How I paid just $35 for a night away with the Chase Sapphire Preferred's hotel credit
I'm always looking for ways to squeeze more value out of my travel credit cards while I'm on the go. Last weekend, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) came in clutch.
After attending an Atlanta Braves baseball game with my family on Friday, I wanted to extend my stay in the area through Sunday. Thankfully, the Sapphire Preferred's $100 hotel credit (received each account anniversary year) made that easy.
The Sapphire Preferred's newly-doubled hotel credit now more than offsets the card's $95 annual fee on its own. And, it helped me pay just $35 for a night at the Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta. Here's how I did it — and how you can, too.
How the Sapphire Preferred's $100 hotel credit works
If you were familiar with the old $50 hotel credit on the Sapphire Preferred, the revamped $100 credit works similarly.
You can use the credit on hotel bookings made through Chase Travel℠. The credit can be used for one or more stays (there are no monthly or biannual restrictions) and it renews every account anniversary. And you don't have to activate the credit before you use it.
Cardholders can check their progress by logging into their online account, selecting the "Benefits & travel" menu and clicking "Benefits." The website has a benefits tracker that helps you manage your progress. You can even see your unique renewal date.
Be sure you pay with your eligible Sapphire Preferred if you want to redeem this credit. Statement credits usually post within three business days, but Chase notes it can sometimes take up to four weeks.
It's important to note that you won't earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points on the portion of your booking covered by the statement credit, but you will earn points on any remaining cost after the statement credit is applied. Since my booking was $135 total, I earned points on the remaining $35.
Related: Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the best cards for everyday spending
How I booked my $35 stay
When I started planning to extend my weekend in Atlanta, I logged into Chase Travel and started some searches. Since I'd be spending most of my time with my family anyway, I wanted to find a hotel that was functional and affordable so I could get the most mileage out of my $100 credit.
I decided on the Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta, in a suburb to the north of the city. For $135 it was perfect for a Saturday night stay. I'd get $100 off (more than offsetting my $95 annual fee on the Sapphire Preferred) and pay $35 out of pocket.
I also have the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), so I had to double-check that I was paying with my Sapphire Preferred.
After my stay on Saturday, I logged back into my Chase account to check if the statement credit had been posted. I found it in the "Rewards" section of the website.
I knew I wouldn't earn points on the $100 statement credit, but I did earn 173 points on the remainder of the booking. This is thanks to the Sapphire Preferred earning 5 points per dollar on Chase Travel purchases.
Related: Value simplicity? Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred is now the only card you need
How to maximize the Sapphire Preferred's hotel credit
If you find a hotel within the $100 to $150 range, you can maximize the credit just like I did and pay very little out of pocket with the Sapphire Preferred.
As you navigate Chase Travel, keep an eye on the total costs. Don't limit yourself to city-center properties; there are suburbs with nice properties at lower rates.
This Marriott in Alpharetta was 25 minutes from where the Braves play, but the $35 price tag made it well worth it.
From luxurious villas to city-center hotels and suburban spots like my Alpharetta Marriott, I think Chase Travel has enough options to make this credit work in most markets.
And for a $95 annual fee, the Sapphire Preferred can pay for itself in just one night at certain properties.
Related: After more than 16 years, why the Chase Sapphire Preferred should still be your first rewards card
Bottom line
The Sapphire Preferred's $100 hotel credit is one of the simplest credit card perks to use.
There's no need for activation and no restrictions on timing; all you have to do is book through Chase Travel and let the statement credit do the work. For a card with a $95 annual fee, one night away can put you ahead before you've used any other benefit.
Plus, the Sapphire Preferred is offering an outstanding welcome bonus right now: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. If you've been considering it, now is a great time to apply.
To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Preferred.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card