Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States

Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Citi Premier

Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.

US
Premium
Chase
Chase Sapphire Reserve
VISA
Wins 2 of 10
US
Citi
Citi Premier
Wins 2 of 10
Verdict

It's a true tie — neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.

Side-by-side

CriterionChase Sapphire ReserveCiti Premier
Annual fee
·
$550
$95
Joining fee
=
None
=
None
Top reward rate
10% (travel)
·
3% (travel)
Base reward rate
=
1%
=
1%
Forex markup
=
No FX fee
=
No FX fee
Welcome bonus
=
60,000 points after $4,000 in first 3 months
=
60,000 ThankYou points after $4,000 in 3 months
Fee waiver threshold
=
No waiver
=
No waiver
Min income
=
=
Min credit score
·
740
700
Editorial rating
4.7/5
·
4.4/5

Benefits compared

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

Citi Premier

  • 3x ThankYou points on travel (incl. gas)
  • 3x on dining
  • 3x on supermarkets
  • Transferable to 16 airline partners
  • $100 annual hotel credit
  • No foreign transaction fees

FAQ

Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Citi Premier: which is better?

It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. Chase Sapphire Reserve wins on 2 criteria, Citi Premier on 2.

Can I get both?

Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Chase Sapphire Reserve for its best categories, Citi Premier for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.

Which one has the better welcome bonus?

Chase Sapphire Reserve: 60,000 points after $4,000 in first 3 months. Citi Premier: 60,000 ThankYou points after $4,000 in 3 months.