Chase Sapphire Preferred Review (2026) — Claire's Honest Take
Our Verdict
The best entry-level premium travel card. The math works for anyone spending over $300/month on dining.
Apply for Chase Sapphire Preferred →The Case For This Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 3x points on dining, 2x on travel, and 1x on everything else. Points are worth 1.25 cents each when redeemed through the Chase travel portal — higher when transferred to airline and hotel partners like United, Hyatt, or Southwest.
The $95 annual fee is the first question most people ask about. Here's the math: if you spend $300/month on dining, you earn $135 in annual value from dining alone (3,600 points/month × 12 × 0.00125). That covers the fee. Everything else — travel earnings, signup bonus, purchase protection, trip cancellation coverage — is upside.
The Welcome Bonus
The current welcome bonus is 60,000 points after $4,000 in the first three months. Those 60,000 points are worth $750 in the travel portal or significantly more via transfer to partners. This is the primary reason to apply in a quarter when you have $4,000 of known upcoming spending — the bonus alone justifies the first year entirely.
Who This Card Is For
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is the right card for someone who dines out regularly, travels at least once or twice per year, pays their balance in full each month, and wants a straightforward premium card without paying $550 for the Reserve. It's the most common first "real" rewards card I recommend, and it's earned that reputation.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
If your dining spend is under $150/month and you don't travel, the math gets tighter. A no-fee 2% flat-rate card might earn you more in absolute terms without the fee. If you're a very frequent traveler, the Reserve's 3x on travel and lounge access might justify the higher fee.
The Redemption Reality
The 1.25 cents per point through the travel portal is reliable and easy. Transfer partners can get you 1.5 to 2 cents per point or more if you're willing to research. Most people don't research transfer partners, and 1.25 cents through the portal is still excellent. This card works well for people who aren't trying to maximize — the floor is high enough that casual use beats most alternatives.
- ✓You spend $300+/month dining out
- ✓You travel 1-2x per year
- ✓You pay your balance in full monthly
- ✗Your dining spend is under $150/month
- ✗You travel heavily (the Reserve is better)
- ✗You carry a balance month to month
Pros
- 3x points on dining
- 2x on all travel
- 1x on everything else
- 60,000 point welcome bonus (worth $750+)
- Trip cancellation insurance
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- $95 annual fee
- No lounge access
- No hotel/airline transfer bonus at booking
- Points worth less if redeemed for cash
Frequently Asked Questions
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Get it free →How It Compares
| Product | Score | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred THIS REVIEW | 8.7/10 | Dining + moderate travel | View → |
| Amex Gold | 9.4/10 | Heavy dining + groceries | Apply |
| Citi Double Cash | 8.1/10 | No-fee simplicity | Apply |
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