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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Review (2026): The First Travel Card I Recommend to Everyone

Review Updated
Joel O'Leary
Author: Joel O'Leary
Joel O'Leary
Joel O'Leary
Full-Time Personal Finance Writer

Joel O’Leary is a full-time Personal Finance Writer at Motley Fool Money, covering credit cards, bank accounts, investing, mortgages, and other personal finance topics. Joel has been writing about personal finance since 2018, previously leading editorial content for the How To Money podcast and serving as a resident writer at Budgets Are Sexy. He bought his first rental property at age 18, funding the down payment with savings from his high school job at McDonald’s -- a testament to his lifelong passion for smart money decisions. His work aims to make personal finance accessible and actionable for everyday readers. When he’s not writing, Joel enjoys surfing and spending time with his family.

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Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures that our product ratings are not influenced by compensation.

I carried the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) for 5+ years, and it's still the first card I point people to when they're dipping into travel rewards. It's a favorite in the points-and-miles community, and it earned a perfect 5-star rating in our 2026 annual reviews (and with the 2026 updates, it got even better!).

At Motley Fool Money, we've reviewed and scored dozens of travel cards. Here's what I like, what I'd change, and who this card actually makes sense for.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

On Chase's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

On Chase's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

LIMITED-TIME OFFER

Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months — worth up to $1,500 on Chase Travel℠ with Points Boost.

Circle with letter I in it. Points Boost points are worth up to 1.5x on top-booked hotels and flights with select airlines.
Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APR

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR

19.24% - 27.49% Variable

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, 3x on vacation homes, 3x on gas & EV charging, 3x on top streaming services and 3x online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases

5x on Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, 2x on all other travel

Annual Fee

$95

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

100,000 bonus points

  • This card just got meaningfully better. Welcome bonus aside, the new Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 3x on Airbnb and vacation rentals, 3x at gas stations (including Costco) & EV Charging. It also now includes a $100 hotel credit plus up to a $120 TSA PreCheck credit — turning the $95 annual fee into a card that pays for itself before you book a single flight. With added travel protections like rental car insurance and trip reimbursement, we think this card is the most practical travel card at this price point.

    • Big sign-up bonus
    • Travel rewards
    • Gas rewards
    • Dining rewards
    • Flexible travel points
    • Consumer and travel protections
    • Annual fee
    • Limited-time perks
    • Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
    • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, 3x on vacation homes, 3x on gas & EV charging, 3x on top streaming services and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
    • Earn up to $100 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel
    • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
    • Get a year of complimentary Apple TV when activated by December 31, 2026 - a value of $156.
    • Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
    • Receive one statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card for a Global Entry, TSA Precheck® or NEXUS application.
    • Transfer points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
    • Member FDIC

We rate travel credit cards based on how well they reward frequent travelers — not just with points and miles, but with valuable perks and flexible redemption options. Our scoring prioritizes cards that offer strong earning rates and a rewarding travel experience.

Our highest-rated travel cards have:

  • Elevated rewards on travel or everyday purchases, with the ability to transfer points
  • Flexible redemption options through travel portals or transfer partners
  • Welcome bonuses that meaningfully offset the annual fee in the first year
  • Perks that improve the travel experience, like airport lounge access, statement credits, and trip protections

We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best travel card recommendations. Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring travel credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.

Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.

We rate travel credit cards based on how well they reward frequent travelers — not just with points and miles, but with valuable perks and flexible redemption options. Our scoring prioritizes cards that offer strong earning rates and a rewarding travel experience.

Our highest-rated travel cards have:

  • Elevated rewards on travel or everyday purchases, with the ability to transfer points
  • Flexible redemption options through travel portals or transfer partners
  • Welcome bonuses that meaningfully offset the annual fee in the first year
  • Perks that improve the travel experience, like airport lounge access, statement credits, and trip protections

We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best travel card recommendations. Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring travel credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.

Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.

What I like about Chase Sapphire Preferred

New for 2026: the card picked up a handful of upgrades in June 2026 that boosts its overall value -- a bigger hotel credit, new bonus categories, and a couple of fresh travel protections. I'll flag those as we go (and I'll be honest about two perks getting trimmed, down in the downsides).

Strong rewards on everyday spending

The main reason this is one of my top travel card recs is the everyday earning potential. Here's how you can rack up points on spending:

  • 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
  • 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs)
  • 3X points on gas & EV charging (including at Costco) -- new in 2026
  • 3X points on vacation homes (like Airbnb and Vrbo) -- new in 2026
  • 2X points on all other travel purchases
  • 1X points on all other purchases

The gas and EV charging category is a genuine win -- any help at the pump counts -- and adding vacation rentals reflects how a lot of us actually book trips these days.

Flexible points that the whole community loves

I can't oversell this enough: Chase Ultimate Rewards are some of the most flexible points in the game. You can redeem them through the Chase Travel℠ portal at a solid fixed value, or transfer them to airline and hotel partners (Chase has more than a dozen, most at a 1:1 ratio) where a savvy redemption can stretch them way further.

That flexibility is exactly why the points-and-miles crowd treats this card as a cornerstone. You don't have to get fancy to get value, but the ceiling is high when you're ready to.

A $100 hotel credit

In June 2026, the annual hotel credit doubled to $100 (up from $50) on stays booked through the Chase Travel portal.

