After more than 15 years, why the Chase Sapphire Preferred should still be your first rewards card
It's easy to decide you want to be able to travel for less, but it is hard to know where to start.
While we have a guide to getting started with points and miles and even an entire Points101 free email series designed to get you going with rewards earning and burning and encourage you to dive in there if you want to, just getting started doesn't have to be all that complicated.
The overwhelming majority of the time, my number one recommendation for those looking to delve into earning points and miles is to first get the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees). It's not an accident that it has won the Best Travel Rewards Credit Card for the seventh year in a row ... it's that consistently great.
The Sapphire Preferred has been around for over 15 years, but that doesn't mean it is stale. In fact, it means it's a classic that has stayed with the times since it was launched in 2009. But in this case, it's tough to top this classic when starting in the rewards credit card landscape.
So whether you're looking for which rewards credit card to start with — or which card to get next — here are five reasons why the Chase Sapphire Preferred is still my most frequently recommended card.
Welcome bonus
The welcome offer for the Sapphire Preferred varies over time, but right now, it's 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
TPG's April 2025 valuations peg the welcome bonus at $1,538. It is based on maximizing points with Chase's hotel and airline transfer partners.
Learning to maximize your Chase Ultimate Rewards points with transfer partners — such as Hyatt and United — takes a little research. Still, it is worth the myriad benefits you'll reap once you start using transfer partners with valuable Ultimate Rewards points.
If you use the points directly for travel booked through Chase Travel℠, you'll still get up to 1.75 cents in value per point, depending on the specific redemption (see your rewards program agreement for full details). Even though that fixed valuation comes in lower than if you maximize your points with partners, that's a great sign-up bonus that requires little effort to utilize.
Outstanding transfer partners that stretch your points
Once you get the hang of it, the lineup of transfer partners available with the Chase Sapphire Preferred is stellar.
These transfer partners are:
- Aer Lingus AerClub
- Air Canada Aeroplan
- Air France-KLM Flying Blue
- British Airways Executive Club
- Emirates Skywards
- IHG One Rewards
- Iberia Plus
- JetBlue TrueBlue
- Marriott Bonvoy
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- Southwest Rapid Rewards
- United MileagePlus
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- World of Hyatt
Unlike other card programs, Chase Ultimate Rewards points can transfer to these partners at a 1:1 ratio (or higher, with occasional transfer bonuses).
This means that 75,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points could become the equivalent of 75,000 United MileagePlus miles, Aeroplan miles, World of Hyatt points and the list goes on. In the end, your points are more useful than they would be if they were locked into earning and redeeming with one loyalty program.
SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
Several transfer partners — such as United, Southwest and Hyatt — are relatively unique to Chase, so the lineup can't be easily replicated with most other credit card programs.
To give an example of why this matters, it can cost $800 or more to stay at a resort like the Hyatt Regency Maui if you were paying with cash (which, at $800, would be 45,715 points if redeemed at the 1.75 cents each option).
However, you can transfer your Chase points to the World of Hyatt and book that same hotel from just 21,000 points per night via Hyatt's award chart. When compared to an $800 rate, that would be almost 4 cents per point — much more than if you used them at the fixed rate via Chase Travel.
People newer to travel rewards are often more comfortable starting with U.S.-based loyalty programs than some international options, where you can leverage partner bookings often in an easier way. Thankfully, Chase has a number of those for you to start with, like the World of Hyatt.
Low annual fee with added perks
Premium travel rewards cards such as The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Sapphire Preferred's luxury counterpart, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), have replaced the Chase Sapphire Preferred's slot in my own wallet. However, I travel multiple times per month and have been at the points and miles game for a really long time.
Even if those cards are worth it — and they can be — it's rare for a points and miles newcomer to start with a card that comes with an $895 annual fee (see rates and fees) for the Amex Platinum) or $795 for the Sapphire Reserve.
Testing the rewards credit card waters with a card like the Sapphire Preferred can be a much easier place to start. With just a $95 annual fee, trying out a new card for at least a year is a minimal investment — especially while the welcome bonus is so high.
Some perks can partially offset the annual fee, even on an ongoing basis. For example, you can enjoy a $50 annual hotel credit for stays booked through Chase Travel, and you'll also receive 10% of your points back each year (based on your card spending).
Related: The 8 best credit cards with annual fees under $100
Good earning rates that can improve with time
The Sapphire Preferred doesn't have the highest earning rates out there, but it still offers a solid return on many purchases:
- 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel
- 5 points per dollar on Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027)
- 3 points per dollar on dining
- 3 points per dollar on select streaming services
- 3 points per dollar on online grocery store purchases (excludes Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
- 2 points per dollar on all travel not booked through Chase Travel
- 1 point per dollar on everything else
These categories are quite broad, and travel includes everything from plane tickets and hotels to subway passes and parking garages. Dining includes everything from a high-end restaurant to fast food and DoorDash delivery services.
Since these points are worth 2.05 cents each (according to TPG's April 2025 valuations), you are getting anywhere from 2.05 to 10.25 cents in value per dollar charged to the card, depending on the category you're spending in.
Related: The power of the Chase Trifecta: Sapphire Reserve, Ink Preferred and Freedom Unlimited
Easy-to-use rewards
The most mathematically rewarding way to maximize your Ultimate Rewards points is to transfer to the previously mentioned hotel and airline partners when award availability tips in your favor.
However, I like this card for beginners because it's not necessary to do that. In fact, I have many friends and family members who never redeem their Chase points via transfer partners.
You can use your Chase Ultimate Rewards points at a fixed rate to book flights, hotels, and other travel via Chase Travel. With the Sapphire Preferred, your points are worth up to 1.75 cents each, depending on the specific redemption (see your rewards program agreement for full details), when used in that manner. If you or someone else in your household ever get the Chase Sapphire Reserve, points used that way are worth up to 2 cents each with that card, depending on the specific redemption (see your rewards program agreement for full details).
The booking site operates the same as when booking travel via an online travel agency like Expedia. This makes it a straightforward and intuitive way to use your points, even for those new to this way of traveling for less.
Chase makes it easier to get approved when you are newer to rewards cards
Last but not least, Chase makes it easier to get Chase-issued credit cards before you get too far into your rewards credit card journey.
There's an unwritten yet well-documented rule that Chase generally won't issue a new credit card account once you have opened five or more card accounts across all banks in the last 24 months. Informally, this is known as the Chase 5/24 rule.
That seems easy enough if you are used to only getting a new credit card once every few years, at most. However, once you get into credit card rewards, it can be easy to use those slots as you get an airline card, hotel card, etc.
ZEYNEPKAYA/GETTY IMAGES
Because of this restriction, it makes sense to start by getting a Chase card, like the Sapphire Preferred, as one of your first cards before you run into a brick wall with opening new Chase accounts for some time.
Related: The best ways to fill your 5/24 slots
Bottom line
Now could be the right time to dive into credit card rewards and get the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.
It walks a wonderful line between being rewarding and rich regarding perks and points without being intimidating or too pricey to try out. It can be the perfect gateway to having a wallet full of Ultimate Rewards-earning credit cards and maximizing transfer partners, award chart sweet spots, built-in stopovers and more.
Or, if you prefer, it can remain a classic, low-annual-fee travel credit card that unlocks simple rewards all on its own.
There's no wrong way to use a Sapphire Preferred, and there's no better card with which to get your travel rewards journey started.
To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.