Card comparison
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card vs Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card
Compare fees, rewards, welcome offers, APR terms, protections, and long-term value for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card
Issuer page- Recommended credit
- Excellent (720+)
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card
Issuer page- Recommended credit
- Excellent (720+)
Why compare Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve?
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card belong on the same shortlist when the goal is to balance rewards with the real cost of carrying a card. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card is issued by Chase and currently shows a $95 annual fee, while Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card comes from Chase with a $795 annual fee. That fee difference is the first useful dividing line, but it is not the whole decision.
The comparison becomes more meaningful after matching each rewards structure to actual spending. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card currently reports 1x earning, and Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card reports 1x. Those shorthand rates do not show category caps, redemption restrictions, transfer partners, or enrollment rules, so readers should use them as a starting point and verify the detailed issuer terms.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card has the lower listed annual fee. Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card therefore needs to return enough extra value through rewards, credits, protections, or convenience to justify its additional cost. People comparing travel benefits, everyday rewards, a welcome offer, or long-term account value should keep reading because the winner changes with the way the card will be used.
This Wafacard comparison uses the same Sanity records that power each individual review and category page. Unknown facts are marked Not Available rather than inferred. Rates and offers can change, so the final application decision should always be based on the issuer's current disclosures.
Quick winner
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card has the stronger documented fit for overall based on its fees, categories, rewards, and available benefits.
Tie
Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for travel; compare issuer terms and your spending.
Tie
Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for cashback; compare issuer terms and your spending.
Tie
Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for beginner; compare issuer terms and your spending.
Tie
Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for long term; compare issuer terms and your spending.
Tie
Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for welcome; compare issuer terms and your spending.
Side-by-side comparison
Every available normalized field from the two Sanity card records appears below. Not Available means Wafacard does not currently hold a verified value for that field.
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card | Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Chase | Chase |
| Network | Visa | Visa |
| Card type | travel | travel |
| Annual fee | $95 | $795 |
| Regular APR | APR range: 19.24% - 27.49% | APR range: 19.49% - 27.99% |
| Intro APR | 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases | Not Available |
| Balance transfer APR | Not Available | APR range: 19.49% - 27.99% |
| Balance transfer fee | Not Available | Not Available |
| Foreign transaction fee | $0 | $0 |
| Credit score needed | Excellent (720+) | Excellent (720+) |
| Rewards rate | 1x | 1x |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 points or cash-equivalent units | 100,000 points or cash-equivalent units |
| Welcome offer | Intro value may include 100,000 points. Confirm current requirements with the issuer. | Intro value may include 100,000 points. Confirm current requirements with the issuer. |
| Point value | Not Available | Not Available |
| Cashback structure | Not Available | Not Available |
| Travel benefits | Rental-car coverage — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included | Airport lounge access — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included |
| Purchase protection | Purchase protection — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included | Purchase protection — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included |
| Extended warranty | Extended warranty protection — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included | Extended warranty protection — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included |
| Rental insurance | Rental-car coverage — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included | Rental-car coverage — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included |
| Airport lounge access | Not Available | Airport lounge access — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included |
| Global Entry credit | Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS credit — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included | Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS credit — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included |
| Hotel benefits | Not Available | Hotel status benefit — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included |
| Airline benefits | Not Available | Not Available |
| Mobile wallet support | Not Available | Not Available |
| Business or personal | Personal | Personal |
| Intro offer expiry | Not Available | Not Available |
| Card image | Placeholder artwork | Placeholder artwork |
| Current status | Listed in Wafacard database | Listed in Wafacard database |
Feature-by-feature comparison
Rewards: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
For rewards structures, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card currently lists Wafacard summary: this travel rewards card shows points earning from 1x-5x depending on where the card is used. Confirm category definitions and caps with the issuer before applying.. By comparison, Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card lists Wafacard summary: this travel rewards card shows points earning from 1x-8x depending on where the card is used. Confirm category definitions and caps with the issuer before applying.. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.
Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.
Welcome bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
For welcome offers, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card currently lists Intro value may include 100,000 points. Confirm current requirements with the issuer.. By comparison, Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card lists Intro value may include 100,000 points. Confirm current requirements with the issuer.. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.
Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.
Annual fee: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
For annual fees, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card currently lists $95. By comparison, Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card lists $795. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.
Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.
Travel benefits: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
For travel benefits, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card currently lists Rental-car coverage — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included. By comparison, Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card lists Airport lounge access — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.
Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.
Cashback: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
For cash-back potential, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card currently lists Not Available. By comparison, Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card lists Not Available. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.
Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.
APR: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
For purchase APR, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card currently lists APR range: 19.24% - 27.49%. By comparison, Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card lists APR range: 19.49% - 27.99%. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.
Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.
Balance transfers: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
For balance-transfer terms, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card currently lists Not Available. By comparison, Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card lists APR range: 19.49% - 27.99%. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.
Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.
Foreign transaction fees: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
For international-use costs, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card currently lists $0. By comparison, Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card lists $0. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.
Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.
Insurance: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
For insurance benefits, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card currently lists Not Available. By comparison, Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card lists Not Available. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.
Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.
Purchase protection: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
For purchase protections, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card currently lists Purchase protection — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included. By comparison, Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card lists Purchase protection — Issuer terms, eligibility requirements, coverage limits and exclusions apply. — Included. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.
Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.
Customer support: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
For customer support, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card currently lists Not Available. By comparison, Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card lists Not Available. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.
Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.
Approval requirements: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
For approval requirements, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card currently lists Excellent (720+). By comparison, Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card lists Excellent (720+). The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.
Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.
Business features: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
For business tools, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card currently lists Not Available. By comparison, Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card lists Not Available. The practical winner depends on whether the documented feature matches spending that would happen anyway. A higher headline value is less useful when categories, caps, exclusions, or redemption rules make it difficult to use.
Before choosing on this feature alone, confirm the current issuer disclosure for both cards. Wafacard marks missing information as Not Available and does not treat an undocumented benefit as included. This makes the comparison deliberately conservative while still showing the strongest factual difference between the two records.
Pros and cons
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card pros
- $95 listed annual fee provides a clear cost baseline.
- 1x earning summary helps identify its likely rewards fit.
- A documented welcome offer is available for comparison.
- Excellent (720+) guidance helps applicants assess likely fit before applying.
- Visa is documented for acceptance planning.
- Included in Wafacard's travel category.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card cons
- The $95 annual fee must be recovered through useful value.
- Issuer terms can change after this comparison is published.
- Carrying a balance can reduce or erase rewards value at the listed APR.
- Protection claims remain subject to exclusions and claim procedures.
- Airport lounge access is not documented.
- Approval and the final APR depend on the issuer's underwriting decision.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card pros
- $795 listed annual fee provides a clear cost baseline.
- 1x earning summary helps identify its likely rewards fit.
- A documented welcome offer is available for comparison.
- Excellent (720+) guidance helps applicants assess likely fit before applying.
- Visa is documented for acceptance planning.
- Included in Wafacard's travel category.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card cons
- The $795 annual fee must be recovered through useful value.
- Issuer terms can change after this comparison is published.
- Carrying a balance can reduce or erase rewards value at the listed APR.
- Protection claims remain subject to exclusions and claim procedures.
- Lounge access may have guest, enrollment, or network restrictions.
- Approval and the final APR depend on the issuer's underwriting decision.
Who each card is best for
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card is best for
- People whose spending matches its travel positioning.
- Applicants comfortable with a $95 annual fee and Excellent (720+) credit guidance.
- Cardholders who can use its documented 1x earning structure without carrying interest-bearing debt.
- People willing to verify current reward categories, caps, exclusions, and redemption rules before applying.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card is best for
- People whose spending matches its travel positioning.
- Applicants comfortable with a $795 annual fee and Excellent (720+) credit guidance.
- Cardholders who can use its documented 1x earning structure without carrying interest-bearing debt.
- People willing to verify current reward categories, caps, exclusions, and redemption rules before applying.
Winner by category
Best rewards
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit CardChase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card has the stronger documented fit for overall based on its fees, categories, rewards, and available benefits.
Best cashback
TieNeither card has a decisive documented advantage for cashback; compare issuer terms and your spending.
Best travel
TieNeither card has a decisive documented advantage for travel; compare issuer terms and your spending.
Best balance transfer
TieNeither card has a decisive documented advantage for balance transfer; compare issuer terms and your spending.
Best students
TieNeither card has a decisive documented advantage for beginner; compare issuer terms and your spending.
Best business
TieNeither card has a decisive documented advantage for business; compare issuer terms and your spending.
Best premium
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit CardChase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card has the stronger documented fit for premium based on its fees, categories, rewards, and available benefits.
Best no annual fee
TieNeither card has a decisive documented advantage for no fee; compare issuer terms and your spending.
Best dining
TieNeither card has a decisive documented advantage for dining; compare issuer terms and your spending.
