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Head to head
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Chase Sapphire Reserve: Quick Verdict
On listed credits alone, the Chase Sapphire Reserve comes out $1,714 a year ahead if you use them all. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is $700 a year cheaper to keep. Which one is better depends on the credits you would actually use and where you spend, so compare the earning rates below.
Annual Fee Comparison
The Chase Sapphire Preferred costs $95 a year and the Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $795 a year, a difference of $700 a year.
If you use every listed credit, the Chase Sapphire Preferred returns $250 a year ($155 more than its fee) and the Chase Sapphire Reserve returns $2,664 ($1,869 more than its fee). Credits that need a spending threshold are not counted.
Statement Credits and Perks Compared
- Annual Hotel Credit via Chase Travel$100 / yr
- DoorDash Monthly Non-Restaurant Credit$10 / mo
- Global Entry / TSA PreCheck / NEXUS Application Fee Credit$120 / 4yr
- Complimentary Apple TV$180
- Southwest Airlines A-List Status (Big Spend Bonus)
- World of Hyatt Explorist Status (Big Spend Bonus)
- Annual Travel Credit$300 / yr
- The Edit by Chase Travel Credit (1 of 2)$250 / yr
- Select Chase Travel Hotels Credit$250 / yr
- The Edit by Chase Travel Credit (2 of 2)$250 / yr
- Apple TV+ and Apple Music Subscription$324 / yr
- Monthly Lyft Credit$10 / mo
Earning Rates Side by Side
| Category | Chase Sapphire Preferred | Chase Sapphire Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Dining | 3x | 3x |
| Flights | - | 4x |
| Gas | 3x | - |
| Hotels | - | 4x |
| Rideshare | 5x | 5x |
| Streaming | 3x | - |
| Travel general | 2x | 8x |
| Everything else | 1x | 1x |
Which Card Is Better for Travel?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 2x points ≈ 3% back (1.5¢/pt) on travel. The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 4x points ≈ 6% back (1.5¢/pt) on flights. On catalog rates, the Chase Sapphire Reserve returns more on travel.
Which Card Is Better for Everyday Spending?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 1x points ≈ 1.5% back (1.5¢/pt) on everything else. The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 1x points ≈ 1.5% back (1.5¢/pt) on everything else. On catalog rates, the two cards return about the same on purchases outside bonus categories.
Returns use Creddy's point values, as on the best-card rankings. Caps, portal rules and redemption choices change what you actually get.
Guides for comparing card value
How to Track Credit Card Benefits Without a Spreadsheet
Build a reliable system for tracking statement credits, card perks, reset dates, and reminders without maintaining a complicated spreadsheet.
How Credit Card Statement Credits Actually Reset
Understand monthly, calendar-year, cardmember-year, and rolling statement credit resets so valuable card benefits do not go unused.
How to Calculate Credit Card Value vs. the Annual Fee
Compare the value you actually receive from a credit card with its annual fee using realistic credits, rewards, and perks.
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Chase Sapphire Reserve FAQs
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Reserve - which is worth it?
Neither Chase Sapphire Preferred nor Chase Sapphire Reserve is better for everyone. Compare the benefits and earning-rate tables for eligible purchases, portal requirements, caps and usable credits, then subtract each annual fee using the same spending and redemption assumptions. Include interest and other charges if you carry a balance.
What is the annual fee difference between the chase sapphire preferred and reserve?
Creddy's September 26, 2026 catalog lists $95 for Chase Sapphire Preferred and $795 for Chase Sapphire Reserve, a $700 difference in standard annual fees. Check first-year waivers, additional-card fees and current issuer pricing before deciding.
Which has better benefits, the chase sapphire preferred or the reserve?
Neither Chase Sapphire Preferred nor Chase Sapphire Reserve is better for everyone. Compare the benefits and earning-rate tables for eligible purchases, portal requirements, caps and usable credits, then subtract each annual fee using the same spending and redemption assumptions.
Can I have both the chase sapphire preferred and the reserve?
Chase's current guidance says cardmembers can hold both Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve following the 2025 Reserve relaunch. Approval and welcome-bonus eligibility are separate decisions under current application terms; compare the combined annual fees with value you would actually use.
Which is easier to get approved for, the chase sapphire preferred or the reserve?
Creddy cannot predict which application will be approved. Each issuer evaluates your credit profile and application under its current rules; a prequalification result or a bonus eligibility rule is not an approval guarantee.