Which card is better, Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve?

Chase Sapphire Reserve is better for frequent travelers who use the $300 travel credit and airport lounges, while Chase Sapphire Preferred is better for casual travelers who want solid rewards without a high annual fee.

How much does each Chase Sapphire card cost per year?

Chase Sapphire Preferred has a $95 annual fee, while Chase Sapphire Reserve has a $550 annual fee, but the Reserve's $300 travel credit effectively lowers its net cost to $250.

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth the higher annual fee?

Yes, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is worth the $550 fee if you spend over $300 annually on travel and value Priority Pass lounge access, but it is not worth it for infrequent travelers.

Can I use Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve together?

Yes, you can hold both Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve in the same account, but Chase limits you to one Sapphire card application every 48 months, so you cannot earn both welcome bonuses at once.

What is the biggest mistake beginners make with these Chase Sapphire cards?

The biggest mistake beginners make is redeeming Ultimate Rewards points for cash back at 1 cent per point instead of using the Chase Travel Portal, where Preferred gives 1.25 cents and Reserve gives 1.5 cents per point.

Are Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve points interchangeable?

Yes, Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve points are interchangeable because both cards earn the same Ultimate Rewards currency, and you can transfer points between your own Chase accounts at no cost.

Which Chase Sapphire card is best for international travel?

Chase Sapphire Reserve is best for international travel because it has no foreign transaction fees, includes Priority Pass lounge access, and offers primary rental car insurance, while the Preferred also has no foreign fees but lacks lounge perks.

Can I switch from Chase Sapphire Preferred to Reserve?

Yes, you can upgrade from Chase Sapphire Preferred to Reserve by calling Chase, but you must meet the Reserve's credit requirements and you will not receive a second welcome bonus for upgrading.

What travel protections do Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve offer?

Both Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay coverage, and primary rental car collision damage waiver, but the Reserve adds trip delay reimbursement of up to $500 per ticket.

Difference Between

Difference Between Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve

Written byNex Virox Team

Editorial Team

Reviewed byVarshal Nirbhavane

Senior SEO & Organic Growth Professional · 5+ years

Published: September 10, 202621 min read

Quick answer

The main difference between Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve is that the Reserve offers premium perks and a higher annual fee, while the Preferred delivers solid travel benefits at a lower cost. Chase Sapphire Preferred is a mid-tier travel card with a $95 fee, while Reserve is a premium card with a $550 fee and lounge access.

Key takeaways

Core distinction: Preferred earns 2x travel points; Reserve earns 3x travel points plus premium perks.
How each works: Preferred offers straightforward points earning; Reserve adds luxury benefits like lounge access and credits.
Cost difference: Preferred charges $95 annual fee; Reserve costs $550 but offsets with travel credits.
Best-fit use case: Choose Preferred for budget travelers; Reserve suits frequent flyers maximizing lounge and upgrade value.
Common decision mistake: Picking Reserve for perks without calculating whether travel credits and points justify higher fees.

Table of Contents18 sections

Difference Between Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve: Comparison Table

