The Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card is built for people who want travel-focused rewards without stepping into the “luxury card” price tier. Issued by Chase on the Visa network, it’s widely accepted worldwide and earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points on everyday purchases, especially dining and travel.
How the card works in daily life
In practice, your spending automatically generates Ultimate Rewards points. Those points can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, or travel booked through Chase Travel℠. The Sapphire Preferred stands out because it unlocks two features that no-fee cards usually don’t offer: (1) access to transfer partners, and (2) a 25% boost in point value when you book travel through Chase Travel.
Starting credit limit
Chase doesn’t publish a guaranteed starting credit line for the Sapphire Preferred, since limits depend on your profile. In general, this is considered a mid-tier travel card, so approvals tend to come with a “solid” limit relative to entry-level products.
Because Sapphire Preferred is a Visa Signature card, many approvals begin around a $5,000 minimum credit line, and some cardholders receive substantially higher limits based on their credit strength. Over time, your limit can increase, especially if you pay on time, keep utilization low, and show consistent, responsible spending.
Rewards and benefits
Sapphire Preferred’s rewards structure is tuned to real-world spending rather than niche categories. In 2025, the card earns:
- 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
- 3x points on dining, including takeout and delivery
- 3x points on select streaming services
- 3x points on online groceries (excluding warehouse clubs)
- 2x points on other travel purchases
- 1x point on everything else
These multipliers make it easy to accumulate points quickly if dining or travel is a regular part of your budget.
Travel protections that add quiet value
Beyond points, Sapphire Preferred includes benefits that can save money when things go wrong. You get primary rental-car collision coverage, meaning the card’s insurance kicks in before your personal auto policy. There’s also trip delay reimbursement, baggage delay and loss coverage, and no foreign transaction fees, which keeps the card practical for international travel.
Fees, interest, and the Ultimate Rewards “ecosystem”
The card carries a $95 annual fee, which is modest for a travel card with transfer partners. For many users, that fee is partially softened by the $50 hotel credit and fully justified by the higher redemption ceiling. If you redeem through Chase Travel at 1.25 cents per point or transfer to airline and hotel partners for potentially even higher value, the card’s rewards can outpace many no-fee options.
The variable APR is competitive for its category, but like most rewards cards, carrying a balance can wipe out the value of points. The simplest strategy is to pay in full each month and treat the points as a bonus on spending you were already planning to do.
How it compares to other credit cards
Against flat-rate cash-back cards, Sapphire Preferred usually wins for people who dine out or travel regularly. A 2% cash-back card is great for simplicity, but it doesn’t offer transfer partners, meaningful travel protections, or a built-in redemption boost.
Compared to premium travel cards, Sapphire Preferred is the practical middle ground. Products like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum offer airport lounge access and large annual credits, but their fees are much higher. They only make sense if you consistently use those perks. Sapphire Preferred keeps the flexible points, transfer access, and strong insurance, while staying affordable for moderate travelers.
How to acquire the Chase Sapphire Preferred
Applying for Sapphire Preferred is straightforward, but you’ll want to be prepared. You can apply online through Chase, in the Chase mobile app, or at a branch. Before applying, check that your credit profile lines up with the card’s target audience. While there isn’t an official minimum score published, approvals are most common among applicants with good to excellent credit, steady income, and manageable existing debt.
To maximize your approval odds, make sure your credit reports are accurate, avoid applying for multiple cards at once, and keep credit utilization relatively low in the months leading up to your application. If you already have a banking relationship with Chase—such as a checking account, savings account, or another Chase credit card—that can also help.
Is it the right card for you?
Sapphire Preferred is a strong choice if you want one main card that rewards everyday spending and occasional travel. It’s especially good for people who spend on dining, take a couple trips per year, and want the option to redeem points for travel later—even if they start out using cash-back redemptions.
If you rarely travel, don’t spend much on dining, or prefer to avoid annual fees entirely, you may get steadier value from a no-fee cash-back card. But for a wide middle group of users in 2025, Sapphire Preferred hits a sweet spot of affordability, flexibility, and real rewards.
