Chase Sapphire Preferred® Review (2026)
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is widely considered the best starter travel card — and for good reason. At $95/year, you get access to Chase Ultimate Rewards (transferable to United, Hyatt, Southwest, and 8 more), a strong category earn rate, and a $75k+ welcome bonus. It's the card most travel rewards beginners should get first.
Quick verdict
Best for: Travel rewards beginners, people who want access to Hyatt transfers at minimal cost, and anyone building a Chase card stack. The Preferred unlocks transfer partners for all your Chase cards (Freedom Unlimited, Freedom Flex).
Upgrade to Reserve when: your annual dining spend exceeds ~$4,000 — at that point Reserve's 10x (vs Preferred's 3x) via Chase Travel + $300 credit make it worthwhile.
Annual value comparison
Earn rates
| Category | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Travel via Chase portal | 5x | Flights, hotels, cars |
| Dining | 3x | All restaurants worldwide |
| Groceries | 3x | US supermarkets |
| Streaming | 3x | Select streaming services |
| Gas | 2x | |
| Everything else | 1x |
Transfer partners
11 airline and hotel partners — all at 1:1. The most valuable: World of Hyatt (consistently the best hotel program), United MileagePlus, and Southwest Rapid Rewards (for Companion Pass).
Common questions
Is Chase Sapphire Preferred worth $95/year?
Almost certainly yes. At average US spending, the card generates $300–500 in annual rewards — well above the $95 fee. Add the welcome bonus (typically 60,000–75,000 points, worth $750+) and the first-year value is exceptional. Even as an ongoing card, it's hard to beat for $95.
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Reserve: which should I get?
Start with Preferred. The Reserve's $550 fee is only worth it if you spend significantly on dining/travel AND will use the $300 travel credit. Most people are better off with Preferred ($95) for years 1–3, then upgrading once their travel spend grows. You can product-change to Reserve later without a new application.
What's the best way to use Chase Sapphire Preferred points?
Transfer to World of Hyatt — Hyatt points are worth 1.5–2.5¢ each, making your 1.25¢ Preferred points worth significantly more. Alternatively, use the Chase Travel portal at 1.25¢/pt for straightforward flight and hotel redemptions. Avoid cash back (1¢/pt).
Can I have both Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve?
No — Chase only allows one Sapphire card at a time. You must choose between them. If you're upgrading from Preferred to Reserve, call Chase to product-change rather than applying for a new Reserve (avoids a new credit inquiry and you keep your existing points).
See your exact Sapphire Preferred value
Enter your monthly spending and CardIQ calculates the Preferred's real net annual value — and compares it to Reserve, Amex Gold, and 12 other top cards.
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