Chase Sapphire Preferred Review 2026: Still the Best Starter Travel Card?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred has been the go-to recommendation for anyone getting into travel rewards for years. But credit card competition is fierce in 2026, and there are more options than ever.

So does the Sapphire Preferred still deserve its reputation? We've been using this card since it launched and have redeemed hundreds of thousands of Ultimate Rewards points through its transfer partners. Here's our honest take.

The Card at a Glance

What We Like

The Transfer Partners Are Unmatched at This Price

This is the single biggest reason to get this card. Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer 1:1 to 14 airline and hotel partners, including:

• World of Hyatt — consistently the best hotel redemption value in the game. You can book $300+ per night hotels for 12,000-15,000 points.
• United Airlines — solid for domestic flights and Star Alliance international awards
• Southwest Airlines — great for domestic travel, especially with the Companion Pass
• Air France/KLM Flying Blue — excellent for off-peak transatlantic flights
• British Airways Avios — perfect for short-haul flights and partner bookings

When you transfer to Hyatt, you can regularly get 3-5 cents per point in value. That means the 60,000 point signup bonus could be worth $1,800 or more in hotel stays. No other card in this price range comes close.

3x on Dining Is Generous

If you eat out regularly or order delivery, the 3x on dining adds up fast. Spend $500/month on dining and you'll earn 18,000 extra points per year — that alone nearly covers the annual fee in value.

The $50 Hotel Credit Is a Nice Touch

Chase added a $50 annual hotel credit for bookings through Chase Travel. It's not huge, but it effectively reduces the annual fee to $45 — making the value proposition even stronger.

Travel Protections Are Solid

The Sapphire Preferred includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary rental car coverage (you don't need to file with your personal auto insurance first), and baggage delay insurance. For a $95 card, this is better travel protection than many premium cards offer.

What We Don't Like

The 1x Base Rate Hurts

Outside of travel, dining, groceries, and streaming, you only earn 1x. If a big chunk of your spending is on gas, utilities, or general shopping, a lot of your spend earns the minimum. You'll want a complementary card like the Chase Freedom Flex for those categories.

The 5x Travel Rate Has a Catch

The headline 5x on travel only applies when you book through the Chase Travel portal. Book directly with the airline or hotel and you'll earn just 1x on that purchase. The portal is fine, but prices aren't always competitive with booking direct.

Chase's 5/24 Rule

Chase will generally deny your application if you've opened 5 or more credit cards (across all issuers) in the past 24 months. If you've been card-hopping, this could block you. Plan accordingly.

Who Should Get This Card?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is best for people who:

• Are getting into travel rewards for the first time
• Eat out or order food delivery regularly
• Want access to premium transfer partners without paying a $500+ annual fee
• Travel internationally (no foreign transaction fees + primary rental car coverage)
• Are under 5/24 and want to start building a Chase points stash

Skip this card if:

• You want the simplest possible rewards experience (consider the Capital One Venture instead)
• Most of your spending is on gas and groceries outside the bonus categories
• You're already over 5/24
• You want airport lounge access (you'll need the Sapphire Reserve for that)

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Sapphire Reserve

The natural question: should you go for the Reserve instead? Here's the quick breakdown:

If you spend less than $10,000/year on travel, the Preferred is the better value. The Reserve only makes sense if you travel frequently enough to use the $300 credit and Priority Pass lounges regularly.

For most people just getting started, start with the Preferred. You can always upgrade later.

How to Maximize This Card

1. Use transfer partners, not the portal. The Chase portal gives you 1.25 cents per point, but Hyatt transfers can get you 3-5 cents. Always check transfer options first.
2. Pair it with a Freedom card. The Chase Freedom Flex earns 5x in rotating quarterly categories and 3x on dining/drugstores. Those points transfer to your Sapphire account.
3. Hit the signup bonus. $4,000 in 3 months is roughly $1,333/month. Time your application around a big purchase to make it easier.
4. Use the $50 hotel credit. It resets annually — don't leave it on the table.
5. Book refundable fares through the portal when the 5x rate makes sense, and book direct when hotel loyalty status matters more.

The Bottom Line

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is still one of the best credit cards you can get in 2026. The $95 annual fee is reasonable, the signup bonus is strong, and the transfer partner list is the best in its class. It's the card that turned us into points enthusiasts, and it's still the first one we recommend.

If you're ready to move beyond basic cash back and start turning everyday spending into real travel, this is where to start.

FAQ

Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred worth the $95 annual fee?

Yes, for most people. The 3x dining rate alone can generate enough value to cover the fee if you spend $300+/month on restaurants. Add in the $50 hotel credit and the signup bonus, and the first year is an easy win. The real value comes from transfer partners like Hyatt.

How hard is it to get approved?

Chase generally wants a credit score of 700+ and income that supports the credit line. The bigger hurdle is the 5/24 rule — if you've opened 5 or more cards in the past 24 months, you'll likely be denied regardless of your score.

Can I upgrade to the Sapphire Reserve later?

Yes. Chase allows product changes after 12 months. You'll get the Reserve benefits without a new hard inquiry. You won't get a new signup bonus, but you will get the higher earn rates and lounge access.

How long does it take to earn a free flight?

With the 60,000 point signup bonus alone, you can book multiple domestic flights or a round-trip international economy ticket through transfer partners. Most people earn their first free flight within the first 3-4 months of having the card.