Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve (2026)
Side-by-side analysis of Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95) vs. Sapphire Reserve ($795). Calculate whether lounge access and the $300 travel credit justify the fee.
Short answer: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card vs Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is our pick for most people. For most cardholders, the Sapphire Preferred delivers most of the Chase travel ecosystem at a fraction of the annual fee ($95 vs. $795). Only high-frequency travelers who will use the $300 travel credit and the lounge access should pick Reserve.
- Choose Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card if you want: Anyone looking for a high-value, low-fee primary travel rewards card with 1:1 transfer partners.
- Choose Chase Sapphire Reserve® if you want: Frequent flyers and travelers seeking top-tier airport lounge access, primary insurance, and high-value redemptions.
Where the math flips: Even if you fully use Reserve's $300 travel credit, its effective fee is $495 ($795 - $300), about $400 more than the Preferred's $95. Reserve only pays off if its extra earn rates (8x Chase Travel, 4x direct flights and hotels, 3x dining) and lounge access are worth more than that gap to you.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Annual fee
- $95
- $795
- Base earning rate
- 1x point per dollar on general purchases
- 1x point per dollar on everything else
- Foreign transaction fee
- None (0%)
- None (0%)
Last edited . Figures are an editorial snapshot and are pending line-by-line verification: confirm current terms on the issuer's page before applying.
Feature & Fee Breakdown
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Chase Sapphire Reserve® |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $95 | $795 (+$195 per authorized user) |
| Travel Statement Credit | Up to $100 per year for hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel | $300 annual travel credit |
| Chase Travel Earn Rate | 5x points on Chase Travel | 8x points on Chase Travel |
| Airport Lounge Access | None | Priority Pass™ Select + Sapphire Lounges |
| Travel Protections | Primary auto rental insurance, trip delay (12 hr) | Primary auto rental insurance, trip delay (6 hr), emergency medical |
| Recommended Credit Score | Good to Excellent (690-850) | Excellent (720-850) |
| Official Issuer Terms | View Chase Rates & Fees ↗ | View Chase Rates & Fees ↗ |
Customize your estimated monthly spending to see which card delivers higher net rewards over 12 months (after annual fees).
Annual rewards after $95 fee
Annual rewards after $795 fee
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📈 The Mathematical Breakeven Point
Even if you fully use Reserve's $300 travel credit, its effective fee is $495 ($795 - $300), about $400 more than the Preferred's $95. Reserve only pays off if its extra earn rates (8x Chase Travel, 4x direct flights and hotels, 3x dining) and lounge access are worth more than that gap to you.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Anyone looking for a high-value, low-fee primary travel rewards card with 1:1 transfer partners.
Key Strengths
- ✓ 1:1 point transfers to premier airline and hotel partners including World of Hyatt and United
- ✓ Comprehensive primary auto rental collision damage waiver and trip cancellation insurance
- ✓ Up to $100 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel
Drawbacks
- ✕ $95 annual fee is not waived the first year
- ✕ Lacks airport lounge access found on premium tier cards
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Frequent flyers and travelers seeking top-tier airport lounge access, primary insurance, and high-value redemptions.
Key Strengths
- ✓ $300 annual travel statement credit
- ✓ 8x points on Chase Travel (incl. The Edit), 4x on flights and hotels booked direct, 3x on dining worldwide
- ✓ Priority Pass™ Select airport lounge access + Chase Sapphire Lounges
- ✓ Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
Drawbacks
- ✕ Substantial $795 annual fee plus $195 per authorized user
- ✕ Requires high travel frequency to fully justify the net cost
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth it compared to Preferred?
The Reserve is only worth it if you spend more than $300 annually on travel (which activates the automatic $300 credit) and fly through airports with Sapphire or Priority Pass lounges at least 3-4 times per year.
What credit score is needed for Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Reserve?
Chase Sapphire Preferred typically requires a good credit score of 690+, while Chase Sapphire Reserve requires an excellent score of 720+ as it is issued as a Visa Infinite card with a minimum $10,000 credit limit.
How can I downgrade my Chase Sapphire Reserve or Preferred?
After holding either card for at least one full year (complying with the CARD Act), you can call Chase customer support and request a product change to a no-annual-fee Freedom Unlimited or Freedom Flex without triggering a hard credit inquiry.