Which card has the better sign-up bonus?

Both cards have the same welcome bonus, so there's no need to stress over which one gives you a bigger head start. You're getting a great bonus either way.

Which card is better for everyday spending?

For everyday spending, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the better choice. While both cards earn 3X points on dining, the Chase Sapphire Preferred goes a step further by also offering 3X points on streaming services and online grocery purchases. This makes it a strong pick for anyone looking to maximize rewards on non-travel purchases. Plus, with a much lower annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the smarter option for the average spender who wants to rack up points on everyday expenses without a hefty price tag. If you're not a frequent traveler but still want to earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the way to go.

Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred: The Ultimate Travel Card Showdown

When it comes to travel rewards, few credit cards are as popular -- or as powerful -- as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees). Whether you're looking for free flights, luxury travel perks, or a smart way to earn points on everyday spending, both cards offer incredible value. But which one is right for you?

Personally, I use the Chase Sapphire Preferred, and it has completely transformed the way I travel. Thanks to Chase Ultimate Rewards, I've booked multiple free flights and even covered most of my honeymoon with points. But if you travel often or love premium perks, the Chase Sapphire Reserve might be the better choice.

The key is finding the card that fits your lifestyle and spending habits. Below I'll break down the biggest differences, perks, and hidden benefits of both cards -- by the end, you'll feel confident about choosing the best one and maximizing your rewards. Let's dive in.

Key differences between Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred

Both the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred offer the same welcome bonus (100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening), no 0% intro APR, and require good to excellent credit. However, they have some differences that really set them apart.

As of Mar. 20, 2025


Chase Sapphire Reserve®	Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars. 4.50/5 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. Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars. 4.50/5 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.	Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars. 5.00/5 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. Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars. 5.00/5 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.
Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Reserve® On Chase's Secure Website. Rates & Fees	Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card On Chase's Secure Website. Rates & Fees
Read Full Review	Read Full Review
Credit Rating Requirement: Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850) Good/Excellent (670-850)	Credit Rating Requirement: Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850) Good/Excellent (670-850)

Welcome Offer: 60,000 bonus points	Welcome Offer: 100,000 bonus points

Rewards Program: 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel℠.	Rewards Program: 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases

Intro APR: Purchases: N/A Balance Transfers: N/A	Intro APR: Purchases: N/A Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR: 20.24% - 28.74% Variable	Regular APR: 19.99% - 28.24% Variable

Annual Fee: $550	Annual Fee: $95

Highlights: 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	Highlights: 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
Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Reserve® On Chase's Secure Website. Rates & Fees	Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card On Chase's Secure Website. Rates & Fees
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How we rate 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.

How we rate 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.

Rewards and earning potential: Which card helps you rack up points faster?

In order to understand this, let's look at how points accumulate based on your spending habits.

Earning categories compared

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers a solid rewards structure, giving you:

5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries
2X points on all other travel expenses
1X points on other purchases

This makes it a strong choice for travelers who want great rewards without a high annual fee.

Meanwhile, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® takes things up a notch with an even more aggressive earning structure. It offers:

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

If you're a frequent traveler who spends heavily in these categories, the Chase Sapphire Reserve's higher earning potential can add up fast.

How much are points worth?

Not only does the Chase Sapphire Reserve help you earn points faster, but those points are also worth more when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards. With the Chase Sapphire Preferred, points are worth 1.25x when redeemed for travel through Chase, while with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, they're worth 1.5x. That means 50,000 points with the Chase Sapphire Preferred would be worth $625 in travel, but the same 50,000 points with the Chase Sapphire Reserve would be worth $750.

For those who maximize Chase's transfer partners, such as airlines and hotels, both cards offer even greater value -- often well above 1.5x per point when redeemed strategically.

Travel perks and benefits: Which card gives you more luxury?

When it comes to luxury travel perks, the Chase Sapphire Reserve stands out as the clear winner. But here's the catch: Are you going to use those premium benefits enough to justify the higher fee? Let's break it down.

Travel credits and reimbursements

The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a solid $50 annual hotel credit through Chase Travel -- nice, but fairly limited. The Chase Sapphire Reserve, on the other hand, goes above and beyond with a $300 annual travel credit.

And it's not just for hotels -- it's flexible. You can use it on flights, car rentals, taxis, even parking. This broader range of eligible purchases gives you much more freedom to use your credit throughout the year, effectively bringing down the card's cost.

Airport lounge access and Priority Pass

When it comes to airport lounge access, the Chase Sapphire Preferred simply doesn't offer any. Trust me, I know the feeling of being stranded in the airport and woefully regretting my decision to not have the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

Chase Sapphire Reserve opens the door to the Priority Pass Select membership, giving you unlimited access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide. This includes access for you and up to two guests, which is nice when you're traveling with family or friends.

Additionally, the Chase Sapphire Reserve gives you free access to Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations, as well as over 15 Air Canada lounges. While Chase Sapphire Lounges are still a new concept, the ones that have opened have received great feedback, and they're a nice bonus to your travel experience.

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry reimbursement

If you're tired of long security lines, the Chase Sapphire Reserve covers the Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee every four years. This perk is a game-changer for frequent flyers, helping you skip the hassle of airport security and customs. Unfortunately, Chase Sapphire Preferred doesn't offer any reimbursement in this area, leaving you to pay the full fee yourself.

