Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: Best for Travelers in 2025?

You want a credit card that enhances your travels—more rewards, fewer fees, and luxury perks—but is the Chase Sapphire Reserve® truly worth $550 a year? Missing the right card could cost you points and money. In this expert review, I’ll help you figure out if this card is your ticket to better travel in 2025.

Overview of the Chase Sapphire Reserve

Before reviewing the Chase Sapphire Reserve in details, here’s everything you need to know about the card offers and how it can fit into your lifestyle.

What is the Chase Sapphire Reserve?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel rewards credit card designed for frequent travelers and those who want to get the most value out of their everyday spending. It offers high rewards rates on travel and dining, along with luxury perks like airport lounge access, travel credits, and comprehensive travel protections.

Beyond earning points, the card gives you flexibility through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program, where points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through Chase or can be transferred to airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio.

While it does come with a $550 annual fee, the robust benefits and rewards can easily outweigh the cost for the right user. If you’re someone who values travel, convenience, and premium perks, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® can be a game-changing addition to your wallet.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: Key Benefits

When I first got the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, it was clear this card wasn’t just about spending—it was about traveling smarter. Here’s why:

• $300 Annual Travel Credit: This is one of the most flexible credits I’ve seen. Whether I book flights, hotels, rideshares, or even pay for parking, the first $300 I spend on travel each year comes right back as a statement credit. It’s automatic and effortless.
• Generous Rewards on Travel and Dining: If you love to travel and eat out, you’ll rack up points fast. I earn:
  • 10x points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel.
  • 5x points on flights booked through Chase Travel.
  • 3x points on dining worldwide (including takeout and delivery) and other travel purchases.
• 50% More Value on Redemptions: When I redeem points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, they’re worth 50% more. That means 60,000 points equals $900 toward flights, hotels, or car rentals.
• 1:1 Point Transfers: Flexibility is everything. I can transfer my points to top airline and hotel partners like United, Hyatt, and Marriott at a 1:1 value, letting me stretch my points even further.
• Complimentary Airport Lounge Access: Priority Pass Select membership gives me access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide. It’s a game changer for long layovers or crowded airports.
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® Credit: I get up to $120 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS. Skipping long security lines saves time and stress.

These benefits easily offset the card’s $550 annual fee if you travel regularly. For me, the Sapphire Reserve isn’t just a credit card—it’s like a travel companion that works hard to make every trip smoother, more rewarding, and a little more luxurious.

Earning Rewards

What I love most about the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is how effortlessly I can rack up points on the things I already spend on—especially travel and dining. Here’s how it breaks down:

• 10x points on hotels and car rentals when booked through Chase Travel after the first $300 in annual travel spending.
• 5x points on flights booked through Chase Travel.
• 3x points on dining—whether I’m at a restaurant, ordering takeout, or using a delivery service.
• 3x points on all other travel worldwide after the $300 travel credit is used.

If you’re like me and take advantage of platforms like Lyft, there’s even more value. You get 10x points on Lyft rides plus a complimentary 2-year Lyft Pink All Access membership, which gives discounted rides and priority access.

For Peloton fans, it’s a win too—you’ll earn 10x points on purchases over $150 (up to 50,000 points) through March 2025.

Earning rewards feels natural with this card. I don’t have to jump through hoops—no rotating categories or confusing restrictions. Just book travel, enjoy great meals, and watch the points stack up.

Travel and Luxury Perks

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® isn’t just about earning rewards—it’s packed with perks that elevate every part of my travels.

