The Chase Sapphire Reserve® can certainly be worth it for the right person. If you’re unsure whether it’s a good fit for you, consider what you’ll gain that you’re not currently getting from another card.
1. Those Who Want a Substantial Welcome Offer
Travel demand remains extremely high, and consequently prices have skyrocketed. Many people are looking for credit card welcome bonuses to help lower their travel expenses this year (and beyond). If you’re one of these people, then the welcome bonus from the Sapphire Reserve might make the card worth applying for.
The card offers 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Ultimate Rewards points earned with this card are worth 1.5 cents per point when redeemed through the Chase Travel portal, but you may get well over two cents per point by transferring them to an airline or hotel rewards partner program.
Transfer partners include several loyalty program favorites like World of Hyatt, Southwest Rapid Rewards and United MileagePlus. With 60,000 points, you can book up to five nights at an all-inclusive Hyatt hotel, a round-trip economy class ticket to Europe on United Airlines during the low season or up to $900 in your choice of travel bookings made through Chase Travel℠. You could also redeem points toward statement credits or through the Pay Yourself Back program if travel isn’t an immediate need.
2. Those Who Can Offset the Annual Fee Through Card Benefits
The Sapphire Reserve Card’s $550 annual fee is partially offset by an annual $300 travel credit in addition to benefits like a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS application fee credit and airport lounge access through a Priority Pass Select membership. Cardmembers also get a complimentary DashPass and Lyft Pink. These perks can add up to hundreds of dollars in value—but only if you use them.
Welcome bonuses are rewarding, but the card perks ultimately dictate whether a card is worth keeping past the first year. If you can make these benefits work for you, then the Sapphire Reserve can be a worthy choice.
Pro Tip
Check your card benefits every few months. It’s not uncommon for perks to come and go. You don’t want to miss out on new benefits when they’re offered.
3. Those Who Can’t Get These Perks From Another Card
The market is saturated with premium credit cards offering benefits like lounge access, trusted traveler program fee credits and annual travel credits. Some of those cards may offer better value for the annual fee than the Sapphire Reserve. For example, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees) offers many of the same travel benefits as the Sapphire Reserve, like lounge access and trusted travel membership reimbursem*nts for a lower annual fee. Other cards may offer different combinations of benefits that are a better fit for you specifically, even if the card’s fee is higher.
If you’re already getting these perks from another credit card, you may not need a Sapphire Reserve beyond the welcome bonus. But if you don’t currently have a premium credit card in your wallet, then the Sapphire Reserve is an excellent option to consider.
Read more: Capital One Venture X vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve
4. Those Who Want To Earn Ultimate Rewards at an Elevated Rate
The Sapphire Reserve is an excellent card if you want to earn lots of Chase Ultimate Rewards beyond the welcome bonus. The card offers generous category bonuses on both travel and everyday purchases.
Cardholders earn 10 Ultimate Rewards points on hotels and rental cars booked through Chase Travel (after the first $300 spent annually). Flights booked through the portal earn 5 points, which is very competitive. All other travel spending booked through any other means earns 3 points.
Through March 2025, cardholders also earn 10 points for every dollar spent on Lyft rides. This can be incredibly lucrative for frequent travelers who rely on the service to get around different cities.
On the everyday spending front, the Sapphire Reserve earns 10 points on Chase Dining purchases and 3 points on all other restaurants, eligible delivery services and takeout. These bonus categories are incredibly generous and can help you accrue lots of Ultimate Rewards quickly.
5. Those Who Are Under 5/24
Chase has a rule that could impact your ability to qualify for a Sapphire Reserve. Based on the 5/24 rule, you won’t be eligible for a new Chase card if you’ve opened five or more accounts (at any bank) over the last 24 months.
If you are under 5/24, then this can be an opportunity to add a Chase card to your wallet while you’re still eligible.
Even if you have your eye on a credit card from a different bank, getting a Chase card bonus under your belt while you’re still eligible is a good idea. The Sapphire Reserve’s welcome bonus and card perks make it a contender if you’re in the market for a flexible rewards card.
