Chase recently announced updates to its premium travel card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve. The card now offers new benefits and credits, but also comes with a higher annual fee of $795. One of the key changes is the introduction of the $500 The Edit credit.
This credit is split into two $250 amounts, one for each half of the year. It can be used for stays of at least two nights at properties in Chase’s The Edit portfolio, which includes over 1,000 luxury hotels worldwide. Cardholders who book through The Edit also receive additional perks such as a $100 property credit, daily breakfast for two, room upgrades when available, and early check-in and late checkout if available.
The card now earns 8 points per dollar on all travel booked through Chase Travel. However, purchases made with The Edit credit do not earn Ultimate Rewards points.
New Sapphire benefits detailed
To maximize the value of the Sapphire Reserve, cardholders should take advantage of the welcome offer, which includes 100,000 points and a $500 Chase Travel promo credit after spending $5,000 in the first three months. This promo credit is separate from The Edit credit and should be used strategically. Other new benefits include complimentary Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions valued at $250 annually, a $300 dining credit split into two $150 amounts per half-year, and a $300 StubHub credit also split in half.
While Chase claims the card can offer over $2,700 in value, cardholders must fully utilize all the credits to make the $795 annual fee worthwhile. The card’s value depends heavily on individual spending habits and lifestyle preferences. For some travelers, especially those with high travel budgets, the Chase Sapphire Reserve may still be a good choice.
However, the increased complexity and higher fee might deter the average credit cardholder. A simpler card with a lower annual fee, like the Sapphire Preferred, may be a more practical option for many.