Should You Have A Chase Sapphire Reserve Or Sapphire Preferred? View The Full Comparison Chart And Vote In The Poll!

154
DDMS IconNever Miss Another Deal - Follow DansDeals on Facebook

Update: DEAD! Don’t miss it if this becomes alive again. Sign up for deal notification alerts here!


The Chase Sapphire Reserve card took the miles and credit card world by storm when it was introduced in 2016. People love the card and 90% of cardholders kept it for a second year!

But its less flashy sibling, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, is no slouch.

Click Here to get more details on these cards and compare to other cards!

While the Sapphire Reserve’s $450 annual fee looks daunting at first glance, the effective annual fee is actually just $55 more than Sapphire Preferred’s $95 annual fee. That’s due to the $300 annual travel credit on the Sapphire Reserve that automatically refunds up to $300 in annual airfare, car rentals, hotels, cruises, Airbnb, subways, trains, taxis, Uber, tolls, parking, and even UberEats food delivery. Here are just some of the items that qualify for the credit. It’s not hard at all to take advantage of the $300 credit (you can always get travel gift cards if you didn’t spend the full amount) so the effective annual fee is actually $150.

Having one card or the other is practically a requirement to maximize your miles, but there’s no reason to have both cards. Which card is right for you? Is Sapphire Reserve worth the extra $55 over Sapphire Preferred?

Here’s a comparison chart that illustrates their strengths and weaknesses.

 Sapphire PreferredSapphire Reserve
Signup bonus50K points for spending $4,000 in 3 months, plus 5K points for adding an additional user50K points for spending $4,000 in 3 months
Annual Fee$0 for the first year, then $95$450
Allows you to transfer Chase points from any card to airline milesYesYes
Value of points towards paid airfare, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and activities1.25 cents 1.5 cents
Additional Cardholder Fee$0$75
Annual Travel Credit (Airfare, hotels, car rentals, Uber, etc) $0$300
Points earned on travel (Airfare, hotels, car rentals, Uber, etc) 2 per dollar3 per dollar
Points earned on dining2 per dollar3 per dollar
Priority Pass membership NonePrimary and secondary cardholders can bring themselves and 2 free guests into a lounge
$100 Global Entry/Pre-Check Fee Refund
NoneOnce every 4 years for Primary cardholder
Foreign transaction fee NoneNone
Worldwide Car Rental CDW CoveragePrimary coveragePrimary coverage
Roadside AssistanceAvailable for a $59.95 chargeFree battery boost, flat tire service, 2 gallons of fuel delivery, towing, or lockout assistance
Purchase Protection for items damaged or stolen within 120 days$500 per item$10,000 per item
Extended Warranty Protection1 extra year for items up to $10,0001 extra year for items up to $10,000
Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance$10,000 per trip or $20,000 per trip with multiple travelers$10,000 per trip or $20,000 per trip with multiple travelers
Return Protection
None.$500/item up to $1,000/year
Lost Luggage Insurance$3,000 per person per trip (limit of $500 per person for jewelry, watches, and electronics)$3,000 per person per trip (limit of $500 per person for jewelry, watches, and electronics)
Trip Delay Reimbursement$500 per person for reasonable expenses (Hotel, food, toiletries, medicine, etc) required for delays more than 12 hours.$500 per person for reasonable expenses (Hotel, food, medicine, etc) required for delays more than 6 hours.
Baggage Delay Reimbursement$100 per day per person (max of 5 days) for essential items needed (Clothing, toiletries, cell phone charger, etc) required for delays more than 6 hours.$100 per day per person (max of 5 days) for essential items needed (Clothing, toiletries, cell phone charger, etc) required for delays more than 6 hours.
Travel Accident Insurance$500,000 per person
$1,000,000 per person
Emergency Evacuation and Transportation due to injury or illness on a tripNone
$100,000 for trips between 5-60 days, more than 100 miles from your home
Repatriation of Remains InsuranceNone
$1,000 for a coffin and to return your body to your home country if you die on a vacation
Emergency Medical and Dental BenefitNone
$2,500 for medical expenses on trips between 5-60 days, more than 100 miles from your home

You can view the full details about the Sapphire Reserve’s protections here and Sapphire Preferred’s protections here.

