The Chase Sapphire Preferred has been one of the most recommended travel credit cards for years. With valuable bonus categories, strong travel protections, and a reasonable annual fee, it remains a compelling option for frequent travelers in 2026.
Chase Sapphire Preferred: Key Details
Annual fee: $95. Sign-up bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel). Rewards rates: 5x on travel booked through Chase, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online grocery purchases, 2x on all other travel, and 1x on everything else.
Rewards Rates Breakdown
The Sapphire Preferred earns at competitive rates across several categories. Dining at 3x is excellent for people who eat out regularly. The 2x rate on all travel (outside Chase Travel) captures purchases like Airbnb, local transport, and tolls. The 5x on Chase Travel is strong but requires booking through the portal.
Redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
Chase Ultimate Rewards points are among the most flexible in the industry. Options include:
- Redeem at 1.25 cents per point through Chase Travel (the 25% bonus for Sapphire Preferred holders)
- Transfer to airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio, including United, Southwest, Hyatt, and more
- Cash back at 1 cent per point
The transfer partner option is where the real value lies. Transferring to Hyatt, for example, can yield 2-5 cents per point on premium hotel stays, making 60,000 points worth $1,200 or more.
Travel Benefits and Protections
The Chase Sapphire Preferred includes a strong set of travel protections. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance reimburses up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for prepaid travel canceled due to covered reasons. Baggage delay insurance, trip delay insurance, and primary car rental insurance are also included — primary rental insurance is a standout feature that most cards at this price point do not offer.
Annual Hotel Credit
Cardholders receive a $50 annual credit for hotel stays booked through Chase Travel. This effectively reduces the net annual fee to $45 for people who book even one hotel night through the portal each year.
Who the Chase Sapphire Preferred Is Best For
The Sapphire Preferred works best for people who travel a few times per year and want to earn transferable points. It is also a strong option for dining-focused spenders. People who travel frequently and spend more should consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which earns 3x on all travel and includes a $300 travel credit, but charges a $550 annual fee.
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Sapphire Reserve
The Reserve’s higher fee is offset by its $300 travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access, and 1.5x redemption value through Chase Travel. If you spend more than $1,000 per year on travel and use lounge access, the Reserve often justifies its higher fee. Otherwise, the Preferred’s lower fee makes it the better starting point.
Is It Still Worth It in 2026?
Yes, the Chase Sapphire Preferred remains worth the $95 annual fee for most travelers. The $50 hotel credit reduces the effective fee, the sign-up bonus typically delivers strong first-year value, and the transfer partner ecosystem is best-in-class. For a traveler who can use even one transfer partner strategically, the card pays for itself quickly.
Bottom Line
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the best entry-level travel credit cards available in 2026. Its mix of earning rates, transfer partners, travel protections, and a manageable annual fee makes it a top choice for travelers who do not want to pay for a premium card but still want premium rewards.