Aspect	Chase Sapphire Preferred	Reserve
Definition	Mid-tier travel rewards card earning 5x points on travel purchased through Chase.	Premium travel card earning 10x points on travel and 3x on general dining.
Primary Purpose	Delivers solid travel rewards with a modest $95 annual fee for everyday travelers.	Offers luxury perks like lounge access and premium travel protections for frequent flyers.
Core Mechanism	Earns Ultimate Rewards points redeemable for cash back, gift cards, or transfer partners.	Earns same Ultimate Rewards currency but adds a $300 annual travel credit automatically applied.
Annual Fee	Charges $95 per year, waived for active military personnel.	Costs $550 per year, partially offset by the $300 travel credit.
Welcome Bonus	Offers 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in first three months.	Provides 50,000 points after $4,000 spend, worth more due to higher redemption rates.
Earning Rate	Earns 5x on Chase travel, 3x on dining, 2x on all other travel purchases.	Earns 10x on Chase travel, 3x on dining, 2x on all travel, 1x elsewhere.
Point Value	Points redeem at 1.25 cents each through Chase Travel portal.	Points redeem at 1.5 cents each, a 20% higher baseline valuation.
Travel Credit	Provides no automatic annual travel credit; credits apply only to specific purchases.	Grants $300 annual credit for any travel purchase charged to the card.
Lounge Access	Offers no complimentary airport lounge access whatsoever.	Includes Priority Pass Select membership with access to 1,300+ lounges globally.
Global Entry Credit	Lacks any Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit.	Reimburses up to $100 application fee every four years for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Dining Perks	Earns 3x points on dining but provides no monthly statement credits.	Earns 3x points and includes complimentary DoorDash DashPass for one year.
Primary Rental Cover	Provides primary collision damage waiver for rental cars in most countries.	Also provides primary coverage with no claim filing fee, identical protection level.
Trip Cancellation	Covers up to $10,000 per trip for non-refundable travel expenses.	Covers up to $10,000 per person, same limit as Preferred card.
Baggage Delay	Reimburses up to $100 per day for essential items when baggage delayed over 6 hours.	Provides identical $100 daily reimbursement for delays exceeding 6 hours.
Purchase Protection	Covers new purchases against damage or theft for 120 days, up to $500 per claim.	Extends same 120-day window but increases per-claim limit to $10,000.
Extended Warranty	Adds one extra year to manufacturer warranties up to three years original.	Adds same one-year extension but covers items up to $10,000 per claim.
Transfer Partners	Transfers points 1:1 to 14 airline and hotel loyalty programs.	Transfers to same 14 partners with identical 1:1 ratio and no surcharge.
Redemption Flexibility	Redeems for cash back at 1 cent per point, or travel at 1.25 cents.	Redeems for travel at 1.5 cents; cash back still yields only 1 cent per point.
Foreign Transaction	Charges no foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad.	Also charges zero foreign transaction fees, identical international usability.
Card Material	Issued as a standard plastic card with metallic silver finish.	Constructed from brushed metal with a distinctive black and blue design.
Priority Pass	Excludes Priority Pass membership entirely from cardholder benefits.	Includes full Priority Pass Select membership for cardholder plus two guests.
DoorDash Benefit	Provides no DoorDash credits or DashPass subscription.	Offers $15 monthly DoorDash credit through December 2027 plus DashPass.
Instacart Perk	Gives no Instacart membership or statement credit benefits.	Provides $15 monthly Instacart credit and complimentary Instacart+ membership.
Authorized User	Costs $0 for additional users, each earning same points rates.	Charges $75 annually for each authorized user added to the account.
Downgrade Path	Can downgrade to Chase Freedom Unlimited or Freedom Flex with no fee.	Can downgrade to Preferred or Freedom cards, retaining points balance intact.
Typical User	Fits casual travelers taking 1-2 trips yearly who want simple rewards.	Suits frequent flyers using lounges and travel credits worth over $550.
Break-Even Point	Needs roughly $1,900 in annual travel spending to justify $95 fee.	Requires about $3,300 in travel plus lounge usage to offset $550 fee.
Primary Limitation	Lacks lounge access, travel credits, and high-end purchase protection limits.	High annual fee demands significant travel volume to deliver positive value.
Best Fit Scenario	Ideal for budget-conscious travelers wanting flexible points without premium cost.	Perfect for road warriors who value lounge access and credits exceeding the fee.

What Is Chase Sapphire Preferred?

Chase Sapphire Preferred is a premium travel rewards credit card that earns flexible Ultimate Rewards points. It exists to give everyday spenders access to luxury travel benefits without the steep annual fee of higher-tier cards, making premium travel attainable for a broader audience.

Definition of Chase Sapphire Preferred

Chase Sapphire Preferred is a Visa Signature credit card issued by JPMorgan Chase that awards transferable Ultimate Rewards points on travel, dining, and everyday purchases. It features a moderate annual fee, primary rental car insurance, and no foreign transaction fees, positioning it as a mid-tier travel rewards card.

Key Characteristics of Chase Sapphire Preferred

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
Earning structure	Earns 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase and 3 points on dining and streaming services.
Point transfer	Points transfer at a 1:1 ratio to airline and hotel partners like United, Southwest, and Hyatt.
Annual fee	Charges a $95 annual fee, which is offset by a $50 annual hotel credit through Chase Travel.
Sign-up bonus	Offers a large introductory bonus after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first three months.
Primary car insurance	Provides primary collision damage waiver when you decline the rental company's coverage and pay with the card.
No foreign fees	Charges zero foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for international purchases and travel abroad.
Purchase protection	Covers eligible new purchases against damage or theft for 120 days from the date of purchase.
Extended warranty	Adds up to one extra year of warranty coverage on eligible items with warranties of three years or less.
DoorDash credit	Provides a complimentary DashPass subscription for a limited period, plus a monthly DoorDash delivery credit.
Chase Travel portal	Gives a 25% point value boost when redeeming points for travel through the Chase Travel booking portal.

