Chase Sapphire Reserve Annual Fee: Is It Right for You

The Chase Sapphire Reserve annual fee can be a bit of a sticker shock, coming in at $550 per year. This is a significant cost, but it's worth considering the benefits you'll get in return.

One of the key perks of the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the 3X points on travel and dining purchases, which can add up quickly. This can be especially valuable if you frequently dine out or travel for work or pleasure.

However, it's worth noting that the annual fee is waived for the first year, which can give you some time to try out the card and see if it's a good fit for you.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve annual fee is a significant cost, but it comes with some amazing perks. One of the biggest advantages is the high rewards rate, which is among the highest for travel through Chase Travel℠ and dining.

The card also offers a 50 percent point value boost when redeemed toward Chase travel, making it an even more valuable option for frequent travelers. And, if you're a foodie, you'll love the high rewards rate on dining.

The annual fee is $550, but it's offset by an automatic $300 travel credit each anniversary year. This helps to make the card more affordable for those who can take advantage of the travel benefits. The travel credit is a nice bonus, but it's worth noting that there's also a $75 annual fee per authorized user.

Here are some of the key pros and cons of the Chase Sapphire Reserve annual fee:

To give you a clear idea of how we rate credit cards, let's break down our criteria. We look at the benefits and rewards offered by each card.

High rewards rates are a major factor in our rating, as seen in the Chase Sapphire Reserve's impressive offering.

Luxury perks are also taken into account, such as the premium travel protections provided by the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Transfer partners are another crucial aspect, allowing you to maximize your rewards earnings.

Primary rental car coverage is a valuable benefit that can save you money and stress on trips.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve's full benefits, including ongoing rewards, are a key part of our rating process.

Our experts say that the Chase Sapphire Reserve is a powerhouse card with some incredible benefits. It comes with some of the highest rewards rates for travel and dining, plus a 50 percent point value boost when redeemed toward Chase travel.

One of our experts, Ryan Flanigan, has been using the Chase Sapphire Reserve since it launched and swears by its annual credits and perks. He's used the $300 travel credit each anniversary year to offset the $550 annual fee and has saved himself on multiple occasions with the top-of-the-line trip protections.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve also offers a high rewards rate, luxury perks, and premium travel protections. And, as a bonus, it comes with primary rental car coverage.

Here are some of the key benefits that our experts love about the Chase Sapphire Reserve:

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers an impressive array of benefits and perks that can make the annual fee worthwhile.

You can earn 50% more value when redeeming points for travel, making your points go further. The card also offers 3x points on travel and dining, including eligible delivery services and takeout.

Some notable benefits include a $300 travel credit, 10x points on hotels and car rentals, and 5x points on flights. You'll also get access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with Priority Pass Select membership.

Here are some of the key benefits and their estimated values:

These benefits alone can make a significant dent in offsetting the annual fee, especially if you frequently travel or use airport lounges.

Airport lounge access is a game-changer for frequent travelers. The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a Priority Pass Select membership, which grants access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.

You can enjoy complimentary food and beverages, Wi-Fi, mobile device charging, conference rooms, and even showers at these lounges. A primary cardholder and any authorized users can each bring up to 2 guests with them.

The amenities offered at lounges vary, but perks often include free food and beverages, Wi-Fi, mobile device charging, conference rooms, and showers.

You can also get additional guests admitted for $27 per guest, per visit to a lounge. This can be a cost-effective option if you travel with a group.

Here's a breakdown of the lounge access benefits:

Additionally, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers reimbursement for the application fee for TSA PreCheck ($78) or Global Entry ($120) or NEXUS ($50) once every four years. This can be a huge time-saver at the airport.

By paying the application fee with your Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card, you can receive a statement credit up to $100, $120, or $50, depending on the program. This reimbursement benefit is available every four years.

A point can be worth 1.5 cents each when redeemed for travel booked through Chase.

You can get even more value out of your points by transferring them to Chase's airline and hotel partners.

Points are worth less when redeemed for cash back, gift cards, and merchandise.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve annual fee is $550, which is one of the highest annual fees for a premium travel card. This fee is likely to be a hard sell for occasional travelers who aren't concerned with airport lounges and other luxury perks.

The card also charges a $75 fee for each authorized user added to the account. This may be a disadvantage for families who use the card frequently, as there are other travel rewards cards that don't charge for additional users.

Here are the key fees and costs associated with the Chase Sapphire Reserve:

If you have a Chase credit card that earns Ultimate Rewards points, you can pair it with the Chase Sapphire Reserve to get more value from your rewards. The Sapphire Reserve can channel points from other Ultimate Rewards cards into one pool, allowing you to redeem them at a higher value.

For example, if you have the Chase Freedom Unlimited, you can transfer your rewards to the Sapphire Reserve and redeem them for 1.5 cents per point, effectively boosting your rewards rate to 2.25% or more.