Fees and costs: Is Chase Sapphire Reserve worth the higher annual fee?

While the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the more budget-friendly option, the Chase Sapphire Reserve may justify its higher annual fee if you plan to fully take advantage of its perks. I didn't think I would initially, so I opted for the Chase Sapphire Preferred, but for the right traveler, the Chase Sapphire Reserve really pays for itself.

Annual fees compared

Chase Sapphire Preferred: $95
Chase Sapphire Reserve: $550

Yes, that's a substantial difference, but don't let that scare you away from the Chase Sapphire Reserve. The $300 annual travel credit is a huge benefit -- it already covers over half of the annual fee. Factor in the higher rewards rates and premium benefits, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve could easily pay for itself if you use it strategically. For frequent travelers or those who spend on travel and dining, the higher fee quickly becomes justifiable.

Foreign transaction fees

Both Chase cards come with no foreign transaction fees, a major perk if you travel internationally. Personally, I've used my Chase Sapphire Preferred on five trips abroad, and I've loved the peace of mind knowing I'm not getting hit with pesky fees when I swipe my card overseas.

Interest rates and APR considerations

The APR is similar for both cards, so it really shouldn't be a deciding factor. However, both cards are best suited for people who pay off their balance in full each month. If you carry a balance, interest can add up quickly, making it harder to get value from your card.

If you don't pay your bill in full, the APR will apply to any remaining balance, typically calculated daily -- definitely something to keep in mind.

Travel protections: Which card keeps you safer?

Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve offer strong travel protections, but -- as with all of these benefits -- the Chase Sapphire Reserve takes it to the next level. If you want the best coverage for trip delays, cancellations, and rental cars, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the clear winner.

Trip cancellation and delay insurance

Both cards provide trip cancellation and interruption insurance up to $10,000 per person (up to $20,000 per trip) for covered situations like illness, severe weather, or other disruptions. However, where the Chase Sapphire Reserve pulls ahead is its trip delay reimbursement -- you're covered for up to $500 per ticket after just six hours of delay. With the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you only get reimbursed after a 12-hour delay.

I'm currently in the process of getting a trip cancellation reimbursement for a canceled flight, and while it required submitting some documentation, the process has been smooth. This is a huge perk when unexpected travel issues arise.

Rental car insurance (primary coverage)

Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve provide primary rental car insurance, meaning you can skip the costly rental agency insurance. However, coverage limits differ:

Chase Sapphire Reserve: Covers up to $75,000 in theft or collision damage worldwide.
Chase Sapphire Preferred: Covers up to the actual cash value of the car but excludes certain high-end and exotic vehicles.

I personally benefited from this perk when I had a minor fender bender in a rental car using my Chase Sapphire Preferred -- and Chase fully reimbursed me for the damages. If you rent cars frequently, this protection can save you hundreds in insurance costs.

Common questions about Chase Sapphire cards

Can I upgrade from Chase Sapphire Preferred to Chase Sapphire Reserve?

Yes, you can upgrade to the Chase Sapphire Reserve after holding the Chase Sapphire Preferred for at least one year. One of the biggest reasons to consider upgrading is the increased value of your Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

For example, if you have 50,000 points banked, they're worth $625 in travel with the Chase Sapphire Preferred. But with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, that same 50,000 points jumps to $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. That's an instant boost without earning a single extra point. If you're already maximizing Chase points, upgrading can make the Chase Sapphire Reserve's annual fee easier to justify.

Can I have both cards at the same time?

No, Chase only allows you to have one Sapphire card at a time. You can have multiple Chase cash back cards, such as the Chase Freedom Flex®, Chase Freedom Unlimited®, and Chase Freedom. But only one Sapphire card.

Final verdict: Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred

Both of these options are two of the best travel rewards cards on the market, so you really can't go wrong with either. You just have to decide which better fits your travel and spending habits.

You should get Chase Sapphire Preferred if:

You're a budget-conscious traveler who wants to pay a smaller annual fee for solid travel perks. Nothing fancy, but you get the basics of a great travel card, and if you play your cards right, you'll certainly have the potential to earn some free flights or hotels in the future.

Ready to apply? Apply for a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card today.

You should get Chase Sapphire Reserve if:

You're a frequent traveler who wants premium perks. The annual fee is worth it for all you'll benefit from the travel credit, higher rewards earnings, and traveler benefits.

Ready to apply? Apply for a Chase Sapphire Reserve® card today.

Review sources
- https://creditcards.chase.com/rewards-credit-cards/sapphire/reserve
- https://creditcards.chase.com/rewards-credit-cards/sapphire/preferred

FAQs

Both cards have the same welcome bonus, so there's no need to stress over which one gives you a bigger head start. You're getting a great bonus either way.
For everyday spending, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the better choice. While both cards earn 3X points on dining, the Chase Sapphire Preferred goes a step further by also offering 3X points on streaming services and online grocery purchases. This makes it a strong pick for anyone looking to maximize rewards on non-travel purchases.
Plus, with a much lower annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the smarter option for the average spender who wants to rack up points on everyday expenses without a hefty price tag. If you're not a frequent traveler but still want to earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the way to go.

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