Common Examples of Chase Sapphire Preferred

United Airlines – Transfers points at a 1:1 ratio to United MileagePlus for domestic and international award flights.
Hyatt Hotels – Points convert to World of Hyatt rewards, often delivering high value for luxury property stays.
DoorDash – Cardholders receive a free DashPass membership period plus a monthly statement credit for food delivery.
Southwest Airlines – Transfer points to Rapid Rewards for flights and use the Companion Pass benefit when earned.
Chase Travel Portal – Booking hotels, flights, and rental cars here earns 5 points per dollar spent.
British Airways – Points transfer to Avios, useful for short-haul domestic flights and partner airline awards.
Lyft – Earns bonus points on ride-hailing purchases, adding value for frequent urban commuters.
World of Hyatt – Points transfer directly to Hyatt's loyalty program for category 1 through 8 hotel redemptions.
Iberia Plus – Transfer points to Iberia for transatlantic flights, especially on off-peak award dates.
Instacart – Provides a quarterly statement credit for grocery delivery orders placed through the Instacart app.

Advantages and Limitations of Chase Sapphire Preferred

Advantages	Limitations
Transfers points to 14+ airline and hotel partners, giving flexible redemption options.	The $95 annual fee is not waived, and the $50 hotel credit only applies to bookings via Chase Travel.
Primary rental car insurance saves you from filing claims with your personal auto insurer.	Earning 5 points per dollar only applies to Chase Travel bookings, not direct hotel or airline purchases.
No foreign transaction fees make it a strong everyday card for international travelers.	The sign-up bonus requires a substantial minimum spend, which may be difficult for some applicants to meet.
Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through the Chase portal.	Travel protections are weaker than those on the Reserve, including less robust trip cancellation coverage.
Purchase protection covers new items for 120 days against theft or accidental damage.	No lounge access is included, so frequent flyers must pay separately for airport lounge memberships.
Extended warranty adds up to one year on eligible purchases with manufacturer warranties.	The card earns no bonus points on gas or grocery purchases, limiting its value for everyday essentials.
DoorDash DashPass membership is included for a limited time, saving on delivery fees.	Statement credits for DoorDash and Instacart are limited to specific months and require activation.
No preset spending limit gives flexibility for large purchases, subject to account history.	Points expire if your account is closed or if you have no earning or redeeming activity for 24 months.
Travel and dining bonuses apply worldwide, not just through Chase's own booking channels.	The $50 annual hotel credit is only valid for hotels booked through Chase Travel, not direct hotel reservations.
Authorized users can be added at no extra cost, helping households pool Ultimate Rewards points.	The card has no global entry or TSA PreCheck credit, which the Reserve includes as a standard benefit.

What Is Reserve?

Reserve is Chase Sapphire Reserve, a premium travel credit card designed for frequent flyers who want luxury perks. It exists to deliver airport lounge access, travel credits, and elevated earning rates in exchange for a high annual fee.

Definition of Reserve

Reserve is Chase Sapphire Reserve, a Visa Infinite credit card offering premium travel benefits including Priority Pass lounge access, a $300 annual travel credit, and 3x points on travel and dining. It targets high-spending travelers seeking luxury experiences and flexible Ultimate Rewards redemption.

Key Characteristics of Reserve

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
High annual fee	Costs $550 per year, offset partially by the $300 travel credit and other perks.
Lounge access	Includes Priority Pass Select membership, granting entry to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide.
Travel credit	Provides $300 annual statement credit for travel purchases, automatically applied each cardmember year.
Points multiplier	Earns 3x Ultimate Rewards points on travel and dining, plus 1x on all other purchases.
Global Entry credit	Offers up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee every four years.
Primary car rental	Provides primary collision damage waiver on rental cars, meaning no need to file through personal insurance first.
No foreign fees	Charges zero foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international purchases.
DoorDash credit	Gives $15 monthly DoorDash credit plus free DashPass membership for one year.
Luxury hotel perks	Offers room upgrades and amenities through the Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection when booking via Chase.
Points transfer	Allows 1:1 transfer of Ultimate Rewards points to airline and hotel partners like United, Hyatt, and Marriott.

