#Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve
Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the Better Choice
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- Lower annual fee
- Highest-ever welcome bonus
- Comparable benefits and redemption options
- No need to spend tens of thousands of dollars on travel
- No need to spend money on the Sapphire Reserve’s travel credits or lounge access
- No need to pay extra for authorized users
- Easier to get approved for the Chase Sapphire Preferred
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The Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: 11 Reasons to Choose the Preferred
1. Lower annual fee
The Chase Sapphire Preferred charges an annual fee of just $95, whereas the Chase Sapphire Reserve features an annual fee that costs an eye-watering $550. That’s a difference of $455 every year.
2. Highest-ever welcome bonus
New Sapphire Preferred cardholders can earn an incredible 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first three months from account opening. Meanwhile, new Sapphire Reserve cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first three months from account opening. According to TPG’s March 2025 valuation, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth 2.05 cents each when you transfer to hotel and airline partners. That makes the Sapphire Preferred’s offer worth a staggering $2,050, while the Sapphire Reserve’s offer is worth $1,230 in initial value. Comparable benefits and redemption options
The Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve offer similar earning structures and rack up extra points in similar specific categories, such as travel and dining. However, the Sapphire Reserve earns up to 10 points per dollar on travel and up to 10 points per dollar on dining, but those rates are limited to purchases through Chase. No need to spend tens of thousands of dollars on travel
If you spend tens of thousands of dollars a year on travel, opting for the Chase Sapphire Preferred over the Chase Sapphire Reserve can mean losing out on a significant number of bonus points. But if you only spend a few thousand dollars per year on these purchases, getting one card instead of the other will only have a negligible effect.
5. No need to spend money on the Sapphire Reserve’s travel credits or lounge access
The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a $300 annual travel statement credit, which is relatively easy to burn through, given the broad range of purchases that are eligible for it. However, if you already have another card that offers similar benefits, you might not need the Sapphire Reserve for its travel credits. Similarly, if you don’t use lounge access frequently, you may not need the Sapphire Reserve’s lounge access. No need to pay extra for authorized users
Adding an authorized user to a credit card has several benefits. Among them, it can help the secondary user build their credit history, which is a great way to get young people started with credit. The Chase Sapphire Preferred allows you to add authorized users and get additional Chase Sapphire Preferred cards on your account for no annual fee. In contrast, the Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $75 per authorized user and the only extra benefit they get is the ability to register for Priority Pass Select lounge access on their own. Easier to get approved for the Chase Sapphire Preferred
Credit card issuers, including Chase, do not publish information about how they approve or deny potential applicants. However, it’s widely believed that you will need to qualify for a credit line of at least $10,000 for the Chase Sapphire Reserve since it’s a high-end Visa Infinite product, versus just $5,000 for the Chase Sapphire Preferred, which is a Visa Signature card. Many other factors will determine your credit limit, and the bank will look at your overall financial picture.
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9. The Sapphire Reserve lacks substantial credits that give other premium cards a higher return on their annual fees
The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a $300 annual travel statement credit, but this can be offset by paying the annual fee. In contrast, other premium cards offer more substantial credits that can offset the annual fee.
10. You don’t want to pay extra for the Sapphire Reserve’s lounge access
If you don’t use lounge access frequently, you may not need the Sapphire Reserve for its lounge access. The Chase Sapphire Preferred also offers similar benefits, including free access to lounges through its partnership with Priority Pass Select. You’re fine with basic DoorDash benefits
Both cards offer the chance to register for at least a year of complimentary DoorDash DashPass, which entitles you to $0 delivery and reduced service fees on eligible orders over $12. The only difference is in the credits they offer DashPass members.
| Benefit | Sapphire Preferred | Sapphire Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 | $550 |
| Welcome bonus | 100,000 points | 60,000 points |
| Travel credit | None | $300 |
| Lounge access | Priority Pass Select | Priority Pass Select |
| Authorized user fees | No fee | $75 per user |
| DoorDash benefits | $10 off per month | $10 off per month and $5 off restaurant orders |
Conclusion
You can’t go wrong with either the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Both cards offer valuable benefits and redemption options, and they’re both excellent choices for travelers. The Sapphire Preferred has a lower annual fee and substantially higher welcome bonus, and it’s easier to get approved for. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual needs and preferences. You could always apply for the Sapphire Preferred now and then upgrade to the Sapphire Reserve later if you decide you want the premium perks.
