I receive compensation for content and many links on this blog. Citibank is an advertising partner of this site, as is American Express, Chase, Barclays and Capital One. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by my advertising partners. I do not write about all credit cards that are available — instead focusing on miles, points, and cash back (and currencies that can be converted into the same). Terms apply to the offers and benefits listed on this page.
The initial bonus offer for the Chase Sapphire Reserve® has been increased. You can now earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. These points transfer to airline miles or hotel points, or you can use them at 1.5 cents apiece towards paid travel through Chase’s portal (so the 80,000 bonus points are worth $1,200 toward travel).
That’s the biggest offer for the card in six years, when the product was first released. And it makes this a great time to get the card, both as a long-term keeper or even just to consider since the bonus if worth far more than the card’s $550 annual fee card (and it comes with a $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year).
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is poster child for banks arguably giving too much back to consumers, and having a tough time ever recouping their customer acquisition cost as a result.
I believe the two most important things to consider are:
- Earning: 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually; 3x points on other travel and dining; 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Lucrative Priority Pass: The card comes with easy, one-time enrollment for a Priority Pass Select with unlimited visits (including for up to 2 guests) subject only to capacity at 1300+ lounges around the world. They do not exclude participating airport restaurants from the benefit.
You can take your points and transfer them to a variety of airlines and hotel programs, or use your points at 1.5 cents apiece towards travel through the Ultimate Rewards portal. In addition, with Pay Yourself BackSM, your points are worth 50% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories.
Current transfer partners include:
- Airlines: United MileagePlus, British Airways Executive Club, Air France KLM Flying Blue, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, Iberia Plus, Aer Lingus AerClub, Emirates Skywards, Air Canada Aeroplan
- Hotels: World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG Rewards Club
If you haven’t had 5 new cards in the past 24 months (‘5/24’) and you haven’t received an initial bonus for this or another Sapphire card (like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card in the last 48 months, then the current Chase Sapphire Reserve® offer seems like one to move on.
