
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a popular credit card among travelers and spenders, but is it worth it? With a 60,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, it's definitely a tempting offer. This bonus can be redeemed for $750 in travel, which is a significant incentive.
The card also offers 2X points on travel and dining purchases, making it a great choice for those who frequently dine out or travel. For every dollar spent on these categories, you'll earn 2 points, which can add up quickly.
However, the annual fee is $95, which some may consider a drawback. But considering the benefits, it's a relatively small price to pay. The card also offers a 25% points bonus when redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
Overall, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a solid choice for those who can make the most of its benefits.
What Benefits Come with?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers a wide range of benefits that can make it a valuable addition to your wallet.
You can earn a 60,000-point sign-up bonus after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. This is a significant reward that can help you offset the annual fee.
The card also offers a 5-point-per-dollar earning rate on travel booked through Chase, as well as 2 points per dollar spent on all other travel purchases. This can be a great way to earn points on your travel expenses.
In addition to the earning rates, the card also offers a $50 annual credit for hotels booked through Chase, which can help reduce your annual fee.
You can also earn 3 points per dollar on online grocery purchases, excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs, and 3 points per dollar spent on dining.
The card offers a 10% anniversary bonus points, which can be a great way to boost your rewards earnings.

Here are some of the key benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card:
- Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- 5 points per dollar spent on travel booked through Chase and 2 points per dollar spent on all other travel purchases.
- $50 annual credit for hotels booked through Chase.
- 3 points per dollar on online grocery purchases – excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs.
- 3 points per dollar spent on dining.
- Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance.
- 10% anniversary bonus points.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Annual Fee and Conditions
The annual fee on the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is $95, but it's worth considering whether the benefits outweigh the cost. If you pay for travel on your card, you can be reimbursed up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
You can earn 3 points per dollar spent on restaurants, both for dining in and delivery, making it a good option if you order from restaurants regularly. This can help bring you ease of mind and justify the card's annual fee.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has 14 transfer partners, including United Airlines, Emirates, and Hyatt. If you're able to take advantage of these programs, you can receive an enormous amount of value for your Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
To determine whether the annual fee is worth it, consider your typical credit card spending and whether you'd spend enough to earn rewards and take advantage of the benefits. If you combine the welcome bonus, anniversary bonus, hotel credit, travel deals, and partner discounts, you should come out ahead.

Here are some scenarios where the annual fee is worth it:
- Paying for travel on your card
- Dining out or ordering delivery often
- Transferring points to partner airlines or hotels and redeeming for high-value travel
To make up for the cost of the annual fee, you only need to earn $45 worth of points each year, which is easy to achieve if you use bonus categories.
Pros and Cons
The Chase Sapphire Preferred has some great perks, but it's essential to consider the costs as well. The initial bonus of 60,000 points is a significant draw.
The card offers up to 6.25% back when redeeming for travel, which can be a huge advantage for frequent travelers. No foreign transaction fees are also a plus, especially for those who travel abroad.
However, the $95 annual fee is a notable expense. The base earn rate of 1 point per $1 is relatively standard, but it's essential to weigh this against the benefits.
Here's a summary of the pros and cons:
Pros & Cons
Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of a particular credit card.

You can earn a significant initial bonus of 60,000 points, which is a great starting point.
One of the notable benefits is the opportunity to earn up to 6.25% back when redeeming for travel, which can be a huge money-saver.
However, it's worth noting that there's a $95 Annual fee associated with this card.
The card also offers a base earn rate of 1 point per $1, which may not be the highest rate out there.
Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons:
The card also offers some excellent travel protections, including a long list of travel partners to transfer rewards to.
Additionally, you'll get a $50 annual Chase Travel hotel credit, which can help offset some of the costs associated with your travels.
Overall, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of this card to determine whether it's the right fit for your financial needs and travel habits.
What I Don't Like
I've got to admit, there are some downsides to this product/service/system.

One major con is the steep learning curve, which can be overwhelming for beginners.
It's frustrating when you're trying to get started, but the complex setup process holds you back.
Another drawback is the limited customization options, which can feel restrictive.
As I mentioned earlier, the lack of flexibility can stifle creativity and innovation.
The high cost of maintenance and repairs can be a significant burden, especially for small businesses or individuals on a tight budget.
It's not ideal, but sometimes the cost outweighs the benefits, making it a less appealing choice.
Remove
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has some drawbacks to consider. The annual fee is not explicitly stated in the article section, but it's worth noting that some credit cards with similar benefits may have fees upwards of $95 per year.
You'll also need to spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months to earn the 60,000 bonus points. This can be a challenge for those who don't have a lot of expenses to cover.

