Let’s take a look at reasons why someone might consider The Chase Sapphire Preferred over the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card. The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a 50,000 sign-up bonus after meeting the minimum spend requirements of $4,000 in the first 3 months from account opening, just like the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great option to use along with The Chase Freedom card to maximize your rewards. If you have the Freedom Card, you can Activate 5x points bonus categories and then transfer them to your Sapphire account.

3 Reasons To Consider The Chase Sapphire Preferred Over Reserve

1. Same Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners

Chase’s rewards program is one of the most flexible programs around. You can use the points a variety of ways, including booking travel through Chase, or transferring to one of the many Ultimate Rewards transfer partners including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Hyatt Hotels, etc. to name a few (1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs.) When redeeming for travel through the portal, you do get a little bit less value but, you still have access to the same partners. (1.25 cents in value per point with Preferred and 1.5 cents in value per point with the Reserve.)

2. No Authorized User Fee And Lower Annual Fee

There is no cost for the authorized user with The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.

The annual fee for the The Chase Sapphire Preferred is $95 per year (is waived the first year). The Reserve card’s annual fee is $450.

3. Primary Rental Car Insurance

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers auto collision damage waiver which gives reimbursement for damage as a result of collision or theft for rentals of 31 days or less when you decline the rental agency’s collision coverage.

Highlights of The Chase Sapphire Preferred

• 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
• No foreign transaction fees making it a great card for travel.
• Free night’s stay when you redeem your points for 3-5 consecutive nights,
• Free hotel Internet and Boingo Wi-Fi,
• Car rental and travel accident insurance,
• Travel and roadside assistance
• Annual fee of $95 per year (is waived the first year)

Bottom Line

While The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a fantastic option for many, people who aren’t in for the hefty annual fee may feel more comfortable with The Chase Sapphire Preferred which also offers valuable rewards for frequent travelers. It is definitely a card worth considering if you are under Chase’s 5/24 rule.

If you are a fan of Chase’s partners, like United, Southwest, Virgin Atlantic, Marriott and Hyatt you also should consider the benefits of this card, like earning valuable Ultimate Rewards points (2x on all travel and dining purchases.) To see all about this card, you can learn more here.