Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card
A Traveler’s Favorite for Rewards
By: Zienic
Earn 2x–5x points on travel and dining purchases
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card allows cardholders to maximize rewards on popular spending categories. You can earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases, 2x on other travel, and 1x on all other purchases. This makes it easy to accumulate points quickly whether you’re traveling, enjoying a meal, or shopping online.
25% more value when redeeming through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
When redeeming points through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, your points are worth 25% more. This means a balance of 60,000 points becomes worth $750 toward travel instead of $600 in cash. This bonus significantly boosts the value of your points, making the card particularly rewarding for those who book flights, hotels, or car rentals directly through the Chase travel portal.
Flexible point transfers to leading airline and hotel partners
Chase Sapphire Preferred® offers the ability to transfer points at a 1:1 ratio to a wide range of airline and hotel partners, including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Marriott Bonvoy, and World of Hyatt. This flexibility allows you to find exceptional redemption opportunities, such as booking luxury hotels or premium airline cabins at high value per point.
Strong welcome bonus for new cardholders
New cardholders can earn a large welcome bonus after meeting the minimum spending requirement within the first few months of account opening. This bonus is often valued at hundreds of dollars in travel rewards, making it one of the most attractive sign-up offers on the market. Combined with ongoing rewards, this makes the card an outstanding choice for those starting with Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card Stands Out
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card has long been a benchmark for travelers seeking both value and flexibility. One of its most appealing aspects is the rewards structure: cardholders can earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining (including eligible delivery services), 3x on select streaming services, 3x on online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart and Target), 2x on other travel purchases, and 1x on everything else. This makes it an excellent all-around option for people who want to rack up rewards quickly without juggling multiple cards. What makes the card even more valuable is the redemption power. When points are redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, they are worth 25% more, stretching your points further. Additionally, the ability to transfer points to major partners like United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Marriott Bonvoy, and World of Hyatt adds unmatched versatility. For many, this card provides a “sweet spot” between a manageable annual fee and premium travel benefits. It’s particularly appealing for people who want elevated travel perks without committing to the higher fees of premium cards.
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What credit score is needed for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card?
Generally, you’ll need a good to excellent credit score, typically 670 or higher, to qualify.
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Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card have an annual fee?
Yes, the card has a $95 annual fee, which is offset by its strong rewards and travel benefits.
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Can I transfer my points to airlines or hotels?
Yes, you can transfer points at a 1:1 ratio to partners like United, Southwest, Hyatt, and Marriott.
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Is the welcome bonus worth it?
Absolutely. The welcome bonus is one of the most valuable on the market, often worth hundreds of dollars in travel rewards.
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Can I add an authorized user to the card?
Yes, you can add authorized users at no additional cost, and their spending will also earn points.
How to Apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card
Applying for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card is straightforward, but there are a few key factors to keep in mind before submitting your application. First, it’s important to check your credit score—generally, this card requires good to excellent credit (typically a score of 670 or higher). If your score is in that range, you’ll stand a stronger chance of approval. You can apply online directly through Chase’s website. The application form will ask for basic information such as your name, Social Security number, address, and annual income. Chase uses this information to evaluate your ability to responsibly manage credit. Some applicants may receive instant approval, while others might need to wait a few days if further review is required. It’s also worth noting Chase’s “5/24 rule.” If you’ve opened five or more personal credit cards across all banks in the past 24 months, you may be automatically denied. Being mindful of this guideline can save you from a wasted credit inquiry. Once approved, you’ll receive your card in the mail within 7–10 business days. From there, you can activate it and immediately begin earning rewards on your everyday purchases.