How to maximize your earned rewards with the Chase Sapphire Preferred

We often say Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best first credit card for those looking to get into the hobby of earning points and miles. That’s not because this card is a “beginner” card – quite the contrary. Many of us at TPG still have the Sapphire Preferred because it is integral to our travel rewards strategy.

We highlight it for a few reasons:

In fact, nowadays, new people apply for jobs Chase Sapphire Preferred Card can earn a limited-time bonus of 75,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. The card comes with a $95 annual fee, but covering it is relatively easy (and then some).

See how you can maximize the benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred to ensure you save the most money — and earn the most points — as naturally as possible. It will help you evaluate whether the card is worth keeping every year.

Overview of Chase Sapphire Preferred benefits

Here are the notable benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred:

• $50 annual credit on hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 10% bonus points per year based on your card spending (for example, if you spend $10,000, you’ll get 1,000 bonus points)
• 5 points per dollar on Lyft (through March 2025) and travel booked through Chase travel portal
• 5 points per dollar on every Peloton equipment and accessory purchase of $150 or more—with a limit of 25,000 points (through March 2025)

You don’t have to be a points and miles enthusiast to appreciate the card. These perks make the Chase Sapphire Preferred a very practical card for those who vacation even just once or twice a year.

With a $95 annual fee, the travel protections alone make this card worth it. And because the card is quick to earn rewards, you’ll have a small stash of Chase points by the time you’re confident enough to use them.

Related: Chase Sapphire Preferred Review

Strategies to maximize the Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Chase Sapphire preferredThe current limited-time bonus is 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. TPG value That bonus is $1,538 – although you can get more than that if you study Chasing the ultimate reward.

But once you’ve used the bonus, what’s the best way to maximize this card?

Use your Chase Sapphire Preferred to pay for airfare

The Chase Sapphire preferred Earn 5 points per dollar when booking airfare through the Chase travel portal and 2 points per dollar when booking through an online travel agent or directly with the airline. However, accumulating points is not the main motivation for customers to use the card.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred automatically gives you two significant benefits (among others) when booking airline tickets:

• Trip delay insurance: You’re covered for up to $500 per ticket when your flight is delayed 12 hours or more (or if your delay/cancellation results in an unexpected night).
• Baggage delay insurance: You and your immediate family are entitled to a refund of up to $100 per day (for up to five days) to cover essential purchases such as clothing, toiletries , etc. This benefit will be effective when your baggage is delayed six hours or more.

These perks alone are enough for many people to keep their cards year after year.

Use your Chase Sapphire Preferred to pay for hotels through the Chase travel portal

Every anniversary year, the Chase Sapphire Preferred comes with one $50 statement credit for a hotel stay booked through the Chase travel portal. You’ll also get 5 points per dollar when you book travel through the Chase travel portal (though the $50 credit won’t earn you points). It’s a great pair of benefits that are likely to appeal to anyone who typically books a hotel room through an online travel agency like Expedia or Priceline.

Just note that this may not be the best option if you’re booking at a large chain that’s part of a loyalty program like Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors. Chase is considered a third-party platform for these bookings, which means you probably won’t earn points during your stay (and you also might not get any status perks). elite state).

You can always call each property after booking (or try to add your loyalty number at check-in), but this may not work. Your best bet is to use this perk for non-chain hotels or boutique properties.

Use your Chase Sapphire Preferred to pay for your car rental

Here’s another standalone benefit that might justify the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s $95 annual fee for many travelers: when paying for your car rental with the card, you can waive Waiver coverage The rental agency’s expensive Collision Damage (CDW) — which can cost up to $15 per day — and you’ll still get Primary rental car insuranceCourtesy of Chase.

Note that this covers card damage and theft without going through your personal insurance company. You’ll also earn 5 points per dollar if you book a rental through the Chase Travel Portal. However, this does not include liability coverage (for example, damage to the car you crash into).

Use your Chase Sapphire Preferred to pay at restaurants

The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 3 points per dollar at restaurants – whether you order takeout or dine in. That’s a great benefit when stacked up with the fact that the card offers a free year (at least). DashPass Member with DoorDash (when you activate before December 31, 2024). You’ll get free shipping on orders totaling over $12 and earn 3 points per dollar on your purchase. That equates to 6% back on your meal.

Related: Just got the Chase Sapphire Preferred? Let’s do these 6 things next

When not to use the Chase Sapphire Preferred

Sometimes, your Chase Sapphire Preferred is best left in a holster.

Don’t use your Chase Sapphire Preferred to pay for non-bonus purchases

The card earns 1 point per dollar on all expenses not covered by the bonus category. That’s not a reasonable rate of return. There are many cards (some with $0 annual fees) that will serve you better for these transactions. If you want to focus on collecting Chase Ultimate Rewards, swipe Pursue Unlimited Freedom® to earn a minimum of 1.5% back (1.5 points per dollar) on all purchases.

Don’t lose out on other card benefits when using your Chase Sapphire Preferred

If you have other credit cards that offer valuable benefits on specific purchases, don’t use the Chase Sapphire Preferred for loyalty.

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For example, you can get free checked baggage with United Airlines when you use your qualifying pass United Airlines credit card to pay for your flight. That could save you $60 on round-trip travel and is worth using your United card.

Or if you frequently book the same hotel brand and elite status is important to you, use the hotel’s co-branded credit card to pay for your stay instead of the Sapphire Preferred. You’ll earn more points that way. For example:

Bottom line

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is well worth the $95 annual fee if you know how to maximize the card. This card packs a punch between a $50 annual hotel credit, loads of travel insurance, and a generous earn rate. And considering the solid welcome bonus, signing up now is a no-brainer.

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Register here: Chase Sapphire preferred with a limited-time offer of 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

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