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The inaugural TPG Awards ceremony was this week in NYC, and what an event it was. From touching tributes to Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee and Captain Sully to recognitions of the very best in loyalty programs and rewards credit cards (not to mention a performance by Bebe Rexha), it was a full-fledged celebration of all things travel.
The winners for each category were announced at the awards show, and the full list is now available online. Arguably the most-anticipated award of the night was Best Premium Credit Card of the Year, defined as a card with a $300+ annual fee. The Chase Sapphire Reserve took the prize in this category, beating out two other finalists.
The CSR’s win isn’t a huge shock, especially considering that its debut back in 2016 was accompanied by fanfare both within and beyond the award travel space. Its 3x earning rate on travel (excluding $300 travel credit) and dining makes it a staple for many, while its annual $300 travel credit, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit and Priority Pass membership add even more value.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve garnered the most votes, and here are how the other two finalists ranked (in descending order):
The Amex Platinum is another strong pick, with a mile-long list of benefits including Centurion Lounge access and up to $200 in annual Uber credits to balance out its $550 annual fee, and the Citi Prestige remains popular thanks to its 4th Night Free perk and $250 airline fee credit, though note that changes are in store on both of those fronts when the card reopens for applications in early 2019.
With great travel benefits, 2x points on travel & dining and a 50,000 point sign up bonus, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great card for those looking to get into the points and miles game. Here are the top 5 reasons it should be in your wallet, or read our definitive review for more details.
- Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $625 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Chase Sapphire Preferred named "Best Credit Card for Flexible Travel Redemption" - Kiplinger's Personal Finance, June 2018
- 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards. For example, 50,000 points are worth $625 toward travel
- No blackout dates or travel restrictions - as long as there's a seat on the flight, you can book it through Chase Ultimate Rewards
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
