If you’re someone who loves traveling, eating out, or maximizing every dollar spent—there’s a good chance you’ve heard of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. This travel rewards card has become one of the most popular choices in the United States, especially among millennials, digital nomads, and frequent flyers.
In this Chase Sapphire Preferred review, we’ll break down everything you need to know in 2025—from the latest benefits to how it stacks up against other top travel cards. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting to explore credit card rewards, this guide is for you.
1. What Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a mid-tier travel rewards credit card issued by JPMorgan Chase. Known for its generous rewards on travel and dining, flexible redemption options, and powerful travel protection benefits, it has earned a top spot in nearly every list of best travel credit cards in the U.S.
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Annual Fee: $95
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APR: Variable, currently between 21.49%–28.49% based on your creditworthiness
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Sign-Up Bonus (2025): Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. That’s worth over $900 when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
This card is ideal for American consumers who travel frequently and want to make the most of every dollar spent.
2. Key Features of Chase Sapphire Preferred (2025 Update)
Generous Sign-Up Bonus
The Chase Sapphire Preferred has always been known for its competitive sign-up bonus, and 2025 is no exception. With 75,000 points up for grabs, this is one of the most lucrative offers currently available. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal—meaning your 75,000 points can be worth over $900 toward travel.
Reward Earning Structure
Here’s how you earn with the Chase Sapphire Preferred in 2025:
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5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
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3X on dining (including delivery services like DoorDash)
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3X on select streaming services
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2X on all other travel purchases
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1X on all other purchases
This makes the Chase Sapphire Preferred a solid option for both everyday spending and travel-related expenses.
Redemption Options
Points earned can be redeemed in a variety of ways:
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Travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards (25% bonus value)
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Transfer to airline and hotel partners (like United, Southwest, Hyatt)
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Cash back and gift cards
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Statement credit
Pro tip: Transferring points to travel partners can often yield a higher value, especially when booking international flights or luxury stays.
Travel Insurance and Protections
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card comes with a comprehensive suite of protections that are perfect for American travelers:
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Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
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Auto rental collision damage waiver
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Baggage delay insurance
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Trip delay reimbursement
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Purchase protection
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Extended warranty
These benefits can save you hundreds (even thousands) in unexpected travel mishaps.
3. Pros and Cons of the Chase Sapphire Preferred
✅ Pros
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High-value sign-up bonus
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Flexible redemption options
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Extensive travel and purchase protections
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Points worth 25% more when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards
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Transfer points to top travel partners
❌ Cons
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$95 annual fee (although relatively low, it still exists)
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No access to airport lounges (unlike premium cards)
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No 0% intro APR for purchases or balance transfers
While these drawbacks might be significant for some users, they’re minimal when weighed against the card’s strong advantages—especially for U.S.-based travelers.
4. Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Competitors in 2025
Let’s look at how the Chase Sapphire Preferred compares with other leading travel cards available in the United States.
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve
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Reserve offers more perks like lounge access, and 3X points on travel and dining, but comes with a $550 annual fee.
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Preferred is better for travelers who want solid benefits without a high fee.
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. American Express® Gold Card
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Amex Gold gives 4X on dining and U.S. supermarkets, great for foodies.
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Chase Sapphire Preferred is better for travel protection and flexibility in point transfers.
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Capital One Venture Rewards
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Capital One Venture offers 2X on all purchases, but fewer premium travel protections.
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Chase Sapphire Preferred offers more value for travelers booking via partners or the Ultimate Rewards portal.
5. Who Should Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is ideal for:
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Frequent Travelers: Especially if you fly multiple times a year domestically or internationally.
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Dining Enthusiasts: 3X points on dining make it appealing for foodies.
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Flexible Reward Seekers: Want to transfer points to airlines/hotels or redeem via Chase Ultimate Rewards.
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Chase Ecosystem Users: If you already use Chase banking products, the integration is seamless.
Not suitable for:
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People who carry a balance (due to variable APR)
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Those who don’t travel or dine out often
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People looking for premium travel perks like lounge access or hotel status
6. How to Apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred
You can apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred online via Chase’s official site or at any Chase branch across the U.S.