In short, assuming you’ll use the $300 travel credit, the extra $55/year of Sapphire Reserve over Sapphire Preferred gets you:

  • Priority Pass lounge membership with access to over 1,000 lounges with unlimited guests
    • I’ve used this to access the Art & Lounge in Newark, where they have kosher food and wine, without even needing a boarding pass! The lounge is located in Newark Terminal B before security.
  • Triple points on dining and travel
    • Combined with the travel protections this card offers, it’s a no-brainer to put all travel charges on the Sapphire Reserve.
  • Global Entry/Pre-Check membership
    • Makes flying domestically and internationally so much easier and less stressful!
  • Roadside assistance
    • I’ve taken advantage of this several times for assistance when my car got stuck or the battery needed a jump.
  • Trip delay reimbursement starting from a 6 hour delay
  • Medical coverage and evacuation coverage while traveling
  • 120 days of Purchase protection for items up to $10,000
  • The ability to redeem all of your Chase points at a value of 1.5 cents each for travel, including airfare, car rentals, hotels, and activities. That makes the 50K signup bonus alone worth a minimum of $750.
    • This means you can use just 3.1K points to fly one-way from NYC to Florida:

 

7.5K points to fly one-way coast to coast:

 

29K points round-trip from NYC to Rome:

 

Or 35.8K points to fly round-trip from Boston or Chicago to Israel:

 

I’d say that those benefits make the Sapphire Reserve a no-brainer, but share your thoughts in the comments and vote below:

Do You Have A Sapphire Preferred Or Sapphire Reserve Card?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Click Here to get more details on these cards and compare to other cards!

Leave a Reply

154 Comments On "Should You Have A Chase Sapphire Reserve Or Sapphire Preferred? View The Full Comparison Chart And Vote In The Poll!"

All opinions expressed below are user generated and the opinions aren’t provided, reviewed or endorsed by any advertiser or DansDeals.

Me

Triple points on dining and travel
Combined with the travel protections this card offers, it’s a no-brainer to put all travel charges on the Sapphire Reserve

Global Entry/Pre-Check membership
Makes flying domestically and internationally so much easier and less stressful!

If you also have the Amex Platinum card, the above isn’t necessarily true? So is It still worth the extra $55/year?

Odojoe

Sam’s and Costco offer the 3% travel and dining so that really is not a factor.

safari_family

Just completed a family jaunt to S Africa (thank you Dan / Air Canada) via Canada, Europe. A lot of flying = a lot of Priority Pass Lounges. Invaluable benefit. That along makes the CSR the clear winner.

JB

No brainer, the reserve. If you factor in the $300 reimbursement, its essentially costing you $55 more. with the extra bonus points and other perks with the card, its a lock…Reserve it is!

Rab

I called Chase and they said only 1 guest is allowed with a priority pass holder. I later had a layover in Abu Dhabi and my mom was allowed in with me. The receptionist made an “exception” for my daughter who just turned 2 the same day and said kids under 2 are free. Anyone over age 2 would have to pay full price. Only 1 guest is allowed with the priority pass holder. Please clarify?

Jba

That’s not true. Whoever’s traveling it with you is able to enter the lounge with you. I just took my 7 kids into the lounge in Paris without charge.

Jack out of the box

A few months ago I took my family of 7 to the lounge in WAW on the going and again on the coming. Receptionist said she was charging my card for like 4 guests or something like that. Made no difference to me what she did to my PP card because she let all of us in.

Jba

If you travel at all, then yup. No brainer. When I first got it, I thought that priority pass was just a luxury perk. It’s definitely not absolutely necessary, but it really makes a difference when traveling. Really makes you feel like a mensch. I was so grateful to have it when my ElAl flight last winter got delayed overnight and then finally cancel. Getting stuck in the airport overnight was a whole lot more decent in the Dan lounge rather than being at the gate for 8 hours!!!

Reposting

I tried signing up last year when there was a 100K bonus but was turned down because of the 5/24 rule.

What would you say is likelihood of another increased sign up bonus of 75k or higher?

Flyer

With the trip cancelation if the airline cancelled the trip due to airport strike in Rome and had to buy a new ticket for more expensive would they reimburse me for the difference thanx for all your info on saving money.

Al

I thought you could have one or the other? If one has the CSR, can you get the CSP sign up bonus too?

Abe

The problem with this chase card charges me over 24% interest all my other chase cards r much less

Jason Smith

I just wanted to let you know, you can’t fund Disney accounts anymore as the Disney Vacation Account was closed down by Disney last year. It was a great thing while it lasted.

Tzws26

are additional users $75 per card per year on reserved?

Happy

my son fell overseas last summer and broke a leg, i had to make an emergency operation.
will the CSR reimburse that? is that named accident?

Born in NJ

Went to Art & lounge in EWR a few months back – they now require you to show a boarding pass even though it’s before security.

eli

How does the travel insurance work?
Do i must pay for the trip with the card ? what if i drive to Canada?

