Chase Sapphire Preferred Review 2026
Chase's flagship mid-tier travel card: Ultimate Rewards points on travel and dining, strong transfer partners, and primary rental car coverage for a $95 annual fee.
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Quick Facts
What is Chase Sapphire Preferred?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is widely considered the benchmark entry point into serious travel rewards. It earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, with elevated earnings on travel booked through Chase and on dining, and solid earnings on other travel and other purchases. Points become far more valuable when transferred to Chase's airline and hotel partners — including United, Southwest, British Airways, Hyatt and many more — where frequent flyers routinely extract outsized value. The card carries a $95 annual fee, offset in practice by the Ultimate Rewards earning structure, transfer flexibility, and benefits like primary (not secondary) rental car collision coverage, trip cancellation insurance, and no foreign transaction fees. Cardholder perks and welcome offers change periodically, so confirm current terms with Chase.
Key Features of Chase Sapphire Preferred
Ultimate Rewards earning
Earn elevated points on travel through Chase and on dining, with rewards on all other purchases.
Airline and hotel transfers
Transfer points 1:1 to a broad set of airline and hotel loyalty programs.
Primary rental car coverage
Collision coverage that is primary rather than secondary — a meaningful advantage over most cards.
Travel protections
Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay cover and travel accident insurance.
No foreign transaction fees
Use the card abroad without the typical 3% foreign transaction surcharge.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Flexible points redeemable for travel, cash back or partner transfers
- Broad, high-value transfer partner network including Hyatt and United
- Primary rental car collision coverage — rare at this price point
- No foreign transaction fees for international spending
- Reasonable $95 annual fee relative to the benefit set
Disadvantages
- $95 annual fee is not justified for light or non-travellers
- Ultimate Rewards is less valuable if you never transfer to partners
- Chase approval can be strict — its 5/24 rule limits approvals for frequent new applicants
Who is Chase Sapphire Preferred Best For?
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chase Sapphire Preferred
Is Chase Sapphire Preferred safe?
Chase Sapphire Preferred is a regulated financial services provider. Digital Bank Networks only features regulated, vetted affiliates. Always review the provider's terms, fees, and regulatory status before transferring funds. CFD and forex trading carries risk — please read all risk disclosures before trading.
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