I'm pumped! I've just been approved for the new Chase Sapphire Reserve card. If you don't know, the Sapphire Reserve is a brand new luxury travel rewards card from Chase bank. It's a premium version of the popular Chase Sapphire Preferred. The Sapphire Reserve has a bigger bonus and more benefits, but it does have a larger annual fee. The Sapphire Reserve will compete with the American Express Platinum and Citi ThankYou Prestige cards as luxurious travel cards that offer an array of perks.
The Sapphire Reserve comes with a big bonus of 100,000 very valuable Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 in 3 months. 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points are worth $1,500 in travel through the Ultimate Rewards portal, but you can get even more value by transferring them out to a travel partner!
Ok, so there's an annual fee of $450 that isn't waived for the first year. That's hefty. But the perks of the Sapphire Reserve can justify keeping this card in your wallet. And that's not even counting the 100,000 bonus points.
For starters, there's a $300 annual travel credit. This credit can be used for airfare, award fees, bag fees, buses, hotels, etc. A lot of options to burn the $300 statement credit on travel purchases. And the $300 credit is an annual one, so once this calendar year and once next calendar year, and you're at $600 in travel statement credits.
You will also earn 3x points per $1 on travel and dining purchases. That's a great category bonus. And, you will earn a 50% bonus for award redemptions made through the Ultimate Rewards portal. For example, 100,000 points = $1,500 in travel.
Other elite travel benefits include:
- Receive up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✔®
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Access to 900+ airport lounges worldwide with complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership
- Special car rental privileges from National Car Rental, Avis and Silvercar when you book with your card
- Special benefits during your stay with The Luxury Hotel & Resort CollectionSM
- Pay no foreign transaction fees
- World-class suite of travel and purchase protections
Eligibility
The Sapphire Reserve is a Chase bank branded credit card which means you will most likely be denied approval if you have applied for 5 or more credit cards in the last 24 months.
Also, in case you were wondering, you will still be eligible for the Reserve if you have held or currently hold the ever popular Sapphire Preferred.
My Experience Applying for the Chase Sapphire Reserve
I applied online and wasn't instantly approved, but I received an approval after a week. I have only applied for 3 credit cards in the last 24 months, so I was within the 5/24 rule.
Beyond the tremendous 100,000 sign-up bonus, I wanted the Sapphire Reserve because it earns valuable Ultimate Rewards points. I'm saving my Ultimate Rewards points to help fly my loved ones out to see me in California, or for trips to Hawaii and Europe.
I'm also going to enjoy the 3x points per $1 earned on travel purchases and the $300 annual travel credit. Incredible benefits tailored for my travel spending. The Priority Pass will also allow me to bring in a guest to a participating lounge, unlike the Amex Priority Pass.
Final Thoughts
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a fantastic card with an incredible 100,000 points sign-up bonus. The annual fee is high, but it's easily justified if you travel enough to take advantage of its benefits, especially with the $300 annual travel credit.
The earning potential is also top notch with the Chase Sapphire Reserve. Earning 3x on dining and travel purchases is a very nice perk.
How about you? Are you applying for the new Chase Sapphire Reserve?
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