Some Chase credit cards that earn Ultimate Rewards points and can be paired with the Sapphire Reserve include the Chase Freedom, Chase Freedom Unlimited, and Chase Freedom Flex. These cards offer cash back and bonus categories, but lack 1:1 transfer partners and bonuses when redeeming for travel through Chase.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited, in particular, can be a remarkably flexible addition to your rewards strategy, earning 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases outside the Sapphire Reserve card's categories.

Here are some complementary cards that can be paired with the Chase Sapphire Reserve:

The high rates and fees associated with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card can be intimidating, but it's essential to understand what you're getting for your money. The card's annual fee is a whopping $550, which is one of the highest in the industry.

The card's APR is also variable, ranging from 21.74% to 28.74%, making it a costly option if you don't pay your balance in full each month. Additionally, there's a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

The card's foreign transaction fee is a non-issue, as it's $0, but the authorized user fee of $75 per year may be a drawback for those with family members who use the card frequently. This fee can add up quickly, especially if you have multiple users.

Here's a breakdown of the card's rates and fees:

It's worth noting that the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is a premium travel card, and its high rates and fees are a reflection of its luxury benefits and rewards. However, if you're not a frequent traveler or don't plan to take advantage of the card's perks, it may not be the best option for you.

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Fees can be a significant expense, but some credit cards offer reimbursement benefits to help offset the cost.

Certain travel credit cards, like Chase credit cards, offer a statement credit as reimbursement for a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee.

The reimbursement benefit is available every four years, and the credit card will post a statement credit up to $100 after the fee is paid with the card.

You have to apply for the program and pay the application fee with your credit card to be eligible for reimbursement, and you won't be automatically enrolled.

The application fee for TSA PreCheck is $78, Global Entry is $120, and NEXUS is $50, and you can pay these fees with your credit card to be eligible for reimbursement.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card offers reimbursement for the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS, and you can receive a statement credit up to $100 after paying the fee with the card.

To be eligible for the statement credit, you have to pay the Global Entry application fee with your Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card, and the fee is due as you submit your Global Entry application.

You can pay the TSA PreCheck fee with your credit card at your in-person appointment, and if you use your Sapphire Reserve credit card, it could be credited afterwards for up to $100.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers an impressive rewards program that can help you earn points quickly. You can earn 10X points on Chase Dining purchases, 10X points on hotel stays and car rentals booked through Chase, and 5X points on air travel purchased through Chase.

One of the biggest strengths of the Sapphire Reserve is its high-rate categories, which can earn you exceptional rewards value. You'll also earn 3X points on general travel and dining not booked with Chase, and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.

Here are the earning rates in detail:

These earning rates can add up quickly, especially if you spend heavily in the travel and dining categories.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a lower-cost alternative to the Reserve Card, with an annual fee of just $95.

You can earn a generous 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

The Preferred Card's rewards are worth 1.25 cents apiece when redeemed for travel through Chase, which is still a great value.

For those who don't plan on using many perks, the Preferred Card is a better choice than the Reserve Card.

Here's a comparison of the two cards:

The Preferred Card is a great option for those who want a large sign-up bonus and elevated point values without breaking the bank.

With a credit card like the Sapphire Reserve, you can enjoy primary rental car insurance that protects you against up to $75,000 in damages from theft or collision.

This means you can drive away from the rental car counter with confidence, knowing you're covered in case of an accident.

You can try to get a retention offer from Chase by calling the customer service phone number (1-800-432-3117) and mentioning you're thinking of canceling or downgrading your credit card. Some customers have reportedly received a retention credit of $150 to $250 to keep them as customers.

To be eligible for a retention offer, you'll likely need to have used the card quite a bit during the previous year and kept the account paid up, always paying your bill by the due date. This is based on anecdotal evidence.

Unfortunately, retention offers don't seem to be common, but they do happen. If you're considering canceling or downgrading your credit card, it's worth a try to call and ask about a retention offer.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers a reimbursement for the Global Entry application fee, which can be a huge time-saver at the airport.

You can get reimbursed up to $100 for the Global Entry application fee, which is a significant perk, especially considering the usual fee is $120.

To be eligible for the reimbursement, you have to pay the Global Entry application fee with your Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card.

The reimbursement benefit is available every four years, so you can take advantage of it multiple times.

The Global Entry program allows you to speed through security and customs, making your travel experience much more efficient.

The reimbursement benefit is a great way to offset the cost of the Global Entry application fee, and it's a valuable perk that many other cards don't offer.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers one of the best rewards values available. With its high-rate categories and leading reward redemption values, you can earn exceptional rewards value with this card.

One of the biggest strengths of the Sapphire Reserve is its variety of high-rate categories, including 10X points on Chase Dining purchases, 10X points on hotel stays and car rentals, and 10X points on Lyft purchases (through March 2025). These rates are among the highest available for dining and rideshare purchases.

You can also earn 5X points on airfare paid through Chase Travel, and 3X points on general travel and restaurant purchases. Additionally, you'll earn 1X points on all other purchases.