The 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ is a great benefit, but it only applies to travel booked through their platform. Other travel purchases earn 2x points.
Here's a breakdown of the points earnings:
The $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit is a nice perk, but it's not clear what kind of travel expenses it can be used for.
Sign-Up Bonus
The sign-up bonus on the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a real game-changer. You'll earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. This bonus is worth a minimum of $600 when redeemed for statement credit and potentially twice that when redeemed for travel. That's enough to pay the annual fee for the first six years you have the card. For example, you can use the points to book airfare for a golf trip with friends. The value of this bonus is one of the most valuable credit card sign-up bonuses on the market.
Earning and Redeeming Points

Earning points with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is relatively easy, with 5X earning rates on travel purchased through Chase Travel and Lyft rides, 3X on dining, takeout, and food delivery, and 1X on everything else.
The card also offers a 10% spend bonus each year on your card anniversary, which can add up to a significant amount of points. For example, if you spent $30,000 on your card in one year, you'd get a 3,000-point bonus on your anniversary.
To reach $95 in value, you'd need to earn at least 9,500 points each year, which can be achieved by spending $1,900 on Chase Travel and Lyft or $3,167 on dining out, grocery delivery, and streaming services.
Here's a breakdown of the earning rates:
Redeeming points is also a breeze, with options including booking travel through Chase Travel, which guarantees a rate redemption of 1.25 cents a point, or redeeming for statement credit, gift cards, or shopping at a 1:1 valuation.
Earning and Redeeming Points

Earning points with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a breeze. You can earn 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 5X points on Lyft rides through 03/2025, and 3X points on dining, takeout, and food delivery.
To give you a better idea, here are the point-earning categories:
- 5X – travel purchased through Chase Travel
- 5X – on Lyft rides (through 03/2025)
- 3X – dining, takeout, and food delivery
- 3X – grocery delivery
- 3X – streaming services
- 2X – travel not booked on Chase Travel
- 1X – everything else
You'll also earn a 10% spend bonus each year on your card anniversary, which can add up quickly. For example, if you spent $30,000 on your card in one year, you'd get a 3,000-point bonus on your anniversary.
To reach $95 in value, you'd need to earn at least 9,500 points each year, which is relatively easy to do considering the average household spends $300/month on takeout and even more on groceries.
Income Needed for
To be eligible for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, you'll need an annual income of at least $30,000.
Chase doesn't publicly disclose the income requirements for this card, but meeting this threshold can help you qualify for approval.
Applicants must also meet the credit score requirement, which is good credit or better (700+ score).
The credit score and income requirements are in place to ensure that cardholders can responsibly manage their credit and make timely payments.
Maximizing Benefits

If you're considering the Chase Sapphire Preferred, it's essential to understand how to maximize its benefits. The card offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
To make the most of this bonus, aim to spend $4,000 within the first three months of opening your account. This can be achieved by charging regular expenses, such as groceries, dining, and travel, to the card.
The card also offers a 10% anniversary bonus points, which can add up to a significant amount over time. This bonus is in addition to the points you earn through your regular spending.
Here are some key benefits to keep in mind when using the Chase Sapphire Preferred:
- Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- 10% anniversary bonus points.
Maximizing Benefits
To maximize the benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, you need to understand what benefits are offered by the card. The card offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

The card also offers 5 points per dollar spent on travel booked through Chase, 3 points per dollar spent on dining, and 3 points per dollar on online grocery purchases. Additionally, you'll get 10% anniversary bonus points.
One of the key benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is its travel protections, including trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance. This can be a lifesaver if you need to cancel or interrupt a trip due to unforeseen circumstances.
Here are some of the key benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card:
- Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
- 5 points per dollar spent on travel booked through Chase
- 3 points per dollar spent on dining
- 3 points per dollar on online grocery purchases
- 10% anniversary bonus points
- Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance
By understanding and utilizing these benefits, you can maximize the value of your Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and get the most out of your rewards.
How to Maximize Rental Car Insurance Benefits
To maximize your rental car insurance benefits, decline the rental car company's coverage and charge all car rentals to your card. This will cover damage due to a collision or theft, up to the actual cash value of the rental car.

Declining the rental car company's coverage is a crucial step, as it will activate your credit card's insurance benefit.
By charging all car rentals to your card, you'll also earn rewards, such as 2 points per $1 spent on car rentals, as offered by the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.
To get maximum value from your rewards, be sure to redeem them for travel.
Vs the Competition
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has some stiff competition, but it still holds its own. The card's flexible earning categories are a major draw, allowing you to earn points on both travel expenses and everyday spending.
If you're a frequent traveler, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great choice, but it might not be the best fit for those who prefer earning cash back on dining and entertainment expenses. A cash back card might be a better fit for that type of lifestyle.
The $95 annual fee is a consideration, but if you can utilize the card enough to justify it, the rewards can be well worth the cost.
Our Expert Take

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a solid choice for travelers, especially given its reasonable annual fee of $95.
This card requires a high credit score to qualify, so if you're not already in good financial standing, you may want to focus on building your credit before applying.
One of the card's standout features is its annual travel credits, which can add up to significant savings over time.
The card also offers comprehensive travel protections, providing an added layer of security for your trips.
Here are some key details to consider:
- Annual fee: $95
- Requires a high credit score
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do you need for Chase Sapphire?
To be eligible for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, you'll need an annual income of at least $30,000. This income requirement helps ensure you can manage the card's rewards and benefits responsibly.
Should I get the Chase Sapphire Preferred if I don't travel?
Consider getting the Chase Sapphire Preferred if you're frugal and want to be incentivized to travel more, but it's not worth it if you genuinely don't enjoy traveling.
Sources
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/chase-sapphire-preferred-worth-annual-fee
- https://wallethub.com/edu/cc/chase-sapphire-preferred-review/25921
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/is-chase-sapphire-preferred-worth-it/
- https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/reviews/is-chase-sapphire-preferred-worth-it/
- https://thefrugalexpat.com/is-the-chase-sapphire-preferred-worth-the-95-fee/
Featured Images: pexels.com