Chase Sapphire Reserve Changes 2024 You Need to Know

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The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a popular credit card known for its generous rewards and benefits. The card's annual fee is $450.

One of the biggest changes to the Chase Sapphire Reserve in 2024 is the introduction of a new rewards structure. This change will impact how cardholders earn and redeem points.

Cardholders will now earn 3X points on travel purchases, up from 2X points previously. This is a significant increase for travelers who use the card frequently.

Additionally, the card's 50% points bonus on travel redemptions has been extended to all redemption options.

Changes

The Chase Sapphire Reserve has undergone some changes, and one of the notable updates is the $300 travel credit. This credit is now offered for each card anniversary year.

You'll earn 3X Ultimate Rewards points on travel purchases after redeeming the $300 travel credit.

Dining, delivery, and takeout purchases also earn you 3X Ultimate Rewards points.

Card Benefits

The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Benefits are pretty impressive. The card's annual fee of $550 can be reduced to $250 with the $300 annual travel credit, which covers a wide range of travel expenses, including flights, hotels, and even taxis or Ubers.

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If you plan to spend $300 or more on travel each year, this credit can make a big difference in your wallet. It's also easy to use, as the credit kicks in automatically when you make travel purchases with your Sapphire Reserve Card.

Additionally, the card offers an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, which can save you up to $100. If you were already planning to pay for one of these services, this benefit can essentially drop the annual fee by another $100.

Preferred Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a great option for those who don't spend $300 a year on travel. It's a more modest travel credit card compared to the Sapphire Reserve.

The Sapphire Preferred earns 2X points on dining, including takeout and delivery, and travel. This is a notable difference from the Sapphire Reserve, which earns 3x points on dining.

If you're a semi-regular traveler, you might be better served by the Chase Sapphire Preferred. It's a more affordable option, with a lower annual fee compared to the Sapphire Reserve.

The Sapphire Preferred has a comprehensive insurance policy, although it's not as extensive as the one offered with the Sapphire Reserve.

DoorDash Credits & DashPass

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The DoorDash credits and DashPass membership on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card are a real treat. A few years back, Chase added a complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership and $5 monthly DoorDash credit for Sapphire Reserve cardholders.

This benefit saves cardholders $15 per month, since DashPass normally costs $9.99 per month. It's a great way to enjoy free deliveries and lower platform fees.

The complimentary DashPass membership and $5 credit are set to expire on December 31, 2024.

What Is the?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a travel rewards card issued by Chase, with a $550 annual fee that can be reduced to $250 with the $300 annual travel credit. This credit can be easily obtained by spending the first $300 on travel-related purchases, which Chase defines as including airlines, hotels, motels, timeshares, and more.

The card offers a range of benefits, including earning 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, and earning 3x points on travel and dining purchases. You can also earn 5x points on flights booked through Chase Travel and 10x points on hotels and rental cars booked through the same platform.

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One of the card's standout features is its travel insurance coverage, which includes emergency medical and dental coverage, emergency evacuation insurance, and trip delay coverage. Additionally, the card comes with no foreign transaction fees, making it a great option for international travel.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve also offers a range of other benefits, including a Priority Pass Membership, access to Sapphire Lounges by The Club, and a complimentary DashPass membership. If you're a frequent traveler or enjoy dining out, this card can be a great value for the annual fee.

Here are some of the key benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve:

Using the Card

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers a $300 travel credit each year, which can be a huge perk for frequent travelers.

You can use this credit on any travel-related purchase, such as flights, hotels, or even travel insurance.

If you're familiar with the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you'll know that the Sapphire Reserve offers even more benefits.

This card has a $550 annual fee, but it's worth considering if you can take advantage of its many features.

Pros and Cons

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The Chase Sapphire Reserve has undergone some changes, but its pros remain impressive. The card still offers great rewards-earning rates.

One of the standout benefits is the large welcome offer, making it an attractive option for new cardholders. This offer is a great way to earn rewards quickly.

The $300 USD travel credit is a fantastic perk, helping to offset travel expenses. This credit can be a big help when planning a trip.

