CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED

Written By Cristina | Travel

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 sign-up bonus, flexible points, strong travel protections, and low annual fee, this card offers insane value for beginners and seasoned travelers.

Welcome Bonus & Earning Potential

Chase is offering an 75,000 Ultimate Rewards® points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.

The Sapphire Preferred also makes it easy to keep earning points with strong bonus categories:

  • 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases

  • 2x points on travel

  • 1x point on everything else

Plus, you’ll get a 10% anniversary bonus on all your purchases every year, just for keeping the card open.

If you decide to apply for this card, I truly appreciate if you us my referral link. It’s a great way to support the free content and resources I share. Thank you so much for your support!

Apply here

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)

  • No foreign transaction fees (I always have this card in my wallet when I’m traveling internationally)

Other Perks:

  • $50 annual hotel credit when you book through the Chase Travel Portal

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.

Cristina | Travel
Next

CAPITAL ONE VENTURE REWARDS