• Airport Lounge Access: With a Priority Pass Select membership, I have access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. Whether I’m relaxing before a flight or grabbing a snack during a layover, it’s a total lifesaver.
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® Credit: This one’s huge for anyone who flies often. The card gives me a statement credit of up to $120 every four years to cover Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS fees.
• Travel Protection Benefits: The coverage on this card is next-level:
  • Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: If my trip gets canceled due to sickness or bad weather, I can be reimbursed up to $10,000 per person for prepaid expenses like flights or hotels.
  • Primary Auto Rental Coverage: No need to pay for extra insurance. I get up to $75,000 in collision or theft coverage for rental cars.
  • Trip Delay Reimbursement: If my flight is delayed more than 6 hours, I can get up to $500 back for meals and lodging.
  • Baggage Insurance: If my bags are delayed or lost, I’m covered.
• Luxury Hotel Benefits: Booking through The Edit℠ unlocks perks like free breakfast, $100 property credits, and room upgrades (when available) at premium properties.
• DoorDash Perks: I get complimentary DashPass membership until the end of 2027, with $0 delivery fees and up to $25 in monthly savings.

When you add it all up, these perks turn travel into something seamless and stress-free. Whether I’m flying across the country or booking a quick weekend getaway, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® makes every step smoother—and more rewarding.

Travel Protections and Insurance Coverage

One of the standout reasons I carry the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the peace of mind it gives me when I travel. The card offers some of the most comprehensive travel protections out there—things you usually don’t get unless you pay extra. Here’s what I’m talking about:

• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: If an unexpected illness, severe weather, or another covered issue cancels or cuts my trip short, I can get reimbursed up to $10,000 per traveler and up to $20,000 per trip for prepaid flights, hotels, and tours.
• Trip Delay Reimbursement: Delays are inevitable when you travel. If my flight is delayed more than 6 hours or requires an overnight stay, I can get up to $500 per traveler to cover meals, hotels, and other expenses.
• Primary Auto Rental Coverage: This is a huge win. I can decline the rental company’s insurance and still be covered up to $75,000 for theft and collision damage—both domestically and abroad. No added fees, no stress.
• Lost and Delayed Baggage Coverage: If my luggage is lost, I can be reimbursed up to $3,000 per traveler for repairs or replacement. If it’s delayed over 6 hours, I can get up to $100 per day for 5 days to cover essentials like toiletries and clothes.
• Emergency Medical and Evacuation Coverage: If I get sick or injured during a trip more than 100 miles from home, the card covers medical expenses up to $2,500 and emergency evacuation up to $100,000.
• Travel Accident Insurance: When I pay for a flight, train, or cruise with my Sapphire Reserve®, I’m covered for up to $1,000,000 in accidental death or dismemberment coverage.

These protections aren’t just fluff—they save me real money and headaches. Whether it’s a delayed flight, lost luggage, or unexpected medical expenses, I know the Chase Sapphire Reserve® has me covered. It’s like having a safety net every time I travel.

Lifestyle and Everyday Benefits

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® isn’t just about travel—it makes everyday life a little better too, thanks to perks that keep delivering value. Here’s how I get the most out of it beyond airports and hotels:

• DoorDash DashPass: I love takeout nights, and with DashPass, I get $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on DoorDash orders. Even better, Chase adds up to $25 in monthly savings, with a $5 monthly credit and two $10 promos for non-restaurant orders. That’s a ton of value for something I’d use anyway.
• Lyft Benefits: If you use rideshare services like I do, you’ll love the complimentary Lyft Pink All Access membership for two years (activate by Dec 31, 2024). It unlocks perks like discounted rides, priority pickup, and free bike/scooter rentals in select cities. Plus, you earn 10x points on Lyft rides, which adds up fast.
• Peloton Perks: Fitness lovers get rewarded, too. I earn 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 (up to 50,000 points) until March 31, 2025.
• The Edit℠ Program: This curated collection of luxury stays makes weekend getaways or bucket-list trips even better. Benefits like daily breakfast for two, $100 property credits, and room upgrades (when available) make a big difference.
• Reserved by Sapphire: This exclusive program gives me access to special dining events, sports, and entertainment experiences. If you love unique, high-end experiences, this is a nice bonus.
• Visa Infinite Luxury Perks: The Sapphire Reserve® is a Visa Infinite card, which means perks like car rental discounts and VIP upgrades with Avis®, Hertz®, and National®, as well as premium privileges with Audi On Demand.

