If you’re like me and love to travel, you’ve probably heard of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. It’s one of the most popular travel rewards cards out there, and for good reason. Whether you’re booking flights, dining out, or just making everyday purchases, this card offers fantastic benefits that can help you earn points quickly and easily. In this post, I’ll be breaking down what makes the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card stand out, comparing it to other cards, and giving you a good idea of whether it’s the right choice for your spending habits and lifestyle.
What Makes the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Unique?
First, let’s talk about what the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is all about. The card offers a 60,000-point sign-up bonus when you spend $4,000 in the first three months. Those points can be redeemed for $750 in travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program or transferred to over 13 airline and hotel partners for even more value. That’s a pretty amazing perk if you’re a frequent traveler or just getting started in the world of rewards.
When it comes to earning points, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers 2x points on travel and dining and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. This is perfect for those of us who enjoy dining out or traveling because you’re already racking up points on two major spending categories that you’re probably already using.
Additionally, it has a $95 annual fee, which is pretty reasonable considering the points-earning potential and the travel perks it provides. It’s also important to note that the card comes with no foreign transaction fees, which is a huge bonus for international travelers who want to avoid those pesky charges when traveling abroad.
Comparing the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card with Other Top Travel Cards
Now that we know what the card offers, let’s compare it to a few other popular travel cards available in 2024. This will help you get a better sense of whether the Chase Sapphire Preferred is right for you.
1. Chase Sapphire Reserve
If you’re willing to splurge a little more for extra perks, you might consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. While it comes with a higher annual fee of $550, it offers more points on travel and dining, with 3x points on travel and dining and a generous 50% more value when redeeming points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. This card also comes with a $300 annual travel credit, which can help offset the high annual fee. However, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is still the better option for those who don’t want to pay the higher fee but still want to take advantage of great travel benefits.
2. American Express Gold Card
The American Express Gold Card is another great option for foodies and frequent travelers. You’ll earn 4x points on dining (including takeout and restaurants) and 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines. The card comes with an annual fee of $250, which is a bit higher than the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. However, it lacks the flexibility of the Chase Sapphire points program and doesn’t offer as many travel perks, which makes it a less appealing option for those who travel internationally.
3. Citi Premier Card
Another competitor to consider is the Citi Premier Card, which offers 3x points on travel, including gas, dining, and entertainment. With a $95 annual fee, this card has a similar price point to the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card but offers more diverse categories for earning points. However, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has an edge with its larger sign-up bonus and the ability to transfer points to travel partners, which gives it greater flexibility when it comes to redeeming your points.
Key Benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
So, why is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card so popular among travelers and everyday spenders alike? Here are some of its key benefits that set it apart from the competition:
- 60,000-Point Sign-Up Bonus: The card offers an incredible sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. This can be redeemed for $750 in travel or transferred to airline and hotel partners for even more value.
- 2x Points on Travel and Dining: You earn 2x points on travel and dining, two of the most common spending categories for most people. Whether you’re booking flights, eating out, or grabbing a coffee, you’re earning rewards for what you already spend.
- Chase Ultimate Rewards Program: Chase Ultimate Rewards points are some of the most valuable rewards points available. You can redeem them for travel, cash back, or even transfer them to more than 13 airline and hotel partners.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: This is a huge perk for travelers who want to avoid those pesky fees when making purchases abroad.
- Travel Benefits: The card offers trip cancellation insurance, travel accident insurance, and primary rental car insurance, which makes it a great travel companion for peace of mind on your trips.
- Flexible Redemption Options: Points can be used for travel, cash back, or even transferred to travel partners like United Airlines, Marriott Bonvoy, and Hyatt, which gives you a lot of flexibility in how you use your points.
Who Should Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card?
If you’re someone who loves to travel, dines out often, and is looking for a straightforward, rewarding card with a low annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a fantastic option. It offers great rewards on travel and dining, with the added bonus of an excellent sign-up offer. The ability to transfer points to top airline and hotel partners is also a major advantage if you’re looking to maximize the value of your points.
However, if you’re not as interested in travel and are looking for a card primarily for cash-back rewards, there may be better options out there for you. But for anyone who loves to explore the world and make their spending work harder for them, this card is hard to beat.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Preferred Card | Chase Sapphire Reserve | American Express Gold Card | Citi Premier Card |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $95 | $550 | $250 | $95 |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 60,000 points (after $4,000 spend in 3 months) | 50,000 points (after $4,000 spend in 3 months) | 60,000 points (after $4,000 spend in 6 months) | 60,000 points (after $4,000 spend in 3 months) |
| Rewards Rate | 2x on travel and dining, 1x on other purchases | 3x on travel and dining, 1x on other purchases | 4x on dining, 3x on flights | 3x on travel (including gas), 2x on dining |
| Points Transfer to Travel Partners | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None | None | 2.7% | None |
| Additional Benefits | Trip insurance, rental car insurance, 25% more points on travel redemption | $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access | 4x points on restaurants, dining perks | 3x points on gas, entertainment |
| Ideal For | Travelers and foodies looking for solid rewards and flexible redemption options | High spenders and luxury travelers | Foodies and travelers focused on dining rewards | Travelers looking for an all-rounder with extra point categories |
Conclusion
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a great fit for anyone who enjoys travel, dining, or earning points on everyday purchases. With its great sign-up bonus, 2x points on travel and dining, and flexible redemption options, it offers excellent value for the money. While other cards may offer more perks or higher rewards rates in specific categories, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card strikes a balance between affordability and rewards, making it one of the best options for those looking to get into the world of travel rewards.