Common Examples of Reserve

Priority Pass lounges – Grants access to lounges like The Club at JFK before a long-haul international flight.
Hyatt hotel stays – Transfer points to World of Hyatt for free nights at properties like Park Hyatt Tokyo.
United Airlines flights – Transfer Ultimate Rewards to United MileagePlus for award tickets on domestic routes.
Lyft rides – Earn 10x points on Lyft purchases through the end of March 2025.
DoorDash orders – Use the monthly $15 credit for restaurant delivery without spending extra cash.
Global Entry application – Redeem the $100 statement credit to cover the five-year application fee.
Luxury Hotel Collection – Book a stay at The Ritz-Carlton and receive room upgrades plus breakfast for two.
Car rental at Hertz – Decline collision coverage knowing the card provides primary protection in most countries.
International dining – Swipe abroad at restaurants in London or Tokyo with zero foreign transaction fees.
Chase Travel portal – Book flights through Chase Travel to earn 10x points on airfare and 5x on other travel.

Advantages and Limitations of Reserve

Advantages	Limitations
Lounge access alone can save frequent flyers hundreds of dollars annually on airport food and drinks.	The $550 annual fee is steep and only justified if you use enough perks to offset it.
Primary rental car coverage means you avoid filing claims through your personal auto insurance after an accident.	The $300 travel credit applies only to travel purchases, not dining, gas, or other everyday spending.
Points transfer to 14 airline and hotel partners gives exceptional redemption flexibility for award travel.	You must hold a Chase Sapphire Reserve for at least 48 months before earning a new sign-up bonus again.
Global Entry credit saves $100 on a five-year membership, effectively covering the cost of expedited security.	DoorDash credit requires monthly activation and expires if unused, adding a chore to the cardholder experience.
No foreign transaction fees make it a strong choice for international travelers who spend abroad regularly.	Chase's 5/24 rule restricts approval if you have opened five or more credit cards at any bank in 24 months.
Luxury Hotel Collection perks like room upgrades and breakfast add tangible value at high-end properties.	Points earn only 1x on non-travel, non-dining purchases, so everyday spending earns less than flat-rate cards.
Primary coverage for rental cars extends to most countries, including many where personal policies offer no protection.	Priority Pass lounge access excludes some premium restaurants and can be crowded at peak travel times.
Chase Travel portal bookings earn 10x on flights and 5x on hotels, accelerating points accumulation on planned trips.	The $550 fee is not waived for the first year, unlike many competing premium cards that waive it initially.
Points are worth 1.5 cents each when redeemed through Chase Travel, a 50% bonus over standard cash value.	You cannot combine the $300 travel credit with points redemption on the same booking, limiting flexibility.
Authorized users get lounge access and Global Entry credit, extending key benefits to family members at no extra cost.	Premium benefits like lounge access and travel credits are less valuable for travelers who fly only a few times yearly.

Similarities Between Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve

Shared Aspect	How Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve Are Alike
Issuing Bank	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve are issued by Chase Bank.
Primary Category	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve are premium travel credit cards.
Points Currency	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
Transfer Partners	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve allow transfers to airline and hotel partners.
Travel Portal	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve offer booking through the Chase Travel portal.
Primary Rental Coverage	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve provide primary car rental collision damage waiver.
Travel Insurance	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve include trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
Baggage Protection	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve cover lost or delayed checked baggage.
Purchase Protection	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve protect eligible new purchases against damage or theft.
Extended Warranty	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve extend the manufacturer warranty on eligible items.
No Foreign Fees	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve charge no foreign transaction fees.
No Penalty APR	Neither the Chase Sapphire Preferred nor the Chase Sapphire Reserve has a penalty APR.
No Overlimit Fee	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve do not charge overlimit fees.
Chase Portal Access	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve give access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
Pay Yourself Back	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve support Pay Yourself Back redemptions.
DoorDash Credit	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve provide a monthly DoorDash dining credit.
Instacart Benefit	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve offer an annual Instacart membership credit.
Lounge Access	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve include Priority Pass Select lounge access.
Global Entry Credit	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve offer a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
No Interest Promo	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve offer an introductory 0% APR period on purchases.
Welcome Offer	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve feature a substantial sign-up bonus for new cardholders.
Chase 5/24 Rule	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve are subject to the Chase 5/24 application rule.
Card Metal Build	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve are issued as metal credit cards.
Contactless Payment	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve support contactless tap-to-pay transactions.
EMV Chip Enabled	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve include an EMV chip for secure in-person payments.
Mobile Wallet	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve work with Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
Fraud Protection	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve offer $0 fraud liability on unauthorized charges.
Account Alerts	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve provide customizable transaction and balance alerts.
Travel Accident Cover	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve include travel accident insurance on common carriers.
No Annual Fee Waiver	Neither the Chase Sapphire Preferred nor the Chase Sapphire Reserve waives its annual fee in the first year.

Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve: Which Should You Choose?

Your annual travel frequency and spending level decide it. Most people should choose Chase Sapphire Preferred because it delivers strong value at a $95 annual fee. The Reserve only wins when you spend more than $15,000 yearly on travel and dining, because its $550 fee requires higher spending to justify.

When to Use Chase Sapphire Preferred

Choose Chase Sapphire Preferred when you take 1-2 trips per year, want a budget-friendly $95 annual fee, or earn under $15,000 annually on travel and dining. It suits casual travelers who value the 5x points on Lyft, primary rental car coverage, and the 25% point bonus when booking through Chase Travel.

When to Use Reserve

Choose Reserve when you travel 3+ times yearly, spend over $15,000 annually on travel and dining, or value lounge access through Priority Pass. The $550 fee pays off through the $300 annual travel credit, 50% point bonus, and Global Entry credit. Frequent flyers who use airport lounges recover the cost quickly.

Common Misconceptions About Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve

Common Myth	The Reality
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is always the better card for everyone.	The Chase Sapphire Reserve only wins when your annual travel spend justifies its $550 fee versus the Preferred's $95 fee.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred has no annual fee at all.	The Chase Sapphire Preferred charges a $95 annual fee, though Chase waives it for active military members.
Both Chase Sapphire cards earn identical points on all purchases.	The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 5x on travel booked through Chase, while the Reserve earns 10x on the same purchases.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve gives you free access to every airport lounge.	The Chase Sapphire Reserve provides Priority Pass Select membership, but many lounges exclude guests or require capacity-based entry.
You need an excellent credit score above 800 to qualify for either card.	Chase typically approves applicants with scores around 700 for the Preferred and 720-plus for the Reserve, not 800.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers primary rental car coverage in every country.	The Chase Sapphire Preferred provides primary coverage in most countries, but it excludes rentals in Israel, Jamaica, and Ireland.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve's $550 fee is non-negotiable and never offset.	The Chase Sapphire Reserve includes a $300 travel credit and a $100 Global Entry credit, effectively reducing its net cost.
You can transfer Chase points to airlines with either card at the same rate.	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve transfer points at a 1:1 ratio to the same airline and hotel partners.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred has no airport lounge benefits whatsoever.	The Chase Sapphire Preferred lacks lounge memberships, but it does offer a $50 annual hotel credit for bookings through Chase.
Upgrading from the Chase Sapphire Preferred to the Reserve is always free.	Upgrading to the Chase Sapphire Reserve triggers the $550 annual fee, and you must meet the Reserve's minimum credit limit.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3x points on all dining purchases.	The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3x points on dining, but the Preferred also earns 3x, so dining rates are identical.
You cannot hold both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve simultaneously.	Chase's Sapphire card rules prohibit holding two Sapphire cards, so you must choose one or product-change the other.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers trip cancellation insurance for any reason.	The Chase Sapphire Preferred covers trip cancellation only for covered reasons like illness or severe weather, not for changing your mind.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve's Priority Pass includes free guest access always.	The Chase Sapphire Reserve allows two complimentary guests per visit, but some Priority Pass locations restrict guest entry during peak hours.
Both cards give you the same 25% point bonus when redeeming through Chase.	The Chase Sapphire Preferred gives a 25% bonus, while the Reserve gives a 50% bonus on Pay Yourself Back and travel redemptions.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a metal card with no additional benefits.	The Chase Sapphire Preferred is metal, but it also includes purchase protection, extended warranty, and baggage delay insurance.
You must book all travel through Chase to earn points on either card.	The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 2x on all travel purchases, while the Reserve earns 3x on general travel, not just Chase bookings.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve has no foreign transaction fees, but the Preferred does.	Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve charge zero foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad.
Your Chase points expire if you do not use the card every month.	Chase Ultimate Rewards points never expire as long as your Sapphire account remains open and in good standing.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred gives you access to Chase Sapphire Lounges.	Only the Chase Sapphire Reserve grants access to Chase Sapphire Lounges, while the Preferred card does not include lounge entry.
You can redeem Chase points for cash back at a 1 cent per point value on both cards.	The Chase Sapphire Preferred redeems cash back at 1 cent, but the Reserve also redeems at 1 cent, so travel transfers yield more value.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve's annual fee is charged monthly instead of yearly.	Chase charges the Reserve's $550 annual fee once per year on your account anniversary, not in monthly installments.
Both cards offer the same $300 annual travel credit.	Only the Chase Sapphire Reserve includes a $300 annual travel credit, while the Preferred offers no equivalent travel credit.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred requires a minimum spending of $10,000 for its sign-up bonus.	The Chase Sapphire Preferred's typical sign-up bonus requires $4,000 in purchases within the first three months.
You can add authorized users for free on both the Preferred and Reserve.	The Chase Sapphire Preferred adds authorized users for free, but the Reserve charges $75 per additional user annually.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve covers rental car damage in full with no exclusions.	The Chase Sapphire Reserve's primary coverage excludes exotic cars, trucks, and rentals over 31 consecutive days.
Downgrading from the Reserve to the Preferred keeps your points and travel credits.	Downgrading to the Chase Sapphire Preferred preserves your Ultimate Rewards points, but you forfeit any unused Reserve travel credits.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers no benefits for airport delays or lost luggage.	The Chase Sapphire Preferred provides trip delay reimbursement and lost luggage coverage when you pay for travel with the card.
You can use both cards' benefits simultaneously if you hold one of each.	Chase's one-Sapphire rule prevents holding both cards, so you cannot stack the Preferred's and Reserve's benefits together.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve's points are worth more than the Preferred's points always.	The Chase Sapphire Reserve's points are worth 1.5 cents via Chase travel, but the Preferred's points transfer to identical partners at 1:1.

