Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Amex Platinum – Credit Card Comparison | CNN

• Sep 23, 2025
• zettahaedlines

The Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card has gained a stellar reputation among travelers and rewards enthusiasts alike. Known for its premium benefits, lucrative rewards, and travel perks, the card has become a staple for those who value luxury, flexibility, and convenience in their financial transactions. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a foodie, or someone who enjoys earning rewards on everyday spending, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a package that is both versatile and rewarding. In this article, we’ll delve deep into everything you need to know about the Chase Sapphire Reserve, from its features, benefits, eligibility criteria, fees, and more, providing a comprehensive guide for potential cardholders.

What is the Chase Sapphire Reserve?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a premium travel rewards credit card issued by Chase Bank. Launched in 2016, it quickly became popular due to its generous sign-up bonuses, high reward points on travel and dining, and extensive travel protections. It is part of the broader Chase Sapphire line, which includes the Chase Sapphire Preferred, but the Reserve is positioned as the higher-end option, targeting individuals who are willing to pay a premium annual fee in exchange for enhanced benefits.

This card is particularly designed for those who frequently travel, whether domestically or internationally, as it provides access to exclusive travel benefits and premium services that can significantly enhance the travel experience.

Key Features of Chase Sapphire Reserve

1. Sign-Up Bonus

One of the most attractive features of the Chase Sapphire Reserve is its sign-up bonus. Typically, the card offers a significant number of points if you meet a minimum spending requirement within the first three months of opening the account. These points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, or other rewards, often offering excellent value when used through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.

2. Earning Points

The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns Ultimate Rewards points, which are highly versatile and can be redeemed in multiple ways. Here’s a breakdown of how points are earned:

• 3x points on travel: This includes airfare, hotels, car rentals, and other travel-related purchases.
• 3x points on dining: Earn points when you dine at restaurants, whether it’s a casual meal or a fine dining experience.
• 1x point on all other purchases: For all non-travel and non-dining purchases, you earn one point per dollar spent.

The points earned are part of the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, which allows flexibility in redemption options and transfer to various travel partners for maximum value.

3. Travel Credits

Cardholders of the Chase Sapphire Reserve enjoy an annual travel credit. This credit is automatically applied to travel purchases such as airfare, hotel bookings, taxis, or even some rideshare services. It effectively reduces the impact of the annual fee by offsetting travel expenses, making the card more accessible despite its higher cost.

4. Priority Pass Membership

One of the most coveted perks of the Chase Sapphire Reserve is access to airport lounges through Priority Pass Select membership. Cardholders receive complimentary access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. This includes access to comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, snacks, and beverages—ideal for frequent travelers looking for comfort before their flights.

5. Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Credit

The Chase Sapphire Reserve also reimburses cardholders for the cost of Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees, which can speed up airport security procedures significantly. This benefit not only adds convenience but also saves time, enhancing the overall travel experience.

6. Travel and Purchase Protection

Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a suite of travel and purchase protections, making it a secure choice for those spending heavily or traveling often. These include:

• Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Coverage in case your trip is canceled or interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Travel Accident Insurance: Coverage for accidents occurring while traveling.
• Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Compensation for lost or damaged luggage.
• Purchase Protection: Coverage for items purchased using the card that are damaged or stolen.
• Extended Warranty: Additional warranty protection for eligible purchases.

These protections provide peace of mind, ensuring that cardholders are covered in various travel and purchase-related scenarios.

7. Concierge Service

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders gain access to a 24/7 concierge service that can assist with a range of tasks, such as booking reservations, sourcing hard-to-find tickets, or arranging travel itineraries. This feature is particularly valuable for those who value convenience and time-saving solutions.

Annual Fee and Interest Rates

While the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a plethora of benefits, it comes with a high annual fee, which as of 2025, is $550. However, the card’s travel credits and rewards often offset this cost for frequent travelers. Interest rates for purchases and balance transfers are variable and depend on the cardholder’s creditworthiness. To maximize benefits, it is advisable to pay off the balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve, certain criteria must be met:

• Credit Score: Applicants generally need an excellent credit score (typically 700 or above).
• Income: A stable income source is preferred, as the card is a premium product with a high credit limit.
• U.S. Residency: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
• Age: Must be at least 18 years old to apply.

Meeting these criteria increases the likelihood of approval and ensures cardholders can fully utilize the card’s features.

Redemption Options

One of the key advantages of the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the flexibility in redeeming Ultimate Rewards points:

• Travel Booking: Points can be redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal at a rate of 1.5 cents per point.
• Transfer to Travel Partners: Points can be transferred to airline and hotel loyalty programs such as United MileagePlus, Southwest Rapid Rewards, World of Hyatt, and Marriott Bonvoy. This often provides even higher value per point.
• Cash Back: Points can be redeemed for cash back at a rate of 1 cent per point.
• Gift Cards and Experiences: Points can also be redeemed for gift cards, experiences, or merchandise through the Ultimate Rewards portal.

This flexibility allows cardholders to tailor their rewards strategy based on personal preferences and maximize the value of their points.

Benefits of Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is not just a credit card; it is a lifestyle tool that offers multiple advantages:

1. Enhanced Travel Experience

From airport lounge access to travel credits and concierge services, the card is designed to make travel smoother and more enjoyable. These benefits are especially valuable for frequent travelers looking to minimize stress and maximize comfort.

