Credit Card Review
Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Is It Worth It in 2026?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the best-known travel rewards cards for people who want valuable points without paying a premium annual fee. In 2026, Chase added several new benefits while keeping the annual fee at $95.
The card now offers more ways to earn points, a new $100 annual Chase Travel hotel credit, a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS credit, and expanded travel protections. It also continues to offer flexible Ultimate Rewards points and travel transfer options.
In this Chase Sapphire Preferred review, we'll look at the card's rewards, fees, travel benefits, drawbacks, redemption options, and who should consider it.
Chase Sapphire Preferred at a Glance
```| Feature | Chase Sapphire Preferred |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $95 |
| Current Welcome Offer | 75,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months |
| Chase Travel Rewards | 5x points |
| Dining Rewards | 3x points |
| Gas & EV Charging | 3x points |
| Other Travel | 2x points |
| Online Groceries | 3x points, with exclusions |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None |
| Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit | Up to $100 |
Offer terms, rewards categories, and benefits can change. Check Chase's current pricing and terms before applying.
```What Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred?
```The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a travel-focused rewards credit card from Chase. It is designed for consumers who want to earn flexible points on travel, dining, and everyday spending.
The card charges a $95 annual fee. That puts it below many premium travel cards while still providing travel protections, transfer partners, and other benefits.
One of its biggest advantages is the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. Points can be used through Chase Travel, transferred to eligible airline and hotel loyalty programs, or redeemed through other options.
Why the Card Changed in 2026
Chase introduced several updates on June 15, 2026. The annual fee stayed at $95, while new earning categories and travel benefits were added.
These updates include 3x points on gas and EV charging, 3x points on vacation homes at eligible brands, a $100 annual Chase Travel hotel credit, and up to $120 every four years toward Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS.
```Chase Sapphire Preferred Rewards
```The rewards program is one of the strongest reasons to consider this card. The earning structure covers several common spending categories.
Key Rewards Categories
- 5x points: Travel purchased through Chase Travel
- 3x points: Dining worldwide, including eligible takeout and delivery
- 3x points: Gas and EV charging
- 3x points: Eligible vacation homes such as Airbnb and Vrbo
- 3x points: Online grocery purchases, with exclusions
- 3x points: Eligible top streaming services
- 2x points: Other travel worldwide
- 1x point: Other eligible purchases
Chase also offers limited-time earning opportunities on certain partners and purchases. For example, the card currently provides 5x total points on eligible Lyft purchases through September 30, 2027, subject to the applicable terms.
```The $100 Chase Travel Hotel Credit
```One of the most important 2026 updates is the $100 Chase Travel hotel credit.
Cardmembers can receive up to $100 in statement credits each account anniversary year for qualifying hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel.
The credit does not require a separate activation. However, the hotel booking must meet Chase's eligibility requirements and be made through Chase Travel.
Chase notes that purchases qualifying for the hotel credit do not earn rewards points. The credit is applied as a statement credit after an eligible purchase.
```Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
```The Chase Sapphire Preferred becomes more interesting when you look beyond the basic earning rates. Its Ultimate Rewards points can be used in several ways.
Book Travel Through Chase
Cardmembers can use Ultimate Rewards points through Chase Travel. Certain eligible flights and hotels may qualify for Points Boost, which can make points worth up to 1.5 times their standard value on selected offers.
These offers rotate, so not every flight or hotel will receive the same value.
Transfer Points to Travel Partners
Another major benefit is the ability to transfer Ultimate Rewards points to participating airline and hotel loyalty programs.
Many participating partners use a 1:1 transfer ratio. However, Chase changed the World of Hyatt transfer ratio for Sapphire Preferred cardmembers who apply on or after June 15, 2026 to 4:3.
That means 1,000 Ultimate Rewards points would transfer to 750 World of Hyatt points under the new ratio.
Other Redemption Options
Points can also be redeemed for options such as cash back, statement credits, and gift cards. The value can vary depending on the redemption method and any available promotion.
```Travel Benefits and Protections
```The Chase Sapphire Preferred is more than a points card. It also includes several travel protections that can be useful when a trip does not go as planned.
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
- Trip delay reimbursement
- Auto rental coverage
- Baggage delay insurance
- Travel accident insurance
- Emergency evacuation and transportation coverage
- No foreign transaction fees
The 2026 updates added emergency evacuation and transportation coverage. Chase states that eligible covered travelers can receive coverage for qualifying medical services and transportation related to an emergency evacuation, subject to the benefit terms and limits.
These protections can add value for travelers who would otherwise need to purchase separate coverage. However, coverage has conditions, exclusions, and limits, so the Guide to Benefits should be reviewed before relying on it.
```Welcome Bonus: What You Need to Know
```The current public Chase offer lists 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases during the first three months from account opening.
A welcome bonus can be valuable, but only if you can meet the spending requirement without taking on credit card debt.
Chase may also change welcome offers over time. Always review the offer displayed on the application page before submitting an application.
```Chase Sapphire Preferred Annual Fee
```The annual fee is $95. Chase kept the fee unchanged when it introduced the 2026 benefits.
