Taking a deep dive into the Sapphire Reserve changes — with Brian Kelly and a Chase executive
In June, Chase announced some significant updates to its popular premium credit card product — the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees). The new benefits were effective immediately for those who applied (and were approved) for the card on or after June 23, 2025, but as of Oct. 26, all cardholders can access the full suite of perks.
There was a lot to unpack with these changes — so to help with this endeavor, we went right to the source.
This fall, I sat down with Chase Sapphire General Manager Sam Palmer and our founder Brian Kelly for an in-depth interview about the refreshed Sapphire Reserve, plus some discussion of the other products in the Sapphire portfolio. It's safe to say our conversation was wide-ranging, touching on how Chase approached the refresh, where it sees the card delivering value and (of course) how to make the most of the new benefits to cover the increased annual fee on the card.
You can check out the full video right here:
As a longtime Sapphire Reserve cardholder myself, I was really intrigued to hear both Sam's and Brian's perspectives on the new benefits. Part of this discussion centered around the lounge benefits — in fact, we recorded the entire conversation in one of the Private Suites at the Sapphire Lounge in New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
Read more: The complete guide to Chase Sapphire airport lounges — and how to get access
Sam was quick to point out the ongoing guest privileges offered on both the personal Sapphire Reserve and the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees). This remains a key differentiator compared to Chase's competitors, which either already or will soon restrict guest access for cardholders.
I've had the chance to visit these lounges in LGA, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and San Diego International Airport (SAN) — and each one has been outstanding.
In addition, both Sam and Brian also touted the new Points Boost redemption option through Chase Travel℠, which allows Sapphire Reserve cardholders to get up to 2 cents per point when booking select flights and hotels. This is particularly lucrative at The Edit properties, Chase's curated collection of luxury hotels and resorts around the world. All Sapphire Reserve cardholders are now eligible for up to $500 in statement credits each calendar year on prepaid stays of at least two nights at these locations (currently split into two $250 credits every six months, but starting in 2026, it's a pair of $250 credits any time during the year).
Related: The full list of Chase's The Edit properties is now available for Sapphire Reserve cardholders
All stays at The Edit properties are available using Points Boost, so if you pay for part of your stay with your card and the rest with points, you'll receive 2 cents per point on the redemption side and receive the statement credit for the cash portion of the booking. Plus, you'll receive the following benefits:
- Daily breakfast for two
- An on-property credit worth up to $100
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- A space-available room upgrade
- Early check-in and late checkout (at select properties; subject to availability)
Even better? Many of these properties are also now eligible to earn points in a hotel loyalty program when you book through Chase.
Simply put, this represents an incredible way to stack value on either Sapphire Reserve card.
This just scratches the surface of what we covered, so be sure to check out the full recording. And if you're not currently a cardholder, you may now be eligible for a targeted welcome bonus of up to 175,000 points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening— click here to check your own offer. There is no impact on your credit score. This offer is only available via this tool. If you are not eligible for this elevated offer, you may still be eligible to earn the standard 125,000-point offer with the same spending requirements.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 8x | Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠. |
| 4x | Earn 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. |
| 3x | Earn 3x points on dining worldwide. |
| 1x | Earn 1x points on all other purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® remains one of the most rewarding travel credit cards thanks to its elevated earning rates on both Chase Travel℠ and direct hotel and airline purchases. Cardholders also gain access to more than $2,700 in potential annual value through premium perks like lounge access, hotel status, lifestyle credits and flexible travel credits. With its strong earning structure and access to Chase’s airline and hotel partners, it’s a top choice for travelers seeking both luxury and long-term value. Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve. (Partner offer)Pros
- Automatic $300 annual travel credit each account anniversary year
- Earn 8 points per dollar spent on Chase Travel purchases and 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked direct
- Over $2,700 in total annual cardmember value, including credits for StubHub, Apple Music, Apple TV+ and DoorDash
- $300 annual dining credit (split up as two semiannual $150 credits) for Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables restaurants
- Access to Chase’s 14 hotel and airline travel partners
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- Steep $795 annual fee, plus a $195 fee per authorized user
- Some credits are split biannually, requiring careful tracking to maximize value
- Some credits require enrollment or specific platforms, which may make it more difficult to maximize value
- May not be a good fit for those who don’t spend heavily on travel or select lifestyle categories
- Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
- Member FDIC
Rewards Rate
| 8x | Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠. |
| 4x | Earn 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. |
| 3x | Earn 3x points on dining worldwide. |
| 1x | Earn 1x points on all other purchases. |
Intro Offer
Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.125,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
$795Recommended 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.740-850Excellent
Why We Chose It
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® remains one of the most rewarding travel credit cards thanks to its elevated earning rates on both Chase Travel℠ and direct hotel and airline purchases. Cardholders also gain access to more than $2,700 in potential annual value through premium perks like lounge access, hotel status, lifestyle credits and flexible travel credits. With its strong earning structure and access to Chase’s airline and hotel partners, it’s a top choice for travelers seeking both luxury and long-term value. Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve. (Partner offer)Pros
- Automatic $300 annual travel credit each account anniversary year
- Earn 8 points per dollar spent on Chase Travel purchases and 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked direct
- Over $2,700 in total annual cardmember value, including credits for StubHub, Apple Music, Apple TV+ and DoorDash
- $300 annual dining credit (split up as two semiannual $150 credits) for Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables restaurants
- Access to Chase’s 14 hotel and airline travel partners
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- Steep $795 annual fee, plus a $195 fee per authorized user
- Some credits are split biannually, requiring careful tracking to maximize value
- Some credits require enrollment or specific platforms, which may make it more difficult to maximize value
- May not be a good fit for those who don’t spend heavily on travel or select lifestyle categories
- Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
- Member FDIC