Why the Chase Sapphire Reserve Is My Go-To Travel Credit Card

Introduction

The Chase Sapphire Reserve (CSR) has long been one of the most well-regarded premium travel credit cards, and for good reason. While there are several high-end options on the market, the CSR remains my go-to travel card. With a hefty $550 annual fee, it’s fair to ask: does it really justify the cost? For me, the answer is a resounding yes. Between its strong earning potential, flexible redemption options, top-tier travel protections, and premium perks like lounge access, this card continues to deliver incredible value year after year.

1. The Chase Sapphire Reserve’s Best Features

a. High Rewards Earning Potential

One of the biggest draws of the CSR is its strong earning rates in categories that align with my travel-heavy spending. I earn 10X points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel℠, which makes it a powerhouse when planning trips. Flights booked through Chase Travel℠ earn 5X points, and all other travel expenses—including flights booked directly with airlines—earn 3X points, which is still very competitive. Dining purchases worldwide also earn 3X points, making this an ideal card for food lovers and frequent travelers alike.

b. $300 Annual Travel Credit – A Huge Perk

The $300 annual travel credit is one of the CSR’s best perks, effectively lowering the card’s net cost. This isn’t a gimmicky or hard-to-use credit; it automatically applies to nearly any travel expense—flights, hotels, trains, tolls, and even parking. Since I always spend at least $300 annually on travel, I consider this as good as cash, bringing the effective annual fee down to $250, which is much more reasonable given the benefits.

c. Exclusive Lounge Access – Priority Pass & Chase Sapphire Lounges

Airport lounge access is a game-changer when traveling, and the Sapphire Reserve delivers in this area. The card comes with complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, granting access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, which means I can relax, grab a bite, or get some work done before a flight without spending extra at overpriced airport restaurants.

Even better, Chase has been expanding its Sapphire Lounge by The Club network. Currently, lounges are open in Boston (BOS), Hong Kong (HKG), New York LaGuardia (LGA), New York JFK, Phoenix (PHX), and Washington Dulles (IAD), with more locations coming soon in Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX), Philadelphia (PHL), and San Diego (SAN).

I’ve personally found the LaGuardia Sapphire Lounge extremely useful when traveling with my family. Since Southwest and JetBlue both fly from Terminal B, it’s the best lounge option at LGA for us. While the Amex Centurion Lounge is also in Terminal B, their guest policy is a deal-breaker, as they now charge an outrageous guest fee. The Sapphire Lounge allows two guests for free, making it a much better deal for family travel.

To access these lounges, you need to activate your Priority Pass membership through Chase. After that, you can enter the lounges for free, plus bring two guests at no additional charge. Additional guests cost $27 each, and children under 2 years old enter for free.

d. Flexible and High-Value Points Redemption

One of the best parts of the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the flexibility and value of Chase Ultimate Rewards points. When redeemed for travel through Chase Travel℠, points are worth 1.5 cents each, which is a solid return. However, I often prefer transferring my points to travel partners like Hyatt and United, where I can get outsized value. For example, I recently transferred points to Hyatt to book a high-end resort, getting a redemption value far above 1.5 cents per point. That’s something you just can’t do with cash-back cards.

e. Best in Class Travel Protections and Insurance

Travel protections are often overlooked when comparing credit cards, but for me, they’re a crucial benefit. The Chase Sapphire Reserve provides primary car rental insurance, covering up to $75,000 in case of theft or damage. This is a big deal since most credit cards only offer secondary coverage, meaning you’d have to file with your personal insurance first.

The CSR also includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance of up to $10,000 per person if your trip is disrupted due to illness, weather, or other covered reasons. There’s also lost luggage reimbursement and emergency evacuation coverage, which can provide peace of mind for travelers. These benefits alone make me feel much more comfortable when booking travel.

f. No Foreign Transaction Fees

As someone who enjoys international travel, the fact that the CSR has no foreign transaction fees is a must. Some credit cards still charge 3% per transaction on purchases made abroad, which can add up quickly. With the CSR, I can use my card anywhere without worrying about extra fees.

g. Special Bonus Offers

In addition to the standard rewards structure, the Sapphire Reserve frequently offers limited-time bonus categories. Right now, the card earns 10X points on Lyft rides and 10X points on Peloton purchases (through March 2025). While these won’t apply to everyone, they can provide a great way to rack up extra points in specific spending categories.

The combination of strong rewards, valuable travel protections, premium lounge access, and flexible redemptions makes the Chase Sapphire Reserve my top travel credit card. Despite the $550 annual fee, the benefits I receive easily outweigh the cost, making it a must-have in my wallet.

2. The Drawbacks – What You Should Consider

a. The $550 Annual Fee – Is It Worth It?

