The Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) is a favorite among frequent travelers who are looking for luxury perks. Cardholders can benefit from an array of travel credits, exclusive access, travel protections and more that have made this card achieve cult-like status. In fact, when it launched in 2016, there was so much demand that Chase ran out of the metal required to make the card.
Prospective cardholders may be hesitant to join the bandwagon since the card has a steep $550 annual fee, but we've found that it can be worthwhile if you take advantage of all the card's benefits. And compared to other luxury travel credit cards, this card has a comparable annual fee.
Select took an in-depth look at the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and found the best perks cardholders will definitely want to use.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a standout premium credit card with plenty of luxury perks and statement credits to justify its annual fee.
Highlights
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase TravelSM. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority PassTM Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater
1. Rewards geared toward travelers and foodies
If you're looking to earn competitive rewards on travel and restaurant purchases, this card can be a great asset. Cardholders earn 5x points on Lyft rides plus a new $10 monthly in app Lyft credit through September 30, 2027, 3X points on travel worldwide (immediately after earning your $300 annual travel credit), 5X total points on flights and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ (immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually), 3X points on dining at restaurants worldwide and 1X point per $1 on all other purchases.
Eligible travel includes: airlines, hotels, motels, timeshares, car rental agencies, cruise lines, travel agencies, discount travel sites, campgrounds and operators of passenger trains, buses, taxis, limousines, ferries, toll bridges and highways, and parking lots and garages.
Eligible restaurants include both sit-down or eat-in dining, fast food restaurants and fine dining establishments.
In addition to rewards, there's a generous welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
2. Points are worth more if redeemed for travel
The points cardholders earn are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through the Chase Travel℠ portal. For example, the 60,000-point welcome bonus is worth $900 toward airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
This is a great way to save money on upcoming travel and can add up to substantial discounts on your upcoming vacations, weekend getaways and commuting.
3. High-value statement credits
If you're looking to save on travel, this card offers an annual $300 travel credit, which is one of the highest credits available. You can use the annual travel credit to cover airfare, hotels and any of the other eligible travel categories mentioned under the rewards section above.
Cardholders can also take advantage of a credit up to $120 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee, valid every four years.
4. Free lounge access and exclusive hotel perks
Cardholders receive complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership after a one-time enrollment. The membership is comparable to Prestige status, valued at roughly $429. It gives primary cardholders and authorized users complimentary access to over 1,300 VIP lounges in more than 500 cities worldwide. You're allowed a maximum of two accompanying guests each; additional guests cost $27 per guest, per visit.
In addition to lounge access, cardholders receive special benefits at The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection, such as daily breakfast for two, a room upgrade (when available at select properties), early check-in and late check-out (when available at select properties) and a special amenity unique to each property such as lunch or dinner for two or a spa treatment. The collection has over 1,000 luxury hotels, resorts, lodges and spas.
5. Suite of premium travel benefits
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card provides a dozen premium travel benefits that can provide protection when you're luggage is lost, a flight is delayed, your rental car is damaged and more. Here are the perks you can take advantage of when you pay with your Chase Sapphire Reserve® card.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- Auto rental collision damage waiver
- Baggage delay insurance
- Trip delay reimbursement
- Travel and emergency assistance services
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Emergency evacuation and transportation
- Purchase protection
- Extended warranty protection
- Return protection
- 24/7 direct access to customer service specialists
Terms apply to all offers.
