If you’re looking for a rewards card with a lot of oomph, and you’re ready to spend enough, Chase’s new Sapphire Reserve card might be right for you…but check it carefully.
The 100,000-point bonus, in Chase Ultimate Reward points is very tempting and valuable; Chase points are among the most convertible “loyalty currencies,” and can be exchanged for points in dozens of airline and hotel programs. But, it comes with a $450 annual fee.
On the other hand, the fee shrinks a bit when you count in a $300 annual travel credit that’s automatically applied to such uses as hotel rentals, airfare, taxis, car rentals and the like. In fact, if you get the card now, the credit applies for this calendar year, and then for each year thereafter.
The benefits also include 3 points per dollar on travel expenses and restaurant bills, as well as 1 point per dollar on other purchases. And you get Priority Pass Select membership, good for lounge privileges at over 900 airport lounges. Of course, no foreign transaction fee. And, if you use your points directly to buy travel through Chase, the points get a 50% bonus in value.
But, if you don’t travel enough to make the benefits work for you: It has a big annual fee. Details from Chase HERE Commentary from ThePointsGuy HERE
