Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card: the travel favorite that rewards real life
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The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card is a go-to travel card for people who want strong, flexible rewards without paying a premium annual fee. You earn bonus points on travel booked through Chase, dining, select streaming, and online grocery purchases, plus a solid rate on other travel. Points transfer to major airline and hotel programs or can be used through Chase Travel, giving you multiple ways to stretch value. Add robust travel protections, and it’s a well-rounded companion for daily spending and future trips.
By: rendademae
Bonus categories that add up fast
High earning rates on travel through Chase Travel, dining, and everyday categories like streaming and online groceries.
1:1 point transfers for more value
Points transfer 1:1 to popular airline and hotel partners for potentially outsized travel value.
Built-in travel protections
Strong travel protections (trip delay/cancellation, baggage coverage, primary rental car insurance).
Premium feel, moderate fee
Low annual fee for a “premium-lite” travel experience, often considered one of the best value travel cards.
Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card stays a top pick in 2025
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card hits a sweet spot: it feels premium without demanding a premium fee. The rewards structure is built around how people actually spend. You rack up points quickly on dining, travel, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases, and you earn an even higher rate when booking trips through Chase Travel. That makes it easy to accumulate rewards whether you’re planning a vacation or just living your normal week. What really gives the card long-term value is the flexibility of Chase Ultimate Rewards®. You can redeem points through Chase Travel for flights, hotels, and rentals, or transfer them to airline and hotel partners when you want to chase the best deal. That option to pivot—portal one trip, transfer another—turns your points into a mini travel currency rather than a single-brand coupon. The card also shines when plans go sideways. Built-in travel protections can cover trip delays, cancellations for covered reasons, lost luggage, and even rental car damage in many cases. These benefits are often what separate “nice rewards” from a card that’s genuinely useful on the road. In short, Sapphire Preferred is ideal for travelers who want better-than-basic rewards and safety nets, but who don’t want to pay for constant luxury perks they might not use. It’s simple enough for everyday users and powerful enough for travel optimizers.
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What rewards does the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card earn?
You earn elevated points on travel booked through Chase Travel, dining, select streaming, online grocery purchases, and other travel, plus a base rate on everything else. Exact rates depend on current terms.
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Can I transfer points to airlines and hotels?
Yes. Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred 1:1 to eligible airline and hotel partners, often unlocking higher value redemptions.
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Is the annual fee worth it?
For many users, yes—especially if you spend on dining and travel and use the card’s protections or point flexibility. The fee is relatively low for the benefits offered.
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Does the card include travel insurance?
It includes several travel protections, such as coverage for trip delays, cancellations for covered reasons, baggage issues, and primary rental car collision coverage.
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Who is this card best for?
It’s best for people who want a simple-but-powerful travel rewards card, value point transfers, and prefer a moderate annual fee over ultra-premium pricing.
How to request the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card
Applying for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card is usually quick and can be done online in a few steps. Start on Chase’s credit card application page and review the current offer, including the welcome bonus, annual fee, and reward rates. It helps to check your credit before applying, since this card typically targets applicants with good to excellent credit profiles. When you’re ready, fill out the application with your personal and financial details: name, address, income, housing costs, and Social Security number. Chase uses this information for identity verification and to assess your ability to manage credit responsibly. Many applicants receive an instant decision. If Chase needs more information, they may request verification, which can add a bit of time but is normal. Once approved, you’ll get your credit limit and account access. Set up your Chase online profile or app login to manage the card right away—track spending, view points, and schedule payments. Add the card to your digital wallet for fast use if that option appears in your account. To maximize value after approval, consider using the card for dining, travel, and the everyday categories that earn bonuses, then paying your statement balance in full each month. That approach builds rewards without interest costs. If you plan to transfer points, take a moment to learn the partner programs so you move points only when you’ve found a redemption you actually want.