Smart travelers understand that travel rewards can help them take more trips while reducing out-of-pocket costs. The best way to accumulate rewards is by using a travel-focused credit card, which often provides valuable perks, protections, and money-saving credits.
NerdWallet, a trusted source for credit card comparisons, has spent over 27,000 hours researching financial products in the past year. Their experts consistently rank Chase Sapphire credit cards among the best for travelers.
Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve Card offer rich rewards and lifestyle benefits. Their Ultimate Rewards points are rated by NerdWallet as having the highest value among credit card rewards.
Whether planning first-class flights, luxury stays, exclusive experiences, or visits to loved ones, a Chase Sapphire card deserves a place in most travelers’ wallets.
New Cardholders Start With Generous Bonuses
New users can earn substantial travel points immediately with either Chase Sapphire card.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card currently offers:
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card provides new cardholders with:
Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.
This represents 15,000 more points than the previous offer.
Flexible Bonus Categories for Spending
Both cards multiply earnings across key spending categories.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card earns:
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3 points per dollar on gas and EV charging.
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3 points per dollar on vacation rentals through Airbnb, Vrbo, and similar platforms.
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5 points per dollar through Chase Travel.
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2 points per dollar on other travel purchases.
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3 points per dollar on dining and select streaming services.
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3 points per dollar on online groceries (excluding Target, Walmart, wholesale clubs).
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5 points per dollar on Lyft and Peloton.
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1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Valuable Credits Offset Annual Fees
Beyond earning points, both cards include credits that reduce or eliminate annual fee costs.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve includes a $300 annual travel credit for purchases like airline tickets, baggage fees, hotel charges, and transportation. Apply points to your statement automatically for this reimbursement.
Additional credits for the Reserve card include:
- Maximize Value With Points Boost
- Saudi Arabia Urges Immediate U.S. Military Action as Houthis Capture Critical Red Sea Port
- Billionaire warns ‘evil empire’ wants to ‘cripple Trump,’ calls out America’s northern neighbor
- Hong Kong Dissidents Receive Lengthy Prison Terms Over Tiananmen Commemorations
- Former Ohio Senate campaign aide once used Nazi soldiers in profile photo
While credit card points typically value 1 cent each, Chase Ultimate Rewards points become more valuable with Points Boost.
Redeeming points directly through Chase Travel yields 1 cent per point. However, Sapphire cardholders can access up to 2 cents per point on select flights and hotels marked with Points Boost.
Transfer Partners Expand Redemption Options
Ultimate Rewards points transfer to over a dozen airline and hotel loyalty programs, including Hyatt, Marriott, Air Canada Aeroplan, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. This flexibility often reduces points needed compared to booking through Chase Travel.
Comprehensive Travel Protections Included
Both Sapphire cards offer essential travel insurance benefits:
- Pool Points and Earn Referral Bonuses
Combine Ultimate Rewards with household members at no cost by contacting Chase. Points also transfer freely between Chase cards earning Ultimate Rewards, like Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Referring friends to Sapphire cards earns up to 100,000 bonus points annually (15,000 per approved referral).
NerdWallet’s Bottom Line
Both Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve rank among NerdWallet’s top travel cards. The Reserve delivers $3,000+ in annual value, significantly offsetting its $795 fee—especially with the current 100,000-point bonus after spending $6,000 in the first three months.
Erin Hurd is a former writer and assigning editor on the NerdWallet Content team who now heads NerdWallet’s travel business. She’s a credit card and travel rewards expert based in Baltimore, Maryland, with nearly two decades of experience helping readers maximize investments and personal finances. Her passion for travel led to expertise in credit card rewards, which she uses to subsidize family adventures.