My friend flashed me a new credit card and said, “This is the latest credit card; it’s a must.” It was September 2016, when I first got it with Chase SapphireReserve® (See rates and fees). At the time, I only had a cash credit card and a shared airline credit card, but I kept his words in mind.
Nearly a decade later, Chase Sapphire Reserve still has a special place in my wallet as this is my first transferable currency credit card.
Several TPG staff have sapphire reserves, but many have very popular ones too Chase Sapphire Priority® Card (See rates and fees). Despite the legitimate reason that some people cancel or downgrade their sapphire reserves, getting rid of my thoughts never thought of my thoughts. Even after the card was refreshed heavily and increased annual fees, new revenue and revenue rate changes, this card was still my travel card.
This card has great value for me throughout my points and mileage journey. That’s why I’ll never cancel me Chatong Sapphire Reserve.
The annual fee is reasonable
When I initially applied for the card in 2016, the annual fee for Sapphire Reserve was $450. At that time, other top cards American Express Platinum Card® The Citi Prest® Card (no longer available to new applicants) has comparable annual fees, but of all of these fees, I found that the annual fee of the reserve fund is easiest to justify its benefits.
Information about Citi’s reputation has been independently collected by Goint Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Despite Sapphire Conservation Area The new annual fee is $795 and as an existing cardholder I have to pay the new fee before the December renewal date. Also, starting October 26, I can access the new allowance for the card. The new fee may exceed the $695 annual fee for Amex Platinum (see rates and fees), which can be a shock.
My annual charges for credit cards are estimated to be related to their benefits, and thankfully, Sapphire Reserve’s new statement credit is not like coupon book-style statement credit. For existing and new cardholders, current and updated credits do not require much effort. To me, this makes the annual fee-based investment worth it.
The $395 annual fee that comes with Capital One Venture X Rewards credit card makes this card a more affordable alternative to Sapphire Reserve, but if you value flexibility, the limit on its travel credit and the lack of other statements credit can be a twist; this is another reason why Sapphire Reserve is the winner in my book.
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Related: Are premium credit cards worth annual fees?
Transfer partners are very useful
this Sapphire Conservation Area There are several airlines and hotel partners, including many of them in three airline alliances (Oneworld, Skyteam and Star Alliance), as well as domestic programs such as Southwest Express Rewards.
The latter was particularly valuable when traveling in the United States, saving me last minute bookings. I was able to get one-way tickets using the Southwest point between my Southwest Point (DEN) between John Wayne Airport (SNA) and Denver International Airport (DEN).
Based on my spending habits, sapphire reserves can help me improve points faster Sapphire prefers – Another Chase Ultimate Reward Card – and has the same transfer partner.
As a result, in 2024 alone, I redeemed over 300,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points, thanks to the ease of making money and the ability to transfer it to top partners.
There is no doubt that my most used transfer partner is Air Canada Aeroplan. Bread of airlines within the Star Alliance – including Turkish Airlines, which is one of my favorite redemptions that I flew over (70,000 miles in one-way in Business Class during a trip from the US to Istanbul), plus the bonus charts, and a few sweet spots that make the program unlimited.
I also like the various Avios Transfer Partners at Sapphire Reserve. Thanks to both British Airways and Qatar Airways using Avios, I use the linked account to transfer Avios. This helped me fly Qatar Airways’ impressive QSuite between the US and the Middle East at 75,000 Avios, which usually costs between $4,000 and $9,000.
When it comes to hotels, Hyatt World is arguably some of the best redemption rates, which makes Chase’s transfer partners wide. Park Hyatt Properties in Europe cost up to $1,100 per night, and I saved thousands of dollars by booking a bonus night with 50,000 points per night.
Related: Who is the ultimate reward transfer partner in Chase? Everything is known
It offers easy-to-enjoy benefits
Before the card refreshes, even now, I found Chatong Sapphire Reserve Become one of the most direct credit cards to use benefits. The vast majority of benefits do not require admission, which is a pain point for Amex card members and there are no large amount of restrictions to worry about.
As mentioned earlier, the card’s new statement credit does not look like a coupon book for several reasons. first, Amex Platinum From lifestyle to travel, a range of declared credits are offered, while the new benefits of the Sapphire Reserve revolve around travel and entertainment.
