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Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A Travel Credit Card With Sky-High Rewards

Review Updated
Jake FitzGerald
Author: Jake FitzGerald
Jake FitzGerald
Jake FitzGerald
Editorial Strategist

Jake is a full-time Editorial Strategist for Motley Fool Money, focusing primarily on our content production and distribution channels. He specializes in all thing credit cards and wants to make sure each person has the best card for them. While spending the last decade editing financial content, he has the ability to spend an entire day tailgating, the inability to take himself too seriously, and lives with a putter he’s not currently speaking to.

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Nathan Alderman
Fact Checked: Nathan Alderman
Nathan Alderman
Nathan Alderman
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Nathan Alderman has been a full-time Motley Fool employee since 2005, making errors his arch-enemies in a variety of roles including a six-year stint as the dedicated fact-checker for The Motley Fool's premium newsletter services. As Motley Fool Money's Compliance Lead, he makes sure that all the site's information is accurate and up to date, which ensures we always steer readers right and keeps various financial partners happy. A graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Nathan spends his spare time volunteering for civic causes, writing and podcasting for fun, adoring his wife, and wrangling his two very large young children.

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If you're a frequent traveler looking for luxury perks, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) deserves a spot on your financial itinerary. From earning points faster than a bullet train to enjoying exclusive airport lounge access and beyond, this premium card is designed to elevate your next vacation.

But is it worth the hefty annual fee? In this Chase Sapphire Reserve® review, I'll break down everything you need to know to decide if it's the right fit for your wallet.

Ratings Methodology

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Reserve®

On Chase's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Reserve®

On Chase's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APR

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR

20.24% - 28.74% Variable

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel℠.

Annual Fee

$550

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 bonus points

  • All the perks we've come to expect from a top travel card, including a $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access, and big bonuses on travel and dining. Points are transferable to airline and hotel partners or worth 50% more if you book through Chase Travel. The annual fee is hefty, but if you can use all its features, this card could be well worth the cost.

    • Travel credits
    • Airport lounge access
    • Travel and dining rewards
    • Welcome offer
    • Flexible travel points
    • Annual fee
    • Limited-time benefits
    • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
    • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
    • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
    • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
    • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
    • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
    • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
    • Member FDIC

At Motley Fool Money, we rate credit cards on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rates and 0% intro APR offers, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and purchase protections.

Our highest-rated credit cards have:

  • ​​High value through rewards or 0% intro APR offers
  • Attainable welcome bonuses that make up for any annual fees
  • Low annual fees or a balance transfer fee of 3%
  • Top perks such as purchase and travel protections, no foreign transaction fees, travel credits, and status upgrades

We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best credit card recommendations. Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.

Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.

At Motley Fool Money, we rate credit cards on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rates and 0% intro APR offers, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and purchase protections.

Our highest-rated credit cards have:

  • ​​High value through rewards or 0% intro APR offers
  • Attainable welcome bonuses that make up for any annual fees
  • Low annual fees or a balance transfer fee of 3%
  • Top perks such as purchase and travel protections, no foreign transaction fees, travel credits, and status upgrades

We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best credit card recommendations. Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.

Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.

Who should consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve card?

If you're someone who loves traveling or dining out, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® could be your ticket to earning rewards quickly. Plus, it offers standout travel perks like a $300 travel credit and Priority Pass airport lounge access. Avid travelers will find plenty to love in this travel credit card.

What I like about the Chase Sapphire Reserve card

Top-tier travel rewards

Here's where this credit card really shines: the points-earning potential. You'll rack up points quickly on travel and dining purchases, especially when booking through Chase's travel portal:

  • 10x total points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
  • 5x total points on air travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
  • 3x points on other travel and dining
  • 1x points on all other purchases

These are some of the best earning rates we've seen, making this card a top rewards credit card.

Chase points are pretty flexible, and can be used at any of Chase's transfer partners. One of the more popular options is transferring Chase points to United, although you can also transfer Chase points to Southwest, JetBlue, or even some international airlines like British Airways and Emirates.

Travel insurance when things go wrong

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers peace of mind with comprehensive travel protections, including:

  • Baggage delay insurance: Replace your toiletries and clothes with a reimbursement of $100/day for five days
  • Lost luggage reimbursement: Lost luggage? No problem. Chase will reimburse you, to $3,000 per traveler
  • Trip cancellation insurance: If you get sick or run into severe weather, don't worry about your non-refundable travel expenses. Chase's cancellation insurance covers up to $10,000 per traveler and $20,000 per trip for eligible expenses.
  • Emergency medical and dental coverage: The only thing worse than being sick on vacation is coming home to a big bill. Thankfully, Chase reimburses up to $2,500 of emergency medical and dental costs that occur during your trip (with a $50 deductible)

Unsurprisingly, this Chase credit card also offers more standard insurances, like rental car insurance and travel accident insurance.

