Chase Sapphire Reserve Overview

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is regarded as one of the top reward credit cards available today.

In June, this premium card saw a refresh with several new benefits and a bump in the annual fee to $795. Alongside these changes, Chase has also updated its bonus eligibility policy.

There are quite a few notable updates to the card, including an impressive welcome offer. New cardholders can earn 100,000 points, $500 in Chase Travel Credit, and spend $5,000 within the first three months of opening their account. Many questions have arisen from readers about these changes, and we think we have the answers.

What’s New with the Card?

Here are the key updates regarding the Sapphire Reserve:

• The annual fee has risen from $550 to $795.
• The fee for authorized users increased from $75 to $195.
• Points earning structure has changed: Hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel now earn 8 points per dollar (down from 10), while flights have gone up to 8 points per dollar. Other travel bookings have also seen adjustments.
• New travel and lifestyle credits have been added, covering places like StubHub and Apple TV. A complete list of credits is available.
• Cardholders will receive complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status until December 31, 2027.
• Additionally, there are perks for earning more status with IHG and Southwest Airlines after spending $75,000 in a calendar year.
• A point boost feature now allows cardholders to get up to 2 cents in value when booking flights or hotels through Chase Travel.

Eligibility for the Sapphire Reserve Welcome Bonus

If you’ve previously received a welcome bonus for the Sapphire Reserve, you might not qualify for another one, no matter how much time has passed since your last bonus.

Also, current holders of the Sapphire Preferred may not be eligible for the Sapphire Reserve Welcome Bonus either.

Holding Multiple Sapphire Cards

Yes, you can hold both the Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Preferred at the same time. However, if you’ve already received a welcome bonus with the Sapphire, you won’t be able to get one for the Reserve.

Receiving a Welcome Bonus

You can earn a welcome bonus for both cards. But, becoming a personal Sapphire cardholder again won’t entitle you to another welcome bonus on the same type of card.

For example, a senior editor at TPG applied for the Sapphire Reserve in 2020 and got the welcome bonus but later downgraded to Sapphire Preferred, which means she’s eligible for its bonus. If she reapplied for Sapphire Reserve, she wouldn’t be eligible for another bonus based on prior policies.

Past Bonus Eligibility

If you earned a bonus more than 48 months ago, you may still be eligible for a welcome bonus on the Sapphire Reserve.

Card Upgrades and Bonuses

Upgrading your existing Sapphire card doesn’t make you eligible for a welcome bonus. You’ll need to apply for the Sapphire Reserve while meeting Chase’s eligibility criteria.

Considering Card Cancellation

This is a personal decision. Some cardholders may find the new statement credits and card benefits not worth the increased fee, while others might think the perks still justify the cost.

Alternative Card Options

There are several premium reward cards out there that can compete with the Sapphire Reserve. Consider looking into other popular options. You might also choose to downgrade to a lower annual fee card, like Chase Freedom Unlimited, or apply for the Sapphire Preferred, which comes with a welcome offer.

Sapphire Reserve vs. Amex Platinum

Ultimately, which card is better really depends on your preferences. If you benefit more from Amex Platinum’s statement credits and comprehensive lounge access, that card could be more advantageous for you.

On the other hand, if you prioritize straightforward rewards and good returns on travel and dining, the refreshed Sapphire Reserve may cater to your needs better.

Using the Point Boost Feature

The point boost feature allows cardholders to earn points worth up to 2 cents when booking through Chase Travel for certain accommodations or flights. Keep an eye out for the Rocket symbol to identify boosted redemption options.

Redeeming Ultimate Reward Points

If you opened your account by June 23, 2025, you can redeem the points earned by October 26, 2025, at a fixed rate of 1.5 cents until October 27, 2027.

Best Ways to Redeem the Welcome Bonus

Look for boost options marked with a rocket symbol. New cardholders can earn up to 2 cents per point on select flights and hotels, while other purchases yield 1 cent per point. Transferring Ultimate Reward points to Chase’s partners can lead to even greater rewards.

Point Refunds

Yes, the refreshed Sapphire Reserve still retains the feature allowing point reimbursements. Eligible categories for this quarter include gas stations and grocery stores, among others.

Booking with Chase Travel

You can book vacation rentals through Chase Travel, earning extra points. Depending on when you apply, you can receive different earnings rates, so be mindful of these rules.

Apple Subscriptions

Sapphire Reserve holders enjoy free Apple TV+ and Apple Music memberships, with existing subscriptions being suspended until a specified date in 2027.

Conclusion

The Chase Sapphire Reserve has undergone significant enhancements, featuring an increased annual fee but a compelling range of new benefits, including travel rewards, subscription perks, and point boosts. While not every applicant will qualify for a generous welcome bonus, those who do can anticipate considerable value. It’s wise to verify your eligibility prior to applying.