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 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes from Chase at $795/yr; the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless from Chase at $95/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
If you're not sure you'll use premium perks, start with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, its annual fee is significantly lower and the bonus values are similar. Upgrade later if you find yourself using the higher-tier benefits.
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Reserve | Marriott Bonvoy Boundless |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $795 | $95 |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 points | 4 Free Night Awards |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,000 | $1,580 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $6,000 in 3 mo | $3,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Chase |
| Card category | travel | hotel |
| 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 · 100,000 points
Read the full review
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
$95/yr · 4 Free Night Awards
Editorial take: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
One of our favorite keeper cards. The free night award on every card anniversary easily exceeds the $95 fee, and the 15 elite qualifying nights help you reach Marriott status faster.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Sapphire Reserve or Marriott Bonvoy Boundless?
- The Chase Sapphire Reserve has the bigger bonus, 100,000 points, worth roughly $2,000, versus 4 Free Night Awards (~$1,580) on the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless.
- Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve's $795 annual fee worth it compared to the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless?
- 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 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless at $95/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Marriott Bonvoy Boundless?
- 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 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Sapphire Reserve: $6,000 spend in 3 months. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless: $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.