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Why I Downgraded My Chase Sapphire Reserve Card After 8 Years

Jessica Merritt's image
Jessica Merritt
Updated: 
Edited by: Michael Y. Park
& Jestan Mendame
Why I Downgraded My Chase Sapphire Reserve Card After 8 Years
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The Chase Sapphire Reserve® was one of the most important cards in my wallet for years. I first got a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card in 2018 and upgraded to the Chase Sapphire Reserve card in 2019. Even through multiple annual fee increases, I consistently found enough value to justify keeping it.

This year, when the $795 annual fee posted, the math no longer made sense. Although the card’s 2025 refresh added value, those changes didn’t translate into meaningful savings for me — and that’s ultimately what I look for in a premium card.

After running the numbers, I downgraded my Chase Sapphire Reserve card to a Chase Freedom Unlimited®. Here’s why it stopped delivering enough value — and what I’m using instead.

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How I Test the Value of Every Card

Between my husband and me, we have more than 20 credit cards. Many of the cards have no annual fee and are easy to keep year after year, but I routinely evaluate any cards with an annual fee to make sure they still earn their place.

Throughout the year, I try to maximize each card’s benefits, whether that means booking qualifying hotel stays to trigger a hotel credit or placing monthly DoorDash pickup orders.

When a card’s anniversary rolls around, and I’m charged an annual fee, I run the numbers. I consider the rewards and benefits I actually used, not just their theoretical value. This year, when the $795 annual fee hit my Chase Sapphire Reserve card, I couldn’t justify keeping it.

Why I Originally Upgraded to the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

I upgraded from the Chase Sapphire Preferred card in 2019, when the annual fee was $450. I was already paying $95 annually, and the $355 difference was largely offset by the Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s $300 annual travel credit.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
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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.
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
$1,500
$95
19.24% - 27.49% 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.
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: 19.24% - 27.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Beyond the travel credit, I benefited from Priority Pass lounge access, a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees, strong travel protections, and 3x earnings on travel and dining. Those rewards and benefits were valuable enough that I still considered the card worth it when the annual fee increased to $550.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Chase Sapphire Reserve Upgraded Points LLC 2
Upgrading to the Chase Sapphire Reserve card made sense in 2019. Image Credit: admin_design via Adobe Stock, modified by Upgraded Points LLC

At the time, it was my only premium credit card.

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What Changed: Higher Fees and Overlapping Benefits

There were 2 main factors that made the Chase Sapphire Reserve card no longer worth it for me:

  • I added other premium credit cards with overlapping benefits
  • The annual fee increased without adding value that I could easily use

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card underwent a major refresh in 2025, including an increased annual fee and numerous credits, which I thought would all add up to enough value to keep the card. 

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Chase Sapphire Reserve®
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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

Unfortunately, I found many of these credits difficult to use. I expect my premium credit cards to save me money each year. Instead, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card became more costly to keep in my wallet, especially as my wallet evolved.

How I Replaced the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card’s Core Benefits

With multiple premium cards, the overlap of benefits became a real problem. I don’t need multiple Priority Pass memberships or credits for TSA PreCheck, and I can’t justify paying steep annual fees if I’m not using enough of each card’s benefits. Here’s how I replaced the benefits I used most.

Lounge Access and Premium Travel Perks

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers a Priority Pass Select membership and access to Chase Sapphire Lounges, which I value for saving on airport dining and adding comfort to travel days. However, I also have a Platinum Card® from American Express, which offers airport lounge access with Priority Pass (upon enrollment) and the Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounge locations.

BEST LOUNGE CARD
Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Platinum Card® from American Express
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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 Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Platinum Card® from American Express
The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
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.  
As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.
Up to $3,850
$895
See Pay Over Time APR
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

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than the Platinum Card® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

 

 

Pros & Cons
Pros
    • The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
    • 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
    • 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
    • Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash and Uber One, Resy, lululemon credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR+ credit, and Equinox credit)
    • TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
    • Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts and Amex International Airline Program
    • Access to Amex transfer partners
    • No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

     

Cons
    • $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
    • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

     

     

Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • 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.
  • 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.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

 

 

Ultimately, the lounge access from my Amex Platinum card is superior to that of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

While I enjoyed visiting the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) — and its generous guest policy — I don’t often travel through airports with Chase Sapphire Lounges. But I do have a Centurion Lounge at my home airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), which I visit multiple times each year.

centurion houston seating
Seating at the IAH Centurion Lounge. Image Credit: Juan Ruiz

I also liked the Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s travel protections and automatic hotel and rental car elite status. Although these benefits don’t match exactly between the Chase Sapphire Reserve card and the Amex Platinum card, they are comparable enough that I don’t miss the differences.

The $300 Annual Travel Credit

The $300 annual travel credit was what initially drew me to the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. It’s easy to redeem, and I got the full value every year. But then I opened a Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, which has a $300 annual Capital One Travel credit.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
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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 Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles
$1,350
$395
Purchases: 19.49% - 28.49% (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

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
  • $395 annual fee
  • Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Top rated mobile app
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: Purchases: 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s annual credit was flexible and applied automatically, whether I booked a hotel or paid for parking. Compared with the Capital One Venture X card’s $300 annual travel credit, that one is less flexible because it can only be used on Capital One Travel.

