From Europe and Asia to South America and Australia, Samantha Brown has been to more than 90 countries around the world.
10.06.2024 - 16:45 / thepointsguy.com / Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase Ultimate Rewards points have long boasted one of our highest valuations, as you can redeem this transferable loyalty currency with 14 valuable travel partners, including Hyatt, Southwest and United.
According to TPG valuations, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Chase Sapphire Reserve's® sign-up bonuses currently offer up to $1,538 in value, so there's good reason to be interested in this rewards program.
In this post, we'll go over the top five cards to consider if you'd like to boost your account balance as you look toward your next trip.
Related: 6 easy strategies I use to earn over 500,000 points and miles a year
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a popular mid-tier travel rewards card.
Best for: Most travelers, thanks to a reasonable $95 annual fee and a terrific sign-up bonus.
Earning rate: 5 points per dollar on all travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ and Lyft rides (through March 2025), 3 points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out, 3 points on select streaming services, 3 points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs), 2 points on all other travel and 1 point on all other purchases
Sign-up bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. This bonus is worth up to $1,538, according to TPG valuations.
Annual fee: $95
Why we like it: The Chase Sapphire Preferred nabs the top spot on this list, as it offers one of the best sign-up bonuses of any personal Chase card out there. This card has endless award travel opportunities; for example, you can use your points to book any travel through Chase Travel at a 25% point redemption boost (or 1.25 cents each). To squeeze more value, transfer your points to Chase's loyalty partners to land that dream business-class flight.
You'll also earn 2 points per dollar on travel and 3 points on dining. While dining is fairly straightforward, Chase counts many purchases as travel spending, from airfare and hotel stays to Uber rides and parking fees.
To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Related: Who should (and shouldn't) get the Chase Sapphire Preferred?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is Chase's top general travel rewards card.
Best for: Getting the maximum return on travel and dining purchases and enjoying extra perks (such as a $300 annual travel credit) worthy of a $550 annual fee.
Earning rate: 10 points per dollar on Lyft (through March 2025), 3 points on travel and dining and 1 point on everything else
Sign-up bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, worth up to $1,538, according to TPG valuations.
Annual
From Europe and Asia to South America and Australia, Samantha Brown has been to more than 90 countries around the world.
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