Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we may receive financial compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. 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.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Cards: How To Use the $300 Travel Credit

Christine Krzyszton's image
Christine Krzyszton
Updated: 
Edited by: Jessica Merritt
& Michael Y. Park
Chase Sapphire Reserve Cards: How To Use the $300 Travel Credit
Jump to Section
Table of Contents

We may be compensated when you click on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened 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.

One of the most significant benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ is an easy-to-use $300 annual travel credit that helps offset their annual fees. The credit automatically reimburses qualifying travel purchases, and it’s one of the simplest premium card credits to use.

Learn how the credit works, which purchases count, and how to track your progress.

Advertisement

Card Overviews

Here’s a quick overview of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card.

NEW OFFER
Chase Sapphire Reserve®Terms Apply / Rates & Fees
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
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.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
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.
Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
125,000 points
$2,500
$795
19.49% - 27.99% Variable
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
Read Full Review
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: 19.49% - 27.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Sapphire Reserve for Business℠Terms Apply / Rates & Fees
Sapphire Reserve for Business℠
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
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.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business card is perfect for frequent traveler business owners who want premium perks.

Apply Now
Sapphire Reserve for Business℠
The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business card is perfect for frequent traveler business owners who want premium perks.
Earn 150,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening and access more than $6,000 in total business and travel value in your first year.
150,000 points
$3,000
$795
Flex for Business Variable APR: 17.74% - 25.74%
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

The Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card is a great pick for business owners who can easily make use of the annual credits for travel, Google Workspace, ZipRecruiter, and more. Plus, it offers helpful bonus categories such as ad spend and offers access to over 1,300 airport lounges — including Chase Sapphire Lounges.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 8x points on Chase Travel purchases
  • 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
  • 3x points on advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines (uncapped)
Cons
    • $795 annual fee
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 150,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
  • $6,000+ in value your first year. 150K points, valued at $3,000 for select flights and hotels through Chase Travel℠, plus $3,000+ in annual value through travel and business benefits.
  • Earn 8x points on Chase Travel℠ for airline tickets, hotels, including The Edit℠, car rentals, cruises, activities and tours.
  • Earn 5x total points on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
  • Earn 4x points on flights & hotels booked direct.
  • Earn 3x points on social media & search engine advertising.
  • Get the most flexible travel credit compared to any other card, with up to $300 in statement credits each anniversary year on travel purchases.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club network and Priority Pass™ Select membership. Two guests may accompany the Primary Cardmember to the lounges free of charge.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: Flex for Business Variable APR: 17.74% - 25.74%
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Key Benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

The $300 travel credit is just one of the key benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. It also has a strong earning structure and flexible redemption options. Several protections and benefits can also provide peace of mind when traveling and save you money.

Here are some additional benefits that make the card one of the best premium travel rewards cards:

» Related: 43 Valuable Benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card ($7,000+ Value)

Advertisement

Key Benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve Business Card

Like the personal version, the Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card also has a $300 annual travel credit. It comes with fantastic benefits, such as a hearty welcome bonus, and perks like:

  • 8x points on Chase Travel for airline tickets, hotels, including The Edit, car rentals, cruises, activities, and tours
  • 5x total points on Lyft rides through 9/30/27
  • 4x points on flights & hotels booked direct
  • 3x points on social media & search engine advertising
  • Access to Chase Sapphire Lounges and Priority Pass lounges
  • $500 annual The Edit by Chase Travel credit
  • $400 annual ZipRecruiter credit
  • $200 annual Google Workspace credit
  • $100 Giftcards.com credit
  • $300 annually in monthly DoorDash promos and a complimentary DashPass membership
  • $120 in annual Lyft in-app credits
  • Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS credit
  • Complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status, with the ability to receive IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status if you spend $120,000 on the card in a calendar year
  • Southwest Airlines A-List status and a $500 Southwest Airlines credit when booked through Chase Travel (when you spend $120,000 on the card in a calendar year)
  • $500 The Shops at Chase credit (when you spend $120,000 on the card in a calendar year)
  • Various travel and purchase protections
Plaza Premium Marmara Lounge SAW Priority Pass signage
Image Credit: Keri Stooksbury

How Does the $300 Travel Credit Work?

Using the $300 travel credit couldn’t be easier. Make a travel purchase with your card and receive an automatic statement credit for the exact amount, up to $300.

The $300 travel credit works the same way on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card. You can use it for personal travel, or business owners can use the credit for employee travel or client-related travel expenses.

A partial credit is applied if a qualifying travel purchase exceeds the remaining unused credit. For example, if your travel purchase is $40 and you have $25 remaining credit, you receive the $25 credit.

There is no need to preregister or enroll your card before making a purchase. Statement credits are typically applied immediately as purchases are processed in your card account.

Chase Travel Credit Screenshot
Travel credits are applied as a statement credit. Image Credit: Chase

Travel purchases qualifying for the travel credit do not earn Ultimate Rewards points. After the $300 credit is used, you earn the regular rates of 8x points on Chase Travel purchases, 5x points, and a $10 monthly in-app credit on Lyft rides through September 30, 2027, and 4x on flights and hotels booked directly.

