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Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Why I'm Keeping The Chase Sapphire Reserve In 2025
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. 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.
CNN
6 days ago
- Business
- CNN
How I used 7,000 Amex points to fly home from London this summer
CNN Underscored reviews financial products based on their overall value. We may receive a commission through our affiliate partners if you apply and are approved for a product, but our reporting is always independent and objective. This may impact how links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit to learn more. Flying to Europe in the peak summer travel season can cost a fortune. Cash fares can skyrocket, and award availability is often limited. But with the right transfer bonus and a bit of flexibility, you can unlock serious value from your travel rewards. This summer, I flew one-way from London Heathrow (LHR) to San Francisco (SFO) for just 7,000 American Express Membership Rewards points, a fraction of what most travelers would expect to pay. The key? A 30% transfer bonus from Amex to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, which brought the required 9,000 Flying Club points down to just 7,000 Amex points. Here's exactly how I did it — and how you might be able to replicate the strategy next time a bonus like this rolls around. Related article These are our favorite credit cards for Delta flyers in 2025A post shared by Kyle Olsen (@kyleolsen10) Before you redeem your Amex points, you'll need to earn points. Here's a look at several of the best Amex card offers right now, which you can transfer to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. American Express® Gold Card: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. The Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. American Express® Business Gold Card: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Limited Time Travel Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after you spend $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel with your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. You can earn one or both of these offers. Offer ends June 30, 2025. There are several different ways you can redeem your Amex points. While some card members may redeem their points directly in the Amex Travel Portal, they can also be transferred to various airline and hotel transfer partners, including Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is one of the most underappreciated airline loyalty programs, especially for transatlantic flights in economy class. While major US carriers may charge 30,000 to 40,000 miles (or more) for a one-way flight between Europe and the US, Virgin Atlantic regularly prices economy award tickets from 6,000 points. I found availability from London to San Francisco for just 9,000 points plus £220 (around $300) in June, and it ended up being one of the best redemptions I've made all year. Credit card issuers like American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou American Express often run limited-time transfer bonuses to their travel partners. In October 2024, there was a 30% bonus from Amex to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. That meant every 1,000 Amex Membership Rewards points transferred would become 1,300 Flying Club points. I transferred 37,000 Amex points for various Virgin redemptions I had in mind, and those became 48,100 Flying Club points, thanks to the transfer bonus. In short, instead of needing to transfer the full 9,000 points, the transfer bonus would've only required me to transfer 7,000 Amex points, which would've yielded 9,100 Flying Club points after the 30% bonus. That was just enough to cover my flight. To put that in perspective, I got a 10-hour transatlantic flight for the equivalent of 7,000 Amex points, plus taxes and fees, which is a fantastic redemption, especially during peak travel season. I found that London to San Francisco flight by searching directly on Virgin Atlantic's website. That £220 (around $300) in taxes and fees is relatively high, as are all Virgin's fees on UK departures due to airport and fuel surcharges, but even with the cash spend factored in, this was an exceptional value. The process was simple: I located award availability on my preferred date. I transferred 7,000 Amex points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Within minutes, the points posted, and I completed the booking. I flew in Virgin Atlantic Economy Classic, which includes the following. One 23-kilogram (50-pound) checked bag Standard seat selection at check-in Complimentary meals, drinks and entertainment The flight itself was smooth, and the service on board was friendly and efficient. While Economy Light fares are cheaper in cash, I appreciated the added benefits of Economy Classic, especially the included luggage. Even though this exact 30% transfer bonus has expired, Amex frequently offers new ones. Here's what to do if you want to replicate this redemption strategy. Monitor Amex transfer bonuses via your Membership Rewards account. Create a Virgin Atlantic Flying Club account (if you don't already have one). Search for award availability before transferring points. Remember: Amex transfers to Virgin Atlantic are instant but nonreversible. If you find a 9,000-point flight and a 30% bonus is active, you'll only need 7,000 Amex points. Otherwise, you'll need to transfer 9,000 Amex points, which is still a great deal. Using just 7,000 Amex points to fly from London to San Francisco was a smart, high-value redemption — and a reminder that timing matters in award travel. By combining a low-cost redemption with a limited-time transfer bonus, I got more than 8 cents per point in value, a rare feat for economy travel. If you're flexible with your travel plans and pay attention to transfer bonuses, redemptions like this are very possible. For business travelers, budget-conscious vacationers or anyone trying to stretch their points further, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club should be on your radar, especially when a points transfer bonus sweetens the deal. The following FAQs have been answered by CNN Underscored travel editor and credit card expert Kyle Olsen. How much are 100,000 Amex points worth for flights? How much are 100,000 Amex points worth for flights? 