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Terms read from Chase's page on Oct 16, 2026.
Year 1, after fees
$1,681
Year 2+, after fees
$681
every year after
3 years, after fees
$3,043
Break-even
Month 2
Earn rate by category
Points at 1.00¢ each (cash or statement credit); published range 1¢ to 2.05¢. Source: The Points Guy monthly valuations, October 2026.
All values are after each card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees when you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime or Instacart+) aren't included.
Values for points and miles are estimates based on published redemption valuations; actual value depends on how you redeem.
On each spending preset
After fees; points at their cash value. "~" marks estimates.
| Spending | Year 1 | Year 2+ | 3 years | Break-even |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student ($985/mo) | $258 | $258 | $774 | Month 10 |
| Couple ($2,555/mo) | $1,547 | $547 | $2,640 | Month 3 |
| Family ($3,350/mo) | $1,681 | $681 | $3,043 | Month 2 |
| Frequent traveller ($3,880/mo) | $2,063 | $1,063 | $4,188 | Month 2 |
| Big spender ($7,960/mo) | $2,768 | $1,768 | $6,305 | Month 1 |
Who it suits
- People who spend a lot on dining and flights, where it earns above its base rate.
- Even light spenders: on a student's $985 a month it still earns back its fee.
- Spending abroad: no foreign transaction fee.
Who should skip it
- Nothing stands out on the presets; check it against your own spending.
Fees and rates
- Annual fee
- $795
- Additional card
- $195
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
Rewards
- 8x on travel booked through Chase Travel
- 4x on flights booked directly with airlines
- 4x on hotels booked directly
- 3x on dining
- 1x on everything else
Credits, as counted
- Annual travel credit: $300 a year100% used
- The Edit hotel credit ($250 a booking, twice a year): $500 a year30% used
- OpenTable dining credit ($150 twice a year): $300 a year50% used
- StubHub credit ($150 twice a year, through 2027): $300 a year30% used
- DoorDash promos (up to $35 a month): $35 a month30% used
- Lyft credit: $10 a month30% used
- Peloton credit: $10 a month10% used
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit: $120 every 4 years80% used
Eligibility and availability
- Income
- None published
Published requirements only. We don't estimate approval odds.
Assumptions
- Point value: Chase Ultimate Rewards (Sapphire and Ink Preferred) points at 1.00 cents each: no redemption style chosen, so cash or statement credit. Source: The Points Guy monthly valuations, October 2026.
- Welcome bonus: 100,000 points after $6,000 in purchases in the first 3 months. Your spending meets it in month 2.
- Credits: Each credit counts at the share a typical cardholder uses (listed on the card's page).
- Travel portal: Portal-only rates aren't counted, since you book directly.
- Note: Credits are valued at partial use by default; most cardholders don't use every one. Set your own use with the credit slider.
Perks, listed but not valued
- Priority Pass and Sapphire lounge access
- Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions
- Points Boost: up to 2 cents a point on selected Chase Travel bookings
- Trip and car rental insurance
Earns more every year after year 1
On a family's spending, these keep more value from year 2 than this card's $681.
Chase IHG One Rewards PremierYear 2+ ~$1,243
Wells Fargo One Key CardYear 2+ $864
Chase Marriott Bonvoy BoundlessYear 2+ ~$809
Head to head
Frequently asked questions
Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth it?
On a family's spending ($3,350 a month, points at their cash value), it's worth $1,681 in year 1 and $681 a year after that, after a $795 annual fee. It covers its fee by month 2.
What is the Chase Sapphire Reserve welcome offer?
100,000 points after $6,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Does the Chase Sapphire Reserve charge foreign transaction fees?
No. The issuer states no foreign transaction fee.
Sources
Rates, fees and offers are set by the issuer and may change. Check the issuer's terms before you apply. We don't estimate approval odds.
Compare it with 59 other cards on the US card comparison or read how cards are valued.