Application Process:
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Go to the application page.
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Fill in personal details (SSN, income, employment).
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Submit and wait for approval (can be instant or take a few days).
Credit Score Requirements:
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Recommended credit score: 690+ (Good to Excellent)
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Chase also applies the 5/24 rule, meaning if you’ve opened 5+ credit cards in the last 24 months, you might not be approved.
Tips for Approval:
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Keep credit utilization low before applying
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Avoid multiple credit applications at once
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Consider applying after a recent credit report review
7. Tips to Maximize the Chase Sapphire Preferred in 2025
Want to get the most out of your Chase Sapphire Preferred card? Here are some smart strategies:
1. Use the Chase Travel Portal
Earn 5X points and get 25% more value when booking through the Ultimate Rewards portal.
2. Combine Points with Other Chase Cards
If you have cards like Chase Freedom Flex or Freedom Unlimited, you can transfer points to your Chase Sapphire Preferred account for higher-value redemptions.
3. Transfer to Travel Partners
Transfer to airlines like United, and Southwest, or hotels like Hyatt for maximum value—some redemptions go well above 2 cents per point.
4. Use on Big Purchases
Apply your card to large expenses (trips, electronics, etc.) to accumulate points faster and take advantage of purchase protection and extended warranty.
8. Real User Reviews and Ratings
In recent surveys from major financial blogs and user forums, the Chase Sapphire Preferred receives consistently high ratings:
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NerdWallet: 5/5
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Reddit r/churning: Highly recommended for beginners
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Trustpilot: Positive feedback on customer service and ease of point redemption
Common Praise:
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Easy-to-use rewards system
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Excellent customer service
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Great value for the annual fee
Common Complaints:
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No premium airport perks
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5/24 rule limits eligibility
Overall, users in the U.S. feel that the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers premium-level value at a mid-tier price.
9. Final Verdict: Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred the Best Travel Credit Card for Americans in 2025?
If you’re looking for a travel credit card that delivers substantial value, reliable travel protections, flexible rewards, and a very competitive bonus—the Chase Sapphire Preferred earns its reputation.
While it may not offer premium perks like lounge access or concierge services, it offers a near-perfect balance of affordability, rewards, and usability. For American travelers in 2025, this card stands out as one of the best travel credit cards available.
Verdict: 9.5/10 – Highly Recommended
Final Thoughts
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card continues to shine in 2025, offering U.S. consumers unmatched value at a reasonable cost. Whether you travel occasionally or constantly, its flexibility and reward potential make it a smart addition to any wallet.
If you’re in the United States and looking to get more from your travel and dining expenses, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is worth a closer look. Read more
FAQs
1. What credit score do I need to get approved for the Chase Sapphire Preferred?
To qualify for the Chase Sapphire Preferred, applicants typically need a credit score of 690 or higher, which falls into the good to excellent range. Chase tends to approve individuals with a strong credit history, consistent on-time payments, and low credit utilization.
If you’re a U.S. consumer looking to build or rebuild your credit, consider checking your score for free through Chase Credit Journey before applying. While some have been approved with slightly lower scores, your best chances of getting the Chase Sapphire Preferred are when your credit profile is healthy and your recent credit activity is limited—especially considering Chase’s strict 5/24 rule.
2. Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred have foreign transaction fees?
No, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card does not charge any foreign transaction fees, making it an ideal choice for Americans who travel internationally. Whether you’re booking hotels in Europe or swiping your card at a café in Tokyo, you won’t be hit with the typical 3% fee that many other credit cards charge.
This benefit makes the Chase Sapphire Preferred a favorite among U.S. travelers who want to save money while exploring the world. Plus, since it runs on the Visa network, it’s widely accepted across most countries, adding to its global appeal.
3. How can I maximize my Chase Sapphire Preferred points in 2025?
Maximizing your Chase Sapphire Preferred points in 2025 involves more than just spending. Start by booking travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal, where your points are worth 25% more. You’ll earn 5X points on travel booked through the portal, plus 3X points on dining and streaming services.
