Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
Chase Sapphire Preferred wins 2-1. First-time travel-rewards card, sweet-spot earn rates Chase Sapphire Reserve is still the right call if annual travelers — the upgrade path from sapphire preferred..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Chase Sapphire Preferred | Chase Sapphire Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 | · $550 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 5% (travel) | 10% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in first 3 months (~$750 in travel) | = 60,000 points after $4,000 in first 3 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | 700 | · 740 |
| Editorial rating | = 4.7/5 | = 4.7/5 |
Benefits compared
Chase Sapphire Preferred
- 5x points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3x on dining (incl. takeout & delivery)
- 2x on all other travel
- 25% more value when redeeming for travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
- No foreign transaction fees
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary auto rental coverage
Chase Sapphire Reserve
- 10x on hotels and rental cars booked via Chase Travel
- 5x on flights booked via Chase Travel
- 3x on all other dining + travel
- $300 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass Select + Chase Sapphire Lounge access
- 50% bonus when redeeming for travel via Chase portal
FAQ
›Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Chase Sapphire Reserve: which is better?
Chase Sapphire Preferred wins on more dimensions (2 vs 1). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern — see the calculator below.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Chase Sapphire Preferred for its best categories, Chase Sapphire Reserve for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Chase Sapphire Preferred: 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in first 3 months (~$750 in travel). Chase Sapphire Reserve: 60,000 points after $4,000 in first 3 months.