What are the main differences between the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve?

The biggest differences between these cards are their annual fees and cardholder benefits. The Chase Sapphire Reserve carries a whopping $550 annual fee, while the Sapphire Preferred card's annual fee is just $95. The Reserve card's higher annual fee gets you several perks that are missing from the Preferred card, however, including a $300 annual travel credit, $100 Global Entry/TSA Precheck credit and more. The Chase Sapphire Reserve also has a higher Ultimate Rewards travel redemption boost — 50 percent compared to the Sapphire Preferred card's 25 percent.

What is the sign-up bonus for the Chase Sapphire Preferred?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is currently offering a sign-up bonus of 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 in your first three months as a card member. Those points are worth 1 cent apiece when redeemed for cash back or 1.25 cents apiece if you redeem for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, equal to over $1,000 at the boosted rate.

Can you get priority pass with Chase Sapphire Preferred?

Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders can enroll in Priority Pass online through the airport lounge program's official website. Unlike the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which includes free unlimited Priority Pass Select membership access for the cardholder and up to two accompanying guests, this card does not offer free Priority Pass airport lounge access.

Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred hard to get?

It can be difficult for those with a fair credit score or lower to receive this card. However, if you do have a good to excellent FICO score, it shouldn’t be too hard to qualify for. Check with Bankrate’s CardMatch tool to see if you qualify without impacting your credit score.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Review

Snapshot

5.0

Bankrate rating

Bottom line

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is an excellent entry point into the world of travel rewards, offering impressive value, easy redemption options and premium benefits for a modest $95 annual fee.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Rewards rate

2x - 5x

Annual fee

$95

Intro offer

60,000 points

Regular APR

20.49% - 27.49% Variable

Recommended Credit Score

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Overview

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is one of the best travel credit cards on the market, thanks to its low annual fee, generous rewards structure and various travel protections. Boasting new and improved bonus categories, a $50 annual hotel stay credit through Chase and a 10 percent point match-style anniversary bonus, the Sapphire Preferred should offer excellent value to everyday spenders and rewards experts alike.

And though it lacks some of the robust perks found in more premium travel cards, like travel credits worth hundreds of dollars, the card should be a good fit for travelers looking to earn rewards on their flights and hotel stays without a hefty annual fee.

What are the pros and cons?

Pros

This card does not charge foreign transaction fees, which is beneficial if you travel overseas frequently
Compared with other travel rewards cards of this caliber, it has a relatively low annual fee of $95
1:1 point transfer ratio and impressive airline and hotel transfer partner list
25 percent value boost to points redeemed for travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards

Cons

No 0 percent introductory APR offer on purchases or balance transfers
Lacking some premium travel perks, such as free checked bags and airport lounge access

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review: The best travel rewards card for under $100?