Conclusion

Difference Between Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve comes down to travel rewards versus premium perks. Choose the Preferred for its lower annual fee and solid earning rates. Choose the Reserve for lounge access, priority passes, and elevated travel benefits. Your travel frequency and spending habits determine which card delivers greater value.

FAQs on Difference Between Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve

What is the main difference between Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve?: Chase Sapphire Reserve is the premium card with a $550 annual fee, 3x points on travel and dining, and a $300 travel credit, while Chase Sapphire Preferred costs $95 and earns 2x points on travel and 3x on dining.
Which card is better, Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve?: Chase Sapphire Reserve is better for frequent travelers who use the $300 travel credit and airport lounges, while Chase Sapphire Preferred is better for casual travelers who want solid rewards without a high annual fee.
How much does each Chase Sapphire card cost per year?: Chase Sapphire Preferred has a $95 annual fee, while Chase Sapphire Reserve has a $550 annual fee, but the Reserve's $300 travel credit effectively lowers its net cost to $250.
Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth the higher annual fee?: Yes, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is worth the $550 fee if you spend over $300 annually on travel and value Priority Pass lounge access, but it is not worth it for infrequent travelers.
Can I use Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve together?: Yes, you can hold both Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve in the same account, but Chase limits you to one Sapphire card application every 48 months, so you cannot earn both welcome bonuses at once.
What is the biggest mistake beginners make with these Chase Sapphire cards?: The biggest mistake beginners make is redeeming Ultimate Rewards points for cash back at 1 cent per point instead of using the Chase Travel Portal, where Preferred gives 1.25 cents and Reserve gives 1.5 cents per point.
Are Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve points interchangeable?: Yes, Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve points are interchangeable because both cards earn the same Ultimate Rewards currency, and you can transfer points between your own Chase accounts at no cost.
Which Chase Sapphire card is best for international travel?: Chase Sapphire Reserve is best for international travel because it has no foreign transaction fees, includes Priority Pass lounge access, and offers primary rental car insurance, while the Preferred also has no foreign fees but lacks lounge perks.
Can I switch from Chase Sapphire Preferred to Reserve?: Yes, you can upgrade from Chase Sapphire Preferred to Reserve by calling Chase, but you must meet the Reserve's credit requirements and you will not receive a second welcome bonus for upgrading.
What travel protections do Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve offer?: Both Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay coverage, and primary rental car collision damage waiver, but the Reserve adds trip delay reimbursement of up to $500 per ticket.