Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Bank of America Travel Rewards: Which should beginner travelers get?
Editor's Note
If you're jumping into the travel rewards game, picking which credit card to start with can be overwhelming. There are a lot of competitive options, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
In this guide, we'll walk through two popular beginner travel credit cards — the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) and the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card. Both offer an entry point into earning travel rewards, but which is best for your wallet?
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Bank of America Travel Rewards comparison
Before we dive deeper into how these cards stack up against each other, let's run through a quick overview of each card's details.
| Chase Sapphire Preferred Card | Bank of America Travel Rewards | |
|---|---|---|
| Sign-up bonus | Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | Earn 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days of account opening. |
| Annual fee | $95 | $0 |
| Earning rates |
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| Benefits |
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Sapphire Preferred vs. BofA Travel Rewards welcome offer
The Chase Sapphire Preferred clearly has a superior bonus in terms of value. You'll earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. This welcome offer is worth $1,538 according to TPG's April 2025 valuations.
By comparison, you'll only get 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days of account opening (a $250 value) from the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card.
However, something to keep in mind here is the spending requirements. While you must spend $5,000 in the first three months to earn the Chase Sapphire Preferred bonus, you'll only need to spend $1,000 in the first 90 days with the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card.
At the end of the day, the value of the bonus doesn't matter if you can't reasonably hit the spending requirements. For those on a smaller budget, the Bank of America Travel Rewards sign-up bonus might be the more attainable (and therefore more beneficial) option — though be sure to check out our guide on reaching minimum spending thresholds for tips on how to hit a higher requirement.
Winner: Sapphire Preferred. Its welcome offer provides superior value.
Related: The best Bank of America cards
Sapphire Preferred vs. BofA Travel Rewards benefits
Neither of these cards is a premium travel card, which means they offer comparatively few benefits.
That said, the Chase Sapphire Preferred stands ahead in this category, as it does offer cardholders at least one complimentary year of DashPass service, which gives you $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible DoorDash food delivery and takeout purchases (must activate by Dec. 31, 2027).
You'll also get a $50 annual hotel statement credit for reservations booked through the Chase travel portal, plus a solid lineup of credit card protections, including:
- extended warranty
- primary car rental coverage, baggage delay insurance
- purchase protection
- travel and emergency assistance services
- trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- trip delay reimbursement
Finally, Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders get a 10% anniversary points bonus each year. You'll earn at a rate of 1 point for each $10 spent.
On the other hand, the Bank of America Travel Rewards card is much more limited. Though — like the Sapphire Preferred — it is a Visa Signature card, so that will provide some benefits.
Winner: Sapphire Preferred also gets the edge here with its longer list of benefits.
Related: Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred remains the top travel rewards credit card year after year
Earning points on the Sapphire Preferred vs. BofA Travel Rewards
Once again, the Chase Sapphire Preferred comes out ahead in the earning department.
You'll earn 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs). Then, you'll earn 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel and Lyft rides (through September 2027) as well as 2 points on all other travel. Other purchases earn 1 point per dollar.
On the other hand, the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card earns 3 points per dollar on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center and 1.5 points per dollar across all purchases.
However, if you're already a Bank of America customer, you may earn at elevated rates. Through the Preferred Rewards® program, you can earn up to 5.25 points per dollar on travel purchases through the Bank of America Travel Center and up to 2.62 points per dollar on all other purchases.
That means that those who are Platinum Honors Preferred Rewards members might end up getting more value from earning this higher flat rate across all purchases in the long term.
Winner: Sapphire Preferred. The Travel Rewards can't compete with its earning categories.
Related: 7 reasons you should get (and keep) a no-annual-fee credit card
Redeeming points on the Sapphire Preferred vs. BofA Travel Rewards
Another major difference between the two cards is the redemption options.
The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card earns fixed-value points, like cash back on eligible purchases. You can redeem your Bank of America Travel Rewards points at a value of 1 cent apiece as a statement credit to cover travel and dining purchases. Otherwise, you'll get 0.6 cents value from each point by requesting a check or deposit from the bank.
With the Sapphire Preferred, you can redeem your points at a rate of up to 1.75 cents each for some travel when you book through the Chase travel up to (depending on the specific redemption; see your rewards program agreement for full details).
Winner: Sapphire Preferred. Its redemption options are much more varied.
Related: Better together: The ultimate guide to the best credit card combinations
Transferring points on the Sapphire Preferred vs. BofA Travel Rewards
The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a lot more flexibility in its redemption options. You can transfer points at a 1:1 rate to one of Chase's 14 valuable transfer partners. You can get up to 1.75-cent value from your points through the Chase portal, but transferring to the right partner could get you even more value.
While there's something to be said about the simplicity of Bank of America's redemption process, especially for TPG editor Emily Thompson, Chase takes the cake with more potential value and flexibility.
Winner: Sapphire Preferred, since it offers the option to transfer points to hotel and airline partners.
Related: How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value
Should I get the Sapphire Preferred or BofA Travel Rewards?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred comes with a higher sign-up bonus, a more robust earning rate and more value and flexibility in redemption options. The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is a simple card that's great for beginners, but for the most part, it can't compete with the Sapphire Preferred.
Bottom line
For those who hope to build a robust travel credit card strategy and learn about how to maximize transfer partners and card pairings, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great starting place.
But if the thought of navigating transferring points to a specific airline makes you break out into hives, the simplicity of the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card makes it a solid choice, too.
To learn more, read our full reviews of the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Bank of America Travel Rewards.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred
Apply here: Bank of America Travel Rewards
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.