Chase SapphireReserve® (see Rates and Fees) has long been the top travel card for points enthusiasts, cherished for its flexible rewards, generous travel protection and an extensive network of transfer partners. But with a series of recent changes, including significantly higher annual fees and overhauls for certain benefits, many cardholders are now reconsidering whether it is still suitable for their wallet.
As of June 2025, the annual fee for sapphire reserves increased from $550 to $795, making it one of the most expensive consumer travel cards on the market. Authorized user fees also rose from $75 to $195, with Chase replacing its long-standing 50% redemption boost with a new Points Boost program (using points via ChaseTravel℠), although existing cardholders will receive a two-year grace period before it can take effect.
During this grace period (until October 26, 2027), existing cardholders will automatically receive the best value of point boost and 50% redemption.
Not everything is changing, though: popular benefits, such as $300 annual travel credit, global admission/TSA Precheck/nexus credit, priority pass lounge access and top-notch travel protections.
For some travelers, these new benefits may add meaningful value. But for others, especially those who are not enough to trigger new benefits or are mostly redeemed through Chase Travel, math may no longer be good for the reserve.
If you reevaluate your wallet strategy, here are five powerful alternatives that better suit your needs and spending style.
Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve Changes: New Earning Rate, More Statement Credit for Higher Annual Fees
If you want to be with Chase
If you are not ready to leave the chase ecosystem, you can still access Chase’s valuable transfer partners without the massive annual fee.
Chase Sapphire’s preferred card
Annual fee: $95
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If you still want to get Chase Ultimate Rewards but can’t prove that the Sapphire Reserve is priced at $795, the Chase SapphirePreferred® card (see Price and Fees) is a great choice and one of our favorite overall travel cards at TPG.
This is the card I use most in my wallet – thanks in part for its lack of foreign transaction fees – I personally recommend most to friends and family who want flexible points, huge travel value and reasonable annual fees.
With Sapphire’s top pick, you’ll earn 5 points per dollar on trips booked through Chase Travel, spending 3 points per dollar, spending 2 points per dollar on all other trips, and spending 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Although it lacks luxury allowances like lounges, it still brings a lot of value to the price, perfect for travelers who want to earn and use the final reward points without the pressure to maximize the high-end benefits. If you still like chasing the ecosystem but want something more cost-effective, this card is really hard to beat.
Related: Does it make sense to own Chase Sapphire’s top picks and bookings?
How to downgrade Chase Sapphire Reserve
If you want to switch from Sapphire preferred to another Chase card, you can ask for product changes by calling the number on the back of the card or sending a security message through your Chase account.
Popular downgrade options include the preferred choice for the sapphire above (reserve point transfer feature) and Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see Rates and Fees), an option with no annual fee to earn 1.5% cash back and keep your points.
In general, it is recommended to downgrade rather than cancel to maintain account age, avoid potential credit score drops and maintain access to points. Just make sure your account is at least 12 months old, Chase usually doesn’t allow earlier changes.
Related: When can you downgrade your credit card?
If you want a premium travel card
If you’re still chasing airport lounges, luxury benefits and travel credits – just a new price of $795 without reserves – these other premium travel cards may offer higher value. Both have strong protection and travel-centric benefits, but the annual fee is significantly lower.
Platinum card for American Express
Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees)
With a new price of $795 for sapphire reserves, American Express’s PlatinumCard® is now cheap and still packs luxury goods.
You will receive AMEX’s Global Lounge Series, which costs $200 per year for airlines, can be purchased with your qualifying airline of your choice, $200 Uber Cash for Uber, and Clear Plus Plus Credits up to $199, and $5,000 spent on each flight booked with American ExpressTrave® (up to $500 per year for these purchases). Please note: There are many benefits every month and require admission; terms apply.
*Uber cash is deposited into only one Uber account when you redeem Amex Platinum as a payment method and redeem it with any Amex card.
Capital One Venture X Reward Credit Card
Annual fee: $395
If you prefer the premium privileges of Sapphire Reserves but are looking for a simpler, more cost-effective option, you may want to consider the Capital One Venture X Rewards credit card.
