Chase Sapphire Preferred® Review: A Top Travel Rewards Card for U.S. Consumers

ByThiago SF

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is a leading travel rewards credit card designed for consumers who want strong points-earning power, flexible redemption options, and valuable travel protections.

Its primary purpose is to help cardholders earn rewards on everyday purchases while maximizing value on travel spending.

This card targets frequent travelers, young professionals, and anyone who wants to transition from beginner credit cards to a mid-tier premium rewards product.

Because it focuses on points and travel rewards, it is ideal for people who want to redeem points for flights, hotels, rental cars, or travel experiences through Chase or partner loyalty programs.

Although it is not a cashback card, its points system often provides higher value than traditional cashback when used strategically.

Main Benefits and Rewards

Rewards Structure

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® offers a highly competitive bonus structure:

  • 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
  • 3X points on dining, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
  • 2X points on all other travel purchases
  • 1X point on all other spending

These accelerated categories allow users to earn points quickly, especially if they spend regularly on travel or dining.

Welcome Bonus

Chase usually provides a substantial welcome bonus for new cardholders who meet a minimum spending requirement within the first three months.

This bonus can often be redeemed for significant travel value, especially when paired with Chase’s point transfer partners.

Additional Benefits

The card includes a strong set of travel and purchase protections:

  • Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
  • Primary rental car insurance
  • Baggage delay coverage
  • Trip delay reimbursement
  • Purchase protection
  • Extended warranty protection

Although the Chase Sapphire Preferred® does not include airport lounge access, it remains one of the most competitive mid-tier travel cards in the U.S. due to its generous rewards multipliers and high redemption value.

What Makes It Competitive

The key strength of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® is the flexibility of Chase Ultimate Rewards® points.

Users can redeem points for:

  • Travel through the Chase portal
  • Transfers to top partners such as United, Southwest, Hyatt, Marriott, Air Canada, and more
  • Cash back
  • Apple purchases
  • Gift cards

When used with high-value travel partners, points can be worth significantly more than 1 cent each, making it a top choice for maximizing value.

Annual Fee and Overall Costs

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® has a $95 annual fee, which is not waived during the first year.

However, the fee is often worth it for travelers who:

  • Use Chase Ultimate Rewards® regularly
  • Value the travel protections
  • Want flexible points transfers
  • Spend heavily on dining, travel, and online grocery categories

Other potential costs include:

  • Interest charges if you carry a balance
  • Late payment fees
  • Cash advance fees

For most responsible users who pay their balance in full, the annual fee is the primary cost.

Rates and Fees

  • Regular APR: A variable purchase APR typically tied to the Prime Rate
  • Penalty APR: May apply after late or missed payments
  • Balance Transfer Fee: Usually around 3%–5% of the amount transferred
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: $0, making it excellent for international travel
  • Interest Charges: Apply when balances are not paid in full by the due date

Because there is no foreign transaction fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® is ideal for overseas trips and international online purchases.

Approval Requirements

Most applicants approved for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® have:

  • Good to excellent credit (typically 700+)
  • A stable income
  • A positive credit history with responsible account management

Chase may also consider factors like existing relationships, credit utilization, and recent credit inquiries.

Overall, approval difficulty is considered moderate to high because this is a premium travel rewards card.

Pros and Cons of the Chase Sapphire Preferred®

Pros

  • Excellent travel and dining multipliers
  • Valuable welcome bonus
  • Flexible redemption options through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
  • Strong travel protections
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons

  • $95 annual fee
  • No lounge access
  • Few premium travel perks compared to higher-end cards
  • Requires good to excellent credit
  • Best value only achieved with travel redemptions

Who Should Apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred®?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is ideal for:

  • Travelers who want flexible points and strong redemptions
  • Young professionals who spend on dining, travel, and streaming
  • Beginners moving into mid-tier travel cards
  • People who value travel insurance and purchase protections
  • Consumers who want a substantial welcome bonus

It matches the lifestyle of frequent travelers, food enthusiasts, business travelers, and anyone who wants high-value travel redemptions.

Competitor Comparison

Chase Sapphire Preferred® vs. Capital One Venture Rewards

Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred® if you want:

  • Higher redemption value with partner transfers
  • Strong bonus categories for dining and travel
  • Chase-specific travel protections

Choose the Capital One Venture if you prefer:

  • Straightforward earning with 2X miles on all purchases
  • Simple travel credit usage
  • Broader airline partner compatibility

Chase Sapphire Preferred® vs. American Express Gold Card

Choose the Sapphire Preferred® if you want:

  • A lower annual fee
  • Strong travel protections
  • A more flexible mid-tier card

Choose the Amex Gold if you spend heavily on dining and U.S. supermarkets.

Final Thoughts on the Chase Sapphire Preferred®

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® remains one of the strongest mid-tier travel cards in the U.S. market. It offers excellent rewards, valuable travel protections, and highly flexible redemption options.

Travelers, food lovers, and everyday spenders who want premium benefits without a high annual fee will appreciate its balance of affordability and value.

If you want a card that combines powerful earning potential with exceptional travel rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® is absolutely worth considering.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with banks, card issuers, or financial institutions. All fees, rates, and benefit details may change at any time.

Always check the official website of the card issuer for the most accurate and updated information before applying.

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