2. Reward Maximization

With 3x points on travel and dining, cardholders earn rewards quickly. Combined with flexible redemption options, this allows for substantial value, whether used for flights, hotels, or other travel-related expenses.

3. Purchase Protection

The card offers purchase and travel protections that safeguard cardholders from financial losses due to theft, damage, or unexpected travel interruptions. This security feature is particularly appealing for those who make significant purchases or travel frequently.

4. Lifestyle and Convenience

From concierge services to Global Entry reimbursement, the card simplifies various aspects of life, making everyday tasks and travel more convenient. These features often enhance the overall lifestyle of the cardholder.

5. Luxury Perks

The card provides access to exclusive events, priority services, and premium travel experiences that are typically unavailable to standard credit cardholders. This positions the Chase Sapphire Reserve as more than just a financial tool—it becomes a gateway to luxury and exclusive experiences.

Potential Drawbacks

While the Chase Sapphire Reserve is packed with benefits, it’s important to consider potential drawbacks:

• High Annual Fee: At $550 per year, the fee is significantly higher than many other credit cards. It is most valuable to those who can fully utilize the travel credits and perks.
• Excellent Credit Required: Not everyone will qualify for the card due to its premium status.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: While the card has no foreign transaction fees, some associated travel purchases may still incur fees outside the card’s scope.
• Complex Rewards Structure: Maximizing points often requires understanding redemption strategies and travel partners, which can be complex for casual users.

Despite these considerations, many cardholders find that the benefits outweigh the costs, particularly for frequent travelers.

How to Apply for Chase Sapphire Reserve

Applying for the Chase Sapphire Reserve is straightforward:

1. Check Your Credit Score: Ensure your credit score meets the requirement.
2. Visit Chase’s Website: Navigate to the Chase Sapphire Reserve application page.
3. Complete the Application: Provide personal details, income information, and other required data.
4. Submit and Wait for Approval: Chase typically provides instant or near-instant decisions for qualified applicants.
5. Activate Your Card: Upon approval, activate your card and start enjoying the benefits.

It is important to consider your financial situation and usage patterns before applying, as the high annual fee should be justified by the rewards and benefits you plan to use.

Tips for Maximizing Chase Sapphire Reserve Benefits

1. Use Travel Credits Wisely

Ensure you take full advantage of the $300 annual travel credit, as this effectively reduces the annual fee and maximizes the card’s value.

2. Redeem Points Strategically

Transferring points to travel partners often provides higher redemption value than booking directly through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Research and compare options before redeeming points.

3. Plan Dining and Travel Purchases

Since the card earns 3x points on travel and dining, prioritize using it for these categories to accumulate rewards faster.

4. Take Advantage of Lounge Access

Frequent travelers should utilize the Priority Pass membership to enhance comfort and save on airport expenses. Even a few lounge visits can offset the cost of the annual fee.

5. Leverage Travel Protections

Be aware of the card’s travel and purchase protections to make the most of its insurance benefits. This includes filing claims for trip cancellations, lost luggage, or purchase protection claims when necessary.

Alternatives to Chase Sapphire Reserve

While the Chase Sapphire Reserve is highly appealing, other cards may suit different needs:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred: Lower annual fee, slightly reduced benefits.
• American Express Platinum: Premium travel perks and lounge access.
• Citi Prestige: Travel rewards with comparable benefits.
• Capital One Venture X: Competitive travel rewards and annual fee structure.

Choosing the right card depends on personal travel habits, spending patterns, and preference for rewards versus fees.

FAQs About Chase Sapphire Reserve

Q1. What is the annual fee for the Chase Sapphire Reserve?
The annual fee for the Chase Sapphire Reserve is $550. However, the $300 annual travel credit effectively reduces the cost for those who utilize it fully.

Q2. How many points can I earn with the Chase Sapphire Reserve?
Cardholders earn 3x points on travel and dining, and 1x point on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards for travel, cash back, gift cards, or transferred to travel partners.

Q3. Does Chase Sapphire Reserve charge foreign transaction fees?
No, the card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international travel.

Q4. Can I get access to airport lounges with Chase Sapphire Reserve?
Yes, the card includes complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, granting access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide.

Q5. Is there a sign-up bonus for the Chase Sapphire Reserve?
Yes, the card typically offers a large sign-up bonus if you meet the minimum spending requirement within the first three months of account opening.

Q6. Are there travel insurance benefits with the Chase Sapphire Reserve?
Yes, the card provides trip cancellation/interruption insurance, travel accident insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and other protections.

Q7. Who is eligible to apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve?
Applicants must have excellent credit, a stable income, be at least 18 years old, and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Q8. Can I redeem points for cash back?
Yes, points can be redeemed for cash back at a rate of 1 cent per point. However, using points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards or transferring to travel partners often provides higher value.

Q9. What is the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck benefit?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve reimburses cardholders for the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, which can expedite security and customs processes at airports.

Q10. Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth it?
The card is worth it for frequent travelers who can maximize travel credits, rewards points, and lounge access. For occasional users, the high annual fee may outweigh the benefits.