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.
Advertiser disclosure
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
Why couples who travel should get a Sapphire Reserve card and the Ink Business Preferred
Credit card writer Danyal Ahmed is an avid traveler, averaging about 100,000 aeronautical miles per year. He regularly applies that knowledge and his expertise in credit cards to his role as a credit card writer at TPG.
When Ryan worked as a TPG credit cards writer, he oversaw refreshes of card reviews and card offer stories. He enjoyed racking up cash back and helping readers maximize their points and miles for their next big trip.
also contributed to this story
September 12, 2025 • 8 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.
Editorial note: Editor's note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Comments
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.
Related stories
Quick summary
The article explores how couples can maximize travel rewards by strategically pairing premium and business travel cards within a household.
Combining different cards allows couples to take advantage of complementary earning rates, especially when they travel separately or have varied spending patterns.
Households can save on costs by choosing between adding an authorized user or having each partner hold a separate card, depending on eligibility and travel habits.
The guide also discusses alternative combinations for those seeking lower fees or who may not qualify for business cards.
What to consider
Eligibility for business cards may depend on having a qualifying side business or freelance activity.
Recent changes have affected which purchases earn bonus points, particularly for certain travel categories.
Points can be pooled within a household, allowing for more flexible and valuable redemptions, especially when transferring to travel partners.
What you'll miss from the article
Detailed strategies for mixing and matching card combinations to fit different travel and spending profiles within a couple.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Comments
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.
In particular, some couples may benefit by one person getting one of the Sapphire Reserve cards and the other person getting the Ink Business Preferred. These cards can form the perfect combination for couples who sometimes travel separately or want to maximize their point-earning capabilities.
Here's why holding a Sapphire Reserve or the Sapphire Reserve for Business alongside an Ink Business Preferred card can be beneficial for a couple.
Save on fees
If you're going to sign up for the Sapphire Reserve, you might consider paying the additional $195 to add your partner as an authorized user. Or, by opting to pay a lower $95 annual fee, your partner could get their own Ink Business Preferred card instead. They'd need to be eligible for a small-business card, of course — but many hobbies and side hustles can qualify you for a small-business card, like a crafts business on Etsy or working as a freelance photographer.
MARKO GEBER/GETTY IMAGES
You could also choose to apply for the Sapphire Reserve for Business instead of the Sapphire Reserve. If your partner has the Ink Business Preferred, you would need your own side hustle or business — or they can apply for the card as well and add you as an authorized user to their Ink Business Preferred at no additional cost.
The Sapphire Reserve was refreshed in June and lost the ability to earn 3 points per dollar on travel purchases (effective immediately for new cardholders; from Oct. 26 for cardholders who applied before June 23). Since Chase broadly defines travel, purchases like Airbnbs, car rentals and taxis no longer earn bonus points.
This gives couples an opportunity to truly maximize earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points. One person could pay for hotel and flight purchases using either Sapphire Reserve card, earning up to 8 points per dollar. Meanwhile, other travel expenses, like car rentals and parking fees, would go on the Ink Business Preferred.
Earning a large welcome bonus on a new credit card is one of the quickest ways to amass travel rewards. That large sum of points can help fund your next trip.
Sapphire Reserve for Business cardholders can earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. Ink Business Preferred Credit Card cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY
Chase points transfer to some valuable partners, including Air Canada Aeroplan and World of Hyatt. For example, you can fly United business class to Australia for 100,000 Aeroplan points one-way.
You might worry that a downside of you and your partner having multiple Chase cards is that you'd have separate points balances. Luckily, Chase lets you combine Chase Ultimate Rewards points with a household member.
Ink Business Preferred cardholders can redeem their points for up to 1.75 cents through Chase Travel; however, as a Sapphire Reserve cardholder, you can redeem your points for up to 2 cents per point via Points Boost.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
By taking the mix-and-match approach, points earned on the Ink Business Preferred transferred to a partner's Reserve card can maximize Chase Travel redemptions.
Combining points between accounts is also useful if you plan to redeem your Ultimate Rewards points by transferring to one of Chase's 14 transfer partners (13 transfer partners come Oct. 16, with the loss of Emirates Skywards).
You might wonder whether you could replace either of the cards in this combination and still get similar benefits. Here's a look at two alternate combinations you might consider:
The card has competitive earning rates of 3 points per dollar on dining (including eligible delivery services), online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), gas, electric vehicle charging stations, vacation homes at these top brands: Airbnb, Vrbo, Plum Guide, HomeAway, Homestay.com and Vacasa and select streaming services, and 2 points per dollar on all travel (other than Chase Travel purchases).
HISPANOLISTIC/GETTY IMAGES
You can use the Sapphire Preferred in tandem with the Ink Business Preferred by putting all travel purchases on the Ink Business Preferred card, while the Sapphire Preferred can be used for Chase Travel, dining, and online grocery purchases.
This combination is perfect for couples who don't want to pay over $800 in annual fees but still earn bonus points across several categories.
Sapphire Preferred instead of the Ink Business Preferred
You might also consider getting the Sapphire Preferred instead of the Ink Business Preferred, especially if you aren't eligible for a business credit card.
FIVEPOINTSIX/GETTY IMAGES
The positive aspects of the Sapphire Preferred are the ability to earn bonus points across more categories, including online grocery purchases and select streaming services. The Ink Business Preferred has several bonus categories, but if you just have a side gig, chances are the bonus points from those categories are going to be minimal, if they're even applicable to you.
The Sapphire Preferred still earns bonus points on all travel, but at a slightly lower rate of 2 points per dollar.
The Sapphire Reserve or the Sapphire Reserve for Business with the Ink Business Preferred card combination is a good choice for couples who travel frequently. It's best for couples who sometimes travel separately and want to efficiently earn point for travel.
However, some couples may get better value from an alternate card combination or from simply opening one card account and adding an authorized user. So, consider how you'll use your cards and redemption plans when deciding on a credit card strategy.