Bottom Line:

The $300 travel credit is applied to qualifying travel purchases immediately. No preregistering or card enrollment is necessary. You do not earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points on purchases that qualify for the credit, but you’ll earn them on purchases once the credit is exhausted.

Timing Is Important

When you’re initially approved for either card, your $300 travel credit is immediately available. Any travel purchases made qualify for the statement credit.

Once used, the $300 travel credit refreshes after your card renewal anniversary. Any travel purchases made after your card renewal date and after the statement has closed count toward the credit.

Cardholders with older cards (over 7 years) may have a calendar-year period to use their travel credit.

Bottom Line:

New cardholders may use the $300 travel credit immediately. The credit resets annually after the card anniversary statement closes.

What Counts as Travel for the Credit?

AC Hotel Palma Mallorca Train
Most transit tickets, even abroad, count toward the $300 travel credit. Image Credit: Christine Krzyszton

Any purchase that codes as travel counts for the $300 travel statement credit. Here are examples of purchases that could qualify:

  • Airline incidental fees
  • Bus or train tickets
  • Campground fees
  • Car rental agencies
  • Cruises
  • Flights purchased from an airline or Chase Travel
  • Hotels
  • Timeshares
  • Tours
  • Travel agencies

This list is not all-inclusive, as any purchase that posts to your account as a travel purchase is eligible, including business travel expenses.

Advertisement

Bottom Line:

Chase has one of the broadest definitions of what counts as a travel purchase. Any purchase that posts to your account that codes as a travel purchase receives the credit.

How To Determine if You’ve Used the Credit

Tracking your progress to ensure you’ve used the entire $300 credit is easy. Log in to your online account. After accessing your account, select the Redeem option or select Benefits from the More drop-down box. Either will take you to Chase Travel.

Chase 300 Travel Credit Find Tracker
The $300 travel credit tracker is in your Ultimate Rewards account. Image Credit: Chase

Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see your tracker. It shows how much credit you’ve used and when the annual credit will be available again.

Chase Travel Credit Tracker
The annual travel credit tracker helps ensure you maximize the benefit. Image Credit: Chase

Is the $300 Annual Travel Credit Worth It?

Using the $300 annual travel credit easily helps offset the Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s annual fee of $795 or the Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card’s annual fee of $795.

The cards have many valuable benefits, but the annual travel credit is simple to use and provides immediate value. Unlike other premium travel rewards cards, where only airline incidental fees qualify for travel statement credits, any travel purchase triggers the travel credit on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card.

Final Thoughts

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card and Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card provide a stellar earning structure for travelers, outsized redemptions, and premium travel protections and benefits.

The $300 travel credit is one of the unique benefits that results in immediate value to the cardholder.

You might not justify paying the annual fee with the travel credit alone, but you can easily come out ahead if you use even a few additional benefits. Priority Pass Select membership, flexible transferable points, increased value for point redemptions via Chase Travel, and premium travel benefits make the cards a strong choice for travel rewards. Business owners who already spend heavily on travel may find the card’s credit and benefits easy to justify the cost.

Here’s our take on the best travel rewards cards for a broader view of travel credit cards.

Featured Image Credit: Upgraded Points

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use the Chase Sapphire Reserve card's $300 travel credit?

The $300 travel credit is applied as a statement credit for any travel purchases made with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card, immediately upon card approval or at each card renewal anniversary. Any purchase that codes as travel is reimbursed up to $300 each card anniversary year.

Will I earn Ultimate Rewards points on my travel purchases that count for the Chase $300 travel credit?

No. You do not earn Ultimate Rewards points on travel purchases that qualify for the $300 travel credit. After $300 in travel purchases have been reimbursed with statement credits, you earn 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases, and 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly.

What counts as travel for the Chase Sapphire Reserve card's $300 travel credit?

Any purchase that codes as travel receives the statement credit, up to $300 each card anniversary year. Examples of purchases that can count include airfare, Chase Travel, car rentals, cruises, transit, hotels, and tour companies.

When does the $300 travel credit reset?

The $300 travel credit resets after the card anniversary statement closing. You can check the month and year your credit resets in the tracker in your online card account. For those cardholders who have older cards, the qualifying year may be a calendar year. Accessing the tracker confirms the actual reset date.

Christine Krzyszton's image

About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services offices. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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

We Recommend

Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Platinum Card® from American Express

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Platinum Card® from American Express

Welcome Offer: As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
Show more
  • With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
  • $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
  • $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
  • $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
  • $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
  • Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
  • $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
  • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
  • $895 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.

Upgrade your travel experience

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© 2026 Upgraded Points™, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

DMCA.com Protection Status
Disclaimer: 

Upgraded Points, LLC and its website, UpgradedPoints.com, provides information on credit cards, reward programs, travel information and ancillary information concerning travel and credit cards. The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax or legal advice.

Upgraded Points, LLC uses reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on the site — and prior to applying for any credit card offers found on UpgradedPoints.com, all visitors should review other features of such credit cards including but not limited to interest rates, annual fees and transaction fees, and should determine the suitability of such credit cards considering their own individual financial position.

Advertiser Disclosure: 

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we may receive financial compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. For more information on our advertisers and how we make money, see our advertising policy here. In addition, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Editorial Disclosure: 

The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. Any and all options, reviews, comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer.