No one likes making mistakes — especially when they could cost you 100,000 bonus points.
One of the reasons the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the rewards card I’ve recommended most over the last 16 years is that I’ve never met anyone who regrets getting one. However, I know lots of people who wish they’d applied during a better welcome offer.
Ending soon: New Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Here are four mistakes to avoid — including one I almost made myself — so you can make the most of this great card and limited-time offer.
1) Thinking you aren’t eligible for the 100,000-point bonus when you might be
Chase has changed the Sapphire Preferred eligibility rules in the past year and some people who previously couldn’t qualify may now be eligible. One big change is that having a Chase Sapphire Reserve® no longer disqualifies you from having a Sapphire Preferred.
Another huge development: Some former Sapphire Preferred cardholders who haven’t had the card in many years are also qualifying for this bonus.
Being an authorized user on someone else’s Sapphire Preferred doesn’t disqualify you.
And, as someone who used to have this card a long time ago, I almost made a big mistake in thinking I (and others like me) couldn’t get this 100,000-point bonus again.
But, I was wrong! And I’m now again a Sapphire Preferred cardholder working on earning this highly valuable bonus!
2) Waiting too long and missing the highest-ever bonus
You want to be deliberate with your timing and apply when the offer is as high as possible.
The current 100,000-point offer is tied for the highest we’ve ever seen, and Chase has confirmed this bonus is ending soon. If you’ve decided this card belongs in your wallet, waiting too long could easily cost you hundreds of dollars in bonus value.
3) Coming up short on the spending requirement and not earning the bonus
Imagine putting $5,000 on your new card only to realize you missed the bonus because a few purchases didn’t actually count. That’s a mistake you can avoid by checking which transactions don’t qualify.
The Sapphire Preferred has earned its reputation as one of the best beginner-friendly travel rewards cards for a reason. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll be well on your way to making the most of both the rare 100,000-point welcome bonus and the card’s ongoing benefits.
Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products, and this may impact how or where they appear. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
You are receiving this email because you opted in atthepointsguy.com.
Where to find us:
The Points Guy 100 5th Ave., 16th Floor New York, NY 10011 USA USA
If this newsletter was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.
Advertiser Disclosure:
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. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial Note: 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.