These benefits don’t just feel tacked on—they’re genuinely useful in daily life. Whether I’m grabbing food, commuting, working out, or splurging on a fancy night out, the Sapphire Reserve® makes it more rewarding and enjoyable.

Chase Ultimate Rewards® Program

For me, one of the biggest reasons to get the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is its Ultimate Rewards® program—it’s flexible, powerful, and super easy to use. Earning and redeeming points feels seamless, and the value I get for my spending is hard to beat. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• 50% More Value for Travel: When I redeem points for travel through Chase Travel℠, they’re worth 50% more. For example, 60,000 points aren’t just $600—they’re $900 toward flights, hotels, or car rentals.
• 1:1 Point Transfers: This is where the magic happens. I can transfer my points to Chase’s airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 value. Partners include big names like United, Southwest, Hyatt, and Marriott. Transferring to programs like Hyatt often gets me even more value per point.
• No Expiration on Points: My Ultimate Rewards® points never expire as long as my account is open, so I can save up for a dream trip without any pressure.
• Flexible Redemption Options: While travel gives me the best value, I can also use points for:
  • Cash Back: Redeem points for statement credits or deposits at 1 cent per point.
  • Gift Cards: Trade points for gift cards to popular retailers.
  • Apple Purchases: Shop for Apple products through Chase using my points.
• Chase Dining: I can earn 10x points on Chase Dining experiences and redeem points for special culinary events or even takeout. If you love dining as much as I do, this is an easy way to rack up rewards.

With Ultimate Rewards®, every purchase I make feels like it’s working toward something bigger—whether it’s a luxurious vacation, a weekend getaway, or even simple cashback. The combination of earning high points, transferring to travel partners, and getting 50% more for redemptions makes the Chase Sapphire Reserve® one of the best cards on the market for travelers.

At the end of the day, the Ultimate Rewards® program is why this card stands out from the crowd. If you travel often or want maximum flexibility with your points, this card’s rewards system alone makes it worth the investment.

Fees and Interest Rates

Let’s talk about the costs of carrying the Chase Sapphire Reserve®—because while the card is packed with value, it’s not free. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Annual Fee: The card comes with a $550 annual fee, which might seem steep at first. But when you factor in the $300 annual travel credit, the lounge access, and the earning potential, it can quickly pay for itself if you travel regularly.
• Authorized User Fee: Adding an authorized user costs $75 per year. This gives them access to perks like Priority Pass™ lounge membership and travel protections, so it can be worth it for a spouse or family member.
• APR: The variable APR ranges from 21.74% to 28.74%, depending on your creditworthiness. As with most premium cards, this isn’t the best option if you carry a balance—it’s really designed for people who pay off their statement in full every month.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None! This is huge for international travelers. You’ll never be hit with extra fees when using the card outside the U.S.
• Late Fees and Penalties: Like most cards, there’s a penalty for late or returned payments, so keeping your account in good standing is key.

Yes, the annual fee is on the higher side, but for someone who travels frequently and uses the benefits, it’s easy to justify. If you’re strategic about the rewards, perks, and credits, you’ll come out ahead.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: Pros and Cons

Every card has its strengths and weaknesses, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is no exception. Here’s the honest rundown:

Pros

• High Earning Rates on Travel and Dining: Earning 3x points on travel and dining worldwide (and up to 10x points through Chase Travel℠) makes it incredibly rewarding for frequent travelers and food lovers.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit: This credit is super flexible and applies automatically to travel purchases like flights, hotels, parking, and more. It’s like getting $300 back every year.
• Lounge Access: Complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership grants access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, adding serious comfort to your travels.
• 50% More Value for Travel Redemptions: Points are worth 50% more when redeemed through Chase Travel, so your rewards stretch even further.
• Top-Notch Travel Protections: Coverage like trip cancellation, primary rental car insurance, baggage protection, and emergency evacuation sets this card apart from others.
• Flexible Redemption Options: The 1:1 point transfer to airline and hotel partners gives you flexibility to maximize your points for travel.

