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.
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Side-by-side
Chase Sapphire Reserve vs United Gateway Card
Both are travel travel cards. The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes from Chase at $795/yr; the United Gateway Card from Chase at $0/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 $795 more per year, only worth it if you'll actually use the upgraded perks.
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Reserve | United Gateway Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $795 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 125,000 points | 30,000 miles |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,500 | $390 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $6,000 in 3 mo | $1,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Chase |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (Chase_travel) | 8x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | chase-ur | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Reserve
$795/yr · 125,000 points
Read the full review
United Gateway Card
$0/yr · 30,000 miles
Editorial take: United Gateway Card
The no-fee United card. Doesn't include free bags (that starts with the Explorer), so it's really only worth it for credit-building purposes.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Sapphire Reserve or United Gateway Card?
- The Chase Sapphire Reserve has the bigger bonus, 125,000 points, worth roughly $2,500, versus 30,000 miles (~$390) on the United Gateway Card.
- Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve's $795 annual fee worth it compared to the United Gateway Card?
- Premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $795+ of those credits, the math works. The United Gateway Card at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the Chase Sapphire Reserve and United Gateway Card?
- 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 Reserve or the United Gateway Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Sapphire Reserve: $6,000 spend in 3 months. United Gateway Card: $1,000 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.