Chase Sapphire Reserve Versus Preferred – Which Is Best?

The question of Chase Sapphire Reserve Versus Preferred is a common one for those who collect credit card points. And, for some, you may not be familiar with either. Chase Sapphire Reserve and Preferred offer a valuable Ultimate Rewards program, top-notch benefits, and excellent travel protection. They are extremely popular in the travel community, and for a good reason.  Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred are two of the most popular travel credit cards. But which one is right for you?

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For the best combination of benefits and annual fees, the Chase Sapphire Reserve seems the best choice. Even though it’s a top-notch card, it may not suit you.

There is a 50,000-bonus-point sign-up offer on the Chase Sapphire Reserve when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months after you open the account, whereas the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s sign-up bonus is 60,000 bonus points. Regardless, both cards’ sign-up bonuses equate to $750 in spending power. You might prefer Chase Sapphire Reserve Versus Preferred, depending on your spending habits, travel goals, and existing credit card lineup.

We’ll compare the two cards below to help you make the best decision. And I’ll share with you which one I have and why!

Chase’s 5/24 Rule

Before we get into the benefits of these two cards, it is essential to note that you can’t have both cards simultaneously. Additionally, you must wait at least 48 months after receiving the bonus on one card before earning it on another. Making an informed decision is therefore crucial.

To maximize your chances of being approved, make sure you don’t bump up against Chase’s famous 5/24 rule.

Chase’s 5/24 rule means that you can’t be approved for most Chase cards if you’ve opened five or more personal credit cards (from any card issuer) within the past 24 months.

Why Chase Sapphire Reserve Versus Preferred

The Reserve will likely be more valuable in the long run if you are a frequent traveler and a big spender. There is no doubt that the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the more premium card.

Comparison of Chase Sapphire Reserve Versus Preferred

Here Are Some Reasons Why The Sapphire Reserve Makes Sense Over The Preferred

Premium Travel Benefits

When I first saw the annual fee for this card, it put me off. However, $300 of that fee is credited back to you if you spend $300 on travel using the card. If you are even considering this card, you travel, and getting the credit is easy.

Then the additional perks cover the $250.

• $100 TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Application Fee
• Priority Pass Select Membership (worth $99 per year)

If you’re not familiar with Priority Pass, it’s the handy card that gives you access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. Airport lounges can be a lifesaver for long-haul or connecting flights. All of them have food and drinks, and many offer alcohol. Then there are workstations, showers, and so on. Your Priority Pass is good for you and one guest.

Assuming you use these benefits, you’ll offset the annual fee.

Higher Earning Rates

The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a higher earning rate than the Chase Sapphire Preferred. And there are always spending bonuses that help you rack up the points. The more you spend in categories, the more significant the difference in rewards.

50% Redemption Bonus

Chase Sapphire Reserve also comes with a higher redemption rate when you book travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards Portal. The Chase Sapphire Reserve redemption rate is 1.5 cents per point for travel, compared to 1.25 cents per point with the Preferred.

Here is an example of how this redemption bonus works.

• A $1000 plane ticket will cost you 80,000 points with the Sapphire Preferred
• A $1000 plane ticket will cost you 67,00 points with the Sapphire Reserve

Chase Ultimate Rewards Portal

This is one of my favorite perks!

You get access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards Portal, and you can book any travel – even excursions. And you can shop from here. I’ve found this portal to be the broadest of all the points shopping portals. When you shop here, whether to purchase or redeem the tool, it shows you the price if you paid cash and the price in points. 90% of the time, I’ve found the cash prices lower than those listed on other sites.

So, when I use it for travel, I get to redeem my points but with greater value.

Redemption Categories

Chase Pay Yourself Back

What is Chase Pay Yourself Back?

This is like paying for charges you’ve already made. You have up to 90 days to pay yourself back, and it’s straightforward. You select the charge and apply the points – they charge, then they’re gone.

Superior Trip Insurance Coverage

A lot of travel cards recently eliminated trip insurance, but not Chase! Both the Sapphire Preferred and the Reserve have excellent travel insurance benefits.

Some highlights that make the Reserve travel insurance superior:

• Higher coverage amounts
• Quicker protection
• Emergency medical and dental coverage (not on the Preferred)

Now, travel insurance on a credit card alone is not a reason to pick a card, but if you are comparing Chase Sapphire Preferred Versus Reserve, Reserve wins for travel insurance.

Why Chase Sapphire Preferred Versus Reserve

The reason to choose Chase Sapphire Preferred is its lower annual fee and a larger sign-up bonus.

You will earn more points when you sign up, but the points’ redemption value is lower, and you lose the premium benefits of Priority Pass and the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Application Fee.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Portal

You still get access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards Portal, and all the same options apply.

• Transfer points from partners
• Book travel or make purchases
• Pay Yourself Back

Insurance

• Primary rental car insurance provides reimbursement for damage resulting from collision or theft for rentals of 31 days. If you’re eligible, you’ll be reimbursed up to the actual cash value of most rental vehicles.

The critical difference is that the Preferred reimbursement is up to $75,000.

No Authorized User Fees

Suppose you want to double down on cards and earn as a family. You can add additional users to the Reserve for free. Whereas if you add them to the Preferred, it costs $75 per user.

Easier Approval

While not guaranteed, most consider it easier to get Preferred approval than Reserve approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve better than the Preferred?

It’s a matter of personal preference and spending habits, but the Reserve is the superior card.

Can I get a Chase Sapphire Preferred if I have a Reserve?

No, you cannot have both cards simultaneously – it’s one or the other.

Is it worth it to upgrade Chase Sapphire Preferred to Reserve?

If you are a frequent traveler, yes, it’s worth the upgrade.

Is Chase Sapphire Preferred prestigious?

Yes, one of the most prestigious credit cards on the market.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is my all-time favorite card. Both the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Chase Sapphire Preferred are great cards. My choice and the one in my wallet are the Chase Sapphire Preferred!

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