Cons

• High Annual Fee: At $550, the card isn’t cheap. If you don’t travel or dine out often, you might not get enough value to justify the cost.
• Authorized User Fee: Adding additional users costs $75 each year, which can add up for families.
• Best Value Comes from Travel: While the rewards are fantastic for travelers, people who rarely travel might not find this card as appealing.
• Requires Excellent Credit: You’ll need a strong credit score to qualify.

Who Should Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve®?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is ideal for people who travel frequently, dine out often, and want premium perks without jumping through complicated hoops. If you value airport lounge access, travel protections, and flexible redemption options, this card will make your life easier and your trips more enjoyable.

Here’s who will benefit the most:

• Frequent Travelers: With high earning rates on travel purchases, a $300 annual travel credit, and 50% more value on points redeemed through Chase Travel, this card is a perfect match for jet-setters.
• Dining Enthusiasts: Whether you’re dining out or ordering in, earning 3x points on dining worldwide (and 10x points on Chase Dining purchases) adds up fast.
• Luxury Seekers: Complimentary lounge access, priority security screening credits, and VIP car rental perks make traveling smoother and more comfortable.
• Ultimate Rewards Fans: If you’re already using the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program, this card is your ticket to maximizing points and getting more flexibility for travel redemptions.
• Big Spenders: The high annual fee can be justified if you spend enough on travel and dining to reap the card’s full value.

However, if you rarely travel, prefer no annual fee, or don’t spend much on dining, a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® or another mid-tier option might suit you better.

Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Preferred vs Amex Platinum Card

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of the Chase Sapphire Reserve with two popular alternatives:

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® stands out for its high travel rewards, flexibility, and luxury benefits like lounge access and travel credits. Compared to the Sapphire Preferred®, the Reserve offers far more perks but at a higher annual fee—making it best for frequent travelers who can fully utilize the benefits. On the other hand, the Amex Platinum Card® is packed with luxury perks but focuses less on dining rewards and comes with an even higher annual fee.

Compare ↓

Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Preferred

Final Verdict

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the most powerful travel credit cards on the market. It delivers exceptional value to frequent travelers and dining enthusiasts with its high reward rates, flexible redemption options, and premium perks. The $300 annual travel credit alone offsets more than half of the $550 annual fee, and features like airport lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, and comprehensive travel insurance add tremendous value.

If you’re someone who travels frequently, dines out regularly, and wants to maximize your rewards without worrying about blackout dates or complicated redemption options, this card is worth every penny.

However, if you don’t travel enough to justify the annual fee or prefer a no-frills card, you might want to consider alternatives like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® or other mid-tier travel cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve® worth the $550 annual fee?

Yes, if you travel frequently. The $300 annual travel credit offsets much of the fee, and perks like lounge access, high reward rates, and travel protections can add far more value throughout the year.

2. How do I earn bonus points with the Chase Sapphire Reserve®?

You earn points on specific spending categories:

• 5x points on flights booked through Chase Travel after the first $300 is spent annually.
• 10x points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel.
• 3x points on dining (including takeout and delivery) and other travel purchases.

5. Does the card charge foreign transaction fees?

No, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® does not charge any foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent choice for international travel.

6. Can I share my rewards points with family members?

You can combine Ultimate Rewards® points with other Chase cards in your household, like the Chase Freedom Flex® or Chase Sapphire Preferred®, to maximize your points.

9. How can I redeem my Chase Ultimate Rewards® points?

You can redeem points for travel through the Chase Travel portal (50% more value), transfer them to airline/hotel partners, book experiences, or even use them for statement credits and gift cards.

10. Can I get this card if I already have a Sapphire card?

No, you can’t get the bonus if you already hold a Sapphire card or have earned a new card member bonus on a Sapphire card in the past 48 months.