Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A Mixed Bag After the Fee Hike
For nearly a decade, the Chase Sapphire Reserve was an easy pick for many looking for a premium credit card.
With its impressive rewards rate, great travel perks, and integration into the Chase Ultimate Rewards Ecosystem, I felt the card justified its annual fee.
However, things changed dramatically last year. Chase increased the annual fee to $795 and rolled out a series of new benefits, credits, and restrictions.
I’ve held either the Sapphire Reserve or its counterpart, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, for a decade now. When the changes were unveiled in June 2025, my renewal a few months later meant I had the chance to keep the older $550 fee for one more year.
This timing has given me a full year to assess the updated card and decide if the new fee is worth it come October.
So far? My experiences have been a bit of a rollercoaster.
If you’re already a Sapphire Reserve cardholder or thinking of applying, it’s worth putting in your two cents today.
Changes to Sapphire Reserve After the Update
For many years, the Sapphire Reserve was appreciated for its straightforward nature.
You earned 3 points for every dollar spent on travel and dining, without any convoluted tiers or limits—well, unless you added an authorized user, which used to cost $75 but is now $195.
But the revamp changed a lot of that. The most noticeable shift? The annual fee jumped to $795.
Some updates, however, are good news. Chase has upped its point earning for flights and hotel bookings from 3 points to 4 when booking directly with airlines or hotels—a notable advantage.
Yet, there are other adjustments that complicate things. The once-simple structure of the Sapphire Reserve now feels more layered with multiple tiers of benefits.
This doesn’t mean the card lacks value; it’s just that my overall experience seems a little messier than before.
Why I’m Rethinking Sapphire Reserve
Loss of General Travel Category
One reason I enjoyed using the Sapphire Reserve was its broad travel categories.
It used to offer 3 points per dollar on everything from vacation rentals to ride-hailing services, which made it my go-to for nearly all travel expenses.
The recent changes eliminated this general category, though, which means I now earn fewer points for certain travel purchases, particularly in areas like private lodging and ground transportation—only 1 point per dollar now.
It’s a small tweak, but I’ve definitely felt the difference in how often I reached for my card.
Frustrations with Ultimate Rewards Points
The flexibility of Ultimate Rewards points is a big reason I’ve kept my Sapphire card for so long. They’re particularly valuable when transferred to partners like World of Hyatt.
Sadly, ongoing technical issues have plagued the Ultimate Rewards interface, especially when it comes to transferring and combining points. Initially, it seemed like a short-term glitch, but the hassle has persisted, requiring me to call Chase for assistance each time.
Many cardholders seem to be stuck in a similar situation; if the tech fails, it weakens the appeal of the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem.
Referral Program Woes
Chase’s Referral Program is a nice way to earn extra points, but mine has been malfunctioning for over a year. The tracking system hasn’t reset properly, so I estimate I’ve missed out on about 60,000 points from referrals.
These may seem like minor issues, but when the systems designed to track rewards malfunction, it’s hard to trust the program.
Changes to Benefits Soon After Launch
One of the perks added in the last update was a points boost; however, just a few months later, Chase altered some of these benefits.
This leaves cardholders questioning the stability and reliability of these incentives.
Premium Benefits Have Limited Usability
Some of the new perks come with rules that can limit their practicality. For example, the editorial credit and $250 Chase Travel hotel credit both require a minimum two-night stay.
Plus, existing cardholders had to wait until October to access the new benefits after the announcement, making the earlier months feel like a lost opportunity.
Inconsistent Customer Service
Recently, I faced a scam incident with my Sapphire Reserve account. While Chase handled the fraudulent charge well, they sent my replacement card to the wrong address, despite verifying it during the call.
This wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it added to the sense of inconsistency I’ve encountered in customer service this past year. For a card that costs $795 annually, you definitely expect a smoother experience.
Where Sapphire Reserve Still Excels
Despite the setbacks, there are still things to appreciate about the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
The $300 annual travel credit is still one of the easiest benefits to use among premium cards. It applies automatically to a range of travel purchases without the need for registration.
You also earn 4 points for bookings made directly with airlines and hotels, a high return rate for important travel expenses.
Plus, Chase’s travel protection offerings remain top-notch. Recently, the card covered the cost of replacing my damaged luggage, which proved invaluable during my journey from Portugal to the Czech Republic.
How Sapphire Reserve Stacks Up Against Competitors
Lately, I’ve found myself gravitating towards the American Express Platinum Card and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
The Amex Platinum offers lounge access and more statement credits, but its annual fee exceeds that of the Sapphire Reserve.
Meanwhile, the Venture card offers bonus anniversary miles and a slightly more convoluted travel credit.
However, its rewards seem weaker compared to the Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
While the Sapphire Reserve still holds some advantages in its simplicity and valuable rewards, my experience feels less polished when considered alongside its competitors.
Who Should Keep Sapphire Reserve?
Even with my concerns, the Sapphire Reserve can still appeal to various travelers.
If you often book directly with airlines and hotels, the 4 points per dollar rate is very attractive.
Those who make full use of both the $300 travel credit and the additional credits may find the annual fee manageable.
For anyone who prioritizes solid travel protection, the Sapphire Reserve is still among the best options out there.
What to Consider Before Paying the Next Renewal Fee
Having tested the updated card for almost five months, there’s still some time—about seven months—before my renewal decision in October. I need to determine if the $795 fee is justifiable.
Moving forward, I’ll be watching closely to see if the issues I’ve faced can be resolved, specifically the technical troubles and customer service quality of Ultimate Rewards.
Most importantly, I want to be sure that the Sapphire Reserve aligns with my spending and travel preferences, making it stand out among other premium cards.
If these concerns remain unaddressed, I might consider downgrading to the Sapphire Preferred to save on the hefty annual fee.
Conclusion
The Chase Sapphire Reserve can still provide significant value, particularly for those travelers looking to maximize their travel credits, earn robust points on direct bookings, and enjoy strong travel protection.
For most of the last ten years, Sapphire Reserve has been a straightforward card to keep. But now, with a $795 fee, Chase has about seven months to demonstrate that it still deserves a spot in my wallet.
