Best for: globetrotters who want the top perks available
Last year, MONEY® Magazine called Chase Sapphire Reserve® the “Best Premium Travel Credit Card.” The name is well deserved, as the Chase credit card features one of the most advanced rewards structures available on the market. But the card definitely works best for people on the go, and avid travelers have a real opportunity to save significantly on trip expenses.
The high APR and annual fee will make most people pause before signing up. That’s a good thing. Make sure the fees will be worth it by taking advantage of the stellar rewards on plane tickets and hotels.
The basics of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card
The Sapphire Reserve’s standout features
Best way to use the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card
When travel plans go sideways, Chase Sapphire Reserve® steps in. The card provides up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses. When you’re standing in the airport of a foreign country with a canceled flight wondering what to do next, these perks are a lifesaver.
International shoppers can skirt additional expenses with the credit card’s 0% foreign transaction fees. And anyone who’s ever felt tired of airport hustle and bustle will appreciate access to the 1000+ VIP lounges spread out over 500 cities across the globe, after a quick enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select.
Mitigating the stress from constant traveling takes a toll on us all. The points from Chase Ultimate Rewards® make it easier to transfer points to the service that’s actually needed in any given situation, rather than forcing the points to be spent on a single platform.
At $450, the annual fee is definitely on the high end. Successfully applying for this card requires good credit, and the high APR makes leaving a balance on the card expensive. But for a smart traveler, the benefits that the card offers exceeds its limitations by far.
In a nutshell
Premium credit cards are not for everyone.
Deciding if Chase Sapphire Reserve® is right for you will take some foresight and financial planning. The points back on hotels, plane tickets and restaurants give cardholders access to truly powerful rewards that can change the game on budgeting for trips.
To make this card worth it, people should focus on what the card can do to make traveling easier and less expensive in the long run. Significant spending is required. Having a clear picture of annual travel expenses and whether they will exceed the fees will determine if the credit card is right for you.
Anyone turned off by the high APR and annual fee should look to the Chase Sapphire Preferred® credit card, which offers many of the same benefits and rewards with a lower APR and annual fee.
