Chase Sapphire Reserve Very Often Best Card for Travel Purchases
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here - Chase Sapphire Reserve
My husband and his shiny new Chase Sapphire Reserve Cardare now fast friends, and needless to say the card is in very frequent wallet rotation. Because he is working towards hitting the $4,000 minimum spending requirement to trigger the massive 100,000 Ultimate Reward point sign-up bonus, he is using it for almost everything right now, but many of his regular expenses end up being meals out and in travel categories anyway. Both of these expense categories ring in at 3x Ultimate Rewards points on the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which is great. It's just so great it makes me wonder...
At 3x points on travel specifically, I find it interesting that the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card is better at earning points with several hotels and airlines than many of the individual co-branded cards for each of those programs. When you remember that the points earned by the Sapphire Reserve can not only be used towards travel booked with Chase at 1.5 cents per point, but can also transfer 1:1 to the eleven Ultimate Rewards transfer partners, this isn't a complex apples to oranges scenario. This is a case where this one credit card earns multiple forms of miles and points better than any other card, including the co-branded cards for those various companies!
I know not everyone will care about this as much as I do, but I find that absolutely fascinating and slightly surprising.
As a refresher, here are the 11 1:1 transfer partners of Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- British Airways Executive Club
- Flying Blue AIR FRANC KLM
- Korean Air SKYPASS
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards®
- United MileagePlus®
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- Hyatt Gold Passport®
- IHG® Rewards Club
- Marriott Rewards®
- The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®
Earn the Most Points on Travel with the Chase Sapphire Reserve
Now as an example, the $95 per year United MileagePlus Explorer Card, and even the $450 per year United Club Card, both earn 2x United miles on United purchases. This means a $300 United ticket bought and paid for with with that co-branded United card would earn you 600 United miles from the credit card usage itself - this does not factor in the miles you would earn directly from United when you fly on that ticket.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card earns 3x on travel charges, so you would earn 900 Ultimate Reward points if you used that card for the $300 airfare purchase, plus you would still earn the United miles you would normally earn directly from United when you fly on that ticket. Those 900 Ultimate Reward points can transfer 1:1 to United (in increments of 1,000) making it a more lucrative points earning option when purchasing United flights than the United cards themselves.
Similarly, the host of Southwest credit cards also earn 2x on Southwest purchases, but the Sapphire Reserve at 3x on travel beats that since Ultimate Reward points can also transfer 1:1 to Southwest.
The Sapphire Reserve Card ties the 3x points earned at Hyatt properties with the Hyatt Card and the 3x Avios earned on British Airways purchases with the British Airways Visa, but since Ultimate Reward points are more flexible than either of those currencies the Sapphire Reserve is still the winner for those purchases in my mind.
The IHG Credit Card and the Marriott Premier Credit Card both earn 5x on charges at their respective brands as opposed to the 3x Ultimate Reward points the Sapphire Reserve would provide, but based on how I value those points I'd still give the edge to the Sapphire Reserve. Your math on this may vary.
Solid Travel Protections with the Chase Sapphire Reserve
Unlike with some other cards that pay out more on travel or airfare, this one has some killer built-in travel protections, too. I will not earn more points on my airfare at the expense of built-in travel protections. Ever. Again.
I have used built-in trip cancellation coverages before when my youngest got sick and we had to cancel an otherwise non-refundable trip at the last minute, so I know how valuable this benefit can be. These built-in coverages don't require an extra travel insurance policy purchase, but are automatically there when you use your Sapphire Reserve to pay for your trip. A few of these built-in protections include:
- If your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather and other covered situations, you can be reimbursed up to $10,000 per trip for your prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses, including passenger fares, tours and hotels.
- Primary Rental Car Coverage up to $75,000 for theft and collision damage for most rental cars in the U.S. and abroad.
- If you or a member of your immediate family are injured or become sick during a trip far from home that results in an emergency evacuation, you can be covered for medical services and transportation up to $100,000.
- If you or your immediate family members' checked or carry-on bags are damaged or lost by the carrier, you're covered up to $3,000 per passenger.
- If your common carrier travel is delayed more than 6 hours or requires an overnight stay, you and your family are covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket.
- Reimburses you for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing for baggage delays over six hours by passenger carrier up to $100 a day for five days.
In my experience, these protections are as good or better than most other cards...though do a detailed benefit's guide comparison to be sure.
Chase Sapphire Reserve Isn't Always the Best
There are still some instances where using a different credit card for your travel purchase will make sense, such as if that is the only way to get a needed perk like free checked bags or similar. Also, some co-branded cards do still pay out better than the Sapphire Reserve, such as The JetBlue Plus Cardthat awards 6x on JetBlue purchases.
It will be interesting to see if the various co-branded travel cards up their earning power with their own respective companies now that the Sapphire Reserve essentially beats so many of them. It's really hard for me to understand how a card like the United Club Card which has the same $450 annual fee as the Sapphire Reserve will essentially earn fewer United miles on United purchases than the Sapphire Reserve.
Simple Strategy for Travel Purchases with Chase Sapphire Reserve
For now I am thrilled to easily earn 3x points on travel thanks to the Sapphire Reserve Card when making purchases with: airlines, hotels, motels, timeshares, campgrounds, car rental agencies, cruise lines, travel agencies, discount travel sites, and operators of passenger trains, buses, taxis, limousines, ferries, toll bridges and highways, and parking lots and garages. Having it be the best card for so many types of travel purchases really simplifies my overall strategy.
Maybe using one credit card for so many types of travel purchases is kind of boring, but as long as boring comes with a side of 3x transferrable Ultimate Reward points, I'm okay with that. Oh yeah, and it also has the $300 per calendar year credit towards travel purchases, so that is just one more reason to swipe it the next time you need a subway card, Uber ride, hotel stay, or airline ticket.
In which cases will you not use the Sapphire Reserve for travel purchases? Are you as surprised as me that it is better at earning travel points than so many of the individual travel co-branded cards.
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.