Another smart move is transferring your points to Chase’s airline and hotel partners, such as United Airlines, Southwest, and Hyatt. This often gives you a much higher value—sometimes exceeding 2 cents per point. For savvy U.S. consumers, combining your Chase Sapphire Preferred with a Chase Freedom card can supercharge your earnings when you pool points into the Sapphire account.
4. Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred better than the Chase Sapphire Reserve in 2025?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is often the better choice for many Americans in 2025, especially those who want excellent travel rewards without paying a high annual fee. At just $95 per year, the Preferred offers amazing value, including a huge sign-up bonus, 25% more point value in the Ultimate Rewards portal, and great travel protections.
In contrast, the Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with a hefty $550 annual fee, but adds perks like Priority Pass lounge access and a $300 annual travel credit. If you’re a frequent luxury traveler, the Reserve might be worth it. But for the average U.S. traveler, the Chase Sapphire Preferred delivers far more bang for your buck.
5. What travel protections does the Chase Sapphire Preferred offer?
One of the standout features of the Chase Sapphire Preferred is its extensive travel protection suite, which provides peace of mind for U.S. cardholders. Benefits include:
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Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Up to $10,000 per person ($20,000 per trip)
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Trip Delay Reimbursement: Up to $500 if your trip is delayed more than 12 hours
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Baggage Delay Insurance: Covers essentials if your luggage is delayed
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Primary Auto Rental Insurance: Covers damage from theft or collision on rentals
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Travel Accident Insurance: Offers accidental death or dismemberment coverage
These protections make the Chase Sapphire Preferred a powerful tool for anyone booking flights, hotels, or rental cars—especially U.S. travelers looking for added security without paying premium card fees.
6. Can I use the Chase Sapphire Preferred for everyday purchases?
Yes, the Chase Sapphire Preferred isn’t just for travel—it’s also a great card for everyday spending. In 2025, you’ll earn:
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3X points on dining (including delivery services)
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3X on select streaming services
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2X on all other travel
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1X on other purchases
This rewards structure makes the Chase Sapphire Preferred an excellent daily-use card for U.S. consumers who dine out, subscribe to streaming platforms or commute. Even when you’re not traveling, you’re racking up valuable points that can be redeemed later for flights, hotels, or cashback.
7. How do I redeem points earned from the Chase Sapphire Preferred?
With the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you have several flexible redemption options. The most popular method is using points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal, where points are worth 25% more. For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 when redeemed this way.
You can also:
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Transfer points to travel partners (airlines and hotels)
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Redeem for statement credits or cash back
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Use points for Amazon purchases or gift cards
U.S. users often find that transferring points to airlines like JetBlue or Hyatt provides the best value, especially for international or first-class flights.
8. Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred come with lounge access?
No, the Chase Sapphire Preferred does not include airport lounge access. Lounge perks are typically reserved for premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Amex Platinum.
However, many U.S. travelers still choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred because of its low annual fee and strong travel protections. If lounge access is a must for you, you might want to upgrade later or pair the Sapphire Preferred with a Priority Pass membership (purchased separately).
9. Can I upgrade from Chase Sapphire Preferred to Sapphire Reserve later?
Yes, you can upgrade from Chase Sapphire Preferred to Chase Sapphire Reserve after you’ve held the card for at least one year. This is a popular strategy among U.S. cardholders who want to start with the Preferred, test the Chase ecosystem, and later move up to the premium version with more perks.
To upgrade, you can simply call Chase or request a product change online. Keep in mind that you may not be eligible for the Reserve’s sign-up bonus if you already received one from the Preferred in the past 48 months.
10. What is the 5/24 rule and how does it affect my Chase Sapphire Preferred application?
The 5/24 rule is a unique policy Chase uses to manage new credit applications. If you’ve opened 5 or more personal credit cards from any issuer (not just Chase) in the past 24 months, your application for the Chase Sapphire Preferred will likely be denied.
This rule is particularly important for U.S. consumers who engage in credit card churning or frequently apply for new cards. If you’re close to your 5-card limit, it’s wise to prioritize the Chase Sapphire Preferred, as it offers some of the best long-term value in the travel credit card space.
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