong. Doing this will make you eligible for some of the highest coverage limits and the widest range of coverages available.

Benefits at Home

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card clearly takes care of you while you are out exploring the world, but what about when you are at home?

Well, it can help there, too. From shopping to special entertainment events to ensuring that you’re safe on the road, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card has you covered when you’re between trips as well.

34. VIP Event Access ($25)

From sports and recreation to dining and shopping, Chase Experiences will make sure you’re as close to the action as possible.

These VIP events aren’t available to the general public and are usually limited in quantity. Experience options are regularly changing, so it’s best to check back frequently to find one you want to do.

This benefit has very limited use, and we haven’t seen many of these VIP events come across our radar. With that in mind, we’ll value the benefit at $25 as you’re unlikely to actually attend any of these events. Let us know if you’ve taken advantage of this benefit in the comments.

35. Roadside Assistance ($50)

Man Changing Tire On A Car
You never know when you’ll need a tow truck, but the roadside assistance included with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card will cover the bill up to 4 times a year. Image Credit: Nejron Photo via Shutterstock

Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the roadside assistance provided with your card covers the cardholder driving their own vehicle or any other vehicle with the permission of the owner.

Covered services include the following:

  • Battery boost
  • Flat tire service
  • Fuel delivery
  • Towing
  • Lockout assistance

Coverage is limited to $50 per occurrence a maximum of 4 times per year, which should be more than enough for most drivers. We’ll assume that you’ll use this benefit once per year for a modest valuation of $50 per year.

36. Purchase Protection ($100)

When you purchase an item with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card, it’s protected from theft and damage for the first 120 days you own it. In other words: if you buy a new laptop and it’s stolen the next day, you’ll be reimbursed for the cost of replacing it.

There’s a maximum of $10,000 per claim and up to $50,000 per account is available for coverage. Further, this coverage is secondary to your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy and there is a list of excluded items, so be sure to check the details of this benefit.

Purchases made by the cardholder (including those given as gifts to others) are eligible for this protection. The benefit is especially valuable for cell phones, laptops, tablets, and other things that can be easily lost, so consider putting new tech purchases on your new Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

We value this benefit at $100, but it can easily be worth much more. After all, just think about the last time you lost something important when traveling — if it was purchased on your Chase Sapphire Reserve card and the loss happened within 120 days of purchase, it’d be replaced for free.

37. Return Protection ($50)

If you try to return a personal item (not purchased for business use) within 90 days of your purchase and the store doesn’t accept the return, you may be eligible for reimbursement from your Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

To take advantage of this benefit, you must have paid for the item in question with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card (or the points you earned with the card). Plus, you need to have a copy of your receipt to provide proof of purchase and price.

Note that this coverage is limited to $500 per item, and you can make a maximum of $1,000 in claims per year. Some types of items are not covered, so check the details on your card’s benefits page before filing a claim.

We’ll value this benefit at $50 for this article. It provides nice peace of mind, but you’re not too likely to use it more than once or twice per year. Further, it’s unfortunate that the benefit’s limits are so low, meaning that you can’t use it for returning things like laptops or high-end cell phones.

38. Extended Warranty Protection ($100)

Finally, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card has an awesome extended warranty feature. When you purchase eligible items with your card, the manufacturer’s warranty will be extended for 1 year.

For coverage to apply, the item must have come with an original manufacturer-written U.S. repair warranty of 3 years or less. Certain foreign purchases may also be eligible if they have a store-purchased dealer warranty or an assembler warranty.

Chase’s extended warranty protection covers the same things that are covered by the product’s original warranty terms — this usually includes things like manufacturer defects, but not accidental damage or theft.

This benefit is limited to $10,000 per claim and a maximum of $50,000 per account, making it useful for repairing laptops, cell phones, and other high-end purchases. Purchases made by the cardholder for themselves or others as gifts are eligible for coverage.

Do note that the following items are not eligible for extended warranty coverage:

  • Aircraft, boats, cars, or other motorized vehicles
  • Items purchased for resale, professional, or any type of commercial use
  • Preowned or used items
  • Software

Just note that your card needs to be open and in good standing to take advantage of this benefit. This means that you can’t file an extended warranty claim after you’ve closed your credit card account, even if you’re within the 1 year extended warranty period.

We’ll value this benefit at $100, though it could be worth much more if you have to file an expensive warranty claim.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card has an extensive list of super valuable benefits. All of the benefits in this article add up to potentially over $4,000 in combined value — and that’s not including the card’s welcome bonus!

This great set of benefits can help you travel more comfortably, safely, and affordably. And with excellent purchase protection, roadside assistance, and extended warranty benefits, the card will enhance your life at home, too.

But before you settle on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, make sure to check out some of its alternatives.

For example, if you only travel once or twice per year, you may want to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card instead — this card has some of the same benefits as the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, but with a lower annual fee of just $95.

Or if you want more benefits, check out the Amex Platinum card for luxury perks. This card gives you access to more lounges but has a harder-to-use airline credit, a higher annual fee.

Safe travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve card worth it?

Yes! We think the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is an excellent value, even with its hefty $550 annual fee.

As discussed in the article, all of the card’s benefits have over $5,300 in potential value according to our calculations.

Even if you don’t use all of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s benefits, just taking advantage of its $300 travel credit and Global Entry reimbursement will make its annual fee just $150.

This $150 can be easily recouped with a couple of lounge visits, a delayed trip reimbursement, or by redeeming points for a trip.

What is the difference between the Chase Sapphire Reserve card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred card?

The main differences between the Chase Sapphire Reserve card and Chase Sapphire Preferred card can be summed up in 1 simple statement:

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card has a much higher annual fee and much better benefits.

