Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred Is the Only Travel Card I Need
KEY POINTS
- The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns points on everyday spending.
- A large sign-up bonus can help earn free flights.
- A credit score of at least 670 is generally required to get this card.
I've had my Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) for five years now, and let me tell you -- it's been a game changer. Thanks to this card, I've booked multiple free flights, covered hotel stays, and even pulled off a nearly free honeymoon in Hawaii. If you love to travel but don't want to break the bank, this card makes it ridiculously easy to turn everyday spending into epic adventures.
2025 Award Winner
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= Fair = PoorGood/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR N/A
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
19.99% - 28.24% Variable
Rewards Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases
Annual Fee
$95
Welcome Offer Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
100,000 bonus points
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This card easily justifies the (very reasonable) annual fee with benefits that deliver real value. For a limited time, earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months, which we estimate is worth $1,250 in Chase Travel℠ value. Plus, enjoy bonus travel and dining rewards, a $50 annual hotel credit, and 25% more value when booking through Chase Travel. With added travel protections like rental car insurance and trip reimbursement, we think this card is a game-changer for any traveler. Read Full Review
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- Big sign-up bonus
- Travel rewards
- Dining rewards
- Flexible travel points
- Consumer and travel protections
- Annual fee
- Limited-time perks
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- Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
- Member FDIC
Earning points is surprisingly easy
What I love most about the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card? I don't have to go out of my way to earn points. Here's how they stack up:
- 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries
- 2X points on all other travel purchases
- 1X points on other purchases
And the kicker? Points are worth 25% more when you book through the Chase Travel portal. That means 10,000 points equal $125 in travel credit.
The sign-up bonus that paid for a vacation
When I first got the card, I snagged the sign-up bonus: 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in 3 months. That translated into up to $1,250 in Chase Travel℠ value -- for me, a free flight to Cabo in 2022. I didn't even have to change my spending habits; I just put all my regular expenses on the card and hit the bonus effortlessly.
Perks that actually matter
Beyond the rewards, this card comes with extra perks that have saved me money and hassle:
- $50 annual hotel credit when booking through Chase Travel
- 1:1 point transfers to partners like United, Southwest, and Hyatt
- Primary rental car insurance, so no need to pay for extra coverage
- Trip delay and cancellation protection, which has come in handy more than once
A few things to consider
- No luxury travel perks: If you want airport lounge access, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve® instead.
- Good credit required: A score of 670 or higher is usually needed to qualify.
- No 0% intro APR: If you're planning to carry a balance, this might not be the best fit.
No single card is perfect, so it's always worth comparing your options. If you're looking for alternatives, our Best Credit Cards guide breaks down the top picks for different spending habits.
Ready to apply?
If you've been looking for a way to travel more without spending a fortune, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is absolutely worth considering. Just make sure your credit score is in good shape and that you can hit the spending requirement for the bonus.
For me, this card has been a total win. I get to travel more, stress less, and enjoy perks that make every trip smoother. Apply today for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to make your everyday spending work for you.
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