However, the Capital One Venture X card has an annual fee of

  • Annual Fee: $395
    • ,so its $300 travel credit offsets a larger share of the cost. There’s also a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus each year worth $100, which pushes the card’s value to $400 in annual credits and miles. This exceeds the annual fee before you even consider other benefits.

    I don’t typically book travel through credit card portals, but Capital One Travel is easy to use. I personally found good value for my credit on a vacation rental in the first year. Though it was less flexible than simply paying with my Chase Sapphire Reserve card, I liked that it was set aside for intentional use. I often saw my Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s $300 annual travel credit shrink slowly with parking fees and car rentals, but I used my Capital One Venture X card’s annual credit to build a family vacation, which made it feel more valuable overall.

    Travel and Lifestyle Credits

    I also found the Amex Platinum card’s travel and lifestyle credits easier to use.

    One of the most valuable credits is the up to $600 annual hotel credit, offered as $300 in statement credits for prepaid bookings made semiannually through Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection. I’ve never skipped using this hotel credit, and I’ve been able to find properties around $300 or $400 per night where the credit covered most of the booking cost. It helps that I can book single-night stays at Fine Hotels + Resorts and still get the credit and elite benefits.

    In all of 2025, I didn’t use my $500 annual credit with The Edit on my Chase Sapphire Reserve card because I couldn’t find a suitable booking. With fewer options in The Edit than in the Amex properties, I struggled to find participating hotels in my desired destinations. Those choices were also pricier than I wanted, mostly because I had to book at least 2 nights to get the credit.

    I’d often find properties that cost $600 or more per night, for a 2-night total of $1,200 plus taxes and fees. But the credit only covered $250 at a time, so I’d spend about $1,000 out of pocket for a stay. That wasn’t a money-saving benefit for me.

    » Related: Why Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts Is My Favorite Way To Book Hotels

    Rewards Earning and Transfer Partners

    Dining was one of my biggest earning categories with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, which earns 3 points per $1 spent on dining. When I upgraded to the card in 2019, it was the only Chase Ultimate Rewards card with that earning rate, but now I can earn 3% cash-back on dining with my Freedom Unlimited card — a no-annual-fee card. That makes it hard to justify paying a premium annual fee for the same earning rate.

    LIMITED TIME OFFER
    Chase Freedom Unlimited®Terms Apply / Rates & Fees
    Chase Freedom Unlimited®
    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.

    This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

    Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
    Chase Freedom Unlimited®
    This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!
    Earn a $250 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
    $250
    $0
    0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%.
    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.
    Good to Excellent
    Why We Like This Card

    The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.

    When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.

    Pros & Cons
    Pros
    • 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
    • 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
    • 1.5% back on all other purchases
    Cons
      • 3% foreign transaction fee
    Read Full Review
    Card Highlights
    • Limited Time Offer: Earn a $250 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
    • Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
    • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can use points to redeem for cash through an account statement credit or an electronic deposit into an eligible Chase account located in the United States!
    • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%.
    • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
    • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
    • Member FDIC
    Financial Snapshot
    • APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%.
    • Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
    Rewards Center

    Chase Ultimate Rewards

    I valued being able to transfer my Chase Ultimate Rewards points to airline and hotel partners, but I found another overlap with my Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. This card has a  $95 annual fee and access to the same transfer partners, meaning I can access this benefit without a triple-digit annual fee.

    The cash-back I earn with the Freedom Unlimited card can be redeemed as points and transferred to partners with my Ink Business Preferred card, as long as I have it.

    » Related: The Ultimate Guide to Transferring Flexible Points to Other Accounts [Amex, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Marriott and More]

    Benefits I Didn’t Fully Use

    Although I found my most valuable Chase Sapphire Reserve card benefits matched by other credit cards, I can’t fully replace every benefit — and that’s alright.

    The Apple TV+ and Apple Music credit is worth up to $250 annually, but I don’t use Apple Music or maintain a consistent Apple TV+ subscription, so that benefit doesn’t save me much.

    I was initially excited about the $300 annual StubHub and viagogo credit (2 semiannual $150 credits), even though I strongly prefer buying tickets from the official seller. But when I tried to use the credit, the price on StubHub was significantly higher than the prices from official sellers. For example, I found concert tickets for $350 when seats in the same row were on sale for $150 from Ticketmaster.

    I also don’t use ride-sharing services often enough for the $10 monthly Lyft credit to be worth it. I get an Uber Cash credit with my Amex Platinum card, which is helpful for my ride-sharing needs. In months when I don’t use ride-sharing services, I use the credit for Uber Eats orders, but the Lyft credit doesn’t offer the same flexibility.

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    Bottom Line:

    The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers multiple credits that could be valuable, but I don’t spend organically with those merchants. Using the credits wouldn’t translate into meaningful savings for me.

    Final Thoughts

    The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is still a powerful premium travel card. If it were my only premium card, I’d likely still keep it. But with multiple cards offering overlapping (and in many cases usable) benefits, I couldn’t justify the high fee anymore.

    At a certain point, it’s not about how valuable a card can be, but about whether it’s delivering value for your actual day-to-day life.

    Featured Image Credit: Image Credit: oksa_studio via Adobe Stock, modified by Upgraded Points LLC
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    About Jessica Merritt

    Jessica is a Certified Financial Education Instructor℠ (CFEI®) who covers credit cards, travel rewards, and consumer banking for outlets including U.S. News, CNN Underscored, and LendingTree, specializing in helping families maximize points and miles.

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