Chase has implemented a number of positive changes to both the Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Preferred cards, which go into effect today (August 16, 2021). There will be no immediate impact to the annual fee for either card. The changes identified below will be available immediately to new account holders and apply to existing accounts after the annual cardmember anniversary.
Chase Sapphire Preferred (CSP) Changes
CSP cardholders will now receive a $50 annual hotel credit per cardmember year (not calendar year) for hotels booked directly through the Chase Travel Portal. Chase will also now award a 10% anniversary point bonus on all spend when you renew your card and pay the annual fee. For example, $10,000 in annual spend results in a bonus of 1,000 ultimate reward (UR) points.
Additionally, the following UR earning rates for spend have been updated:
- 5x UR per dollar spent on all travel booked trough the Chase Travel Portal (note these bookings won’t earn hotel or airline program points)
- 3x UR per dollar spent on all dining, streaming services, and online groceries (excluding box stores and wholesale clubs)
- 2x UR per dollar spent on travel outside of the Chase Travel Portal
Chase Sapphire Reserve (CSR) Changes
The following UR earning rates for spend have been updated:
- 10x UR per dollar spent on all Chase Dining purchases
- 10x UR per dollar spent on hotel and car rental purchases through the Chase Travel Portal (note these bookings won’t earn hotel or airline program points)
- 5x UR per dollar spent on airfare booked through the Chase Travel Portal
Summary
There is no mention of an annual fee increase associated with these updates, but we all know nothing in this game is free. I have never used the Chase Dining program but perhaps will give it a shot. As always, compare travel costs across multiple online travel agencies and direct with the airline or hotel to make sure you’re getting the best deal.