The key question is whether you can realistically use enough benefits to justify paying that fee each year.
Potential Sources of Value
- $100 annual Chase Travel hotel credit
- Travel rewards on eligible purchases
- Dining rewards
- Gas and EV charging rewards
- Travel protections
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS credit
- Transfer-partner flexibility
The $100 hotel credit alone can exceed the $95 annual fee if you already have a reason to book an eligible hotel through Chase Travel. But you should not value a credit at $100 if you would not otherwise make the purchase.
```Pros and Cons of the Chase Sapphire Preferred
```Pros
- Reasonable $95 annual fee
- Strong travel and dining rewards
- 5x points on eligible Chase Travel purchases
- $100 annual Chase Travel hotel credit
- No foreign transaction fees
- Flexible Ultimate Rewards points
- Transfer options with airline and hotel partners
- Useful travel protections
Cons
- $95 annual fee
- Some benefits require booking through Chase Travel
- Online grocery rewards have exclusions
- Some benefits have activation or expiration requirements
- World of Hyatt transfers now use a 4:3 ratio for certain cardmembers
- Rewards are less useful if you do not travel or use transfer partners
Who Should Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred?
```The Chase Sapphire Preferred may be a good fit for someone who travels at least occasionally and wants a flexible rewards system without paying a premium-card annual fee.
It can also make sense for people who spend regularly on dining, travel, gas, streaming, or eligible online groceries.
It May Be a Good Fit If You:
- Travel at least a few times per year
- Spend regularly on dining
- Want transferable travel points
- Can use the annual hotel credit
- Prefer a moderate annual fee
- Want built-in travel protections
Who May Want to Skip It?
```The card is not automatically a good choice for everyone. If you rarely travel, the annual fee may be harder to justify.
It may also be less attractive if you prefer simple cash-back rewards and do not want to manage travel portals, transfer partners, or redemption strategies.
Before applying, compare the card's benefits with your actual spending habits. A rewards card should fit your budget rather than encourage extra spending.
```How to Get the Most From the Chase Sapphire Preferred
```-
1. Check the Current Welcome Offer
Review the current offer and spending requirement before applying. Offers can change.
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2. Plan Your Spending
If you qualify for a welcome bonus, make sure the required spending fits purchases you already planned to make.
-
3. Use the Annual Hotel Credit
If you need a hotel, consider whether an eligible Chase Travel booking makes sense so you can use the annual credit.
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4. Focus on Bonus Categories
Use the card for eligible dining, travel, gas, EV charging, online groceries, streaming, and other bonus categories when appropriate.
-
5. Learn About Transfer Partners
If you travel often, compare Chase transfer options before redeeming points. A transfer can sometimes provide more value than a simple cash redemption.
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. a Basic Cash-Back Card
```A basic cash-back card may be easier to use. You make purchases and receive cash rewards without thinking about travel portals or loyalty programs.
The Sapphire Preferred takes more work, but it offers more flexibility for travelers. The ability to transfer Ultimate Rewards points can be especially useful for people who understand airline and hotel loyalty programs.
| Feature | Sapphire Preferred | Basic Cash-Back Card |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Rewards | Strong | Usually simpler |
| Transfer Partners | Yes | Usually no |
| Annual Fee | $95 | Often $0 |
| Travel Protections | Strong | Varies |
| Ease of Use | Moderate | Simple |
Chase Sapphire Preferred FAQs
```Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred worth it in 2026?
It can be worth considering if you travel, dine out regularly, and can use the $100 annual Chase Travel hotel credit. The $95 annual fee is relatively modest for a travel rewards card, but the value depends on how you use the benefits.
What is the annual fee for the Chase Sapphire Preferred?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred has a $95 annual fee. Chase kept the fee at $95 when it introduced the card's new benefits in June 2026.
How many points does the Chase Sapphire Preferred earn?
The card earns 5x points on eligible Chase Travel purchases, 3x on several categories including dining, gas and EV charging, eligible vacation homes, online groceries, and top streaming services, plus 2x on other travel and 1x on other purchases.
Does Chase Sapphire Preferred have foreign transaction fees?
No. The card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it useful for eligible purchases while traveling outside the United States.
Can Chase Sapphire Preferred points be transferred?
Yes. Eligible Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to participating airline and hotel loyalty programs. Many partners use a 1:1 transfer ratio, while World of Hyatt uses a 4:3 ratio for certain Sapphire Preferred cardmembers under the 2026 changes.
Bottom Line: Is Chase Sapphire Preferred Worth It?
```The Chase Sapphire Preferred remains a strong option for travelers who want flexible rewards without paying a premium annual fee.
Its 2026 updates make the card more compelling. The $100 annual hotel credit, expanded earning categories, travel protections, and Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS credit add meaningful benefits.
Still, the card is not automatically right for everyone. If you rarely travel or prefer simple cash back, another card may be easier to justify.
Before applying, compare the current offer, annual fee, rewards categories, and benefit terms with your own spending habits.
```Disclaimer
```This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a certified financial advisor before making any financial decisions.
Credit card offers, rewards, fees, rates, and benefits can change. Review the issuer's current terms and conditions before applying.
```
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