Why I love my Chase Sapphire Preferred card — and will always keep it in my wallet
Editor's Note
Being a points and miles enthusiast means I have a drawer full of credit cards. Choosing which cards to carry in my wallet can be a daunting task at times. However, one card will always have a slot in my wallet: the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees).
The Sapphire Preferred was crowned the Best Travel Rewards Credit Card at the 2024 TPG Awards for the seventh year in a row. So, it’s no wonder TPG staffers rank this as one of their favorite credit cards.
New Sapphire Preferred cardholders can also earn a welcome offer of 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Based on TPG’s April 2025 valuations, this offer is worth $1,538.
Here’s why the Sapphire Preferred will always stay in my wallet.
Solid earning rates
The most enticing feature of the Sapphire Preferred for me is its high earnings rates in a multitude of categories:
- 5 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel℠
- 5 points per dollar on eligible Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027)
- 5 points per dollar spent on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more (through Dec. 2027, with a limit of 25,000 bonus points)
- 3 points per dollar spent on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs)
- 2 points per dollar spent on all other travel not booked through Chase Travel
- 1 point per dollar spent on everything else
Dining is the biggest spending category on my cards. The American Express® Gold Card is my go-to card for dining at restaurants worldwide because of its 4 points per dollar earning rate (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).
However, as an international foodie, I often find myself at many hole-in-the-wall restaurants that don’t accept Amex. That is where my Sapphire Preferred comes in handy with its 3 points per dollar earning rate on dining. The Sapphire Preferred is on the Visa network, so I never worry about acceptance.
Furthermore, I love the 2 points per dollar this card earns on travel booked outside of Chase Travel. Chase defines travel very broadly, and the most common travel purchases I make — such as ride-hailing, parking and public transit — code as travel.
Lyft is my ride-hailing app of choice. I take at least 10 Lyfts on average per month, so earning 5 points per dollar spent on rides with no cap helps me rack up Chase Ultimate Rewards points (through Sept. 30, 2027).
Related: The best cards for international travel
Flexible points
Another major reason to carry the Sapphire Preferred is so you can earn Ultimate Rewards points. Cardholders can redeem these points through Chase Travel for up to 1.75 cents per point (depending on the specific redemption; see your rewards program agreement for full details) or transfer them to one of Chase’s 14 hotel and airline partners.
Personally, I don’t redeem through Chase Travel since my points’ value is significantly higher when I use transfer partners.
Recently, I redeemed 30,000 Ultimate Rewards points by transferring them to World of Hyatt for a two-night stay at the Hyatt Centric Dublin the Liberties in Dublin over St. Patrick's Day weekend when cash rates were running over $450 per night.
Related: How much are Chase Ultimate Rewards points worth?
Valuable statement credits
The Sapphire Preferred comes with a handy annual $50 hotel credit when you book through Chase Travel.
I don’t generally recommend booking a hotel through an online travel agency like Chase Travel since booking directly with the hotel is usually best. That way, you can earn points with that brand's loyalty program.
However, I recommend it when you're abroad in cities where the hotels you're interested in are not part of any major loyalty program.
Two years ago, I used the hotel credit for one night at the Canzi Cataratas Hotel near Brazil’s Iguazu Falls. Last year, I used the credit for one night at a boutique hotel in Morocco.
Neither of these hotels was attached to a loyalty program, so I had no problem booking through Chase Travel. These hotels were a little more than $50 a night, so the annual credit effectively netted me close to a free night each time.
Related: 6 reasons why you should book directly with an airline or hotel
Stackable Chase Offers
Chase sends targeted offers to cardholders, meaning these offers vary depending on the cardholder. I often see offers such as extra points or cash back at retailers and restaurants I frequent.
These targeted offers on the Sapphire Preferred are also stackable with the card’s bonus earnings and with shopping portals.
Related: Earn bonus miles with these airline portal promotions
Useful benefits
The Sapphire Preferred includes a handful of benefits that I use frequently. These include a complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership (activate by Dec. 31, 2027).
The DashPass membership is very valuable to me as I order food at least once a month, and DashPass waives the delivery fee.
This card also has no foreign transaction fees and numerous travel protections, which can help me in case my plans go awry. That's essential for me as a frequent international traveler.
Related: Instacart+ members now get a free Peacock subscription
Low annual fee
Many cards with similar benefits and earnings rates have high annual fees. This makes the Sapphire Preferred stand out with its annual fee of just $95. Its benefits, statement credits and ability to earn Ultimate Rewards points provide enough value to easily outweigh its annual fee.
Bottom line
The Sapphire Preferred is a credit card that will always be in my wallet. With its excellent earning rates and no foreign transaction fees, it’s the perfect travel companion for avid international travelers like myself.
Most importantly, the Sapphire Preferred earns a flexible rewards currency in the form of Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which allows me to leverage transfer partners to maximize my redemption value.
To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred
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.