Like Sapphire Reserve, Venture X offers access to the airport lounge (including priority passes, Capital One Lounges and Plaza Premium Lounges), as well as an annual travel credit of $300 for travel bookings through Capital One Travel. Venture X offers a more streamlined travel reward experience thanks to its lower annual fee and less complex points structure.
However, it is important to note that starting February 1, 2026, additional Venture X cardholders (including authorized users and account managers) will no longer receive free lounge access. The primary cardholder can pay $125 per card to increase the lounge access to other cardholder accounts.
By comparison, the Sapphire Reserve allows cardholders to bring two guests to the Chase Sapphire lounge and the Priority Pass lounge for free, plus an additional $27 per visit. This gives the reserve a slight advantage when entering the lounge, especially when you travel with others often.
When it comes to earning fees, while Sapphire Reserve makes 3 points per dollar for travel and dining, the Venture X is 2 miles per dollar per purchase, as well as an impressive 10 miles spent on hotels and hotels and cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Adding 10,000 miles per year (available through the Capital One portal) and without an annual authorized user, the Venture X package is incredible value for frequent travelers who want premium benefits without a large annual fee. Based on our July 2025 valuation, the value of these 10,000 miles is about $185.
Overall, with comparable privileges and more affordable annual fees for those who want a simpler, premium travel card, it’s an attractive alternative that still has a solid value.
Related: Best Quality Credit Cards: Side by side comparison
If you want quality hotel benefits
The Sapphire Reserve has long been the first choice for travelers seeking wide range of travel rewards, airport lounge access and flexible redemption. However, with the rise in annual fees, many of its best privileges tend to travel in general rather than hotel-specific benefits, you may be looking for more targeted value, especially when you are consistently connected to individual hotel brands.
Hilton Honors AmericaExpress® Aspire Card
Annual fee: $550
As far as premium hotel cards are concerned, the Hilton Aspire Amex has a lot to like. While different from the sapphire reserves in terms of flexibility you get, it offers specific elite allowances and ongoing value that you can use every year, especially if the Hilton Hotel has become part of your travel routine (or possibly) .
The card offers free nighttime rewards for the top diamond status of Automatic Hilton (plus the second after spending $30,000) each year, up to $400 per year in Hilton Resort notes. If you stay at the Hilton Hotel only once or twice a year, you can pay for your spending.
Additionally, like Sapphire Reserve, Aspire includes priority pass selected airport lounge access and airline’s accompanying fee credits to make it travel allowance outside the hotel. However, its true value is that the hotel status and luxury accommodation offers are more important to you than transferable points or flexible redemption.
Related: Best Hotel Credit Cards
If you want to get the highest reward on your meal
If the dining benefits of Chase Sapphire Reserve are a big draw for you, then I have good news: There is another card to do better.
American Express Gold Card
Annual Fee: $325 (see Rates and Fees)
The reserve has long been a favorite among foodies, thanks to earning 3 points per dollar on every dollar on meals. But American Expry® Gold Card Single Cards cost $4 worldwide at a price of $25,000 per year (including takeout and delivery, up to $50,000 per year, then 1 point per dollar) and every dollar in US supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1:1 point per year).
With the Amex Gold, you’ll also earn 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or through amextravel.com (a nice nod to travel spend), up to $120 in dining credits and up to $120 in Uber Cash annually for US Uber purchases* (both dining and Uber Cash are disrupted as up to $10/month statement credits) (enrollment required for select benefits; terms apply). This is the best option for those who spend more than airport lounges to be out.
*Uber cash is deposited into only one Uber account when you redeem Amex Platinum as a payment method and redeem it with any Amex card.
Related: Best Meal Credit Cards for July 2025
Bottom line
The Sapphire Reserve still offers great value for travelers who can maximize their privileges – some new benefits may appeal to those who often make a trip booking or spend a lot of money on categories. However, since the current annual fee is $795, it is worth reevaluating whether the card is consistent with your current lifestyle.
Whether you want to stay true to Chase, you can switch to a more affordable premium card or choose something that suits your travel or dining habits better. There is no shortage of powerful options. The best cards are the ones that bring you the most value, and with these changes to the sapphire reserve, now may be a good time to find the perfect fit.
Related: Why Keep My Chase Sapphire Reserve – Even at a Higher Price of $795
For Amex Platinum rates and fees, click here.
For Amex Gold rates and fees, click here.