Using this credit alone can justify the card's $95 annual fee. All it takes is a single hotel night each year (as long as it's over $100) and you've taken full advantage.

A TSA PreCheck credit (new for 2026)

One of the fresh 2026 additions is an up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS credit every four years.

If you're not enrolled yet, PreCheck is the one that lets you skip the regular security line at the airport, and go in a fast-track line. Shoes on, laptop stays in the bag, and the membership lasts several years.

Global Entry is also a game-changer when traveling internationally. Having the card to cover the cost is a small perk on paper, but it's the kind of thing that makes every trip start a little smoother.

Travel protections that actually pay off

This is mostly unsexy stuff -- but it can save you money when things go sideways while traveling

The card includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance, an auto rental collision damage waiver, and lost luggage coverage. Plus, new in 2026, emergency evacuation protections.

There are no foreign transaction fees either, which is exactly what you want from a card you'll use abroad.

Downsides you should consider

Two perks are getting trimmed in October 2026

Effective Oct. 1, 2026, the 10% anniversary points bonus goes away, and the Hyatt transfer ratio drops to 4:3 from the current 1:1.

For most cardholders, the bigger hotel credit and new bonus categories more than likely make up the difference. But if you're someone who leans hard on Hyatt transfers, that's a real change worth folding into your plans.

No luxury perks

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a workhorse, not a flex. It doesn't come with airport lounge access or the higher-end benefits you'd get from its premium sibling, the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. If lounge access is something you want and you're OK with a higher annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the one to look at.

No 0% intro APR period

There's no 0% introductory APR on purchases or balance transfers. That's common for travel cards, but it means this isn't the card to reach for if your main goal is paying down a balance interest-free.

Credit card comparison

We recommend comparing options to ensure the card you're selecting is the best fit for you. To make your search easier, here's a short list of standout credit cards.

Offer Our Rating Welcome Offer Rewards Program APR Learn More
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for cash back on rotating categories 		Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. Circle with letter I in it. INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300. 1% - 5% Cashback Circle with letter I in it. Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Intro:

Purchases: 0%, 15 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months

Regular: 17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR

Apply Now for Discover it® Cash Back

On Issuer's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for long 0% intro APR 		N/A N/A

Intro: Circle with letter I in it. 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers

Purchases: 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases

Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers

Regular: 17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% Variable APR

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

4.70/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for unlimited rewards on purchases 		25,000 points (worth $250 travel credit) Circle with letter I in it. 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases 1.5-3 points per dollar Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on everyday purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.

Intro: Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.49% - 27.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.

Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases

Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

Regular: 17.49% - 27.49% (Variable)

Apply Now for Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

On Bank of America's Secure Website.

Who should consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred card?

If you love to travel, but keep a close eye on your budget, the Chase Sapphire Preferred could be your perfect match.

This card is ideal for travelers who want to earn rewards on everyday spending, enjoy occasional perks, and don't mind paying a reasonable annual fee in exchange for big travel benefits. If that sounds like you, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is definitely worth considering.

That being said, if you'd prefer to have no annual fee at all, or just want a basic cash back card, you might be a better fit for the Chase Freedom Unlimited®.

Is the $95 annual fee worth it?

Short answer: yes.

The newly doubled $100 annual hotel credit can justify the $95 annual fee on its own. As long as you book at least one hotel stay through Chase Travel each year.

Also, the top earning rates on all things travel, gas and EV charging, dining, and more means rewards points can build up very quickly. All in all, yes, this card is worth the annual fee.

How to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card

Applying for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a straightforward process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to maximize your qualifications:

1. Check your credit score

Before applying, make sure your credit score is at least 670, which is the minimum for most Chase cards. If your score is lower, you may want to focus on improving it first with other cards.

2. Gather your information

You'll need some basic personal and financial details, including:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Annual income
  • Employment status
  • Monthly housing payment (rent or mortgage)

3. Fill out the application

Click here to start the Chase Sapphire Preferred application. Be honest and accurate when providing your details to avoid any delays or issues with approval.

Final thoughts

If you're looking into the travel rewards world for the first time, this is where I'd point you to start. The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns on everyday spending, the points go almost anywhere, and the 2026 refresh made an already-great card better.

If that sounds like the kind of card you're looking for, apply today and start putting your everyday spending to work for your next adventure.

FAQs

  • The 2026 refresh added 3X points on gas & EV charging and 3X points on vacation homes, doubled the annual hotel credit to $100, and added a TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS credit and emergency evacuation protections. The $95 annual fee stayed the same. Two perks are being trimmed on Oct. 1, 2026: the 10% anniversary points bonus and the 1:1 Hyatt transfer ratio.

  • Yes. Chase has a few different options if you'd like to do a product-change. You can downgrade to a no-annual-fee card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, or upgrade to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® if you're looking for more perks. These product changes typically let you hold onto the Chase points you've already earned, and retain all your account history.

  • It depends on how you redeem the points. At Motley Fool Money we value each Chase Ultimate Reward point at $0.01 each toward bookings with Chase Travel. If you snag a Points Boost deal, the value can stretch up to 1.5X. Transferring points to airline or hotel partners can stretch considerably further, which is where most frequent travelers get the best value.