Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Review

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Written By Rose Oscar

I'm Rose! Wanderer at heart, digital nomad by choice. I've swapped the 9-5 grind for a life on the move, exploring every nook and cranny of our beautiful planet.

Introduction to the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a premium travel rewards credit card that offers an array of valuable benefits for frequent travelers. Issued by Chase Bank, this card is designed to provide cardholders with enhanced earning potential on travel and dining purchases, as well as a range of travel-related perks and protections.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Get Your Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Whether you’re looking to save on interest or rack up rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is waiting for you.

Key features and benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

  1. Earn 2X points on travel and dining purchases: Cardholders earn 2 Ultimate Rewards points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases, allowing them to quickly accumulate rewards for their everyday spending.
  2. 50,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months: New cardholders can earn a generous sign-up bonus, which can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including travel, cash back, or gift cards.
  3. No foreign transaction fees: When traveling abroad, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card does not charge any additional fees for international transactions, making it a convenient choice for global adventures.
  4. Primary rental car insurance: Cardholders can decline the rental car company’s collision damage waiver and rely on the card’s primary rental car insurance coverage, which can save them money on their rental costs.
  5. Travel and purchase protections: The card offers a range of valuable protections, such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and purchase protection, providing peace of mind for cardholders.

Pros and cons of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Pros:

  • Generous rewards earning potential on travel and dining purchases
  • Valuable sign-up bonus for new cardholders
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Comprehensive travel and purchase protections
  • Flexible redemption options for rewards

Cons:

  • $95 annual fee (waived for the first year)
  • Relatively high minimum spending requirement for the sign-up bonus
  • No airport lounge access or other premium travel benefits

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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

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Rewards and redemption options with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns Ultimate Rewards points, which can be redeemed in a variety of ways. Cardholders can use their points for travel bookings through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, where each point is worth 1.25 cents. Alternatively, they can transfer their points to a variety of airline and hotel loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio, potentially unlocking even greater value.

In addition to travel redemptions, cardholders can also redeem their points for cash back, gift cards, or purchases through the Chase Pay Yourself Back feature, where points are worth 1.25 cents each.

Fees and interest rates of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a $95 annual fee, which is waived for the first year. The card’s variable APR (annual percentage rate) range is currently 20.49% to 27.49%, depending on the cardholder’s creditworthiness and prevailing market rates.

It’s important to note that the card’s interest rate is only applicable if the cardholder carries a balance from month to month, as the card is designed to be used for its rewards and benefits rather than as a long-term financing tool.

How to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Applying for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a straightforward process. Cardholders can apply online through the Chase website or by visiting a local Chase bank branch. The application process typically involves providing personal and financial information, as well as agreeing to the card’s terms and conditions.

To be eligible for the card, applicants must meet certain credit criteria, such as having a good to excellent credit score and a sufficient income to support the card’s annual fee and potential spending.

Comparison with other travel rewards credit cards

When considering the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, it’s important to compare it to other popular travel rewards credit cards on the market. Some key competitors include the American Express® Gold Card, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, and the Citi Premier® Card.

Each of these cards offers its own unique set of features and benefits, so it’s essential to evaluate your spending habits, travel preferences, and financial goals to determine which card best suits your needs.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Review

Customer reviews and ratings of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has consistently received positive reviews and high ratings from both industry experts and cardholders. According to data from reputable sources, the card has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, with many customers praising its generous rewards, valuable benefits, and exceptional customer service.

Many cardholders have reported that the card’s travel and purchase protections have saved them money and provided peace of mind during their travels. Additionally, the card’s flexible redemption options and user-friendly mobile app have been widely praised by customers.

Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card worth your investment?

After thoroughly reviewing the key features, benefits, and drawbacks of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, I believe it is a highly valuable travel rewards credit card that is worth considering for many consumers.

The card’s generous rewards earning potential on travel and dining purchases, valuable sign-up bonus, and comprehensive travel and purchase protections make it a standout option for frequent travelers. While the $95 annual fee may be a deterrent for some, the card’s benefits can easily outweigh the cost for those who maximize its rewards and perks. If you’re in the market for a premium travel rewards credit card that can help you earn and redeem points for your next adventure, I highly recommend exploring the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

FAQs

What is the annual fee for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card?

The annual fee for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is $95, but it is waived for the first year.

How do I earn points with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card?

Cardholders earn 2 Ultimate Rewards points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases, and 1 point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.

Can I transfer my Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card points to airline and hotel loyalty programs?

Yes, cardholders can transfer their Ultimate Rewards points to a variety of airline and hotel loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio, including popular partners like United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Marriott Bonvoy, and Hyatt.

What travel and purchase protections does the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offer?

The card provides a range of valuable protections, such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and purchase protection.

Can I use the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card for international travel?

Yes, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card does not charge any foreign transaction fees, making it a great choice for international travel.