100,000 Amex Membership Rewards points are worth at least $1,000 when you redeem them for flights through Amex Travel, but you can get much more — up to $5,000 — by transferring to airline partners and booking premium cabin international flights. The value depends on how you redeem, but travel website The Points Guy values 100,000 Amex points at $2,000. Do Amex points ever expire? Do Amex points ever expire? Amex Membership Rewards points don't expire as long as you keep your account open, but you can lose them if you close all eligible cards, miss payments or violate program terms. We recommend keeping your account active and in good standing to retain your points. How do I use my Amex points most efficiently? How do I use my Amex points most efficiently? For the best value, transfer Amex points to airline partners to book premium cabin or international flights. Other options like hotel transfers, gift cards or statement credits usually offer less value. Booking through Amex Travel is easy, but it typically yields just 1 cent per point. CNN Underscored is your trusted source for credit card and travel rewards strategies because our editors don't just write about points; we use them. For this guide, travel editor and credit card expert Kyle Olsen shares his firsthand experience booking a real transatlantic flight using just 7,000 Amex points. Every detail is backed by real-world research, insider knowledge and a commitment to accuracy, so you can confidently apply these tips to your own travel plans. Click here for rates and fees of the American Express Gold card. Click here for rates and fees of the American Express Platinum card. Click here for rates and fees of the American Express Business Gold card. Click here for rates and fees of the American Express Business Platinum card. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
CNN
6 days ago
- Business
- CNN
How I used 7,000 Amex points to fly home from London this summer
CNN Underscored reviews financial products based on their overall value. We may receive a commission through our affiliate partners if you apply and are approved for a product, but our reporting is always independent and objective. This may impact how links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit to learn more. Flying to Europe in the peak summer travel season can cost a fortune. Cash fares can skyrocket, and award availability is often limited. But with the right transfer bonus and a bit of flexibility, you can unlock serious value from your travel rewards. This summer, I flew one-way from London Heathrow (LHR) to San Francisco (SFO) for just 7,000 American Express Membership Rewards points, a fraction of what most travelers would expect to pay. The key? A 30% transfer bonus from Amex to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, which brought the required 9,000 Flying Club points down to just 7,000 Amex points. Here's exactly how I did it — and how you might be able to replicate the strategy next time a bonus like this rolls around. Related article These are our favorite credit cards for Delta flyers in 2025A post shared by Kyle Olsen (@kyleolsen10) Before you redeem your Amex points, you'll need to earn points. Here's a look at several of the best Amex card offers right now, which you can transfer to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. American Express® Gold Card: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. The Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. American Express® Business Gold Card: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Limited Time Travel Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after you spend $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel with your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. You can earn one or both of these offers. Offer ends June 30, 2025. There are several different ways you can redeem your Amex points. While some card members may redeem their points directly in the Amex Travel Portal, they can also be transferred to various airline and hotel transfer partners, including Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is one of the most underappreciated airline loyalty programs, especially for transatlantic flights in economy class. While major US carriers may charge 30,000 to 40,000 miles (or more) for a one-way flight between Europe and the US, Virgin Atlantic regularly prices economy award tickets from 6,000 points. I found availability from London to San Francisco for just 9,000 points plus £220 (around $300) in June, and it ended up being one of the best redemptions I've made all year. Credit card issuers like American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou American Express often run limited-time transfer bonuses to their travel partners. In October 2024, there was a 30% bonus from Amex to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. That meant every 1,000 Amex Membership Rewards points transferred would become 1,300 Flying Club points. I transferred 37,000 Amex points for various Virgin redemptions I had in mind, and those became 48,100 Flying Club points, thanks to the transfer bonus. In short, instead of needing to transfer the full 9,000 points, the transfer bonus would've only required me to transfer 7,000 Amex points, which would've yielded 9,100 Flying Club points after the 30% bonus. That was just enough to cover my flight. To put that in perspective, I got a 10-hour transatlantic flight for the equivalent of 7,000 Amex points, plus taxes and fees, which is a fantastic redemption, especially during peak travel season. I found that London to San Francisco flight by searching directly