Premium credit card brand, Chase Sapphire Reserve, implementing significant updates, pushing up yearly fee from $450 to $795.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is getting a revamp, set to take effect on June 23, 2025. Here's what you need to know about the changes, new features, and a few alternatives to consider in light of the hiked annual fee and altered earnings structure:
The Annual Fee Goes Up
Come June 2025, the annual fee will see a substantial increase from $550 to $795, marking a 44.5% surge. This increase, which affects both new cardholders and existing ones, is significant ─ so let's look at what you'll get with this elevated fee:
- If you apply before June 23, 2025, you'll pay the lower initial fee of $550.
- Existing cardholders will pay the new, higher fee starting October 26, 2025, but if your anniversary date falls before that day, you'll still enjoy the current fee.
- Unfortunately, the fee to add an authorized user is also getting a significant boost on the same dates, jumping from $75 to $195. Ouch!
Earning Rates Get A Shakeup
The card will now offer up to 8x points on select travel categories, but general travel expenses will only earn 1x point, a significant change for those using the Sapphire Reserve as their everyday travel card. Here's a breakdown of the new earning structure:
- Hotels booked through Chase Travel: 8x points (previously 10x)
- Hotels booked directly: 4x points (previously 3x), after using the $300 travel credit
- Flights booked through Chase Travel: 8x points (previously 5x)
- Flights booked directly with airlines: 4x points (previously 3x), after using the $300 travel credit
- Rental cars booked through Chase Travel: 8x points (previously 10x)
- All other travel, including vacation rentals and mass transit: 1x point (previously 3x)
The card still earns 3x on dining, 5x on eligible Lyft rides, and 10x on eligible Peloton purchases.
Statement Credits Offset Annual Fee
As with its current iteration, the revamped Sapphire Reserve offers credits to help mitigate the annual fee. Here's what's new:
- $500 annual statement credit for stays booked on The Edit, a collection of luxury hotels and resorts curated by Chase (split into two biannual credits of $250)
- $300 annual credit at Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables, which can be booked on OpenTable (split into two $150 biannual credits, activation required)
- $300 annually in monthly DoorDash promotions (a $5 restaurant promo and two $10 promos on everyday essentials each month, activation required by Dec. 31, 2027)
- $300 annual statement credit for concert and event tickets purchased on StubHub or Viagogo (split into two $150 biannual credits, activation required)
- $250 annual statement credit for Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions (one-time activation per each service required, on chase.com or the Chase mobile app)
- $120 in annual Lyft credits, up to $10 monthly (through Sept. 30, 2027)
- $120 in annual statement credits toward Peloton memberships, $10 monthly (through Dec. 31, 2027)
- Complimentary DashPass membership with DoorDash, worth $120 (activation required, by Dec. 31, 2027)
- The $300 annual travel credit remains unchanged and is applied automatically to all purchases in the travel category and resetting each year on the anniversary date.
IHG Platinum Elite Status and Additional Benefits
In addition to the changes mentioned, the card will offer automatic Platinum elite status with IHG One Rewards, the loyalty program of hotel chain IHG, which grants various perks such as bonus points on IHG stays and complimentary room availability. After spending $75,000 on the Chase Sapphire Reserve in a calendar year, cardholders will also qualify for additional perks, including IHG's top elite status and travel benefits from Southwest Airlines.
Some Benefits Remain
Despite the changes, certain benefits that have made the Chase Sapphire Reserve popular, such as Global Entry application fee credits, access to Chase Sapphire Lounges, and travel insurance, remain the same.
Considering Alternatives
For those who don't plan to utilize the numerous credits offered by the Chase Sapphire Reserve, high annual and authorized user fees may make this card less attractive. fortunately, alternative cards offer travel benefits and could be a fit for some.
For a more budget-friendly option within the Chase card lineup, look for the Chase Sapphire Preferred, which carries an annual fee of $95 and offers decent earning rates on travel and dining. In the broader market, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and the American Express Platinum Card could be viable alternatives, with the latter closely competing in terms of benefits and perks, albeit with a lower annual fee.
With these changes in mind, make a well-informed decision about the Chase Sapphire Reserve and consider whether it aligns with your travel needs and budget. Happy card-choosing!
If you value luxury travel experiences and are willing to shell out a higher annual fee, the revamped Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers upgraded features and credits that cater to a premium lifestyle. However, if you prefer a more budget-friendly option within the Chase family, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card might be a better fit with a lower annual fee and decent earning rates. On the broader market, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and the American Express Platinum Card are viable alternatives, offering competition in terms of benefits and perks.
