I don't necessarily fit the mold of the typical points and miles enthusiast. I only have a handful of credit cards, I don't fret too much over squeezing every ounce of value out of my redemptions (if I can get a hotel or flight for no out-of-pocket cost, I consider that a win) and I don't often apply for new cards.
In fact, I was happy enough with the cards in my wallet that I had no plans to add any new ones to my lineup.
That was until I heard about the current offer on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees).
Not only is this card one of TPG's top-rated cards for travel and dining, but it's also offering an exceptional welcome bonus of 100,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. This offer ends May 15 at 9 a.m. EDT.
For a card with a $95 annual fee, that number certainly stopped me in my tracks. According to TPG's May 2025 valuations, this offer is worth $2,050.
Related: 7 Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits you might not know about
How I plan to use my 100,000-point bonus
I just got the card, so I am still working toward earning the bonus, but I feel like I've already spent the points before they even hit my account.
I have three kids with several vacation ideas and an upcoming summer break from school. Money is no object for them, but it certainly is for me. Luckily, this card can help me fulfill some of their summer vacation dreams.
I've been daydreaming right alongside them. I have spent hours browsing the Chase Travel℠ portal to see where those 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points can take us.
My fishing-obsessed 11-year-old has been begging to check out Big Cypress Lodge in Memphis (aka the pyramid-shaped Bass Pro Shops hotel).
Though there are certainly more points-friendly hotel options in Memphis, Big Cypress Lodge is bookable on the Chase Travel portal, so I'll probably end up throwing a few of my points that way to satisfy his need to sleep in a room overlooking the world's largest Bass Pro Shops store.
Booking through the portal will give me 1.25 cents per point in value, and I can also cash in on my $50 hotel statement credit as long as I pay for some of the stay with cash.
My 8-year-old son is really into skyscrapers, so we've been considering taking him to Chicago this year to visit the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) Skydeck. I've had my eye on the historic Chicago Athletic Association hotel for years, and it's less than a mile away from the Willis Tower.
The hotel is bookable via World of Hyatt points (starting at only 17,000 Hyatt points per night), and I've learned from my co-workers that transferring Ultimate Rewards points to one of Chase's hotel or airline partners provides great value since the points transfer at a 1:1 ratio.
All three of my kids have also asked to stay at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport in one of the rooms overlooking the bustling terminal. I have to admit, the novelty of it has always intrigued me a bit, too.
Rooms here start at 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night. We visit Disney World and Universal Orlando often, so it'll be fun to surprise them with a night here after a late flight or before an early one later this year.
Related: 21 ways to use 100K Chase Ultimate Rewards points: Budget-friendly redemptions and luxurious trips
Beyond the limited-time welcome bonus
In addition to the current welcome bonus, the Chase Sapphire Preferred earns:
- 5 points per dollar spent on Chase Travel purchases (excluding the $50 hotel credit)
- 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft purchases (through September 2027)
- 3 points per dollar spent on dining, select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excludes Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
- 2 points per dollar spent on other travel purchases
- 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
That means I can use everyday spending to keep earning points toward the other trips my family has been dreaming of, even after we exhaust the welcome bonus points with their summertime dream trips.
After this year, this card's benefits easily offset the $95 annual fee.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns a $50 annual statement credit for hotel reservations made through Chase Travel, which essentially covers more than half of the card's annual fee.
When you pair that with the card's high earnings potential on travel and dining, and perks like travel insurance and purchase protection, the card's outsize value is easy to realize.
Bottom line
The 100,000-point bonus offer is ending May 15, and this could be your last chance to take advantage of this valuable bonus. The typical bonus on this card is 60,000 points, and it's been four years since we've seen it climb to 100,000 points.
A deal this good can't last forever, but the memories you make on the trips you could book with the current bonus offer on the Chase Sapphire Preferred will last for years to come.
Related: After more than 15 years, why the Chase Sapphire Preferred should still be your first rewards card
Apply now: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