on Virgin Atlantic's website. That £220 (around $300) in taxes and fees is relatively high, as are all Virgin's fees on UK departures due to airport and fuel surcharges, but even with the cash spend factored in, this was an exceptional value. The process was simple: I located award availability on my preferred date. I transferred 7,000 Amex points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Within minutes, the points posted, and I completed the booking. I flew in Virgin Atlantic Economy Classic, which includes the following. One 23-kilogram (50-pound) checked bag Standard seat selection at check-in Complimentary meals, drinks and entertainment The flight itself was smooth, and the service on board was friendly and efficient. While Economy Light fares are cheaper in cash, I appreciated the added benefits of Economy Classic, especially the included luggage. Even though this exact 30% transfer bonus has expired, Amex frequently offers new ones. Here's what to do if you want to replicate this redemption strategy. Monitor Amex transfer bonuses via your Membership Rewards account. Create a Virgin Atlantic Flying Club account (if you don't already have one). Search for award availability before transferring points. Remember: Amex transfers to Virgin Atlantic are instant but nonreversible. If you find a 9,000-point flight and a 30% bonus is active, you'll only need 7,000 Amex points. Otherwise, you'll need to transfer 9,000 Amex points, which is still a great deal. Using just 7,000 Amex points to fly from London to San Francisco was a smart, high-value redemption — and a reminder that timing matters in award travel. By combining a low-cost redemption with a limited-time transfer bonus, I got more than 8 cents per point in value, a rare feat for economy travel. If you're flexible with your travel plans and pay attention to transfer bonuses, redemptions like this are very possible. For business travelers, budget-conscious vacationers or anyone trying to stretch their points further, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club should be on your radar, especially when a points transfer bonus sweetens the deal. The following FAQs have been answered by CNN Underscored travel editor and credit card expert Kyle Olsen. How much are 100,000 Amex points worth for flights? How much are 100,000 Amex points worth for flights? 100,000 Amex Membership Rewards points are worth at least $1,000 when you redeem them for flights through Amex Travel, but you can get much more — up to $5,000 — by transferring to airline partners and booking premium cabin international flights. The value depends on how you redeem, but travel website The Points Guy values 100,000 Amex points at $2,000. Do Amex points ever expire? Do Amex points ever expire? Amex Membership Rewards points don't expire as long as you keep your account open, but you can lose them if you close all eligible cards, miss payments or violate program terms. We recommend keeping your account active and in good standing to retain your points. How do I use my Amex points most efficiently? How do I use my Amex points most efficiently? For the best value, transfer Amex points to airline partners to book premium cabin or international flights. Other options like hotel transfers, gift cards or statement credits usually offer less value. Booking through Amex Travel is easy, but it typically yields just 1 cent per point. CNN Underscored is your trusted source for credit card and travel rewards strategies because our editors don't just write about points; we use them. For this guide, travel editor and credit card expert Kyle Olsen shares his firsthand experience booking a real transatlantic flight using just 7,000 Amex points. Every detail is backed by real-world research, insider knowledge and a commitment to accuracy, so you can confidently apply these tips to your own travel plans. Click here for rates and fees of the American Express Gold card. Click here for rates and fees of the American Express Platinum card. Click here for rates and fees of the American Express Business Gold card. Click here for rates and fees of the American Express Business Platinum card. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
CNN
17-06-2025
- Business
- CNN
Chase Sapphire Reserve is making big changes, including a $795 annual price hike
CNN Underscored reviews financial products based on their overall value. We may receive a commission through our affiliate partners if you apply and are approved for a product, but our reporting is always independent and objective. This may impact how links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit to learn more. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card, one of the most popular high-end travel rewards credit cards, is getting a makeover, and it will have a much higher annual fee to go with it. Chase just announced that, beginning June 23, 2025, cardholders will have to pay a fee of $795 per year instead of the current $550 annual fee. That's a 44.5% hike, vaulting the Sapphire Reserve ahead of the competing The Platinum Card® by American Express, which has an annual fee of $695. Cardholders will get a slew of new benefits for that increased annual fee, but one of the most attractive features of the Chase Sapphire Reserve is going away. The card will now earn just 1 point per dollar spent on general travel purchases, in exchange for higher earnings on flights and hotels. That change is sure to irk cardholders using the Sapphire Reserve as their go-to card for everyday travel expenses. Here's a look at what's changing and what's staying the same, as well as possible alternatives now that the hiked annual fee and changed earnings may make the Chase Sapphire Reserve less attractive to some. The annual fee hike goes into effect on June 23. If you apply for and are approved for the Chase Sapphire Reserve card before that date, you will be charged the current fee of $550. Existing cardholders will be charged the higher annual fee beginning Oct. 26, so if you already have the card