$300 annual travel credit

Every year, you'll get $300 in travel credits to use on expenses like flights, hotels, or even rideshares. That's effectively a couple of free hotel nights or an affordable round-trip domestic flight every year. Use it toward your next vacation -- or plan the weekend getaway you've been craving.

Access to exclusive airport lounges

Traveling can be a hassle, but having access to top-tier airport lounges makes it much more enjoyable. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® opens the door to an impressive range of lounges, including:

  • Priority Pass: Over 1,300 lounges worldwide, offering amenities like free food, wifi, and even spa services at select locations.
  • Chase Sapphire Lounges: Exclusive spaces in select airports featuring perks like private showers and relaxation areas.
  • Air Canada Lounges: Access lounges across Canada and internationally (note: guest fees apply here).

Most lounges let you bring up to two guests for free, adding even more value to your travel experience.

Credit card comparison

We recommend comparing options to ensure the card you're selecting is the best fit for you. To make your search easier, here's a short list of standout credit cards.

Offer Our Rating Welcome Offer Rewards Program APR Learn More
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for cash back on rotating categories 		Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. 1% - 5% Cashback Circle with letter I in it. Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Intro:

Purchases: 0%, 15 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months

Regular: 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR

Apply Now for Discover it® Cash Back

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for cash rewards on everyday spending 		$200 cash rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. 2% cash rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

Intro: Circle with letter I in it. 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers

Purchases: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening

Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers

Regular: 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for unlimited rewards on purchases 		25,000 points Circle with letter I in it. 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases 1.5-3 points per dollar Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.

Intro: Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee for 60 days from account opening, then 4% fee applies to all balance transfers. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.

Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases

Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

Regular: 18.24% - 28.24% (Variable)

Apply Now for Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

On Bank of America's Secure Website.

Downsides you should consider

Hefty annual fee

The $550 annual fee is one of the highest I've seen. While the $300 travel credit offsets part of this, it's still a substantial cost. Make sure you'll use the card's perks to get your money's worth.

Low rewards for everyday spending

Outside of travel and dining, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns only 1x points per $1. If most of your spending is on groceries or other everyday purchases, you might get better value from a cash back or flat-rate rewards card.

Is it worth the annual fee?

It definitely could be if you're a frequent traveler. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card has a $550 annual fee, but it offers a host of high-value benefits that more than make up for its cost.

Combined, the highlighted benefits below deliver over $1,000 in value annually:

Estimated Annual Value Benefit
$469 Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership
$300 $300 travel credit
$120 DashPass membership
$100 $100 property credit when booking your stay through The Edit℠
$30/year (spread over four years) Global Entry or TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee credit, offered once every four years
$25 Monthly DoorDash perks
Data source: Chase, author's calculations.

If you're looking for a great Chase travel credit card -- but you'd like a lower annual fee -- check out our comparison between this card and its lower-cost mate: Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred.

How to apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve card

Applying to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card is quick and easy. Here's how to get started.

Check your credit score using Chase Credit Journey

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a fairly exclusive card. While Chase hasn't publicly shared its credit score requirements for this card, reports indicate a score of at least 740 is needed to qualify.

There are different ways of measuring credit score. To get an idea of how Chase views your credit, use Chase's free Credit Journey tool to check your credit score.

Apply online

Applying for a Chase credit card is fairly straightforward. You'll be asked to provide some identifying information, as well as some financial information.

Click this link to apply now for the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card.

Receive a decision

Some people receive a decision instantly. Others may need to submit additional documentation or wait to receive their decision in the mail. If your application is denied, consider contacting Chase's reconsideration line for another shot at approval.

Final thoughts

If you're a frequent traveler, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® can level up your rewards game. It's one of the best credit cards we've seen when it comes to travel rewards. Looking for free flights for your next beach vacation? Want reimbursed hotel stays on an upcoming backpacking adventure? With this travel card, the sky's the limit.

Does this credit card sound like the right fit for your lifestyle? If so, apply today and start maximizing your spending with top-notch travel rewards.

FAQs

  • Yes -- the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the more exclusive travel credit cards out there. Approval is a bit tougher than with other cards. Cardholders report a strong credit score can help

  • Chase's four-year rule limits how often you can receive a welcome bonus for Sapphire cards. If you've already received a bonus for any Sapphire card, you'll need to wait 48 months from the date you received it before becoming eligible for another.