Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
Which card is better in 2026? We break down fees, rewards, perks, and point values so you can decide.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase
Beginners who want premium travel perks at a low annual fee
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase
Frequent travelers who can maximize the $300 travel credit and lounge access
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Preferred | Chase Sapphire Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $95 | $550 |
| Welcome Bonus | 60,000 Ultimate Rewards | 60,000 Ultimate Rewards |
| Bonus Value | $750 | $900 |
| Dining | 3x | 3x |
| Groceries | 1x | 1x |
| Travel | 2x | 3x |
| Gas | 1x | 1x |
| Streaming | 3x | 3x |
| Everything Else | 1x | 1x |
| Point Value | 1.25 cpp | 1.5 cpp |
Chase Sapphire Preferred Key Perks
- $50 annual hotel credit
- Trip cancellation insurance
- No foreign transaction fees
- Primary rental car insurance
Chase Sapphire Reserve Key Perks Best
- $300 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass lounge access
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
- Primary rental car insurance
The Verdict
Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve. The Reserve wins for travelers spending $5K+ on travel annually — the $300 credit effectively drops the fee to $250, and 1.5 cpp redemption value beats the Preferred's 1.25 cpp. But if you travel less than twice a year, the Preferred is the smarter pick.
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The Amex Gold dominates for anyone spending $500+/month on dining and groceries combined. The 4x earn rate in both categories plus $240 in annual credits (dining + Uber) make the $250 fee easy to justify. The CSP wins only if you value Chase transfer partners or want a lower annual fee.
Read comparisonThe CSR wins on everyday value — 3x on dining and travel beats the Platinum's 1x on most spending. The Platinum only wins if you fly 10+ times a year and can use Centurion Lounges and the full $200 airline + $200 hotel credits. For most people, the CSR is the better all-around premium card.
Read comparisonThe Venture X wins on net cost — the $300 travel credit plus 10,000 anniversary miles ($100 value) make the effective annual fee just -$5. The CSR has better transfer partners and higher point value, but you're paying $250/year for that privilege. For most travelers, the Venture X is the better deal.
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