Chase Sapphire Reserve®: The premier travel credit card for high reward travel goers
Unlimited Access to Luxury Perks, Incredible Travel Privileges and Earning Points on Every Purchase
Why I Don’t Regret a Penny I Spent on the Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Discover What Exclusive Benefits Make This Card Ideal for Frequent Travelers
50% in Travel Redemption:
One of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® biggest perks is that your points have a higher value when you use them to book travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal. Each point is worth 1.5 times more — so 50,000 points is worth $750 toward flights, hotels, car rentals and more. In practice, this is a huge bump in point value that can have a dramatic effect for those who travel often, as you’ll be able to stretch your rewards farther than just about any other card on the market. Whether you’re covering a luxury getaway or cashing in on a business trip, this perk makes the Chase Sapphire Reserve® a card to reach for when redeeming your travel rewards.
$300 Annual Travel Credit:
The card provides $300 in travel credit each year that’s automatically reimbursed for a broad category of travel purchases including airfare, hotels, Uber, tolls and more. This benefit alone easily makes up for a significant chunk of the $550 annual fee ($450 with this offer), so the net value is only $250. The credit is automated — no activation or complicated redemption needed. It’s as if you’re being rewarded simply for for spending on something you already spend on most travel expenses, that is. For frequent spenders on travel, this credit alone makes this card more than worth it.
Luxury Airport Lounge Access:
Receive complimentary membership in Priority Pass™ Select and gain access to more than 1,300 airport lounges across 148 countries and counting. Whether you are on business or leisure travel, these lounges provide a tranquil respite from busy terminals, and many also come with complimentary snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi and comfortable seating to work or relax. To power users, that’s a real convenience and real comfort. And it’s a perk that can streamline your travel, and save you time, money and headaches, every time you use it.
All In One Travel and Shopping Protections:
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is more than just rewards — it’s loaded with valuable insurance coverage and protection benefits. (You’ll receive primary rental car coverage, trip cancellation/interruption insurance (up to $10,000 per person), reimbursement for baggage delays, emergency medical coverage while traveling abroad and much more.) Moreover, they are eligible for extended warranty protection and return protection. And those benefits can offer up that peace of mind that you’re covered even when things go wrong — be it traveling across borders or even making a larger purchase at home.
What to Know Before You Apply
Know the Few Downsides — And Why They’re Not Dealbreakers
High Annual Fee:
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® has a $550 annual fee, which is among the highest available in the credit card market. But this fee is counterbalanced with lots of fantastic benefits like the annual $300 travel credit, a Priority Pass membership, and more value from your points. For those who travel often or spend generously on dining and experiences, the benefits can more than offset the cost. That said, if you’re just an occasional traveler, or you want a no-hassles credit card, this may not be the card for you.
Excellent Credit Required:
This is a top-tier card so you’ll need great credit to be approved. The best approval odds typically are for applicants with a credit score of 740 or better. If you are still building up your credit score, you might have to move up to a mid-level card before applying for the Sapphire Reserve®. With that said, it’s this exclusivity that guarantees that the cardholder base is composed of responsible consumers that is apparent in the quality of perks and services that are offered.
How to apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Applying for the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is fairly simple, but there’s certain things you’ll want to prepare for, in hopes of getting approved. Since this is a premium travel card, Chase wants applicants to have excellent credit scores (usually 740 or higher) and a lengthy credit history. You’ll also need to make sure your income fits the high spending limits that this card carries. Before you apply, make sure you aren’t affected by any Chase 5/24 rules that might prevent you from being approved if you’ve opened five or more credit cards in the past 24 months.
The application is available online and only takes a few minutes. And make sure you’re able to enter your own private and financial information accurately if you need to check your status or apply online. You can be approved as soon as you submit your application, or later in a review process. Assuming you are approved, generally 7–10 business days after approval you should receive your physical card, and you can begin earning rewards right away.
Go to the official Chase website and click on the application page for the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
Click “Apply Now,” and fill out the secure online form with details about you and your finances.
Read the terms and apply.
Wait for an approval, which could be immediate or take a few days.
Once approved, you will get your card in the mail and it must be activated in order to use your benefits.
As one of the most exclusive and rewarding travel credit cards in the US market, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is at the top of our list of recommendations. For people who want a luxury card that provides flexibility and top-tier service, nothing compares when it comes to super-premium rewards that offer more than a mere return. They doled out 3x the points on travel and dining - plus, the fact that you can redeem those points for 50% more value via Chase Ultimate Rewards® – this card was designed for making the most of your money, no matter the adventure.
The $300 annual travel credit is a design godsend drastically driving down the true cost of ownership and Priority Pass lounge access is a physical benefit every time you fly. Other perks including Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, premium travel protections and access to unique hotel and dining experiences make this card stand out.
The handful of drawbacks — such as the high annual fee, or requiring excellent credit — are easily offset by the wide array of benefits. Used shrewdly, the card just about pays for itself for the savvy traveler.
Whether you’re a jetting off for a trip of a lifetime or racking up frequent travel points for work, or looking to be rewarded for your purchases, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the savvy choice. That’s not a credit card — it’s a passport to a richer life.
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Chase Sapphire Reserve®: The premier travel credit card for high reward travel goers
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