One of the biggest hesitations people have with the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the $550 annual fee. At first glance, it seems steep, but when broken down, the value proposition becomes much clearer. The $300 annual travel credit is automatic and incredibly easy to use, effectively reducing the out-of-pocket cost to $250. This means that if you travel even semi-regularly, the remaining benefits—lounge access, strong travel protections, and bonus categories—can easily make up for the rest of the fee.

However, if you don’t travel often or don’t take advantage of the lounge access and transfer partners, you may find it harder to justify the cost. Unlike some other premium cards, the CSR doesn’t load up on random lifestyle credits for things like streaming services or Uber, so whether it’s worth keeping long-term depends on how well you maximize its core travel benefits.

b. Limited Earning Potential Outside of Travel & Dining

While the CSR is a powerhouse for travel and dining purchases, it’s less impressive for everyday spending. All non-bonus category purchases earn just 1X point per dollar, which isn’t particularly competitive. Other cards, like the Capital One Venture X (2X on all purchases) or even the Chase Freedom Unlimited (1.5X on everything), offer better flat-rate earning.

For anyone who has significant spending outside of travel and dining, it might make sense to pair the CSR with a cash-back or high-earning non-category card to maximize rewards. Personally, I supplement my CSR with other Chase Ultimate Rewards-earning cards like the Chase Freedom Flex and Freedom Unlimited, which offer higher earning rates on non-travel purchases.

c. Booking Through Chase Travel℠ for Maximum Rewards

One of the more underappreciated quirks of the Sapphire Reserve is that to earn 10X on hotels and car rentals or 5X on flights, you must book through Chase Travel℠. While this might seem straightforward, it’s worth comparing prices before blindly using the portal. In some cases, Chase Travel℠ pricing can be higher than booking directly—especially for hotels that don’t honor elite status benefits on third-party bookings.

That said, if you don’t mind booking through Chase’s portal, the earning potential is substantial. But if you’re someone who prefers booking directly to maintain elite benefits with hotels, you’ll be stuck earning just 3X points instead of the elevated portal rates.

d. Lounge Access Limitations

While lounge access is a major perk of the CSR, there are a few limitations to be aware of. Priority Pass lounges aren’t available at every airport, and when they are, they’re sometimes overcrowded or located in inconvenient terminals. Additionally, Chase's own Sapphire Lounge network is still relatively small compared to Amex Centurion Lounges. While Chase is expanding its footprint, right now, it has lounges in BOS, HKG, LGA, JFK, PHX, and IAD, with more locations coming soon.

For those who frequent airports where Centurion Lounges are available, the Amex Platinum may be the better choice. However, for someone like me who often flies from LaGuardia’s Terminal B, the Sapphire Lounge is actually the better option due to its more reasonable guest policy.

e. Chase 5/24 Rule

One of the biggest hurdles to getting the Chase Sapphire Reserve isn’t the annual fee—it’s Chase’s 5/24 rule. If you’ve opened five or more personal credit cards in the past 24 months, Chase will automatically decline your application, regardless of your income or credit score.

This rule can be frustrating for people who apply for multiple credit cards to maximize rewards. If you’re above 5/24, you’ll need to wait until you fall under the limit before applying. Additionally, if you already hold the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you can’t get the CSR’s welcome bonus unless it has been at least 48 months since receiving your last Sapphire card bonus.

3. How the Chase Sapphire Reserve Compares to Other Premium Travel Cards

Vs. Capital One Venture X

The Capital One Venture X has emerged as a serious competitor to the CSR, offering a lower $395 annual fee, 2X points on all purchases, and free authorized users (who also get lounge access). It also includes an annual $300 Capital One Travel credit, effectively bringing the net cost down to $95.

However, the CSR outshines the Venture X in transfer partners and travel protections. Chase Ultimate Rewards points are far more valuable than Capital One miles for hotel stays, particularly because of the 1:1 transfers to Hyatt—one of the best loyalty programs for redemptions. Additionally, the CSR offers stronger travel insurance and purchase protections, making it the better card for those who value safety nets while traveling.

Vs. Amex Platinum

The American Express Platinum is widely considered the most luxurious travel card, offering access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and a huge list of statement credits. However, it comes with a hefty $695 annual fee and an overcomplicated structure of credits, many of which require activation and have limited usability.

The CSR, on the other hand, is more practical for everyday travelers. It earns 3X on travel and dining, compared to the Amex Platinum’s 5X on flights and prepaid hotels but just 1X on dining and most other purchases. If you value lounge access above all else and can fully use the Amex credits, the Platinum is a strong choice. But for a straightforward, high-value travel rewards card with better flexibility, the CSR is the better fit.

Vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred

For those hesitant about the CSR’s annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred (CSP) is a solid alternative. With a lower $95 annual fee, it still earns 2X on travel and dining, provides access to Chase transfer partners, and offers 1.25X redemption value through Chase Travel℠ (compared to the CSR’s 1.5X).