Joe

I like best the “$1,000 for a coffin and to return your body to your home country if you die on a vacation” option 🙂

James

Actully want to downgrade ( have the Citi Prestige for lounge access, trip delay, etc.) and am only taking 1 air trip this year. Already have the Freedom and Freedom unlt’d. and had a sapphire preferred up to mid last year. Is the regular Sapphire my best option (have an Ink for business)

Jb

If I purchase a mileage ticket with either another cc it airline points but put the $5 of tax on the reserve am I’m fully covered as if it purchased the whole ticket using chase?

Jack out of the box

I booked flights using CSR right before downgrading to Freedom Unlimited. What happens with trip insurance type benefits for those flights which will be flown after the downgrade?
Thanks.

Mike

Any chance of them increasing sign up reward above the 50k? I feel like an idiot for not taking advantage of the 100k bonus.

Meir

If I buy a ticket for my son or someone do he get the same coverages

Larry Engelhart

I have & use the Reserve card.
We’re planning a trip abroad but I have a sick & elderly Mother in Law. If we have to cancel the trip due a sudden problem with her or us – is that covered or do I need an additional travel insurance policy

!

Amex plat also has it ?Baggage Delay Reimbursement

Chaim

Does the CSR have the benefit of getting you gold membership in Hilton and Marriott/Starwood? Or is that only on the amex plat?

How does the travel insurance work when booking with UR points?

Chani

Unfortunately my understanding is with the Chase Reserve every extra authorized user costs. On the Chase Sapphire you can have multiple authorized users without an additional charge.
Any way of getting around this?

Beirush228

I know that this is between the 2 chase cards, but ime, the 120 day rule for stolen or broken purchases are a real pain. (Police report etc, ..)
Amex is a breeze literally every time – all online etc. Benefits that are too complicated and stressful and time consuming are not benefits imo.

Lt

Is it still possible to apply for both same day when at 5/24 and receive bonus for both?

sam the man

im not sure global pass is relevant any longer if you download mobile pass

Lea

Dan if I downgrade my reserve to a reg. Sapphire , then I upgrade back to prefered and transfer my points into miles, then I would right away downgrade it again, would that be an issue?

Avi

I tried to use the roadside assistance, they told me it covers up to $50, and that they just raised to price to 69.99, so effectively it’s not free, rather 19.99. unless I’m missing something?

Josh

The truth about chase travel protection for reserve card:
Had family medical emergency
Applied for refund of air fee
Insurace handled by third party who would drag you with more abd more documents needed and after one year of document still not finished
They hope you give up
Anywhere in chase to complain ?

Joel

I just got an ink (business) how does it compare to the others?

Andrew

I’m coming up on CSR and CSP renewal. CSP offered a $60 retention, bringing the fee down to $35. No retention offered on CSR. That’s a $115 swing and I don’t think the extra point on dining and travel will make it worthwhile to keep the CSR. I already have Priority Pass from the Ritz card.

dave

Wish I would have known! got stuck on the side of the road with no gas!! and my reserve card in my pocket. good to know for the future.

Harry

Most amazing combo is the sapphire and chase business ink
Utilizing gift cards from staples ( now that card cash/PayPal gift card deal-doesn’t work) for many purchases with ink and moving points to the reserve card is amazing value.
Frankly an interesting card for free hotel weekend nights at Hilton group hotels is the Amex ascent since with $15000 in purchases in a calendar year you earn one weekend night and if you earn that night with purchases at restaurant gas stations and supermarkets (six points per dollar) u have a second free night at most Hilton products for $90/year. if u have the platinum card to boot then u have potential for late checkout free breakfast and room upgrade at EG the Waldorf in LA (typically $700 per night without including the tax.) not a bad deal for $90 fee and $15000 in purchases

Avi

Does the reg saphire have forex?

Carol Travis Tucker

I have both. My husband uses my Preferred because it’s cheaper than adding him on to my Reserve and easier to see which charges are his.For everything else and when we are together, we use the Reserve.

Dave

I would be eligible for CSR travel benefits like trip delay and lost luggage as long as PART of the trip with this card, correct?

YitzyS

Is it worth booking airfare on the Reserve If I also have the airline card and can get free luggage (albeit without the perks)?

Yair

oooh! a free coffin!

Mel

Can I apply/get the preferred card for the bonus if I currently have the reserve card and don’t want to let it go? How should I go about it? I believe I also have to wait the 24 mth since getting the last bonus and be within 5/24.

Jay

Dan can you please do such a comparison post with the Chase sapphire vs Amex Platinum.

Thank you.

Marv

BTW, when I booked some hotel rooms through Chase Sapphire, they weren’t the best prices- my AAA rates were better, and had to book non-refundables to get a decent rate.

