Why I'm Keeping The Chase Sapphire Reserve In 2025

Forbes

3 days ago

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When Chase announced it was raising the annual fee on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® to $795, my initial reaction was shock with a side of frustration. After my emotions subsided, I dug into the refreshed benefits and calculated almost $1,500 in credits that I can easily use to make sure the card's value still outweighs the cost. Chase claims there's over $2,700 in annual value from the card, but here's a real picture of how I'm getting far more value from the Sapphire Reserve than the cost to carry it.
Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed. Chase Sapphire Reserve New Perks
Instead of limiting existing benefits with this card update, Chase added several new opportunities to save, along with its higher annual fee.
New Sapphire Reserve benefits include: $500 for The Edit by Chase Travel bookings. Cardholders get up to $250 back semiannually ($250 from January to June and $250 from July to December) for prepaid bookings of at least two nights.
Cardholders get up to $250 back semiannually ($250 from January to June and $250 from July to December) for prepaid bookings of at least two nights. $300 dining credit. Get up to $150 back from January to June and again from July to December when dining at select restaurants that are part of the Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables program.
Get up to $150 back from January to June and again from July to December when dining at select restaurants that are part of the Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables program. $300 StubHub credit. Get up to $150 in credit from January to June and again from July to December for concert and live event tickets at StubHub and Viagogo.
Get up to $150 in credit from January to June and again from July to December for concert and live event tickets at StubHub and Viagogo. $250 value for Apple subscriptions. Get complimentary subscriptions to Apple TV+ and Apple Music through June 22, 2027.
Get complimentary subscriptions to Apple TV+ and Apple Music through June 22, 2027. IHG One Rewards Platinum status. Automatic elite status with IHG includes things like room upgrades and late checkout when available.
These benefits enhance existing perks that are staying, like the $300 annual travel credit, DoorDash, Lyft and Peloton credits (some perks require activation).
Credits that provide instant savings and easy wins for me include complimentary Apple subscriptions that I currently pay for out of pocket, and the dining credits that are ideal for exploring new restaurants for date nights or special occasions. I enjoy attending live events and concerts, so the StubHub credits will definitely be useful for me. Sapphire Reserve Travel Benefits
The Sapphire Reserve still offers excellent airport lounge access with a Priority Pass Select membership (with enrollment) and access to the luxurious Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations. As someone who travels with family often, the two-guest allowance at lounges with the Sapphire Reserve sets it apart from other cards that only allow the primary cardholder free entrance.
I've long been a World of Hyatt loyalist, but it can sometimes be challenging to find a location in all the places I like to travel. So I'm excited to shift some of those nights to IHG Hotels and find out how the IHG One Rewards Platinum status might enhance my travel experiences.
While it's not a replacement for travel insurance , the Sapphire Reserve will continue to offer some of the most comprehensive travel protections of any card. I book most travel with my Sapphire Reserve so I have some coverage in case things go sideways, which is a reality of travel these days. Redeeming Sapphire Reserve Points
Redemptions made through Chase Travel℠ are another big change to the Sapphire Reserve. The 50% bonus is being replaced with the Points Boost program. Points can be worth up to double the value for select bookings in Chase Travel, but the loss of the guaranteed 50% bonus might sting for some.
However, it doesn't impact me much, since I usually book my trips directly with the airlines and hotels or by transferring points to Chase's travel partners. When I transfer Ultimate Rewards points to airline and hotel partners, I usually get 2 cents per point in value or more—coming out ahead of both the old 50% bonus and the new upper end potential of Points Boost.
When I calculate the value of the credits that I expect to easily use, I come out far ahead of the annual fee. Here's the breakdown of what should be easy returns for my normal spending. $300 annual travel credit
$300 annual dining credit
$300 annual StubHub credit
$300 annual DoorDash promos
$250 annual Apple subscription value
That's $1,450 in credits and value for purchases I'll likely make throughout the year. I think of paying the annual fee like prepaying for these purchases—with bonus value thrown in. There are also more ways to gain value from this card. If I subtract the $795 annual fee from the savings from these credits alone, I'm still ahead.
More value can be squeezed out of the card, like the airport lounge access and Lyft credits I'll use throughout the year. And, I'm excited to try out The Edit hotels and resorts for special occasions and will gladly use the semiannual $250 credits for those stays.
Yes, the annual fee brought on some sticker shock initially, but after looking objectively at what the Sapphire Reserve offers, it's clear that it will fit nicely into my lifestyle and spending patterns. Paying an annual fee like this and keeping a card is a personal choice, so crunch the numbers for your spending and you might just be surprised.
Even if you don't get the full $2,700 available, you could still come out ahead. If it's just not for you, there are other excellent travel cards and Chase credit cards to choose from.
Find the best travel credit card for your travel needs.