CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED
If you're just starting out with points and miles, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® is hands down the best place to begin. It was one of the first travel cards I ever opened, and years later, it’s still my favorite. Between the generous welcome offer, flexible points, strong travel protections, and low annual fee, this card offers insane value for beginners and seasoned travelers.
Welcome Offer
Chase is offering a limited time offer of 100,000 Ultimate Rewards® points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
The Sapphire Preferred also makes it easy to keep earning points with strong bonus categories:
5x points on Lyft and Chase Travel
3x points on dining, online groceries, gas and EV charging, vacation homes
2x points on all other travel
1x point on everything else
Using your points
One of the best features of Chase Ultimate Rewards® is the ability to transfer points to airlines and hotels. This gives you incredible flexibility to find the best deals and redemptions, especially if you want to fly internationally or book luxury stays.
Here’s a full list of Chase’s transfer partners:
Airlines:
Air Canada
British Airways
Air France/ KLM
Iberia
JetBlue
Singapore Airlines
Southwest
United
Virgin Atlantic
Aer Lingus
Hotels:
Hyatt
IHG
Marriott
Whether you're booking a quick domestic flight with Southwest or planning a luxury stay at a Hyatt resort, having access to these partners makes your points go a lot further.
Travel Perks & Protections
I use my Sapphire Preferred to book every flight I take, not just for the points, but because it comes with some of the best perks and protections you’ll find on a card with a $95 annual fee:
Travel Protections:
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
Trip delay reimbursement
Baggage delay coverage
Primary rental car insurance (you can decline the rental company’s insurance and still be covered)
Emergency evacuation coverage
Other Perks:
$100 annual hotel credit when you book through the Chase Travel Portal
Apple TV for one year
$120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
No foreign transaction fees (I always have this card in my wallet when I’m traveling internationally)
These benefits add serious value and peace of mind every time you travel, whether it’s a weekend getaway or an international trip.
Final Thoughts
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is the perfect starter card for anyone looking to travel more and spend less. The points are easy to earn and even easier to use. With strong protections, valuable perks, and unmatched flexibility, it’s no wonder this is my most recommended card. If you’re ready to dive into points and miles, this is the perfect card to begin with.
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