The card's 14 fantastic transfer partners make it easy to redeem rewards for travel. This flexibility is a major advantage for travelers.

Excellent travel insurance is also included, providing peace of mind when booking trips. This insurance can help protect against unexpected events.

The statement credit for Global Entry/TSA Precheck is a nice touch, saving cardholders up to $120 every 4 years. This credit can be a big help for frequent travelers.

Airport lounge access through Priority Pass membership is a luxurious perk, allowing cardholders to relax in style. This access is a great way to enhance travel experiences.

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The card also includes complimentary memberships, such as Lyft Pink through March 2025, and DashPass when activated by December 31, 2027. These memberships can save cardholders money on transportation and food.

No foreign transaction fees are charged, making the Chase Sapphire Reserve a great option for international travel. This fee savings can add up quickly.

Here are the key pros of the Chase Sapphire Reserve at a glance:

  • Great rewards-earning rates
  • Large welcome offer
  • $300 USD travel credit
  • 14 fantastic transfer partners
  • Excellent travel insurance
  • Statement credit for Global Entry/TSA Precheck (up to $120, every 4 years)
  • Airport lounge access through Priority Pass membership (enrollment required) and access to Sapphire lounges
  • Complimentary memberships (including Lyft Pink through March 2025, DashPass when you activate by December 31, 2027)
  • No foreign transaction fees

Annual Fee

The annual fee of the Chase Sapphire Reserve is increasing from $450 to $550, starting on January 12th. This change will affect new cardholders who open the card after this date, while existing cardholders will see the increased fee at their next renewal after April 1st.

If you plan to spend $300 or more on travel each year, consider the $300 annual travel credit, which effectively reduces the annual fee to $250. This credit covers a wide range of travel expenses, including flights, hotels, taxis, and more.

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The Chase Sapphire Reserve's $300 travel credit is one of its most valuable benefits, and it's easy to use - just spend on travel and the credit kicks in automatically. No need to file a claim or jump through hoops.

The card also offers a credit for the application fee of Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, which can save you $120 (Global Entry) or $78 (TSA PreCheck) for a five-year membership. This benefit can effectively drop the card's annual fee by another $100 (ish) dollars for at least the first year.

Here are the key benefits that offset the increased annual fee:

  • $300 annual travel credit
  • Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee
  • Other benefits, such as 5X points on air travel, 10X points on hotels and car rentals, and more.

My Thoughts

The Chase Sapphire Reserve changes in 2024 are underwhelming, especially considering the $100 annual fee increase. Most people will find the additional services and credits worth it, but only if they were already using them before.

You'll get about $360 in services and $60 in credits, but some of these credits won't be usable in the same calendar year, so let's be real, it's not $120. Unless you were already paying for these services, the benefits might not be enough to justify the increased fee.

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The increased earning on Lyft is a nice perk, and it might convince you to use Lyft more often, but if you don't use rideshares often, it might not be worth it. Many competitors to the Chase Sapphire Reserve are earning 4x or more on the same categories, so it's worth exploring those options too.

If you're considering closing your card, it's worth waiting to use the DoorDash credits first, especially if you're an older card holder. You'll have a few months to test-drive the benefits and see if they're worth the increased annual fee.

New to the world of points and miles? The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is still a great option, with a 60,000 bonus points offer after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sapphire reserve worth it in 2024?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is worth considering for frequent travelers, as its high earnings rate on travel spending can justify the $550 annual fee. However, individual benefits and usage may vary, so it's essential to weigh the costs and rewards for your specific needs.

Is the Priority Pass going away for the Chase Sapphire Reserve?

No, the Priority Pass is not going away, but its benefits will change: as of July 1, 2024, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers will no longer have access to Priority Pass Select restaurants, cafes, and markets

Jackie Purdy

Junior Writer

Jackie Purdy is a seasoned writer with a passion for making complex financial concepts accessible to all. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she has established herself as a trusted voice in the world of personal finance. Her writing portfolio boasts a diverse range of topics, including tax terms, debt management, and tax deductions for business owners.

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