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For last couple of years, there has been a debate among miles enthusiasts on which travel card was the really “best”, with the answer fluctuating between a few select cards.
However, the miles world was recently lit up in a
storm when Chase launched its newest card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card. I’ve
gotten quite a few messages asking me about the card, so I’ve decided to break
down all the card benefits and whether you should apply. (The answer is a
resounding yes!)
Here are the major benefits of the card:
Amazing Bonus
Category Spend
Earn 3x Chase UR points on all travel and dining expenses worldwide.
This is incredibly generous as the travel category is quite broad, covering
everything from airfare to your Uber ride.
Complimentary
Priority Pass Membership
Receive complimentary Priority Pass membership as long as
you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. If you travel a lot, especially
abroad, Priority Pass membership grants you free lounge access to over 600
airport lounges worldwide. This is a huge benefit, especially if you fly in
coach quite often.
Even better, you’re currently allowed to guest in your
traveling companions, with no current limit to the number of guests.
Priority Pass Lounge in Singapore
$100 Global Entry
Credit
If you apply for Global Entry, Chase will refund the $100
application cost. If you are approved
for Global Entry, you will automatically receive TSA PreCheck, which allows
access to expedited security lines. 
Skip the lines with TSA PreCheck
Roadside Assistance
Receive free roadside assistance for calls up to $50, four
times a year.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is currently one of two Visa
Infinite cards offered by Chase. This means you also receive a slew of other
benefits. Here are some of my favorite ones:
Purchase Protection
If you purchase any item with the Chase Sapphire Reserve
Card and happen to have that item stolen, broken, or even lost within 4 months,
the cost to repair or purchase a new item will be fully reimbursed, up to $10,000
for each claim (up to $50,000 per year), which is 20 times higher compared to other high end cards.
Extended Warranty
Protection
Card holders also receive complimentary extended warranty
protection which allows you to add a year on all warranties less than three
years. We all probably know someone who had their portable electronic
malfunction right after the 2 year mark, so this allows you to be worry free
for another year. Even better, the maximum amount per claim is a very generous
$10,000.
There are quite a few other ancillary benefits, which Chase
has posted online.
Annual Fee:
The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card does have a hefty $450
annual fee. However, this is offset by the $300 annual travel fee credit, which
can be used for anything from flights to hotel rooms. This also means you’ll
receive $600 in travel credits before your annual fee is due, as the $300
travel credit resets at the beginning of each calendar year.
View Point Reward Cards Offers Here
What can Chase UR
Points get me?
A round trip domestic ticket in coach will cost typically
cost 25,000 miles through United, while a domestic first class ticket will run
you 50,000 miles.
Here are some of the other potential aspirational trips that you can redeem on Chase’s travel partners:
Singapore Suites from US to Europe: 57,500 miles one way
United Business Class to Europe: 57,500 miles one way
Short haul flights for as low as 7,500 miles through British
Avios
Korean Air First Class from US to Asia: 80,000 miles one way
You could also use your points for stays at some of the
world’s most luxurious hotels through the Hyatt program, including the Park
Hyatt Maldives, which is 25,000 points a night.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to the hassle of searching
for award space, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can convert their Chase UR
points to receive 1.5 cents per mile when booking flights through Chase. For
example if you had 100,000 Chase UR points, this would be equivalent to $1500
in travel credit.
Verdict: The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is currently the
best high end travel rewards card on the market. If you are eligible for the card, I’d highly recommend this card to be one of your first applications.
