Big Changes Ahead for the Chase Sapphire Reserve

Hi Reader,

There's some big news from Chase this week: The Chase Sapphire Reserve - one of the most popular travel cards - is getting a makeover, with major updates to benefits and, yes, an increased annual fee of $795 😳. Is the hefty 45% price increase worth it?! Let's dive in.

What's Changing?

Starting June 23, new applicants to the Sapphire Reserve will receive:

• 8x points on travel booked directly through the Chase travel portal
• 4x points on travel when you book directly with an airline or hotel
• $500 annual travel credit to The Edit, a collection of Chase hotel partners
• $300 annual dining credit to the Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables, a collection of Chase restaurant partners
• The introduction of Points Boost, where points will be worth between 1 and 2 cents when redeemed through the travel portal, instead of 1.5 cents
• Complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status
• Lifestyle benefits, including complimentary Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions, DoorDash, Lyft, Peloton, and StubHub credits
• Additional travel benefits with Southwest and IHG once you reach $75,000 yearly spend

What's Remaining?

• 3x points on dining
• $300 annual travel credit for purchases coded as travel
• $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every 4 years
• Lounge access with Priority Pass
• 1:1 points transfer to airline and hotel partners

Already Have The Reserve?

Those who currently hold the Sapphire Reserve will have access to the new benefits beginning October 26. The increased $795 annual fee, up from $550, will be charged upon their renewal date.

Additionally, points earned before October 26 will be worth at least 1.5 points for the next two years, when redeemed through the Chase travel portal - essentially being grandfathered into the older guaranteed rate.

Is It Worth It?

Chase claims the new benefits are worth over $2,700 a year, making the $795 annual fee potentially worth it if you take advantage of all the included benefits. But with more perks comes more complexity, so it depends on whether you plan on using all the benefits. The Chase Sapphire Preferred remains unchanged, making it a less complicated starter card at a more affordable $95 annual fee.

We'd love to hear your thoughts - is the new Chase Sapphire Reserve worth the hype?

Happy travels,
Chris & Kristin
​TravelWithCards.com​