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 USAA Preferred Cash Rewards
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes from Chase at $795/yr; the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards from USAA at $0/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 ($2,250 more in estimated value) than the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards's. Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve first; revisit the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Reserve | USAA Preferred Cash Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $795 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 125,000 points | $250 cash bonus |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,500 | $250 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $6,000 in 3 mo | $1,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | USAA |
| Card category | travel | cashback |
| 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
USAA Preferred Cash Rewards
$0/yr · $250 cash bonus
Editorial take: USAA Preferred Cash Rewards
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Sapphire Reserve or USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
- The Chase Sapphire Reserve has the bigger bonus, 125,000 points, worth roughly $2,500, versus $250 cash bonus (~$250) on the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards.
- Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve's $795 annual fee worth it compared to the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
- 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 USAA Preferred Cash Rewards at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the Chase Sapphire Reserve and USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
- 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 Reserve or the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Sapphire Reserve: $6,000 spend in 3 months. USAA Preferred Cash Rewards: $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.