and your anniversary date falls before that day, you will still pay the current, lower fee. The annual fee to add an authorized user is also going up on the same dates, from $75 to $195. That's an increase of 160%. Instead of earning 3x points per dollar on all travel expenses, the card will now earn up to 8x points on some travel categories, but only 1x on general travel, including mass transit, vacation bookings like Airbnb and cruises. The good news is that the Chase Sapphire Reserve card will now offer increased points earnings on flights booked through Chase Travel, as well as flights and hotels booked directly. Hotels booked through Chase Travel: Now earns 8x (previously 10x) Hotels booked directly: Now earns 4x (previously 3x), after using the $300 travel credit Flights booked through Chase Travel: Now earns 8x (previously 5x) Flights booked directly with airlines: Now earns 4x (previously 3x), after using the $300 travel credit Rental cars booked through Chase Travel: Now earns 8x (previously 10x) All other travel, including vacation rentals and mass transit: Now earns 1x (previously 3x) It will also continue to earn 3x on dining, 5x on eligible Lyft rides and 10x on eligible Peloton purchases. Like in its current incarnation, the revamped Sapphire Reserve offers credits that help offset the annual fee. In exchange for a much higher fee, there are a host of new credits. $500 annual statement credit for stays booked on The Edit, a collection of luxury hotels and resorts curated by Chase (split into two biannual credits of $250) $300 annual credit at Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables, which can be booked on OpenTable (split into two $150 biannual credits, activation required) $300 annually in monthly DoorDash promotions (a $5 restaurant promo and two $10 promos on everyday essentials each month, activation required by Dec. 31, 2027) $300 annual statement credit for concert and event tickets purchased on StubHub or Viagogo (split into two $150 biannual credits, activation required) $250 annual statement credit for Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions (one-time activation per each service required, on or the Chase mobile app) $120 in annual Lyft credits, up to $10 monthly (through Sept. 30, 2027) $120 in annual statement credits toward Peloton memberships, $10 monthly (through Dec. 31, 2027) Complimentary DashPass membership with DoorDash, worth $120 (activation required, by Dec. 31, 2027) The $300 annual travel credit, applied automatically to all purchases in the travel category and resetting each year on the anniversary date, is unchanged. Unlike the travel credit, the new credits aren't applied automatically, and maximizing them requires some work on your part. They are also geared more toward lifestyle purchases rather than travel. That said, if you can utilize all of the credits to their maximum, that's the equivalent of more than $2,300, which would offset the annual fee by almost three times. A travel benefit that's being added to the Chase Sapphire Reserve is automatic Platinum elite status with IHG One Rewards, the loyalty program of hotel chain IHG, which includes brands such as Holiday Inn, Intercontinental and Crowne Plaza. Platinum is the second-highest of IHG's four elite levels and gets you, among other perks, 60% bonus points on IHG stays, a welcome amenity of points or a drink/snack, early check-in if available and guaranteed room availability within 72 hours. IHG Platinum status also includes Five Star status with Hertz, which would otherwise require spending $2,400 on car rentals in a year. Five Star status gets you complimentary one-car-class upgrades when available and 25% bonus points on all Hertz rentals. After spending $75,000 on the Chase Sapphire Reserve in a calendar year, cardholders will have access to the following additional perks: IHG One Rewards Diamond status, the highest elite level in the IHG One Rewards program Southwest Airlines A-List status $500 Southwest Airlines credit (when booked through Chase Travel) $250 credit for The Shops at Chase, an online shopping portal for cardmembers featuring brands such as Bang & Olufsen, Breitling, Cuisinart, Dyson, Ray-Ban, Samsonite, Sony and Tumi While these are attractive perks, the threshold to unlock them is very high. Some of the benefits that have made the Chase Sapphire Reserve one of the most popular travel cards at the high end of the credit-card market remain, including the benefits listed below. $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus (note that the application fee for Global Entry recently increased to $120) Access to Chase Sapphire Lounges at US airports with up to two guests and complimentary Priority Pass Select membership (activation required), allowing access to more than 1,200 airport lounges worldwide Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, rental car protection, travel accident insurance and emergency evacuation assistance for trips booked with the card The Chase Sapphire Reserve may not be the card for people who don't plan to use the numerous credits that can more offset the steep annual fee, which will be raised from $550 to $795 starting June 23. There are, however, other cards that offer travel benefits and could be an alternative. A less expensive choice within the Chase credit card ecosystem is the Chase Sapphire Preferred, with an annual fee of $95. For that much more palatable cost, the Preferred still earns 3x points on dining and 2x on all travel, making it more attractive for travel expenses that aren't flights, hotels or Lyft rides. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, with an annual fee of $395, earns 10x on hotels and rental cars and 5x on flights booked through Capital One Travel. It also offers the same annual travel credit as the Chase Sapphire Reserve — $300 — when booking through Capital One. Crucially for many travelers, it also offers complimentary airline lounge access, both at Capital One's own airport lounges and Priority Pass lounges. And with an annual fee of $695, the American Express Platinum Card currently sits alongside the Chase Sapphire Reserve at the top of the market — and is suddenly the cheaper to hold of the two. It offers many similar benefits to the Sapphire Reserve, a slew of statement credits and access to the American Express Membership Rewards ecosystem of transferable points. It also earns 5x points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earns 5x points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. It also has the most comprehensive lounge access, including Priority Pass lounges, American Express Centurion lounges and Delta Sky Club (when flying eligible Delta flights, subject to visit limits). The following FAQs have been answered by CNN Underscored senior money editor and credit card expert Alberto Riva. Is the annual fee for the Chase Sapphire Reserve card increasing? Is the annual fee for the Chase Sapphire Reserve card increasing? Yes, the annual fee is increasing from $550 to $795 on June 23, 2025. Will the Chase Sapphire Reserve card still have dining credits? Will the Chase Sapphire Reserve card still have dining credits? The Chase Sapphire Reserve card will continue to earn 3x on dining worldwide. Will the Chase Sapphire Reserve card have a $10 monthly Lyft credit? Will the Chase Sapphire Reserve card have a $10 monthly Lyft credit? Yes, the Chase Sapphire Reserve will have up to $120 in annual Lyft credits, up to $10 monthly (through Sept. 30, 2027). CNN Underscored's team of expert editors and contributors carefully reviews credit cards, travel rewards and loyalty programs to help readers navigate changes and make informed financial decisions. For this story on the Chase Sapphire Reserve updates, credit card expert Alberto Riva applied his years of industry knowledge to ensure every detail is accurate and actionable. Our recommendations are grounded in real-world value — not hype — and backed by thorough analysis, expert insight and a commitment to clarity and transparency. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Forbes
14-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How Quickly Can You Earn Chase's 100k Welcome Bonus? Faster Than You'd Think!
There's a huge bonus for new cardholders available on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. If you've been considering applying, Chase announced that Thursday, May 15, at 9 a.m. EST, is the last day to apply for the 100,000-point welcome offer on the Sapphire Preferred via the application link on our website. Are you looking for an award right away? If so, you'll need those points to post as quickly as possible. How long will it take you to access your Sapphire Preferred bonus? Get the timeline, tips to speed it up and strategies to maximize this massive travel rewards offer. Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account ... More opening. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card - See Rates & Fees To earn the current Sapphire Preferred offer, you'll be time-bound to meet the minimum spending requirements. Specifically, you'll need to complete your total spending in the first three months after being approved for the card. That includes an important distinction: The clock starts ticking the day you're approved, even though you won't receive the actual card in the mail for another week. One other thing to keep in mind is that transactions don't always post to your credit card account the day you make them—there can be a lag of a few days. This is especially true with online shopping. Many retailers won't charge your card until the order is fully processed and the item is shipped, regardless of when you placed the order. Because of this, it's best to finish your spending a week or two in advance, just in case something gets held up. Bonus Chase Ultimate Rewards® are issued in a lump sum once you've hit the full spending amount—there's no way to get some of the points in advance, even if you've completed 99% of the spending. Officially, Chase Bank states that customers will receive their welcome bonus points six to eight weeks after completing their qualifying spending. Unofficially, though, it could be faster. Chase typically deposits all pending Ultimate Rewards points into your rewards account on the date your credit card statement closes. So, once you've completed your minimum spending requirement, you could see your bonus as early as your next statement closing date, which should be within the next 30 days. If eight weeks have passed and you haven't yet received your bonus, you can follow up with Chase to see if there was a reason for the delay. However, most bonuses post automatically. Once the bonus points are credited to your account, you are free to redeem them however you wish. The speed at which you receive your credit card bonus is impacted by a number of factors, including: If you have a redemption in mind for your expected bonus, you might be motivated to earn those points as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, you can't speed up Chase's standard backend operations to access your bonus points sooner, but there are a few things you can do to hit your spending requirement quickly and get the process started. Pro Tip: Although meeting the full spending requirement in a short amount of time is a fast way to earn your credit card bonus, be sure not to charge more than you can pay off by your bill date. There's no introductory APR on the Sapphire Preferred, so standard interest rates will apply immediately. The promise of 100,000 Ultimate Rewards could be burning a hole in your pocket, but the Sapphire Preferred's bonus won't be available immediately. You'll need to meet the minimum spending first and then wait for Chase to credit the points to your account, which is a process that could take several months even in a best-case scenario, though there are a few steps you can take to help this happen as quickly as possible. Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author's alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