For example, Amex Platinum offers Equinox a $300 credit of up to $300, and a $300 bike credit for Soulcycle At-Home (on eligible U.S. membership and purchase). I don’t think these statement credits are applicable to most card members, including myself, because I never needed Soulcycle Credit as Cardmemer. Selected AMEX Platinum Benefits require registration.
Other perks on the card are basically used by the card members, simply because they are provided, not because the average person needs a specific benefit.
Related: Some premium cards now require an “extreme coupon” mentality
Flexible travel statement credit
One of the most valuable perks for Sapphire Reserve is the $300 declared credit for its travel purchase, which is easy to use and essentially covers anything code as a travel. This credit is the main reason why I will never cancel my card. I’m glad to learn that refresh keeps this valuable statement credit.
Because Chase has a wide view on the cost of eligible travel, the annual statement credit of Sapphire Reserve automatically applies it to various travel purchases in your account. For example, I used a $300 declared credit to cover everything from air tickets and hotel fees to training tickets, parking charges, and even tolls.
Related: How to Save Travel with the $300 Annual Travel Credit in Chase Sapphire Reserve
Huge hotel statement credit
In addition to the card’s generous $300 travel credit, Sapphire Conservation Area Now, booking through ChaseTravel℠ has been obtained with an annual statement credit of up to $500.
For at least two nights prepaid bookings, the credit line is divided into two $250 biennial statement credits. This statement on Sapphire Reserve is a clear winner in the annual $200 hotel credit of Amex Platinum (only prepaid bookings in quality hotels + resorts and hotel collection properties; two nights booking required for hotel collections).
Although the credit is biennial and requires at least two nights of stay, it still offers cardholders $300 compared to Amex Platinum. Add to the flexible $300 statement credit, and if you maximize these privileges, you will be reinstateing your full yearly expenses every year.
Valuable lifestyle and dining credits
The following statement that credit is innovative and challenging Sapphire Conservation Area The biggest competitor, Amex Platinum. These feels more tailored than the prices currently offered by Amex Platinum and should be very simple to redeemed.
These benefits include:
- StubHub or Viagogo Credit: By December 2027, up to $300 in concert and event tickets (divided into two $150 biennial credits; activation is required).
- Meal Credit: With Opentable, annual meal credit and prime time reservations are available for up to $300 on Sapphire Reserve exclusive tables (divided into two $150 biannual credits, automatically used in the Sapphire Reserve exclusive table program).
- Benefits of Apple TV+ and Apple Music: Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions worth up to $250 will be available until June 22, 2027 (one-time activation is required via Chase.com or Chase Mobile App).
Free access to the lounge simplifies my trip
For me, the ability to enter the lounge is a great way to get through time at airports around the world, as it allows me to fill in a comfortable environment without additional expense. This is especially true when I travel with my family, as ordering food from multiple people at airport restaurants can be a slow and tedious process.
While most premium credit cards today include priority passing membership, the latest trend is that issuers can access their own lounges. Not only did Chase join the trend, he soon became a strong competitor in the field.
As of March 2025, Chase enjoys eight sapphire lounges around the world, including the recently opened Sapphire Lounge at the PHL Club in Philadelphia. Chase’s rapidly growing lounge presence is another reason to keep the card open.
Historically, since I was based on the West Coast, I have had limited opportunities to experience Chase’s sapphire lounge on a recent trip to Hong Kong. But with the new opening at San Diego International Airport (SAN) and the planned opening at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), I look forward to making the most of this gain in future travel – with two free guests.
Related: How to choose an airport lounge to access credit card
Bottom line
As a joy Sapphire Conservation Area Cardholders have been around for nearly a decade and I won’t be downgrading or canceling my card anytime soon even after refresh and annual fees increase. Flexible annual travel statement credit, new easy-to-repay statement credit, an impressive list of transfer partners, and the evolving Sapphire Lounge Network, which makes this card a must-have for my wallet even with an annual fee of $795.
For more information, see our complete review of Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Apply here: Chatong Sapphire Reserve
For Amex Platinum rates and fees, click here.