However, the CSR’s lounge access, travel credits, and higher earning rates make it the more valuable card for frequent travelers. If you travel often and can make use of the perks, the CSR easily justifies its cost over the CSP. If you’re more of an occasional traveler, the CSP might be the better fit.

While the Chase Sapphire Reserve isn’t perfect, its combination of strong travel rewards, lounge access, premium protections, and flexible redemptions continues to make it one of the best travel credit cards on the market. Whether it's the right card for you depends on your travel habits, but for me, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, making it a staple in my wallet when traveling.

4. Who Should Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is an excellent travel credit card, but it’s not for everyone. While it offers incredible perks, flexible points, and premium benefits, its value depends on how often you travel and how well you can maximize its features.

Best for:

This card is a perfect fit for frequent travelers who can take full advantage of its lounge access, travel credits, and strong earning potential on travel and dining. If you value comprehensive travel protections, such as primary rental car insurance and trip interruption coverage, the CSR is one of the best cards available.

Another major perk is flexible redemption—with the ability to transfer to high-value partners like Hyatt, United, and Air Canada Aeroplan, or redeem through Chase Travel℠ at 1.5 cents per point, this card works well for those who want maximum flexibility with their rewards.

For travelers who frequently fly through airports with Sapphire Lounges or strong Priority Pass locations, this card also makes a ton of sense. As someone who flies out of LaGuardia often, having the Chase Sapphire Lounge in Terminal B has been a huge perk, especially since Priority Pass restaurants are no longer included on this card’s membership.

Who Might Want to Skip It?

If you don’t travel often enough to justify the $550 annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred (CSP) might be a better alternative. While it doesn’t come with luxury perks like lounge access or the $300 travel credit, it still offers solid earning rates, strong transfer partners, and a much lower $95 annual fee.

Additionally, if you prefer to book travel directly with airlines and hotels, you might not get the full value from the 10X/5X earning structure of Chase Travel℠. Some travelers also prefer cards with higher rewards on everyday purchases, like the Capital One Venture X (2X on everything) or the Amex Gold (4X on groceries and dining). If most of your spending happens outside of travel and dining, a different rewards card might suit you better.

Conclusion: Why the Chase Sapphire Reserve Is My Go-To Card

Despite its drawbacks, the Chase Sapphire Reserve remains my top travel credit card. The $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access, premium travel protections, and high-value Ultimate Rewards points make it an unbeatable choice for frequent travelers.

For me, the CSR pays for itself every year—the ability to transfer points to Hyatt for outsized hotel stays, redeem at 1.5 cents per point in Chase Travel℠, and get access to Priority Pass lounges and Sapphire Lounges keeps it as my go-to. It’s also my preferred card for dining and travel purchases, thanks to the 3X earning rate and strong travel insurance.

If you’re someone who travels often, values premium perks, and wants flexible rewards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is absolutely worth considering. But if you don’t maximize its benefits, you may be better off with a lower-fee alternative like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture X.

So, should you add the Chase Sapphire Reserve to your wallet? If you travel enough to take advantage of its perks, it’s one of the best premium cards out there—and for me, it’s been worth it year after year.

FAQ: Chase Sapphire Reserve

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

For frequent travelers, absolutely. The $300 annual travel credit effectively reduces the fee to $250, and perks like lounge access, strong travel protections, and 3X points on travel and dining add significant value. If you can maximize the benefits, the card pays for itself.

2. How do I access Chase Sapphire Lounges?

You’ll need an activated Priority Pass membership linked to your Chase Sapphire Reserve card. Once activated, you can access any Sapphire Lounge by The Club, as well as 1,300+ Priority Pass lounges worldwide. Cardholders get two free guests per visit, with additional guests costing $27 each.

3. What are the best ways to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points?

For maximum value, transfer your points to airline and hotel partners like Hyatt, United, and Air Canada Aeroplan. Alternatively, you can redeem through Chase Travel℠ at 1.5 cents per point for flights, hotels, and rental cars. Avoid using points for cash back, as it devalues them to 1 cent per point.

4. Can I get the Chase Sapphire Reserve if I already have the Chase Sapphire Preferred?

No, Chase doesn’t allow you to hold both cards at the same time. However, you can upgrade from the Preferred to the Reserve after at least one year of card membership. Keep in mind that upgrading won’t give you a new sign-up bonus.

5. Does the Chase Sapphire Reserve cover trip cancellations and rental car insurance?

Yes! The CSR offers trip cancellation/interruption insurance (up to $10,000 per person) and primary rental car insurance (covering up to $75,000 in damages). This makes it one of the best cards for travel protections, especially for frequent travelers.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers exceptional rewards and benefits for frequent travelers. Highly recommended!

John D.

★★★★★