Beta

Free during beta. Plus launches at $12/mo or $99/yr on July 1. Annual is locked for 12 months during beta.

Skip to content
RewardZ Travel
All credit cards
Side-by-side

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs USAA Eagle Navigator

Both are travel travel cards. The Chase Sapphire Preferred comes from Chase at $95/yr; the USAA Eagle Navigator from USAA at $95/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,200 more in estimated value) than the USAA Eagle Navigator's. Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred first; revisit the USAA Eagle Navigator after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureChase Sapphire PreferredUSAA Eagle Navigator
Annual fee$95$95
Sign-up bonus75,000 points30,000 USAA Rewards points
Bonus value (est.)$1,500$300
Min spend to unlock bonus$5,000 in 3 mo$3,000 in 3 mo
IssuerChaseUSAA
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Travel)5x3x
Transfer partnerschase-urNone
Headline benefits
  • 5x on travel booked via Chase
  • 3x on dining & streaming
  • $50 annual hotel credit
  • Transfer to 13 partners (Hyatt 1:1)
    Read the full review
    Chase Sapphire Preferred
    $95/yr · 75,000 points
    Read the full review
    USAA Eagle Navigator
    $95/yr · 30,000 USAA Rewards points

    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. Note: the 10% anniversary points bonus sunsets October 1, 2026.

    Editorial take: USAA Eagle Navigator

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Sapphire Preferred or USAA Eagle Navigator?
    The Chase Sapphire Preferred has the bigger bonus, 75,000 points, worth roughly $1,500, versus 30,000 USAA Rewards points (~$300) on the USAA Eagle Navigator.
    Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the USAA Eagle Navigator?
    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 USAA Eagle Navigator's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and USAA Eagle Navigator?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase and USAA) the application rules don't conflict. 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 USAA Eagle Navigator first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Sapphire Preferred: $5,000 spend in 3 months. USAA Eagle Navigator: $3,000 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.