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.
All credit cards
Side-by-side
Chase Sapphire Reserve vs United Business Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes from Chase at $795/yr; the United Business Card from Chase at $150/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 United Business Card, 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 | United Business Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $795 | $150 |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 points | 100,000 miles + 2,000 PQP |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,000 | $1,500 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $6,000 in 3 mo | $5,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | Chase |
| Card category | travel | business |
| Best earning category (Chase_travel) | 8x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | chase-ur | None |
| Headline benefits |
|
|
Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Reserve
$795/yr · 100,000 points
Read the full review
United Business Card
$150/yr · 100,000 miles + 2,000 PQP
Editorial take: United Business Card
Strong United business card. The free checked bag for two travelers, two club passes, and the under-the-radar $50/twice-per-year hotel credit help cover the $150 AF for any United-leaning small business. The 100k + 2,000 PQP bonus is the sweetener. Post-2025 refresh swapped the old $100/$10k-spend credit for a $125 travel credit unlocked by 5 United flight purchases of $100+.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Sapphire Reserve or United Business Card?
- The Chase Sapphire Reserve has the bigger bonus, 100,000 points, worth roughly $2,000, versus 100,000 miles + 2,000 PQP (~$1,500) on the United Business Card.
- Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve's $795 annual fee worth it compared to the United Business 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 Business Card at $150/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the Chase Sapphire Reserve and United Business 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 Business 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 Business Card: $5,000 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.