The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular travel rewards credit card known for its valuable points program and a wide range of travel-related benefits.
It is ideal for those who frequently travel or dine out, as it offers bonus points in these categories.
With a generous sign-up bonus, travel protections, and flexible point redemption options, this card has earned a strong reputation among travel enthusiasts.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the card’s features, benefits, potential drawbacks, and other important details.
Card Overview
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers 2x points on travel and dining purchases and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
New cardholders can earn a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
These points can be redeemed for $750 in travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program, or they can be transferred to a wide range of airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio, offering even greater value for travelers.
The card charges an annual fee of $95, which is relatively low for a travel rewards card offering such a valuable rewards program.
Additionally, the card provides a variety of travel protections, such as trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance, and baggage delay coverage.
Reasons to Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
- Generous Sign-Up Bonus: New cardholders can earn a 60,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. This is one of the most valuable sign-up bonuses in the travel rewards card market, equating to $750 in travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Double Points on Travel and Dining: With 2x points on travel and dining, this card is perfect for those who frequently spend in these categories. The card can quickly help you rack up points on flights, hotel stays, restaurants, and more.
- Flexible Point Redemption: Points earned with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card are versatile. They can be redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, transferred to travel partners for frequent flyer miles, or used for a variety of other rewards such as gift cards, merchandise, or statement credits.
- 1:1 Point Transfer to Travel Partners: One of the best features of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the ability to transfer points to 13 airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio. This includes popular partners like United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, British Airways, and Hyatt Hotels. This allows you to maximize the value of your points by transferring them to programs with high redemption values.
- Travel Protections: The card offers excellent travel protections, including trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance, baggage delay insurance, and trip delay reimbursement. These protections can save you money and provide peace of mind when you’re traveling.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: For international travelers, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card charges no foreign transaction fees. This makes it a great card for use abroad, as you won’t incur additional costs when making purchases in foreign currencies.
- Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty: The card provides purchase protection for new items, covering theft or damage for up to 120 days. It also offers an extended warranty on eligible purchases, extending the manufacturer’s warranty by up to 1 year.

Negative Factors of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
- Annual Fee: While the $95 annual fee is relatively low for a travel rewards card, it is still a cost to consider. Those who don’t travel often may not be able to offset this fee with rewards earned.
- High APR: The APR on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is relatively high, ranging from 21.24% – 28.24% variable. If you carry a balance, the interest charges could quickly add up, so it’s best to pay off your balance in full each month.
- Requires Good to Excellent Credit: To qualify for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, applicants typically need to have good to excellent credit (a credit score of 700 or higher). This might exclude some potential applicants with less-than-perfect credit.
- Points Redemption Restrictions: While points can be transferred to travel partners, there are restrictions and some partners may require more points for certain redemptions. It’s important to check the transfer ratios and redemption options before booking travel.
What Are the Requirements to Apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card?
To apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- U.S. Residency: You must be a U.S. resident with a valid Social Security Number (SSN).
- Credit Score: The card is generally suited for individuals with good to excellent credit (typically a credit score of 700 or higher).
- Income Verification: You may be asked to provide proof of income to ensure you can manage the credit limit.
Fees and Costs
Here’s a breakdown of the fees and costs associated with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card:
- Annual Fee: $95
- APR: 21.24% – 28.24% variable APR
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
- Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40
Frequently Asked Questions about the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

1. How do I redeem my points with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card?
- Points can be redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, transferred to travel partners, or used for a variety of rewards such as gift cards, merchandise, or statement credits.
2. What is the sign-up bonus for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card?
- New cardholders can earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening. This is worth $750 in travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
3. Are there any travel protections?
- Yes, the card offers trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance, trip delay reimbursement, and baggage delay coverage, providing significant peace of mind for travelers.
4. Is there an annual fee for this card?
- Yes, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has an annual fee of $95.
5. Can I transfer my points to airline miles?
- Yes, points can be transferred to 13 airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio, allowing you to maximize your points’ value.
6. Are there any foreign transaction fees?
- No, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card charges no foreign transaction fees.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is an outstanding travel rewards card, offering valuable points on travel and dining purchases, a generous sign-up bonus, and flexible point redemption options.
It is a fantastic choice for frequent travelers who want to earn significant rewards and enjoy a range of travel protections.
While it does have an annual fee and is best suited for those with good to excellent credit, the benefits of the card can easily outweigh the costs for those who travel often.
Whether you’re booking flights, hotels, or enjoying dining out, this card offers numerous ways to earn rewards and make the most of your purchases.