Why I chose the Chase Sapphire Preferred as my next credit card

23.05.2024 - 16:43 / thepointsguy.com / Chase Sapphire-Preferred / Chase Travel

Choosing your next credit card can be a challenge. When I decided to open my fifth credit card, it came down to a showdown between the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Bilt Mastercard® (see rates and fees). While the rewards and benefits of the Bilt card are appealing, I chose to go with the Sapphire Preferred.

There are many compelling reasons to have the Sapphire Preferred have it in your wallet. Here are the factors that swayed my decision in its favor.

Related: 6 reasons the Chase Sapphire Preferred should be your next credit card

For a limited time, the Sapphire Preferred has a very appealing welcome offer: 75,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Chase values this welcome offer at $900. However, since TPG values Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents per point when using Chase's transfer partners, 75,000 points can be worth as much as $1,538 when redeemed for travel.

It's hard to say no to an offer like this. I hold the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and the Chase Freedom Unlimited®; by combining my earnings on those cards with the Sapphire Preferred, I can obtain even more Ultimate Rewards points. I'm hoping to take my first international trip next year. These points will allow me to make a flight or a hotel redemption through Chase's transfer partners, lowering the overall out-of-pocket cost for my trip.

Related: The best time to apply for these 9 popular travel credit cards

This card offers up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays booked through Chase Travel℠. I don't plan to book hotels through Chase Travel too often; I'll usually get better value by booking directly with the hotel.

That's because if I use Chase Travel to book a stay with a major hotel brand, I won't earn points with that brand's loyalty program. Since I often stay with Hilton, booking directly with them to earn Hilton Honors points makes more sense.

I'll still pay for that charge with my Sapphire Preferred, ensuring I'll get bonus Ultimate Rewards points on top of hotel points. However, if I'm booking a hotel that doesn't have a loyalty program, I will book through Chase Travel. That's where the Sapphire Preferred's hotel statement credit comes into play.

It's nice to know that I'll still get some kind of benefit when booking with a boutique hotel. The statement credit can reduce the overall cost of my stay, helping me save money for experiences and dining. It makes bookings at nonbranded hotels much more appealing — especially on short trips when the cost of my stay isn't high.

Related: How to use the $50 hotel credit on the Chase Sapphire Preferred

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