Editorial take: Chase Sapphire Preferred
The best starter travel card, period. Transferable points, solid bonus categories, and a low annual fee make this the card we recommend to almost everyone getting into the points game.
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Side-by-side
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
Both are travel travel cards. The Chase Sapphire Preferred comes from Chase at $95/yr; the Chase Sapphire Reserve from Chase at $795/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
Both cards come from Chase and target travel spenders, so the choice usually comes down to whether you'll use the premium-tier benefits. The Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $700 more per year — only worth it if you'll actually use the upgraded perks.
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Preferred | Chase Sapphire Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 | $795 |
| Sign-up bonus | 75,000 points | 125,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,500 | $2,500 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $5,000 in 3 mo | $6,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Chase |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (Travel) | 5x | 5x |
| Transfer partners | chase-ur | chase-ur |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Preferred
$95/yr · 75,000 points
Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Reserve
$795/yr · 125,000 points
Editorial take: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Recently revamped with over $3,000 in annual credits and perks. If you travel three or more times a year and live near an airport with a Sapphire lounge, this card is a smart choice.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve?
- The Chase Sapphire Reserve has the bigger bonus — 125,000 points, worth roughly $2,500, versus 75,000 points (~$1,500) on the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
- Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the Chase Sapphire Reserve?
- At $95/yr, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Chase Sapphire Reserve's — pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve?
- Yes, though both are issued by Chase so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). Many points enthusiasts hold both — they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Chase Sapphire Reserve first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Sapphire Preferred: $5,000 spend in 3 months. Chase Sapphire Reserve: $6,000 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time — confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.