Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve - Which is Really Better?

Last updated: Jul 30, 2023

This video compares the benefits and value of the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve credit cards, discussing their annual fees, rewards points, and additional perks.

This video by Brian Jung was published on Jul 21, 2023.
Video length: 17:04.

This YouTube video compares the benefits and features of the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve credit cards.

The video discusses the rewards points, bonus offers, annual fees, and additional perks of each card. It also highlights the value that can be obtained from the cards and provides guidance on which card may be best for different financial situations.

The video emphasizes the importance of considering the overall benefits and costs when choosing a travel credit card.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers 5x ultimate reward points on travel booked through the Chase UR portal.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers 3x points on restaurants, streaming services, and online groceries (excluding wholesale clubs).
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers 1x points on all other purchases.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has an annual $50 statement credit on hotel stays booked through the UR portal.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers an extra 10% point bonus every account anniversary year.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has a welcome bonus of up to 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers 3x ultimate reward points on travel and dining.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers 10x points on Lyft rides.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card has an annual $300 travel credit.

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve - Which is Really Better? - YouTube

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve - Which is Really Better? 001

Benefits of Chase Sapphire Preferred

5x ultimate reward points on travel booked through the Chase UR portal.
3x points on restaurants, streaming services, and online groceries (excluding wholesale clubs).
1x points on all other purchases.
Annual $50 statement credit on hotel stays booked through the UR portal.
Extra 10% point bonus every account anniversary year.
Welcome bonus of up to 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve - Which is Really Better? 002

Benefits of Chase Sapphire Reserve

3x ultimate reward points on travel and dining.
10x points on Lyft rides.
1x points on all other purchases.
Annual $300 travel credit.
Priority Pass Select membership.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit.

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve - Which is Really Better? 004

Comparison of Annual Fees

Chase Sapphire Preferred has an annual fee of $95.
Chase Sapphire Reserve has an annual fee of $550.
Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a fair value for its benefits at $8 per month.
Chase Sapphire Reserve offers more premium benefits but at a higher cost.
The value of the benefits should be considered when deciding which card to choose.

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve - Which is Really Better? 005

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve - Which is Really Better? - YouTube

Conclusion

Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great card for its value and benefits.
Chase Sapphire Reserve offers more premium perks but at a higher cost.
The choice between the two cards depends on individual financial situations and travel preferences.
Both cards have competitive welcome bonus offers.
Consider the benefits, annual fees, and rewards points when deciding which card is better for you.

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve - Which is Really Better? 007

Benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card

10x Ultimate Reward Points on hotels and rental cars booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
10x points on Chase Ultimate Rewards dining purchases for prepaid dining reservations, takeout orders, and virtual cooking events.
10x points per dollar on Lyft rides.
10x points back on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $250 or more.
5x points on flights purchased through the Ultimate Rewards portal.

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve - Which is Really Better? 008

Additional perks of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card

Annual $300 statement credit on travel purchases for flights, hotels, and rental cars.
Priority Pass Select membership for access to airport lounges.
Credits for Global Entry and TSA Pre-check.
60,000 points welcome bonus offer after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
Higher welcome bonus offer compared to the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve - Which is Really Better? 009

Benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card

Same benefits as the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, including 10x points on hotels, rental cars, dining, Lyft rides, and Peloton purchases.
5x points on flights purchased through the Ultimate Rewards portal.
3x points per dollar on dining and all other travel.
1x points on all other purchases.
Annual $300 statement credit on travel purchases.

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve - Which is Really Better? 011

Additional perks of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card

Priority Pass Select membership for access to airport lounges.
Credits for Global Entry and TSA Pre-check.
60,000 points welcome bonus offer after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
Higher annual fee compared to the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.
No higher welcome bonus offer compared to the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve - Which is Really Better? 012

Benefits of Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve

Credit card companies offer high-tier cards as loss leaders to attract customers.
Chase Sapphire Reserve has more benefits and perks compared to Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Chase Sapphire Reserve has a $550 annual fee, while Chase Sapphire Preferred has a $95 annual fee.
Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a welcome bonus offer that can offset the annual fee.
Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a $300 travel credit that can be easily used.

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve - Which is Really Better? 014

Choosing between Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve

If you are frugal or struggling financially, Chase Sapphire Preferred is a good choice.
If you already have other luxury travel cards, Chase Sapphire Preferred can still provide value.
If you travel frequently, Chase Sapphire Reserve is a viable option.
Chase Sapphire Reserve has a $250 annual fee after considering the $300 travel credit.
Chase Sapphire Reserve can work well alongside other luxury cards.

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve - Which is Really Better? 015

Considerations for Choosing the Right Card

Make sure you have a credit score of at least 680 to qualify for either card.
Holding a Chase Freedom product can increase your chances of approval.
If you are new to credit cards, consider starting with the Chase Freedom Flex.
Ask yourself how many trips you have coming up, your current credit score, and your monthly spending.
To justify the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you need to spend $3,400 per year on travel and dining.

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve - Which is Really Better? 017

Comparison of Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve

You can get the Chase Sapphire Preferred and then close it at a certain time, but you have to wait 48 months to qualify for the next welcome bonus offer.
You can upgrade your Chase Sapphire Preferred to the Chase Sapphire Reserve after one year, once the annual fee has been posted to your account.
It is recommended to get the beginner card, wait 48 months, and then go for the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
The choice between the two cards depends on your spending habits, travel frequency, and goals.
You can change your card option down the line if needed.
A Google sheet is available to compare the two cards based on your spending on dining and travel.

Watch the video on YouTube:
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve - Which is Really Better? - YouTube