The Sapphire Reserve earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which are more flexible than typical frequent flyer miles. These points can be redeemed for a wide variety of options, including gift cards, merchandise, travel experiences, cash back, and statement credits.

To get the best value for your points, take advantage of the 50 percent boost by booking travel through the Chase Travel portal, where each of your points will be worth 1.5 cents.

Here's a breakdown of the rewards rates:

The Sapphire Reserve's rewards rates make it an excellent choice for those who spend heavily in the travel and dining categories. With its high-rate categories and flexible redemption options, you can earn exceptional rewards value with this card.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve annual fee is indeed steep at $550, but it's not the only travel card on the market. The Platinum Card from American Express comes with a welcome offer of 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months and a $695 annual fee.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is another option, with a $395 annual fee and a bevy of benefits, including a $300 annual travel statement credit and 10X miles on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

If you don't travel much, you're better off with a different card, as the Sapphire Reserve's travel perks may not be worth the cost.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card has a wide range of transfer partners, allowing you to move points to several other loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio.

You can transfer points to airline partners, making it a great option for travelers. NerdWallet values the points earned on this card at more than 1.5 cents per point when transferred to some partners.

Transferring points and redeeming them strategically can be incredibly lucrative. This is especially true when you already have another card in the Ultimate Rewards family, like the Chase Freedom Unlimited, which earns a minimum of 1.5% cash back on purchases.

By moving the rewards earned on the Chase Freedom Unlimited to your Chase Sapphire Reserve, you can effectively boost your rewards rate on the Chase Freedom Unlimited to 2.25% or more.

Here are some of the Chase transfer partners mentioned in the article:

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card works best with other Chase credit cards, such as the Chase Freedom family, which can gather cash back from non-travel purchases and then be redeemed at a higher value with your Sapphire Reserve.

You can get a statement credit of up to $100 for a TSA PreCheck application fee with certain Chase credit cards.

If you have a Chase card with this benefit, you'll need to apply for TSA PreCheck and pay the fee with your card, and then a statement credit will post to your account afterwards.

The application fee for TSA PreCheck is due at your in-person appointment, but you can pay it with a credit card, such as the Sapphire Reserve card.

If you use your Sapphire Reserve card to pay the fee, you could be credited afterwards for up to $100.

You can get reimbursed for the TSA PreCheck application fee every four years, up to a total of $100.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a top-notch travel card, but it's not the only game in town. If you're considering this card, you should also take a look at its alternatives. The Platinum Card from American Express is a solid option, with a welcome offer of 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months. This card earns 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines and 5X points on other flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is another contender, with a $395 annual fee and a bevy of benefits, including a $300 annual Capital One Travel statement credit and up to $120 in statement credits toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. This card earns 10X miles on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through their travel portal.

If you're a frequent traveler, the Sapphire Reserve may be worth it, but if you don't travel much, you're better off with a different card. The Sapphire Reserve's $300 travel credit, Priority Pass Select membership, and up to $120 in statement credits toward a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application together more than cover the $550 fee.

Here are some key benefits to consider:

The Sapphire Reserve works best with other Chase credit cards, like the Chase Freedom family or the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card, which can form some of the best credit card combinations for category diversity and rewards value.

To qualify for the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you'll need excellent credit, which typically means a score of 720 or better. Your income and other factors will also be taken into account.

The credit score requirement is a good starting point, but it's not the only factor in getting approved.

To qualify for some credit cards, you'll need excellent credit, which means a score of 720 or better. However, credit scores alone don't guarantee approval, so other factors like income will also be considered.

You'll need to have a good credit history to get approved for a credit card. This means making on-time payments and keeping your credit utilization ratio low.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card can be a good value for those who travel frequently, as it offers a $300 annual travel credit and lounge access.

If you're someone who travels often, you know how valuable these perks can be. But, if you don't travel much, you're better off with a different card.

The card's travel perks are a major selling point, but only if you're going to use them.

If you're considering the Chase Sapphire Reserve, it's essential to think about your travel habits. The card is a standout option for frequent travelers, but if you don't travel much, you're better off with a different card.

Spending $550 a year on a credit card is a big deal, and probably isn’t worth it if you’re not a frequent traveler. You can get a good value from the card if you'll use the travel perks and maximize the way you earn and redeem points.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve gives you a flat 2 miles per dollar spent on most purchases, which can be redeemed to "erase" any travel purchase at a penny per mile. This can be a great option if you're actively managing your credit card travel rewards.

The annual fee is $95, not $550, which is a significant difference. However, the higher fee is still a consideration, and you should think about whether it's worth it for you.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve annual fee is a significant consideration for anyone considering applying for the card. The annual fee is $550.

If you're an avid traveler, the card's extensive travel benefits can more than make up for the cost. This includes perks such as travel insurance and airport lounge access.

However, if you don't travel frequently enough to justify the fee, you might prefer a travel card with a lower fee.