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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Guides
Who should (and shouldn’t) get the Chase Sapphire Preferred?
Featured image by ALEXANDRA C. RIBEIRO/GETTY IMAGES
Compliance associate Paige Balcom joined TPG in 2022 and has spent her time working in the credit card industry reviewing content across sites such as CNET, CreditCards.com and Bankrate. She has used her knowledge to train new writers and other compliance members on the intricacies of compliance across multiple brands and partners.
Augusta Stone is a credit cards writer for TPG. She joined the TPG team in 2023 and is excited to take points and miles beginners with her on a journey toward maximizing rewards.
also contributed to this story
September 30, 2025 • 7 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
A mid-tier travel card offers valuable points, straightforward benefits and a modest annual fee, making it appealing for beginners entering the travel rewards space.
Key perks include an annual hotel credit, anniversary bonus points, complimentary food delivery membership, and robust travel protections such as primary car rental insurance and trip interruption coverage.
Points can be transferred to travel partners or redeemed for increased value on select bookings through the issuer's travel portal, with some redemptions reaching up to 1.75 cents per point per TPG's September 2025 valuations.
This card is ideal for those looking to maximize rewards by combining it with other cards from the same program, but it lacks luxury features like lounge access and premium credits.
What to consider
Eligibility for the welcome bonus is restricted if you have previously earned it or have opened five or more new cards from any issuer in the past 24 months (the '5/24 rule').
The annual hotel credit applies only to bookings made through the issuer's travel platform, and some bonus categories have expiration dates or spending limits.
Premium perks such as lounge access and elite status are not included with this card.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of how this card fits into broader points strategies and whether it aligns with your travel and spending habits.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
There are multiple factors to consider when you're choosing a travel credit card.
However, the Sapphire Preferred is not for everyone. If you want perks like lounge access or multiple statement credits, this card may not pack in enough for you.
Let's dive into the card's benefits to help you decide if you should (or shouldn't) apply for it.
Key benefits
Let's start by reviewing the top ongoing benefits of the Sapphire Preferred.
Anniversary bonus points: 10% anniversary bonus points each year, based on your total spending during the account anniversary year (for cardholders who applied before June 15, 2026; ends Oct. 1)
Plus, new applicants can earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Per TPG's September 2025 valuations, the offer is worth $1,538.
THE POINTS GUY
Plus, the card provides solid earning rates:
5 points per dollar spent on travel booked through Chase Travel (excluding the $100 hotel credit)
5 points per dollar spent on Lyft purchases (through September 2027)
5 points per dollar spent on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more (through December 2027, with a limit of 25,000 bonus points)
3 points per dollar spent on dining, select streaming services, gas, electric vehicle charging stations, vacation homes at these top brands: Airbnb, Vrbo, Plum Guide, HomeAway, Homestay.com and Vacasa and online grocery store purchases (excludes Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
2 points per dollar spent on all travel not booked through Chase Travel
After considering the card's benefits, it's time to decide whether the Sapphire Preferred makes sense. Here are some reasons you may want to add this card.
You're looking for your first card with an annual fee
Many beginners think they need to avoid cards with annual fees completely. But if you've already started with one of our favorite cards without an annual fee and are ready to take your next step in the points and miles world, the Sapphire Preferred is a great option.
That’s because its $95 annual fee is relatively low, especially when you consider the value of Chase points.
Combining the Sapphire Preferred with one (or both) of these cards is one of the best ways to maximize your points.
The Ultimate Rewards program lets you freely transfer points between your participating cards. As a result, the points on the two Freedom cards that would usually only be redeemable for cash back can be sent to your Sapphire Preferred account, instantly increasing their value.
You're a small-business owner with Ink Business cards
If you don't currently have a card that participates in the program, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great one to get started. As noted above, the card carries a valuable welcome bonus, solid earning rates and several added perks for a $95 annual fee.
While many travelers should apply for the Sapphire Preferred, certain types of travelers shouldn't go for the card. Here are some reasons the card may not be for you.
You want lounge access or premium perks
The Sapphire Preferred's low annual fee means that it doesn't come with luxury benefits, such as airport lounge access and elite status.
You've already earned a Sapphire Preferred welcome bonus
Along these lines, you won't earn the current bonus on the Sapphire Preferred if you've previously held the card and earned its bonus.
Because so much of the Sapphire Preferred's value is found in its welcome offer, it wouldn't make sense to apply now if you've already had it.
You've applied for five or more cards from any issuer in the last 24 months
The final person who shouldn't apply for the Sapphire Preferred is someone whose application would be affected by the Chase 5/24 rule.
If you're unfamiliar, Chase will typically deny your application if you've opened five or more new credit cards in the last 24 months (hence the "5/24" name).
That said, it isn't the best option for people who value premium card perks. Consider your travel and spending habits to determine if the card is the right fit.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
