The world of travel rewards holds immense value, turning everyday purchases into unforgettable experiences. Yet, navigating this landscape can feel overwhelming without the right tools. That is where the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card comes in — often praised as the ideal starter card for earning travel rewards. With its generous points, flexible redemption options, and a reasonable annual fee, this card offers the perfect entry point for newcomers to the points and miles game, while still packing enough benefits to satisfy seasoned travelers. Whether you are looking to cover flights, hotels, or unique travel experiences, this card makes it easier to turn your everyday spending into something remarkable.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Welcome Offer

For those new to travel rewards credit cards, the welcome offer is one of the most appealing features. With the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, new cardholders can earn a welcome bonus of 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months. That is equivalent to $750 toward travel when redeemed through the Chase Travel Portal, thanks to the 25% point boost on travel redemptions offered by the card.

What makes this offer stand out is that it provides an immediate opportunity for a significant travel redemption, which is often enough to cover a round-trip flight or a couple of hotel nights. This welcome offer provides a fast track for beginners to see the value of points-based travel, while offering seasoned points enthusiast a nice bump to their point balances. All for a low annual fee of just $95.

How To Earn Points With The Chase Sapphire Preferred

Credit. Upgraded Points. Earning Points With The Chase Sapphire Preferred.

One of the standout features of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is its ability to earn points across a variety of spending categories that align with everyday expenses and travel. Here is a closer look at how you can maximize your earnings with this card and make the most of its bonus categories:

• 5x points per dollar on Travel booked through Chase Travel℠
• 5x points per dollar on Lyft purchases (through March 2025)
• 5x points per dollar on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more (through March 2025)
  • Limit of 25,000 bonus points
• 3x points per dollar on Dining
• 3x points per dollar on select Streaming Services
• 3x points per dollar on Online Grocery Store purchases (excludes Target, Walmart, and Wholesale Clubs)
• 2x points per dollar on Other Travel purchases
• 1x point per dollar All Other purchases

Why This Matters

The beauty of the Chase Sapphire Preferred is that you do not have to go out of your way to rack up points. By simply using the card for your everyday spending — whether you are grabbing lunch, paying for a streaming service, or booking a weekend getaway — you will naturally earn points in categories that offer bonus rewards. You do not have to constantly strategize or chase specific purchases to see your points balance grow. With this card, earning valuable travel rewards becomes a seamless part of your daily routine.

Related: The Best Credit Cards For Chase Ultimate Rewards

Additional Benefits And Perks Of The Chase Sapphire Preferred

Credit. CNBC. Chase Sapphire Preferred Additional Benefits And Perks.

Beyond earning points, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card comes with a host of additional benefits that offer value, both at home and while traveling.

Benefits And Perks

Here are some of the additional benefits and perks of the Chase Sapphire Preferred:

• $50 Annual Hotel Credit: Each cardmember anniversary year, you will receive a $50 statement credit when booking hotels through the Chase Travel Portal. This perk helps offset the $95 annual fee and provides a simple way to reduce the cost of your next stay.
• 10% Anniversary Point Bonus: In addition to the regular points earned, the card offers a 10% bonus on your total purchases each year. This bonus is calculated based on your total spending in the previous year, giving you a nice point boost without any extra effort. For instance, if you spend $25,000 in a year, you’ll receive an extra 2,500 points just for using the card.
• Complimentary DoorDash Membership: Enjoy complimentary DashPass membership for at least 12 months when you activate by December 31, 2027. DashPass provides free delivery and reduced service fees on eligible orders from restaurants and grocery stores, adding convenience and savings for cardholders who frequently order food.

Travel And Purchase Protection

The Chase Sapphire Preferred also comes with a range of protections that can save you money and offer peace of mind while traveling or making purchases:

• Trip Cancellation / Interruption Insurance: If your trip is canceled or interrupted due to covered reasons like severe weather, illness, or other emergencies, you can be reimbursed for up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for non-refundable expenses such as airfare, hotels, and tours.
• Primary Rental Car Insurance: Unlike many other cards that offer secondary rental car coverage, the Chase Sapphire Preferred provides primary rental car insurance, meaning you are covered for theft and damage without needing to use your personal auto insurance policy.
• Baggage Delay Insurance: If your checked luggage is delayed by more than six hours, you can be reimbursed for up to $100 per day for essential purchases like clothing and toiletries, for up to five days. This can ease the stress of unexpected delays and help cover immediate needs.
• Purchase Protection & Extended Warranty: For eligible purchases made with the card, you will receive purchase protection against damage or theft for up to 120 days, with coverage up to $500 per claim. Additionally, Chase offers an extended warranty on qualifying purchases, adding an extra year of coverage to U.S. manufacturer warranties of three years or less.

These perks make the Chase Sapphire Preferred not just a great card for earning points but also one that adds value through protections and conveniences that make travel less stressful.

How To Redeem Points With The Chase Sapphire Preferred

Credit. Hyatt. Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa.

Now that you have earned all those points, how do you redeem them? The beauty of the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program is in its flexibility. With the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you have multiple ways to redeem your points, with the best value coming from travel redemptions.

Chase Travel Portal

The Chase Travel Portal is an easy-to-use platform where you can redeem your points for travel purchases. When using points this way, you get 25% more value, meaning 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel. The travel portal allows you to book flights, hotels, rental cars, and even experiences. This straightforward redemption method is ideal for beginners who may not want to dive into the complexities of transferring points to travel partners.

Transfer Partners

One of the most powerful features of the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the ability to transfer points to one of the many partners in the Chase Ultimate Rewards® network, unlocking even greater value for your points. Chase has partnered with several leading airlines and hotel chains, allowing you to transfer your points at a 1:1 ratio to their loyalty programs. This flexibility makes it easy to use your points where they matter most.

Airline Partners

Chase has a strong selection of airline partners, giving you access to multiple carriers worldwide. You can transfer your points to programs like United MileagePlus, Southwest Rapid Rewards, or JetBlue TrueBlue. For international travel, you can also take advantage of airline alliances through programs like Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, or Air France-KLM Flying Blue, opening up access to a wide range of flights and routes across the globe.

Hotel Partners

Chase also has multiple hotel transfer partners including major chains such as World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, and IHG Rewards Club. Transferring points to these hotel programs allows you to book free nights or even splurge on more luxurious stays. Among these, Hyatt is often considered a top choice for maximizing value due to its relatively low points requirements for high-end properties.

Tip: By transferring your points to an airline or hotel loyalty program, you can often get far more value per point than you would by redeeming through the Chase Travel Portal.

Alternative Credit Card Options

Credit. CNBC. Alternatives To The Chase Sapphire Preferred.

While the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an excellent choice, it is always good to compare it with other cards to ensure it meets your needs. Here are some alternatives that may better align with your spending habits or transfer partner requirements:

Final Thoughts

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card continues to be one of the most versatile and rewarding travel cards available today, particularly for beginners. Its standout welcome offer, solid earning potential across multiple categories, and a wide range of redemption options — especially through transfer partners — make it a go-to card for anyone looking to get started in the world of points and miles. Additionally, its travel protection benefits, such as primary rental car insurance and trip cancellation coverage, add value far beyond the $95 annual fee.

Whether you are just starting out with points or are a seasoned traveler looking for a flexible rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred strikes a near-perfect balance of affordability, rewards, and perks, making it a must-have for anyone serious about earning free travel.