Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card: The perfect companion for travelers

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card is a top choice for those who love to travel and dine out frequently. With an array of rewards tailored to suit the modern adventurer, this card not only provides incredible travel perks but also offers excellent dining benefits, making it a perfect companion for any journey. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or enjoy exploring local restaurants, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® delivers premium rewards with flexibility and ease.

In addition to its standout features, such as the ability to earn 60,000 bonus points after meeting the initial spend requirement, this card is designed to enhance the experience of any cardholder. Let’s dive into the specifics and see what makes the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card such an attractive choice.

Main features of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card offers an impressive rewards system that starts with a generous 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months from account opening. This translates to $750 in travel rewards when redeemed through Chase TravelSM.

Beyond that, cardholders enjoy a variety of point-earning opportunities. For example, you can earn 5x total points on travel purchases made through Chase Travel, 3x points on dining, including takeout and delivery services, and 2x points on all other travel purchases.

The card also caters to streaming enthusiasts, offering 3x points on select streaming services and 3x points on online grocery purchases. With no expiration date on points as long as your account remains open, it’s easy to rack up rewards over time, ensuring your points are ready when you are.

How does the annual fee work?

Unlike no-annual-fee cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card comes with an annual fee of $95. However, the perks you receive more than justify this cost, especially for frequent travelers and diners. The good news is that this fee is a flat rate, so you don’t need to worry about unexpected increases.

The value you gain from the rewards, such as the $750 travel redemption and the additional 25% value boost on Ultimate Rewards, quickly offsets the annual fee, ensuring you get the most out of your card.

How is the credit limit determined?

When it comes to determining your credit limit, Chase considers several factors, including your credit score, income, and overall creditworthiness. For most applicants, Chase offers personalized credit limits based on your financial profile, so it’s essential to maintain a good credit history for higher limits.

Chase evaluates both your ability to manage credit responsibly and your income level, ensuring you get a limit that aligns with your spending habits.

Benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card is packed with benefits that make it a great option for anyone who loves to earn while they spend:

  • 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months
  • 5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Travel (excluding hotel purchases)
  • 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services and takeout
  • 2x points on all other travel purchases
  • 3x points on select streaming services and online grocery purchases
  • 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
  • No foreign transaction fees, making it a perfect travel companion for international trips
  • $50 annual credit for hotel stays booked through Chase Travel

Standout benefit: Chase Ultimate Rewards Program

The Chase Ultimate Rewards Program is what truly sets this card apart. With this program, your points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase TravelSM, allowing you to stretch the value of your points even further.

Whether you’re booking flights, hotels, or car rentals, the flexibility and increased value make the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card a standout option for travel lovers. Additionally, the card offers 10% bonus points on your account anniversary based on your total purchases from the previous year. This adds an extra layer of reward earning, making it easier to accumulate points over time.

Disadvantages of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card

While the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card offers numerous benefits, there are a few drawbacks to consider:

  • $95 annual fee: Though the rewards often offset this cost, it’s still something to be mindful of.
  • High APR: With a variable APR ranging from 21.49% to 28.49%, carrying a balance on this card can result in significant interest charges.
  • Limited partner value: The partner benefits, valued at around $150, might not be useful for everyone.

Standout disadvantage: High APR

The high APR is a significant drawback for cardholders who don’t pay off their balance in full each month. While this card is great for rewards, it’s important to avoid carrying a balance to prevent costly interest fees. With APR rates ranging up to 28.49%, even a small carried balance could lead to substantial charges over time.

Who can apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card?

To apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card, you need to meet a few basic requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years old (or 19 if you reside in Alabama or Nebraska)
  • Have a valid Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number
  • A credit score typically in the good to excellent range (670 or above)
  • Must not currently hold any other Sapphire card, and you must not have received a Sapphire cardmember bonus in the last 48 months

This card isn’t available to those with bad credit or those who have received another Sapphire bonus recently. However, if you meet the criteria, the application process is straightforward and can be completed online, via the app, or in person.

How to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card

Chase offers several convenient ways to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card, making it easy to get started.

Applying Online

The fastest and most straightforward way to apply is by visiting the Chase website. Here, you’ll be able to fill out a quick application form that asks for your personal details, including income, employment status, and Social Security Number. Once submitted, Chase will typically give you a response within minutes.

Applying through the App

If you prefer using your smartphone, you can download the Chase Mobile® app, which offers a streamlined application process. Simply navigate to the credit card section, select the Sapphire Preferred® option, and follow the instructions to submit your application.

Applying In-Person

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, you can visit any Chase branch and speak to a representative who can help you through the application process. This option allows you to ask questions and get personalized assistance while applying for your card.

By providing an excellent mix of travel rewards, dining perks, and flexible redemption options, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card remains one of the best choices for those who want to make the most of their spending.