
Canceling the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card: Is It the Right Decision for You?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers an impressive 3X points on travel and dining purchases, but it comes with a $550 annual fee. This high fee is a significant consideration for many cardholders.
If you're not using the card's benefits, such as the $300 travel credit or the Priority Pass airport lounge access, the annual fee might not be worth it. In fact, a survey found that 63% of cardholders don't even use the Priority Pass benefit.
However, if you're a frequent traveler or foodie, the card's rewards and benefits might outweigh the cost. The card also offers a 50% points bonus when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, which can be a significant perk.
Canceling the Card
You can cancel your Chase Sapphire Reserve card in several ways, and it's essential to know the process to avoid any potential issues.
Log in to your account online and go to the "Accounts" page, then select "Secure messages" and click on "New Message" to send a brief message stating your intention to cancel the card.
To cancel the card over the phone, call (800) 945-2000 and enter your account information to follow the automated prompts and get connected to a customer service representative.
You can also cancel the card in person by finding a Chase branch location using the branch locator tool on the Chase website or mobile app.
If you prefer to cancel the card by mail, send a written request to the following address: Card Services, P.O. Box 15298, Wilmington, DE 19850-5298.
It's worth noting that canceling your Chase Sapphire Reserve card may result in a decrease in your credit score, depending on the card's credit limit and how long you've had the card.
To get an idea of how much a canceled credit card will affect your credit score, use WalletHub's free credit score simulator.
Pre-Cancellation Steps
Before canceling your Chase Sapphire Reserve, take care of a few essential steps to ensure a smooth transition. Make sure to redeem your rewards, as you have 30 days after cancellation to do so.
Pay off your balance in full to avoid any unnecessary fees. It's a good idea to get this out of the way before canceling to avoid any potential issues.
If you're considering canceling, be aware that Chase may try to keep you as a customer. They may offer to lower your annual fee, which could be a deciding factor. For example, they might offer to lower your annual fee to $400 if you have a statement credit of $150.
Alternatives and Strategies
If you're considering canceling your Chase Sapphire Reserve card, there are some alternatives and strategies to explore. The Amex Platinum card is a comparable option with luxury travel benefits, but its annual fee is significantly higher.
You can also consider downgrading your Chase Sapphire Reserve card to a no-annual-fee card like the Freedom Flex or Freedom Unlimited. This way, you can still earn rewards and avoid canceling your credit line.
One strategy to earn the Chase Sapphire Preferred bonus is to cancel your Chase Sapphire Reserve card, refer the other card to the Freedom Flex, and sign up for the Freedom Flex and Sapphire Preferred. However, this method requires a lot of work and may not be worth the hassle.
Another option is to transfer your reward points to your spouse's account, assuming you both have a Sapphire Preferred card. Then, you can apply for another Preferred card after 36 months since you earned the bonus.
You can also consider product changing your Chase Sapphire Reserve card to a Freedom card and then applying for a Preferred card. This way, you can avoid canceling your credit line and still earn the bonus.
If you've had your Chase Sapphire Reserve card for more than 4 years, you may want to consider downgrading to the Freedom Flex or Freedom Unlimited. Then, you can apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred as a new account to earn the bonus, but only after at least 48 months since you earned the bonus on the Reserve.
Here are some options to consider when downgrading your Chase Sapphire Reserve card:
- Downgrade to the Freedom Flex or Freedom Unlimited if you opened the Chase Sapphire Reserve anytime from April 2020.
- Downgrade to the Slate if you already have both the Freedom Flex and Freedom Unlimited, want to earn the sign-up bonus on the Freedom Flex or Freedom Unlimited, or don't have any remaining Ultimate Rewards points.
Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your individual circumstances and preferences. Be sure to carefully consider the pros and cons of each strategy before making a decision.
Evaluating the Card
The Chase Sapphire Reserve has an annual fee of $550, which is a significant expense.
This fee is offset by the card's generous rewards and benefits, including 3X points on travel and dining purchases.
The card also offers a $300 travel credit, which can be used to offset the cost of travel-related expenses.
However, some cardholders may not be able to utilize these benefits, making the annual fee a burden.
Ultimately, the decision to keep or cancel the Chase Sapphire Reserve depends on individual financial circumstances and spending habits.
The Final Decision
After two weeks of deliberation, I finally made the decision to cancel my Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card. It was a tough choice, but ultimately, I decided it wasn't worth keeping if I wasn't going to use it much.
The decision to cancel wasn't taken lightly, and I considered downgrading the card instead. However, I didn't want to keep a credit card that I wouldn't be using regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose my points if I cancel my Chase Sapphire card?
No, downgrading or cancelling your Chase Sapphire card won't affect your accumulated points. Your points remain intact, but redemption options may change depending on the new card you choose.
Do you lose priority pass if you cancel Chase Sapphire Reserve?
Yes, canceling your Chase Sapphire Reserve account will also end your Priority Pass Select membership. This is because the membership is tied to the account's status.
Sources
- https://wallethub.com/answers/cc/cancel-chase-sapphire-reserve-1000303-2140793316/
- https://www.sprinklehappiness.com/why-i-cancel-my-chase-card/
- https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/downgrade-cancel-chase-sapphire-reserve/
- https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-reserve/keep-or-cancel/
- http://www.travelsummary.com/my-strategy-for-canceling-the-chase-sapphire-reserve-card/
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