The Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card is one of the most rewarding and flexible travel cards on the market. Designed for travelers who want premium perks without an exorbitant annual fee, it offers a solid rewards platform and value through Chase Ultimate Rewards, especially through its airline and hotel partners.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card acts like a premium card through its rewards and its metal design. However, it’s versatile enough to earn a high-ranking spot in our overview of the best Catch-All Credit Cards, as well as our review of the Best Credit Cards for Good Credit, though an excellent credit score is necessary for most approvals.
Pros
High point value rewards program
Substantial welcome bonus
Travel protections and trip interruption insurance included
$50 statement credit each year for hotel bookings through Chase Travel
Cons
$95 annual fee
Some exclusions in bonus rewards categories
Requires excellent credit for approval
No introductory 0% APR offer
InsightsThe Sapphire Preferred card is one of Chase’s flagship travel card products, alongside the Sapphire Reserve and Freedom Unlimited. This card appears on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau website as available to those with excellent credit and living anywhere in the U.S., with a median APR of 25.49%. |
Features and Benefits
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 2x to 5x points, depending on category and purchase specifics. It offers excellent value for both travel and everyday purchases.
- 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel
- 3x points on dining, streaming, and online grocery purchases (with exclusions)
- 2x points on other travel purchases
- 1x on any other spending
- Earn 75,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of card ownership.
- 1:1 point transfers to top airline and hotel partners
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
- Primary auto rental coverage
- No foreign transaction fees
Chase Sapphire Preferred Reviews: Editorial Rating
Trusted Company Reviews Trust Rating Score for Chase Sapphire Preferred: 8.9
The Chase Sapphire Preferred stands out for its combination of long-term value, elite-level travel perks, and flexible redemption options. While it carries a $95 annual fee, the travel benefits and redemption multiplier through Chase Ultimate Rewards more than justify the cost for most users, especially those familiar with typical premium card yearly fees.
| Pricing | Features | Credit Score Needed for Good Approval Odds |
| $95 Annual Fee
$0 Foreign Transaction Fee 5% Balance Transfer Fee |
5x points on travel through Chase, 3X points on dining, streaming, groceries, 2x on other travel expenses, 1x on everything else, $50 annual hotel spending credit. Flexible points redemptions. | Excellent |
Why We Like It
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is ideal for those who travel frequently and want a single, versatile rewards card. The card’s 5x travel rewards, 1:1 transfer partners, and bonus categories make it easy to earn and redeem points and maximize its value.
What We Don’t Like
The annual fee, while modest among premium cards, may be lost on occasional travelers who won’t fully leverage the card’s benefits. Additionally, the exclusion of Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs from bonus categories can also be a limiting factor for some consumers. We’d also be more impressed if the card offered an intro APR period.
Why Trust Our RatingsEvery rating we publish reflects independent research and hands-on analysis from our editorial team. Clarity, accuracy, and transparency matter as much as the numbers themselves. How We Calculate Our Trust Rating ScoreWe base our Trust Rating Scores on independent research, verified user experiences, and key data points that identify the most valuable and reliable credit card options available today.
All terms, conditions, rates, and data are accurate at the time of publishing and subject to change without notice. |
What Do Customers Think About the Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card?
Based on verified reviews from leading review platforms such as Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and similar sources, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card carries a strong reputation among travelers and everyday cardholders alike.
The card averages 4.4 out of 5 stars nationwide, and users praise its valuable rewards, 1:1 point transfers, and multiple points redemption options, noting that the best value comes from spending points within the Chase Travel platform.
Many reviewers highlight the simplicity of earning points and miles while enjoying strong customer service and top-tier travel protections. Frequent travelers note consistent satisfaction with hotel stays purchased through Chase, fraud protection, and extra perks.
Most negative reviews mention annual fees and credit-limit adjustments, though these are in the minority by a wide margin.
Average Customer Ratings by Region*
| Region | Average Rating | Common Positive Mentions | Common Complaints |
| Midwest (IL, MN, WI) | 4.4 | High travel point value, Chase service | Annual fee concerns |
| West Coast (CA, WA, OR | 4.5 | Excellent transfer partner options | Account credit timing |
| South (TX, FL, GA | 4.3 | Redemption value through Chase Travel | Credit limit adjustments |
| Northeast (NY, MA, PA | 4.4 | Points flexibility, strong travel protection | Confusing category rewards |
*Data compiled from verified public reviews and third-party consumer feedback platforms.
Who Is Chase Sapphire Preferred Best For?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card is best for travelers. However, as an all-around card, everyday users who want high-value rewards and excellent travel benefits without paying high-level fees can also maximize the card’s benefits.
Amex Gold vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred
The American Express Gold Card (Amex Gold) and the Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card both target consumers seeking top-tier rewards for everyday spending and travel. While both earn valuable points, they differ in structure, redemption value, and flexibility.
The Sapphire Preferred leans toward travel enthusiasts, while the Amex Gold is geared more toward rewarding dining and grocery purchases. The Amex Gold features more earning categories. However, it also features a hefty, $325 annual fee.
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | Amex Gold | |
| Rewards | 5x points on travel through Chase Travel; 3x on dining, streaming, online groceries; 2x on other travel, 1x on all other purchases. | 4x points on dining and supermarkets, with limits; 3x points on flights, 2x on hotels, 1x on other purchases. (Flights and hotels must be booked through Amex.) |
| Annual Fee | $95 | $325 |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 0% | 0% |
| Typical APR (subject to change) | 20.49% – 27.49% | 19.99% to 28.99% |
Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Still Worth It?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card is one of the most balanced and flexible travel cards available, and it can function well as an all-around card if you enjoy travel perks.
Its rewards structure, equal-point-value transfer partners, and flexible redemption options make it a solid choice among the best all-around credit cards.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Alternatives
If the Chase Sapphire Preferred doesn’t fit your needs, is a bit much as an all-around card, or you wish to avoid an annual fee, these other top cards in our Best Catch All Credit Cards review are likely a better fit:
- Wells Fargo Active Cash: A simple, flat-rate card that earns 2% cash back on every purchase.
- Chase Freedom Unlimited: Also a top pick in our overview of the best Credit Cards for Gas and Groceries
- Citi Simplicity: Also a top pick in our overview of the best Balance Transfer Cards
- Chase Ink Business Unlimited: Ideal for small business owners seeking flat-rate rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do I need for the Chase Sapphire Preferred?
Which Chase card is hardest to get?
Can I earn points on hotel stays purchased through Chase with the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card?
Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred a metal card?
Conclusion
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card offers powerful travel rewards. However, it’s flexible enough to use as an everyday card that also rewards and encourages travel spending. Those qualities earn it a spot in our Best Catch-All Credit Cards review. You may also find other cards to fit your lifestyle in our overviews of the Best Credit Card for Gas and Groceries and Balance Transfer Credit Cards for Average Credit.
Deane Biermeier is a certified financial educator through the University of Minnesota and a respected authority in financial research, writing, and editing, renowned for his in-depth analyses and expert advice. With a distinguished career that previously spanned home improvement, real estate, and finance topics, Deane's role at Trusted Company Reviews focuses exclusively on finance.
Deane has contributed to leading publications such as Forbes Home, US News and World Report, Newsweek Vault, and others.
Since joining TrustedCompanyReviews.com in 2023, he has solidified his reputation as a crucial resource for clear, factual financial guidance.
Deane Biermeier
Last Updated: January 3, 2026
Editorial Reviews
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