Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Worth It in 2026?

There was a time when the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) didn't require much thought.

You paid the fee, booked a few trips, used the travel credit, and the value showed up on its own.

In 2026, that's no longer guaranteed.

The annual fee is $795, the rewards are richer than ever, and the perks are deeper, but they're also more behavior-dependent. This card can still be incredibly valuable. It can also be overkill.

Here's how the math really works now.

The annual fee is high, but the value is stacked

There's no sugarcoating it. At $795, this is one of the most expensive cards most people will ever consider.

The core offset is still simple:

• $300 annual travel credit that applies broadly to airfare, hotels, rental cars, and rideshares.

From there, the value builds through layered perks:

• Lounge access via Priority Pass and Chase Sapphire Lounges
• Monthly DoorDash and Lyft credits
• Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® credit ever four years
• Property credits when booking premium stays through Chase

On paper, it's easy to clear $1,000 in annual value. In practice, you only capture that value if you're already traveling and using those services.

The earning rates are genuinely elite

This is where the card still separates itself.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® now earns:

• 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct
• 3x points on dining worldwide
• 1x points on all other purchases

For frequent travelers, that's exceptional. Especially when paired with Chase's transfer partners, those points can turn into premium flights and high-end hotel stays very quickly.

If most of your spending is travel and dining, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® racks up points fast. If your spending skews toward groceries and everyday bills, the earning power drops off.

Travel protections still do real work

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® includes some of the strongest travel protections available on a consumer credit card, including:

• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage
• Lost and delayed baggage reimbursement
• Primary rental car insurance
• Emergency medical and dental coverage while traveling

These aren't flashy perks, but they matter when something goes wrong. For frequent travelers, they reduce both stress and out-of-pocket risk.

The value really shows up in the details. You can see the full breakdown and apply in our in-depth review.

Lounge access is a real differentiator

Airport lounges are no longer a novelty. They're a quality-of-life upgrade.

With the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you get:

• Priority Pass™ Select access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide
• Entry to every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests, which are among the best domestic lounges right now
• Access to select Air Canada lounges

Most allow complimentary guests, which adds meaningful value if you travel with a partner or family.

If you fly a few times a year, this perk alone can justify a chunk of the annual fee.

Where the card can fall short

The downsides are straightforward:

• The annual fee is steep if you don't travel regularly
• Everyday, non-bonus spending earns just 1x points
• Maximizing value requires engagement, not autopilot

If you want simple cash back or low-maintenance rewards, this isn't the right tool.

If you travel often and want premium rewards that actually work, our full Chase Sapphire Reserve® review is the place to start.

Who this card is actually for in 2026

In 2026, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is no longer a default recommendation.

It's a high-power card for people who will actually use it.

If your travel habits match what the card rewards, the value can easily exceed the fee and then some. If they don't, you'll feel that $795 every year.

The card is still excellent. It's just no longer automatic.