Why I keep my Chase Sapphire Preferred card forever

A few years ago, it seemed like the end of Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card The reign of my wallet is at hand.

Sure, the card earns a solid 2 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and 3 points per dollar on dining while also offering special travel protection benefits – rarely seen with credit cards Have Annual fee under $100. It also offers superior travel redemption capabilities when Mark moving to one Chase’s valued transfer partnersuch as United, Hyatt and British Airways.

And now, the card is offering a sign-up bonus of 75,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months from account opening. TPG value This offer is at $1,538.

But truth be told, I spent the minimum on my Sapphire Preferred card and instead chose to earn a higher 4 points per dollar with this card. American Express® Gold Card ABOVE eat and drink at the restaurant.

So why did I decide to keep the Chase Sapphire Preferred card in my wallet indefinitely? Let’s look at the reasons.

Valuable transfer partner

The Hyatt World Program considered by many TPG readers (myself included) to be its most valuable transfer partner Chase Ultimate Rewards program. With Ultimate rewards points transferred at a 1:1 ratio, it’s easy to book Hyatt awards with reasonable award rates.

And although there is some overlap with other transferable currencies related to travel partners (Airline British, Canadian Airlines, Singapore Airlinesto name a few), Ultimate Rewards can also be transferred at a 1:1 ratio exclusively for Southwestwhich I occasionally fly.

Related: 6 exciting points to help you get more value for your Ultimate Rewards

Good value redemption

I bring it Chase Sapphire preferred as this is an official Chase Ultimate Rewards earning card (like the Reserve Chase Sapphire® or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card). In short, I can book my travel directly through Chase Travel℠ or transfer to one of Chase’s 14 travel partners (11 airlines and 3 hotel chains).

If I only own Pursue Unlimited Freedom®it will be glorious Cash back credit card, limiting my ability to convert cash into points to unlock valuable travel redemptions. However, because I have an Ultimate Rewards earning card like the Sapphire Preferred, I can combine my points and unlock more valuable redemption options from the points I earn on my Freedom Unlimited.

Being a Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholder also allows me to redeem points at 1.25 cents (so a $200 plane ticket would only cost 16,000 points) directly through Chasing travel. This is especially helpful as I like the simplicity of booking flights or hotel stays without having to search for hotel award nights or flight award availability.

Related: The Power of Chase Trifecta

Primary car rental insurance

Whenever I rent a car, I always refuse Car rental company insurance offer “Collision Damage Waiver” or CDW. That is because Sapphire preferred provides primary car rental coverage, allowing me to decline this additional fee but still leave the rental counter with peace of mind. If I have an accident that causes damage or loss to my rental car, this insurance will reimburse me for the damage to the car or replace the car.

Best of all, this primary car rental protection extends to any of my authorized users who use their card to pay for the rental or any additional drivers under the car rental contract. All it takes to add an extra layer of protection when renting a car is paying for your rental with the Chase Sapphire Preferred and you’ll be covered should any unfortunate accidents occur. This benefit alone is why I only use the Sapphire Preferred card to pay for my car rentals.

Related: The credit card provides car rental services

Accepted practically everywhere

Although today in America, American Express is accepted in many places such as Visa and Mastercard, Abroad is a different story. Visa is more widely accepted internationally than other payment networks. Since Sapphire preferred running on the Visa payment network, I’m virtually guaranteed acceptance with most merchants I frequent when traveling outside the US

And while Amex Gold Card earn 4 points per dollar at restaurantI like to earn 2 points per dollar on travel and 3 points per dollar on dining with Sapphire Preferred, knowing I won’t encounter as many hurdles when paying with a credit card abroad.

Related: What is the difference between a credit card network and an issuer?

Bottom line

If you’ve been paying attention Sapphire preferred card for a while, opportunity is knocking at the door, because now is the one Best time to apply. This card is offering a great sign-up bonus of 75,000 Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months from account opening. Overall, the Chase Sapphire Preferred continues to provide me with enough value to replace the $95 annual fee per year. For that reason, I plan to keep this card indefinitely and continue to use it as a catalyst to accumulate and redeem valuable Ultimate Rewards points for travel.

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Register here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card with a 75,000 point bonus after you spend $4,000 in the first three months from account opening.

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