Maximizing Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits

Last reviewed: September 2026. Chase rewards, APRs, fees, travel benefits, transfer partners and promotional offers may change. Review the issuer's current terms and Guide to Benefits before relying on a specific feature.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card currently combines several accelerated rewards categories with travel-related credits, transfer partners and travel protections.

Using those features effectively starts with understanding the current rewards structure rather than relying on older versions of the card's benefits.

Understand the Current Rewards Categories

Sapphire Preferred currently earns:

• 5X points on eligible travel purchased through Chase Travel;
• 3X points on dining;
• 3X points at gas stations;
• 3X points on eligible EV charging;
• 3X points on eligible vacation homes through participating providers;
• 3X points on eligible online grocery purchases, subject to exclusions;
• 3X points on select streaming services;
• 2X points on other eligible travel;
• 1X point on other eligible purchases.

Using the card for purchases that already fall within these categories can increase point earnings without increasing overall spending.

See Earning with Chase Sapphire Preferred for a broader discussion.

Use the $100 Chase Travel Hotel Credit When It Fits Your Plans

Sapphire Preferred currently provides up to $100 in statement credits each account anniversary year for qualifying hotel accommodations purchased through Chase Travel.

The credit should not automatically be treated as $100 of value for every cardholder.

Before booking solely to use the benefit, compare the price, cancellation terms and loyalty-program treatment with booking directly through the hotel.

Purchases reimbursed by the applicable hotel credit do not earn points under the current terms.

Use the Trusted Traveler Program Credit When Relevant

The card currently provides up to a $120 statement credit toward an eligible Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS application fee.

The benefit is generally available once every four years under the applicable terms.

Approval for those programs is determined by the applicable government authorities, not by Chase.

Understand Points Boost Before Redeeming Through Chase Travel

Older Sapphire Preferred articles often state that points are always worth 25% more when redeemed through Chase Travel.

That is no longer an accurate description of the current program.

Chase now uses Points Boost on selected eligible flights and hotels through Chase Travel.

The value offered can vary by booking, so consumers should compare the points required with the cash price shown at the time of redemption.

Compare Point Transfers Before Moving Rewards

Sapphire Preferred allows eligible Ultimate Rewards points to be transferred to participating airline and hotel loyalty programs.

Transfer partners and ratios can change over time and are not necessarily identical across every loyalty program.

Because transfers can be final, confirm the current ratio and intended redemption before transferring a substantial point balance.

For current transfer information, check the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal or issuer terms rather than relying on an older list or assumed 1:1 ratio.

Do Not Assume Sapphire Preferred Includes Lounge Access

Broad complimentary airport lounge access is not currently listed as a standard Sapphire Preferred benefit.

This is an important distinction from Sapphire Reserve, which currently includes access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge network and participating Priority Pass lounges according to its terms.

Review the Travel Protections Individually

Sapphire Preferred currently includes a range of travel protections.

Depending on the benefit, these can include:

• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance;
• Trip delay reimbursement;
• Baggage-related protections;
• Eligible rental vehicle coverage;
• Travel accident insurance;
• Emergency evacuation and transportation coverage.

Coverage is subject to eligibility requirements, limits, exclusions and claims procedures.

The card should therefore not be described simply as providing blanket “travel insurance.”

Review Purchase Protections

Eligible Sapphire Preferred accounts also provide purchase-related protections, including extended warranty coverage according to the current Guide to Benefits.

Coverage depends on the purchase, payment method and benefit terms, so consumers should confirm eligibility before relying on the protection.

The Old 10% Anniversary Bonus Is Being Phased Out

Chase discontinued the 10% anniversary point bonus for cardmembers who applied on or after June 15, 2026.

Cardmembers who applied before that date may have transitional treatment for eligible purchases according to Chase's current timeline.

Older articles should therefore not present the 10% anniversary bonus as a standard ongoing benefit for all Sapphire Preferred accounts.

Consider the $95 Annual Fee

The Sapphire Preferred annual fee currently remains $95.

Whether the card provides enough value to justify the fee depends on actual use of the rewards categories, travel credits, transfer options and protections.

Consumers should not increase spending solely to earn points or justify the annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Sapphire Preferred include airport lounge access?

Broad complimentary airport lounge access is not currently listed as a standard Sapphire Preferred benefit.

Are Sapphire Preferred points always worth 25% more through Chase Travel?

No. The current program uses Points Boost on selected eligible bookings rather than a universal fixed 25% travel-portal enhancement.

Does Sapphire Preferred still provide a 10% anniversary points bonus?

Not as a standard benefit for new cardmembers applying on or after June 15, 2026. Transitional rules apply to certain earlier accounts.

Can points be transferred to airline and hotel programs?

Yes. Eligible Ultimate Rewards points can currently be transferred to participating travel loyalty programs. Transfer partners and ratios may change.

Final Considerations

Maximizing Sapphire Preferred benefits does not require maximizing spending.

The card's practical value comes from using relevant earning categories, travel credits, transfer options and protections for expenses that already fit within a normal budget.

For current benefits and terms, review the official Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits page.

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Rewards, APRs, fees, travel benefits, transfer partners and promotional offers may change.