
If you're currently using the Chase Freedom card, you might be missing out on better rewards with the Chase Sapphire card. The Chase Sapphire offers a higher rewards rate on dining and travel purchases, earning 2X points per dollar spent.
For example, if you spend $1,000 on dining with the Chase Sapphire, you'll earn 2,000 points, which can be redeemed for $25 in travel or $20 in cash back. In contrast, the Chase Freedom earns 1% cash back on all purchases.
The Chase Sapphire also offers a more valuable rewards redemption program, allowing you to transfer points to popular airline and hotel loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio. This can be a game-changer for travelers who want to maximize their rewards.
Earning Points
If you're considering switching from the Chase Freedom to the Chase Sapphire, you'll want to know how the earning points work on the new card. The Sapphire Reserve comes with an annual travel statement credit of $300, which is applied incrementally as you spend in the travel category.
This credit can save you money on your travel expenses, and with a $5,000 per year spend on travel, you'd get your $300 statement credit right away, bringing your actual spending down to $4,700 per year.
You'd earn your 3X points per dollar on that amount, leaving you with 14,100 points. The Sapphire Reserve also offers 3X points per dollar on all other travel purchases, making it a great option for frequent travelers.
With the Chase Freedom Unlimited, you get the regular earn rate of 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. If you spend $20,000 on non-bonus categories, you'll get $300 cash back.
But here's the thing: if you transfer your rewards to your Sapphire Reserve at a rate of 100 points per dollar, you could turn that $300 into 30,000 Ultimate Rewards points. That's a huge advantage of switching to the Sapphire Reserve.
Here's a quick breakdown of the earning rates on the Sapphire Reserve:
- 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ (excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Anniversary Hotel Credit)
- 3x points on dining (including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out)
- 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target®, Walmart®, and wholesale clubs)
- Also, 3x points on select streaming services
- 2x points on all other travel purchases
- 1x point per $1 spent on all non-bonus purchases
As you can see, the Sapphire Reserve offers some great earning rates, especially for travel and dining purchases. With the right strategy, you can earn a lot of points and redeem them for valuable rewards.
Chase Sapphire Options
If you're considering switching from the Chase Freedom to the Chase Sapphire, you'll want to know about the benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. This card earns up to 5x points per $1 on purchases.
One of the standout features of the Chase Sapphire Preferred is its travel benefits. You'll earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x points on dining, and 3x points on online grocery purchases.
You'll also earn 2x points on all other travel purchases and 1x point per $1 spent on all non-bonus purchases. This card has more valuable redemption options compared to the Chase Freedom.
Here are some key benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred:
- 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3x points on dining
- 3x points on online grocery purchases
- 2x points on all other travel purchases
- 1x point per $1 spent on all non-bonus purchases
Benefits and Perks
The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a range of benefits and perks that make it an attractive option for those looking to upgrade from the Chase Freedom.
You'll earn up to 5x points per $1 on purchases, with a variety of categories offering bonus points. The card earns unlimited 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
The Sapphire Preferred also offers a $50 annual Hotel Credit, which is applied to your account in the form of a statement credit for hotel accommodation purchases made through the program.
In addition to the Hotel Credit, you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year on each account anniversary. For example, if you spend $25,000 on purchases, you'll get 2,500 bonus points.
Here's a breakdown of the Sapphire Preferred's earning structure:
- 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ (excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Anniversary Hotel Credit)
- 3x points on dining (including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out)
- 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target®, Walmart®, and wholesale clubs)
- 3x points on select streaming services
- 2x points on all other travel purchases
- 1x point per $1 spent on all non-bonus purchases
Each point is worth 1.25 cents each when booking award travel on Chase, making it easier to redeem your points for travel rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer balance from Chase Freedom to Chase Sapphire?
No, you cannot transfer a balance from one Chase credit card to another, including from Chase Freedom to Chase Sapphire. Consider a balance transfer card from a different issuer for debt consolidation
Is it better to use Chase Freedom or Sapphire Preferred?
For travel rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred may offer more value, but the Chase Freedom could earn you more points overall. Consider your spending habits and travel plans to decide which card is best for you.
Sources
- https://financebuzz.com/downgrade-chase-sapphire-preferred
- https://financebuzz.com/transfer-chase-freedom-points-to-sapphire
- https://www.moneygeek.com/credit-cards/advice/upgrade-downgrade-chase-credit-card/
- https://johnnyjet.com/transfer-freedom-unlimited-points-sapphire-preferred/
- https://www.asksebby.com/faq/credit-card-product-change-and-upgrade-faq
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