Chase Sapphire Preferred: The Essentials points

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a top choice for U.S. consumers seeking a rewards-focused credit card, particularly travelers and dining enthusiasts.

Issued by Chase Bank, it combines a powerful rewards program with a host of travel and lifestyle perks. Below is an in-depth overview of its features, benefits, and tips to maximize its value.

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1. Key Benefits

Rewards with Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is built around the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, offering substantial earning potential:

• 5x points on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
• 3x points on dining (including takeout and delivery), eligible streaming services, and grocery delivery services.
• 2x points on other travel purchases (airfare, hotels, car rentals, etc.).
• 1x point on all other purchases.

The Chase Ultimate Rewards portal provides flexible redemption options, including travel bookings, gift cards, merchandise, cashback, and transfers to over 10 travel partners like United Airlines, Marriott Bonvoy, and World of Hyatt. Points redeemed for travel through the portal get a 25% value boost, meaning 60,000 points become $750 toward travel.

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Welcome Bonus

New cardholders can earn 60,000 points by spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. These points are worth $750 in travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, making the welcome bonus one of the most competitive in its category.

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Travel Benefits

The Chase Sapphire Preferred includes a variety of travel-related perks:

• Travel Insurance: Protection against trip cancellations or interruptions, baggage delays, and accidents.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: A significant advantage for international travelers.
• Travel Assistance: Access to emergency help and concierge services while traveling.
• Primary Rental Car Insurance: Unlike many cards that provide secondary coverage, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers primary coverage for collision and theft on rental vehicles.

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Consumer Protections

Beyond travel, the card offers several consumer protection benefits:

• Purchase Protection: Covers items purchased with the card against damage or theft for up to 120 days (up to $500 per claim).
• Extended Warranty: Adds up to one additional year to the original manufacturer’s warranty on eligible products.
• Fraud Protection: Zero liability for unauthorized charges.

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Dining and Lifestyle Perks

The card also rewards dining enthusiasts with 3x points on all restaurant spending, including delivery services. Additionally, it provides access to exclusive experiences, such as VIP events, concerts, and culinary experiences through the Chase Experiences platform.

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2. Fees and Costs

While packed with features, the Chase Sapphire Preferred has a straightforward fee structure:

• Annual Fee: $95.
• Interest Rate (APR): Varies depending on the applicant’s credit profile, typically around 20% for purchases.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Save up to 3% on purchases made abroad.

It’s important to manage your balance carefully and pay it in full each month to avoid interest charges and maximize the value of the card’s benefits.

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3. How to Apply

Applying for the Chase Sapphire Preferred is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to get started:

1. Check Eligibility: The card is designed for applicants with good to excellent credit, typically requiring a credit score of 690 or higher.
2. Visit the Official Website: Head to the Chase website. Click here to apply.
3. Complete the Application Form: Provide personal details like name, income, and Social Security Number (SSN).
4. Submit and Await Approval: Applications may be approved instantly, but some may require additional processing time.

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4. Who Should Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is ideal for:

• Frequent Travelers: Its travel-related benefits, such as insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and primary rental car coverage, make it a valuable tool for those who travel often.
• Dining Enthusiasts: With 3x points on dining, including takeout and delivery, food lovers will find great value.
• Points Optimizers: Those who maximize point transfers to travel partners or use the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal can extract significant value.
• Budget-Conscious Users: With a modest $95 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, the card is accessible to most consumers.

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5. Tips to Maximize the Chase Sapphire Preferred

Here are some strategies to get the most out of your Chase Sapphire Preferred:

1. Use the Chase Ultimate Rewards Portal: Book travel through the portal to earn extra points and redeem them with a 25% value boost.
2. Pair with Other Chase Cards: Combine it with cards like the Chase Freedom Flex or Freedom Unlimited to maximize points in specific categories and transfer them to your Sapphire Preferred account for greater flexibility.
3. Meet the Welcome Bonus Threshold: Plan your spending during the first three months to ensure you meet the $4,000 requirement for the 60,000-point bonus.
4. Take Advantage of Dining Rewards: Use it for dining and delivery services to earn 3x points.
5. Pay Your Balance Monthly: Avoid high-interest charges by paying off your balance in full each month.

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6. Why Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred strikes a balance between affordability and premium benefits.

Its annual fee is reasonable at $95, and the robust rewards program, travel perks, and flexible redemption options make it a valuable asset for a wide range of users.

Whether you’re a frequent traveler or someone who enjoys dining out, this card offers a solid return on investment.

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Ready to start earning rewards and enjoying premium benefits? Apply now through the official website:
👉 Chase Sapphire Preferred Application.