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 PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card
Both are travel travel cards. The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes from Chase at $795/yr; the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card from PenFed Credit Union 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 Reserve is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($2,500 more in estimated value) than the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card's. Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve first; revisit the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Reserve | PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $795 | $95 |
| Sign-up bonus | 125,000 points | Not advertised |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,500 | - |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $6,000 in 3 mo | - |
| Issuer | Chase | PenFed Credit Union |
| 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
PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card
$95/yr ·
Editorial take: PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Sapphire Reserve or PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card?
- The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a public bonus (125,000 points, worth roughly $2,500), while the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve's $795 annual fee worth it compared to the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature 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 PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card at $95/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the Chase Sapphire Reserve and PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase and PenFed Credit Union) 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 Reserve or the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Sapphire Reserve: $6,000 spend in 3 months. PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card: no published min spend. 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.