Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Travel rewards & exclusive benefits
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a premium travel rewards credit card designed for individuals who frequently spend on travel and dining. With high reward rates, flexible redemption options, and exclusive travel benefits, this card provides excellent value for those looking to maximize their spending.
With 5X points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3X on dining, and 2X on all other travel purchases, this card is an attractive option for travelers who want versatility in how they earn and redeem points. Additionally, new cardholders can take advantage of a substantial sign-up bonus, further enhancing its appeal.
Benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- 60,000 Bonus Points – Earn 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, equivalent to
- $750 in travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 5X Points on Travel Through Chase – Earn 5X points on flights, hotels, and car rentals booked via Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 3X Points on Dining, Online Grocery Purchases, and Streaming Services – Get 3X points on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery. Earn the same rate on select grocery and streaming purchases.
- 2X Points on All Other Travel Purchases – Earn 2X points on all travel-related expenses outside of Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- $50 Annual Hotel Credit – Receive a $50 statement credit annually when booking hotels through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees – Use the card worldwide without incurring additional fees on international purchases.
Eligibility requirements for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
To qualify for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, applicants must meet specific financial and credit criteria. Chase generally requires:
- A good to excellent credit score – Typically, a credit score of 700+ improves approval chances.
- Stable income – Applicants should have a steady source of income to support credit payments.
- Low debt-to-income ratio – Those with high existing debt obligations may face approval challenges.
- 5/24 Rule Compliance – Chase follows a strict application rule known as the 5/24 Rule, which denies applicants who have opened five or more credit cards from any issuer in the past 24 months.
Applicants must also be at least 18 years old (or 19 in certain states) and have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Rewards and programs offered by the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a top-tier travel rewards card with a high-value points system. Its rewards program is powered by Chase Ultimate Rewards®, offering various ways to earn and redeem points.
How to earn points
- 60,000 Bonus Points – Earn 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points after spending $4,000 in the first three months—equivalent to $750 in travel when redeemed through Chase.
- 5X Points on Travel – Earn 5X points on flights, hotels, and car rentals booked via Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 3X Points on Dining & Grocery – Earn 3X points on dining, eligible takeout, and delivery services, as well as select grocery store purchases.
- 3X Points on Streaming Services – Includes popular platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and Hulu.
- 2X Points on Other Travel Purchases – Earn 2X points on flights, hotels, and transportation services not booked through Chase.
- 1X Points on All Other Purchases – Earn 1 point per $1 spent on everything else.
How to redeem points
Chase Ultimate Rewards® Portal – Get 25% more value when redeeming for travel, with points worth 1.25 cents each.
1:1 Transfer to Airline & Hotel Partners – Transfer points to leading loyalty programs, such as:
- United MileagePlus
- Southwest Rapid Rewards
- Marriott Bonvoy
- World of Hyatt
Pay Yourself Back® – Use points for statement credits on select purchases at an enhanced redemption value.
Gift Cards & Cash Back – Convert points into cash back, gift cards, or statement credits.
Initial credit limit for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The initial credit limit varies based on an applicant’s creditworthiness, income level, and debt-to-income ratio. Chase typically assigns:
- Minimum credit limit: $5,000 (as this is a Visa Signature card).
- Higher limits: Cardholders with strong financial profiles may receive limits exceeding $10,000 or more.
- Credit line increases: Chase periodically reviews accounts for potential credit limit increases.
Individuals with high income and excellent credit scores tend to receive higher starting limits, while those with average credit may start closer to the $5,000 minimum.
Step-by-Step guide to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Applying for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is quick and straightforward. Follow these steps to complete your application:
- Visit the Chase Website – Go to the official Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card page.
- Click “Apply Now” – Start your application process online.
- Provide Personal Details – Enter your full name, Social Security Number (SSN), date of birth, and address.
- Submit Financial Information – Include details such as income, employment status, and housing expenses.
- Review Terms & Conditions – Carefully read through the interest rates, fees, and rewards structure before proceeding.
- Submit Your Application – Click submit and wait for an approval decision. Some applicants receive instant approval, while others may require further review.
- Receive & Activate Your Card – If approved, your Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card will arrive within 7–10 business days. Activate it via Chase Online, the mobile app, or by phone.
Pros and Cons of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Pros
- High-value welcome bonus – 60,000 points worth $750 in travel.
- Flexible redemption options – Points can be used for cash back, travel, and 1:1 transfers.
- No foreign transaction fees – A great option for international travelers.
- Premium travel insurance benefits – Includes trip cancellation insurance, rental car coverage, and baggage delay reimbursement.
Cons
- $95 annual fee – Some no-annual-fee cards may be better for infrequent travelers.
- Best redemption value requires Chase Ultimate Rewards® – To get 1.25x value, cardholders must book travel through Chase.
- High spending requirement for the sign-up bonus – $4,000 in three months may be difficult for some applicants.
How to activate the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
After receiving your Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, activation is required before use. Chase provides multiple activation methods:
Online Activation
- Visit Chase.com/activate and log in to your account.
- Enter your card details and follow the prompts to activate.
Mobile App Activation
- Download the Chase Mobile App on iOS or Android.
- Log in and select the activate card option.
Phone Activation
- Call the activation number provided with your card.
- Follow the automated instructions to complete activation.
Fees and tariffs of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Type of Fee | Details |
Annual fee | $95 |
Purchases APR | 21.49% - 28.49% variable |
Balance Transfer Fee | 5% of the amount transferred ($5 min) |
Cash Advance APR | 5% of the amount advanced ($10 min) |
Foreign Transaction Fee | None |
Late Payment Fee | Up to $40 |
Customer service & Support for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Cardholders
Chase provides 24/7 customer support and digital tools for managing your Sapphire Preferred® Card efficiently:
- Chase Mobile App – Monitor spending, make payments, and track rewards.
- Travel Assistance Services – Get emergency travel support and concierge services.
- Zero Liability Protection – Chase monitors suspicious activity and covers unauthorized purchases.
For assistance, cardholders can contact: Chase Customer Support: 1-800-432-3117 (Available 24/7)
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the best mid-tier travel rewards cards, offering a strong earning structure, premium travel benefits, and flexible redemptions. While it has a $95 annual fee, its rewards and perks outweigh the cost for frequent travelers.
If you’re looking for a credit card that maximizes travel rewards, provides valuable redemption options, and offers great customer protections, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a top choice.
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