Best grocery
TieNeither card has a decisive documented advantage for grocery; compare issuer terms and your spending.
Best gas
TieNeither card has a decisive documented advantage for gas; compare issuer terms and your spending.
Best lounge access
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit CardChase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card has the stronger documented fit for lounge based on its fees, categories, rewards, and available benefits.
Best purchase protection
TieNeither card has a decisive documented advantage for protection; compare issuer terms and your spending.
Best international travel
TieNeither card has a decisive documented advantage for international; compare issuer terms and your spending.
Similar cards to consider
Alternatives to Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card
Alternatives to Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card
Related comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Which card is better overall: Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve?
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card is the current overall Wafacard pick because chase sapphire preferred® credit card has the stronger documented fit for overall based on its fees, categories, rewards, and available benefits. That verdict is not universal. A cardholder who spends in different categories, values a particular issuer ecosystem, or can use a specific protection may reasonably prefer the other card. Compare the annual fee against rewards and benefits you can realistically use, then confirm the issuer's live terms before applying.
Which card earns more rewards?
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card currently shows 1x, while Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card shows 1x. Headline rates are only part of the answer because category definitions, caps, redemption values, and transfer options can change the realized return. Estimate rewards using a normal month of spending rather than an idealized maximum. If neither published structure clearly matches your expenses, the simpler or lower-fee card may produce better long-term value.
Is Chase Sapphire Preferred harder to get than Chase Sapphire Reserve?
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card is associated with Excellent (720+) guidance, compared with Excellent (720+) for Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card. These ranges are directional rather than approval guarantees. Issuers can also evaluate income, existing debt, recent applications, account history, and identity information. Applicants should avoid treating a score range as a promise and should use issuer prequalification tools when available.
Which card has the better welcome bonus?
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card lists Intro value may include 100,000 points. Confirm current requirements with the issuer., while Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card lists Intro value may include 100,000 points. Confirm current requirements with the issuer.. A larger number is not automatically more valuable because points, miles, and cash rewards can have different redemption values. Check the required spending, qualifying purchase window, eligibility restrictions, and whether the reward can be used for your intended redemption before naming a personal winner.
Which card is better for travel?
Tie has the stronger documented travel fit in this comparison. Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for travel; compare issuer terms and your spending. Travelers should also check foreign transaction fees, acceptance network, rental coverage, trip protections, baggage benefits, lounge rules, and transfer partners. Any benefit marked Not Available should be treated as absent until the issuer confirms it in the current guide to benefits.
Which card is better for cashback?
Tie has the stronger documented cash-back fit. Neither card has a decisive documented advantage for cashback; compare issuer terms and your spending. The useful comparison is the net cash earned after annual fees, category caps, activation requirements, and excluded purchases. A flat-rate card can outperform a higher category rate when most spending falls outside bonus categories, while a category card can win for concentrated household spending.
Which card has lower fees?
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card lists an annual fee of $95 and Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card lists $795. Annual fees are only one cost. Review purchase APR, balance-transfer fees, foreign transaction fees, cash-advance charges, and late-payment terms. Paying in full and avoiding fee-triggering transactions matters more than a small rewards difference for many cardholders.
Can I have both Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve?
It may be possible to hold both cards, subject to each issuer's approval rules and any product-family restrictions. Holding both makes sense only when their reward categories and benefits complement one another enough to justify the combined complexity and annual fees. Consider application timing, credit inquiries, minimum-spending requirements, and whether splitting purchases would make rewards harder to manage.
Which card is better for everyday spending?
For everyday spending, compare Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card's 1x summary with Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card's 1x summary across groceries, dining, gas, transit, utilities, and uncategorized purchases. Use actual statements to estimate the result. The card with the highest maximum rate may not win if that rate applies to a narrow or capped category, so simplicity and broad earning can be valuable.
Should I upgrade or switch later?
A later product change can be useful when spending, travel frequency, or willingness to pay an annual fee changes. Issuer rules determine whether an upgrade, downgrade, or new application is available and whether it earns a welcome offer. Revisit this comparison before renewal, calculate the value received during the year, and ask the issuer how a product change would affect account age, benefits, and existing rewards.
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Chase Sapphire Reserve: final verdict
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card has the lower annual fee, while Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card may still win if its benefits match your spending. The overall score favors Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card, but the right choice depends on which documented rewards and benefits will actually be used. Compare the annual fee against realistic yearly value, avoid carrying interest for the sake of rewards, and confirm every current term with the issuer before applying.