Odojoe

Not really a $55 difference as spouse costs extra $75 for card.

rkg

Can a second global entry for a spouse count towards travel expense reimbursement? Any other way of getting a second global entry without getting a second CSR card?

dfromny

Thanks Dan! I downgraded CSP when I got the CSR for 100k sign up. It’s so valuable to me and definitely worth the extra $55.
When claiming for lost luggage, do you need to go through the airline first/at all? How can the require receipts for everything?
And can I get anything for delayed bags when arrived back home?
Thanks!! 🙂

dfromny

And how does it work if a bag 2 bags are delayed and then 1 is lost? Would you be able to benefit from both protection$$$?

bc

csp has double points for catering and csr only 1 point

Z

What would you say is the most woth it way to redeem your points but not too complicated (I just got the 50,000 promo)

Yechiel

For me having Executive status with National Rental is a big plus!

777

Reserve- no question!

jok

this one seals the deal:

$1,000 for a coffin and to return your body to your home country if you die on a vacation

Ocean county resident

The CSP offers ״Primary coverage “ On Car Rentals – preventing any collision claim from going own car insurance – the CSR only offers ״Secondary Coverage״.

Aryeh Sonnenberg

I have the CSP, just for 2 months. If I switch to CSR, would I forfeit my first year ($95) free on the CSP?

zalmy

Yes. Anyway, you can’t get the bonus for the CSR by upgrading, so you should close/downgrade the Preferred and sign up for the Reserve afterwards.

yf

is it possible to have both cards at the same time?

Sam

Yes

zalmy

You can’t currently apply for another card in the Sapphire family if you already possess one. Most people on this forum had both long before that rule, though.

Sam

I have both sapphire cards but I’m giving up the preferred because the reserve is by far a better card. With all the benefits, I got back the extra $55 in annual fees many many times. I think it is the best point card available.

joseph

Is it easy to get accepted to global entry or do you need to be a frequent flyer to get accepted??

s

the amex ascend that offers 10 free visits annually on piority pass does the primary cardholer/ piority pass cardholder have to be the one to check in? or other random people that are unrealted to the primary can use it without him being here? if not can you bring your wife or friends with you into the lounge

Mort

No brainer for all travel expenses? If I use an airline card I get free luggage. I use up the $300 travel costs other ways.

paul bloom

is there a United Chase Reserve?I have a UnitedPlus Explorer and use it to qualify for my gold status. I travel exclusively on United to Israel and Florida.

someone

i got the reserve for the 100,000 points (which we used for a trip to israel) and the two travel credits (prepaid ez pass) in the first year then downgraded to the freedom. we don’t plan on doing major travel anytime soon is there a reason for my wife to get the reserve now over the preferred now that they’re both 50k

leib fr.

I got a letter from chase that they going to close my account in 60 days from the letter due to inactivity ; its saying that you may use your card until it closes, BUT USING YOUR CARD WONT KEEP IT OPEN.
can anyone help me about that??

ltp

Same thing happened to me. I called Chase and asked them to keep the card open. No problem, they were happy to do so.

Marc Haves

Put my chase card into the rainbow room for a wedding in nyc. First time got my triple points for the deposit 30,000 . Next payment $ 60,000 only got 1 point last payment 40,000 again got only 1 point . They said it’s personal services. I really think this is dining. Any recommendations

chaim

i saw on chase web site that the sign up bonus for the reserve is only for customers which don’t have any other sapphire card, i do have the sapphire preferred card, do i need to stop it before applying for the reserve card ? or i can just call them to change the same card ? (i have done like that with my amex card, or maybe by chase doesn’t work like that ?)

Israel

Hi Dan, Thanks for all your great help I just switched from the preferred to the reserve I thought it would also give me an upgraded status at some of the Rental car companies however I can’t seem to find that on the benefit list just discounts at time of rental. Would you be able to help me with this?
Thanks a lot

y green

hi whats the best way to redeem my case sapphire?i want to go to Israel I have like 70k points?

abba

its a really good card. its well worth it. the rewards are amazing. i would say go with the preferred unless you travel allot or book hotels and the like then reserve is really the better card.

Nechemia Schusterman

I am just curious, if I get sapphire preferred, canned that travel medical coverage be used for my children? Who are in Yeshivas around the country? Or only for the primary and secondary card holders?

Nechemia Schusterman

Another question, what makes the additional $75 for the additional cardholder worth it? What’s the payout on that one That makes that worth it?

Izzy

Is the reserve still worth it with the increase to $550 and only getting $300 in travel credit?
TBH I only travel 1 to max 2 times per year between Israel and America.

wpDiscuz