Chase Sapphire Reserve Card’s Annual Fee History: 2016 to 2026

When the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® launched in 2016, it quickly became one of the most sought-after cards for its unprecedented combination of travel perks, a large welcome offer, and a relatively modest annual fee.

How has the card’s annual fee evolved since its debut? Let’s take a look at how it started — and where it stands today.

As of 2026

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card has a $795 annual fee, which was raised in June 2025 (Source: Chase).

While this places it firmly in the premium card category, it still undercuts competitors such as the Platinum Card^® from American Express, which charges a $895 annual fee (rates & fees).

Cardholders receive valuable benefits, including an up to $300 annual travel credit, up to $500 hotel travel credit for The Edit, Priority Pass lounge access, and valuable travel protections, which can easily offset the cost for frequent travelers (Source: Chase).

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card’s Annual Fee Changes

At its launch in 2016, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card carried a $450 annual fee, which was widely considered competitive given its premium travel benefits and generous rewards structure.

Since then, the card’s annual fee has increased twice as Chase has expanded its benefits and repositioned the card in the premium space. Let’s take a closer look at how those changes have unfolded over time:

That price held steady until January 2020, when the annual fee was increased to $550, marking the first major adjustment to the card’s cost. This change coincided with the addition of new perks, including partnerships with DoorDash and Lyft, helping offset the higher fee for many cardholders.

More recently, in 2025, the annual fee was raised again — this time to $795 — as part of a broader refresh that introduced new statement credits and lifestyle-oriented benefits (Source: Chase).

From launch to 2026, the annual fee has increased by $345, a nearly 77% jump over the card’s lifetime.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Authorized User Fee Changes

The cost of adding authorized users has also increased over time as the card has evolved.

At launch in 2016, adding an authorized user cost just $75 per card, making it a relatively affordable way to share benefits like airport lounge access.

That pricing remained in place for several years, but as part of the card’s 2025 refresh, the authorized user fee was increased to $195 per card. That brought it more in line with other premium cards, making it significantly more expensive for households looking to share benefits (Source: Chase)

Here’s how the authorized user fee has changed over time:

Overall, adding authorized users is considerably more expensive today than it was when the card first launched.

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Worth It?

With an annual fee of $795, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is now firmly positioned at the high end of the premium credit card market.

For frequent travelers, the card can deliver strong value. The $300 annual travel credit effectively reduces the out-of-pocket cost, while perks like Priority Pass access, Chase Sapphire Lounges, and strong travel protections provide additional savings and convenience.

Perhaps the biggest draw for new applicants is the ability to score a generous welcome bonus offer:

• Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

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.

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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 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,000

Annual Fee

$795

APR

19.49% - 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.

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 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get $3,000 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 subscriptions to Apple TV and Apple Music for a minimum of one year when activated by June 22, 2027, a value of $288 annually.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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That said, the card has clearly shifted from a straightforward premium travel card to a benefits-driven product, where maximizing value depends on how many credits and perks you use.

For those who can fully take advantage of the benefits, the $795 annual fee may still be justified. For others, it may feel like a stretch compared to earlier versions of the card.

Final Thoughts

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card has changed a lot since its 2016 debut. In less than a decade, we’ve seen multiple annual fee increases alongside a steady expansion of credits and premium perks.

Even so, many travelers still find the card valuable — if they can maximize its benefits. As Chase continues to refine its flagship product, we’ll be keeping a close eye on what comes next.