Chase Sapphire Reserve vs US Bank Cash+
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
Chase Sapphire Reserve wins 3-2. Annual travelers — the upgrade path from Sapphire Preferred. US Bank Cash+ is still the right call if 5% on 2 chosen categories + 2% on 1 chosen — fully customizable..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Chase Sapphire Reserve | US Bank Cash+ |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $550 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 10% (travel) | · 5% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | No FX fee | · 3% |
| Welcome bonus | = 60,000 points after $4,000 in first 3 months | = $200 statement credit after $1,000 spend in 120 days |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | · 740 | 670 |
| 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
US Bank Cash+
- 5% on 2 categories you choose ($2,000 quarterly cap)
- 2% on 1 chosen everyday category (gas, grocery, restaurants)
- 1% on everything else
- No annual fee
- Quarterly category swap
FAQ
›Chase Sapphire Reserve vs US Bank Cash+: which is better?
Chase Sapphire Reserve wins on more dimensions (3 vs 2). 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 Reserve for its best categories, US Bank Cash+ 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. US Bank Cash+: $200 statement credit after $1,000 spend in 120 days.