Here is our review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, the card we recommend over and over to beginners just starting out with credit card points and miles. It is also a card that we’ll always have in our wallets. We recommend that this be one of the first cards people apply for because of the Chase 5/24 rule. It is an unofficial rule that Chase will not approve you for any of their cards if you have opened 5 or more personal cards from any bank in the past 24 months. The standard welcome offer on this card is 60K Ultimate Rewards after a minimum spend of $4000 in three months.

 

Let’s go over some reasons why we think it should be in your wallet.  You can combine Ultimate Rewards with your spouse (or other household members), so we recommend people refer their Player Two to the card and earn referral points.

 

Transfer Partners

We think this card has the very best transfer partners. A huge reason is that you’re able to transfer from your Sapphire Preferred to Hyatt, and Chase is the only bank that transfers to Hyatt. Hyatt is our hotel brand of choice because of the oversized value you get from redeeming Hyatt points for free hotel stays. While we transfer most of our Ultimate Rewards to Hyatt, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines are also programs many people transfer to. Here is a list of all of the Chase transfer partners:

• Aer Lingus
• Air Canada
• British Airways
• Emirates
• Flying Blue (KLM/Air France)
• Hyatt
• Iberia
• IHG
• JetBlue
• Marriott
• Singapore Airlines
• Southwest
• United
• Virgin Atlantic

Your points transfer to all of these partners at a 1:1 ratio, and most transfers occur instantly. However, transfers are one-way only, so make sure t0 confirm availability before you transfer your points.

 

 

Card Benefits

The annual fee is only $95, which is low compared to many. It can be offset by using the $50 annual hotel credit, making it a mere $45/year. You also earn a 10% bonus on your total spending amount when you renew your card and pay the annual fee each year. That means if you spend $25,000 on purchases during your cardmember year, you’ll earn 2,500 bonus points. 

It has amazing travel benefits:

• Primary auto rental collision damage waiver- this is huge as most offer only secondary insurance coverage.
• No foreign transaction fees
• Baggage delay, trip delay, and trip cancellation/interruption insurance
• 24/7 access to customer service
• Zero liability protection

This is the card we use most for renting cars or paying taxes and fees on our award travel because of the great insurance benefits!

 

Category Spending

• Earn 5 points per $1 spent on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• Earn 3 points per $1 spent on dining and takeout
• Earn 3 points per $1 spent on online grocery purchases (not including Target, Walmart, or wholesale clubs)
• Earn 3 points per $1 spent on select streaming services
• Earn 2 points per $1 spent on travel purchased outside of Chase Travel℠
• Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases

 

Ways to Use the Points 

How have we used our points? Ultimate Rewards have been the primary way we’ve booked travel to Hawaii and stayed at the Hyatt Regency Maui or Grand Hyatt Kauai. It’s also been how we have funded many trips to Mexico or Southern California. We love Ultimate Rewards and are continually looking to earn more. This card will get you started on your travel adventures!

 

 

Bottom Line

We all love the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and believe it should be the primary card in every household.  It is a fabulous option because of the great transfer partners available and the nice card benefits. We recommend that this be one of your first cards, not just because it’s a great card but also because of the Chase 5/24 rule.

 

Related Posts

7 Reasons Why I Love Chase Ultimate Rewards

Why I Keep My Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Hotel Credit

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