The Chase Sapphire Reserve® credit card is a standout in the world of premium travel cards, offering exceptional benefits and rewards. With its impressive introductory offer, generous points earning potential, and a suite of travel perks, this card is a top choice for frequent travelers seeking luxury and value.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® stands out as a premier travel rewards card that caters to the savvy traveler, combining a hefty welcome offer, lucrative points system, and extensive travel benefits. Let’s delve deeper into what makes this card a must-have for frequent flyers and travel enthusiasts.
Key information about the credit card

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a compelling value proposition, despite its $550 annual fee. This fee is billed yearly. It can be partially offset by the $300 annual travel credit, which automatically reimburses you for a wide range of travel-related expenses, such as airfare, hotels, and car rentals.
How does the annual fee work?
The $550 annual fee is billed yearly and appears on your statement. While the fee might seem substantial, it’s offset by the $300 annual travel credit, effectively reducing the net annual cost of card ownership to $250. For frequent travelers who utilize the travel credit, the benefits far outweigh the fee.
How is the credit limit determined?
For conventional credit cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve®, the credit limit is determined based on various factors, including your credit history, income, and existing debt obligations.
The higher your credit score and income, the more likely you are to receive a higher credit limit. For secured or prepaid cards, the credit limit is usually determined by the deposit made by the cardholder.
Advantages of the credit card
- Generous points earning: Earn 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals when booking through Chase Travel. This accelerated points earning structure allows cardholders to accumulate rewards quickly, which can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or statement credits.
- $300 annual travel credit: Offset travel expenses with up to $300 in statement credits each year. This credit automatically applies to a wide range of travel-related purchases, including airfare, hotels, and rental cars, making it a valuable perk for frequent travelers.
- Global entry or TSA PreCheck® fee credit: Receive up to $100 reimbursement every four years for application fees. This benefit expedites the security screening process at airports, saving valuable time for travelers.
- Complimentary airport lounge access: Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide through Priority Pass™ Select. This perk provides a tranquil and comfortable space to relax before flights, complete with amenities such as complimentary food and beverages.
- Ultimate rewards points: One of the standout features of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is its Ultimate Rewards program. Points earned with this card can be redeemed for travel through Chase at a 50% bonus, providing excellent value for frequent travelers.
Standout advantage
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® shines brightest with its Ultimate Rewards program. Points earned with this card are highly versatile and can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, or merchandise.
Additionally, when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, points are worth 50% more, offering exceptional value for cardholders who prioritize travel.
Disadvantages
- High annual fee: The $550 annual fee may be prohibitive for some cardholders, especially those who do not travel frequently or take full advantage of the card’s benefits.
- Limited acceptance of ultimate rewards: Ultimate Rewards points may not be as widely accepted as cash back across all merchants. While Chase has a robust network of travel partners and redemption options, some cardholders may prefer the flexibility of cash back rewards.
Standout disadvantage
The primary drawback of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is its steep $550 annual fee, which may not be justified for occasional travelers or those seeking a more budget-friendly option. Cardholders should carefully evaluate their travel habits and spending patterns to determine if the benefits of the card outweigh the annual fee.
Who can apply for this card?
To apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, applicants generally need to meet specific criteria. Firstly, a good to excellent credit score is typically required, usually 720 or above. Additionally, there’s a minimum income requirement, which can vary depending on individual circumstances.
Another key consideration is not having received a new cardmember bonus for any Sapphire card within the past 48 months. These factors collectively contribute to the eligibility assessment for obtaining the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
How to apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card
You can apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve® online through the Chase website or mobile app. Simply navigate to the credit cards section, locate the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and follow the prompts to submit your application.
For the website
To embark on your journey to obtain the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you can visit chase.com. Once there, search for the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card and click on the card details.
Within the card details page, you’ll find the “Apply Now” button to initiate your application. Clicking this button will redirect you to a new page where you can input the necessary information for your application.
During the application process, you will need to provide a range of personal details, including your name, address, Social Security number, and income details. Be prepared to input accurate and up-to-date information. The process is designed to be straightforward and step-by-step, with clear instructions on each page to guide you through.
Make sure to carefully review all information before submitting your application. It’s important to ensure that all data entered is accurate and complete to facilitate a smooth application process. After submission, you can track the status of your application through your Chase account online.
Through the app
To begin your journey towards obtaining the Chase Sapphire Reserve® through the convenience of your mobile device, first, download the Chase mobile app from your preferred app store. After installation, proceed to log in if you already have a Chase account, or create a new account if you’re a new user.
Once you’ve successfully logged in or created your account, navigate within the app to the credit card section. Here, you can search for and select the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card. Within the card details, look for the option to apply directly through the app.
Follow the app’s prompts and instructions to initiate your application. You’ll be required to provide accurate personal information and any necessary documents for verification purposes.
Once submitted, you can track the progress of your application directly within the Chase mobile app, making the entire process convenient and accessible from your smartphone or tablet.