5 reasons why every sports fan should have the Chase Sapphire Reserve
I love sports just as much as I love points and miles. I've actually been wondering why there isn't a dedicated credit card for sports fans.
But there is a card that I truthfully may have overlooked: the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees).
The Sapphire Reserve is a popular premium travel rewards card, but it also offers a unique value proposition to sports fans. If you go to one game a year or are a die-hard fan and travel to every game, this card is arguably the best one for you.
The card has a steep $795 annual fee, but sports fans can use a variety of lifestyle credits and benefits to help offset some of that cost.
Whether you're a fan of the diamond, field, hardwood, rink or track, this card may deserve a spot in your wallet. Here are five reasons why.
Ticket credits
The Chase Sapphire Reserve has an annual up-to-$300 credit for StubHub or Viagogo through Dec. 31, 2027, allotted as up to $150 biannually (one credit from January to June and another from July to December). Activation is required.
StubHub and Viagogo are two of the largest ticket marketplaces, so you should have no issues finding tickets to a sporting event. However, it's important to note that ticket prices on these platforms can be higher than face value because many tickets are from resellers.
For example, TPG Credit Card Writer Danyal Ahmed, a huge Los Angeles Lakers fan, can make the most of his credit by getting tickets to a game in November or December and again getting tickets once the new year comes. This way, he would use his credit effectively for the second half of 2025 and the first half of 2026.
Personally, I'm considering getting this card to use this credit on Oregon Ducks football tickets. Since the credit is broken down biannually, I could use up to $150 to buy a ticket to a game in October or November. Then, if fortune favors me and Oregon makes a deep run in the college football playoffs, I could use the other $150 to buy tickets to a playoff game in January.
Although the credit may not fully cover the cost of tickets, it effectively saves you $150 off the total cost. On the flip side, if your ticket is cheaper than $150, you can use this credit on multiple purchases until you reach your biannual allotment.
Note: If you're a current Sapphire Reserve cardholder who applied before June 23, you will have access to this credit after Oct. 26.
Related: The best credit cards for sports fans
Travel credit
The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers an annual $300 travel credit. It is by far one of the easiest credits to use — you may not even realize you are using it. It is automatically triggered after you make any purchase that codes as travel, including for things like buses, parking and tolls.
This can be great for sports fans, with many options for using the credit. You can use it on a flight, or if you're local and just want to drive to the game, it can cover parking costs.
Even better, this credit isn't distributed in allotments and can be used all at once.
Related: How to use the Chase Sapphire Reserve $300 annual travel credit to save on travel
Hotel credits
Cardholders receive an up-to-$500 annual statement credit for hotels booked via The Edit by Chase Travel℠, allotted as up to $250 biannually. A minimum two-night prepaid stay is required.
The Edit is a luxury hotel booking platform. Sports fans will not scoff at the idea of a discounted hotel stay. While in most major cities during a sporting event, getting a two-night stay through The Edit isn't possible for just $250, you can effectively save up to $250 off your stay twice per year.
Plus, if you have hotel elite status, those benefits will apply when booking through The Edit, and you will earn hotel points and elite night credits, which is not typical when booking through an online travel agency.
Note: If you're a current Sapphire Reserve cardholder who applied before June 23, you will have access to this credit after Oct. 26.
Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve's The Edit credit: What to know
Apple subscriptions
Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders receive complimentary Apple Music and Apple TV subscriptions (through June 22, 2027; one-time activation per service through chase.com or the Chase Mobile app is required).
Most don't realize Apple TV streams many games, including those from Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer. Plus, Apple TV has a variety of interesting sports documentaries and scripted shows (like one of my favorites, "Ted Lasso"). While everyone may not use this subscription, if you can, this is a nice perk for sports fans to have.
Note: If you're a current Sapphire Reserve cardholder who applied before June 23, you will have access to this credit after Oct. 26.
Related: I pay for Apple Music and Spotify — soon, I'll get both for the price of one thanks to this card
Earning rates
The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a variety of bonus categories. You'll earn:
- 8 points per dollar spent on purchases made through Chase Travel, including The Edit
- 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft rides through Sept. 30, 2027
- 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked directly
- 3 points per dollar spent on dining worldwide
- 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Fans who travel frequently to see their team play can really rack up rewards. If you prefer booking travel through a portal, you'll earn 8 points per dollar spent on travel booked via Chase Travel and 4 points per dollar spent on all flights and hotels booked directly.
If you need to get a ride to the game, you'll earn 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft (through Sept. 30, 2027). Cardholders also receive $10 monthly in Lyft ride credit. While $10 likely won't cover a ride to and from a stadium, it will effectively save you $10 off those costs.
When traveling to sporting events, you'll likely get hungry and want to fuel up. You'll earn 3 points per dollar spent on dining worldwide. Additionally, while most purchases at stadium or arena food stands don't code as dining, there is the possibility that they might, and you'd be able to earn 3 points per dollar spent as well.
Note: If you're a current Sapphire Reserve cardholder who applied before June 23, you will have access to these earning rates after Oct. 26.
Related: I'm keeping my Chase Sapphire Reserve despite its $795 annual fee. Here's why
Other considerations
There are a handful of other useful perks and credits that can make the Chase Sapphire Reserve beneficial to sports fans, including:
- Dining credit: Cardholders receive up to $150 biannually at Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables with no reservation required. If you're traveling to see your team play, you can enjoy a nice meal for free or at a reduced cost with this credit. Simply pay with your card at a participating restaurant to receive the credit.
- Lounge access: Receive access to Sapphire and Priority Pass lounges and access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges. This can be a nice perk to start any trip to go to see your favorite team play. Who doesn't like free food and drinks to start or end a trip?
- Travel protections: Cardholders have access to a suite of travel protections in the event that, when traveling to see your play, your plans go awry.
- Welcome bonus: The Sapphire Reserve offers a massive welcome bonus, allowing new cardholders to earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Based on TPG's September 2025 valuations, this offer is worth $2,563. This welcome bonus can help you travel to even more sporting events or cover hotel costs. It's important to note that Chase does have very strict rules regarding welcome bonus eligibility.
These additional benefits are even more reasons why sports fans should consider adding the Sapphire Reserve to their wallet.
Note: If you're a current Sapphire Reserve cardholder who applied before June 23, you will have access to the dining credit after Oct. 26.
Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve statement credits: What they are and how to use them
Bottom line
The Chase Sapphire Reserve isn't just a travel rewards card. Sports fans should really consider adding this card to their wallet, as they'll be surprised by the value they can extract from it.
To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
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. (Partner offer)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. (Partner offer)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.