Our Verdict
The Chase Sapphire Preferred remains one of the most rewarding travel credit cards available. With its 60,000-point welcome bonus (worth up to $750 in travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards), generous 3x bonus categories on travel and dining, and access to valuable airline and hotel transfer partners, this card delivers exceptional value for frequent travelers and foodies alike.
Introduction
Launched in 2009, the Chase Sapphire Preferred has established itself as a cornerstone of any serious travel rewards strategy. The card strikes an excellent balance between annual fee affordability ($95) and premium travel benefits, making it accessible to both casual travelers and road warriors.
Sign-Up Bonus
Current Offer
60,000 Bonus Points
after $4,000 spending in first 3 months
Value
Up to $750
via Chase Travel
This welcome bonus is among the most generous in the travel card space. When redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards for travel, points are worth 1.25 cents each, making the 60,000-point bonus worth $750 in travel bookings.
Rewards Structure
| Category | Earning Rate |
|---|---|
| Travel (after first $50,000 spent) | 3X Points |
| Dining | 3X Points |
| Streaming Services | 3X Points |
| Online Grocery Purchases | 3X Points |
| All Other Purchases | 1X Point |
Key Benefits
- Trip Cancellation Insurance: Up to $10,000 per trip and $20,000 per year
- Primary Auto Rental Coverage: Worldwide coverage when reserving and paying for the rental car
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Perfect for international travel
- Transfer Partners: Convert points to airline miles (United, Southwest, etc.) or hotel points (Marriott, Hyatt)
- DoorDash Benefits: Complimentary DashPass membership for 12 months
Pros
- Generous 60K sign-up bonus
- Valuable transfer partners
- No foreign transaction fees
- Primary rental coverage
- Trip protection benefits
Cons
- $95 annual fee (waived 1st year)
- 3x bonus capped at $50K spend
- Requires excellent credit
- No airport lounge access
Who Should Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is an excellent choice for:
- Frequent travelers who want flexible rewards they can use across multiple airlines and hotels
- Foodies who spend heavily on dining and want to maximize those purchases
- Points enthusiasts who understand the value of transferable currencies
- People seeking travel protections without paying premium annual fees
How It Compares
| Feature | Sapphire Preferred | Capital One Venture X | Amex Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $95 | $395 | $250 |
| Sign-up Bonus | 60K points | 75K miles | 60K points |
| Best Bonus Category | 3x Travel/Dining | 10x Hotels/Cars | 4x Dining/Grocery |
| Foreign Fees | None | None | 2.7% |
The Bottom Line
The Chase Sapphire Preferred remains a top contender in the travel rewards space. Its combination of a valuable welcome bonus, generous earning rates on popular categories, excellent transfer partners, and travel protections make it a versatile card suitable for both beginners and seasoned rewards travelers. While the $95 annual fee isn't the lowest, the value extracted from the bonus categories and protections typically far exceeds this cost for regular users.