Some of the major differences that should be highlighted include the following:

  • Annual Fee — Chase Sapphire Reserve card is $550, Chase Sapphire Preferred card is $95
  • Points Earning for General Travel and Dining — Chase Sapphire Reserve card earns 3x to 10x, Chase Sapphire Preferred card earns 2x to 5x (depending on the specific bonus category)
  • Chase Travel Redemptions — Chase Sapphire Reserve card is 1.5 cents per point, Chase Sapphire Preferred card is 1.25 cents per point
  • Airport Lounge Access — Chase Sapphire Reserve card has Priority Pass Select, Chase Sapphire Preferred card has no lounge access
  • Annual Travel Credit — Chase Sapphire Reserve card is $300, Chase Sapphire Preferred card has no travel credit
  • Global Entry, Nexus, or TSA PreCheck Credit — Chase Sapphire Reserve card is $100/$85, Chase Sapphire Preferred card has none

Does Chase ever waive the annual fee for the Chase Sapphire Reserve card?

No, since the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is a premium card with a long list of valuable benefits, Chase will not waive the $550 annual fee.

However, by taking advantage of the benefits, it is possible to extract more than $550 worth of benefits from the card each year.

Will the Chase Sapphire Reserve card welcome bonus of 100k ever come back?

It’s impossible to say if the Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s now-discontinued 100k sign-up bonus will ever make a comeback. But as of now, it appears that it was just an introductory offer.

This is because the card has been around for more than 5 years now, and at the time of writing this piece, we haven’t seen the 100k bonus return at any point.

Several news reports have shown that Chase was actually losing money with the higher welcome bonus, so unless it wants to make a big push for an increase in card membership, we will probably not see the 100k welcome bonus return.

You may also want to consider checking out the current welcome offer for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

Does the Chase Sapphire Reserve card charge foreign transaction fees?

No, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card does not charge foreign transaction fees.

You can feel free to use the card for your international purchases without worrying about paying extra for each transaction.

Can I withdraw cash with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card?

Yes, you can withdraw cash with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card so long as you’ve set up a PIN and do not have the cash advance limit set to $0 on your account.

However, withdrawing cash from a credit card is generally a terrible idea unless it’s an absolute last resort in an emergency because it is quite expensive to do.

When making a withdrawal from your Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you will pay a fee of either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater.

How does my Chase Sapphire Reserve card travel credit reflect on my account?

The annual travel credit for your Chase Sapphire Reserve card will be automatically credited to your account for eligible purchases.

There is nothing you need to do to claim or redeem the travel credit.

You’ll see the credits on your statements for the first $300 in purchases in the travel category each year that you have the card. You can view your remaining travel credit balance on Chase Travel.

Do Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies count for 3x points on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card?

Yes, you will earn 3x points from your Chase Sapphire Reserve card for purchases with Uber and many other rideshare companies. Lyft purchases will earn 10x points per $1 (through March 2025).

What airport lounges can I access with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card comes with a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, providing access to over 1,300 airport lounges in over 600 cities worldwide. Plus, you also have the ability to bring in 2 guests at no charge, subject to the limits of individual lounges.

Cardholders will also have access to new Chase Sapphire Lounges coming soon to New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), and Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), that will provide elevated experiences with “exceptional food, drink, art, entertainment, and wellness.”

Do I get rental car insurance with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card?

Yes, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card does have a rental car insurance benefit.

In fact, the coverage is primary, meaning it pays out before your personal auto insurance, so it is one of the best insurance coverages provided by a credit card.

As long as you pay for the entire rental with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card and decline the CDW/LDW coverage from the rental agency, the auto rental collision damage waiver benefit of your card will pay up to $75,000 for theft or collision damages to your rental car.

Do note that this coverage does not include liability insurance. If you’re responsible for an accident that damages another car, you’ll have to claim your personal car insurance or car insurance purchased from the rental company.

Can I add an authorized user to my Chase Sapphire Reserve card?

Yes, you are able to add an authorized user on to your Chase Sapphire Reserve card account. Doing so will incur a $75 fee for each authorized user.

Authorized users on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card will receive their own Priority Pass Select membership and be able to earn the same bonus category earn rates on their purchases, but they will not receive an additional $100 Global Entry fee credit or $300 annual travel credit.

Does Chase offer a referral bonus for the Chase Sapphire Reserve card?

No, Chase does not currently offer a referral bonus on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

How do I reach Chase Sapphire Reserve card customer service?

The easiest way to reach customer service for your Chase Sapphire Reserve card is by calling the number on the back of your card.

Alternatively, you can send a secure message to customer service through your online account with Chase, provided that you have your Chase Sapphire Reserve card linked to your account.

Do food delivery services like DoorDash, Grubhub, Postmates, Seamless, and Uber Eats earn 3x Ultimate Rewards points?

We’ve found that most food delivery services — namely DoorDash, Grubhub, Seamless, and Uber Eats — do earn 3 points per dollar. Further, if you order food direct from a restaurant, it should also earn 3 points per dollar as the charge will code as a standard restaurant purchase.

One notable exception, though, is Postmates. We’ve heard reports of this only earning 1 point per dollar as the company delivers more than food.

Andrew Kunesh's image

About Andrew Kunesh

Andrew was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs and now splits his time between Chicago and New York City.

He’s a lifelong traveler and took his first solo trip to San Francisco at the age of 16. Fast forward a few years, and Andrew now travels just over 100,000 miles a year, with over 25 countries, 10 business class products, and 2 airline statuses (United and Alaska) under his belt. Andrew formerly worked for The Points Guy and is now Senior Money Editor at CNN Underscored.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse
DMCA.com Protection Status