Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred Is the Best First Travel Card
If you’ve ever asked me which travel credit card to start with, this is the one I always recommend: the Chase Sapphire Preferred. It’s the card that started my travel hacking journey, and even years later, it’s still one of the most valuable cards in my wallet.
Whether you’re booking a luxury honeymoon, planning a beach getaway, or just want to dip your toes into using points and miles, this card checks all the boxes—without being overly complicated.
Here’s everything you need to know about why the Sapphire Preferred is such a great travel card, especially if you’re just getting started.
Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred Is a Great Starter Travel Card
If you’re new to travel credit cards, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. The Sapphire Preferred makes it easy to get started without feeling like you need a PhD in points.
- Low $95 annual fee that more than pays for itself
- User-friendly rewards program with simple redemption options
- Huge value even without premium card fees
This card is perfect for beginners, but still valuable enough for seasoned travelers to keep long-term (I still use mine after all these years!).
Valuable Travel Perks That Make It Worth It
You don’t have to fly first class every month to get value from this card. It comes with built-in perks that make every trip smoother:
- $50 annual hotel credit when booking through Chase Travel
- DoorDash DashPass subscription, which gives you free delivery and reduced service fees
- Built-in travel insurance, trip cancellation/interruption coverage, and primary rental car insurance
- No foreign transaction fees when using your card internationally
These perks can easily offset the annual fee—especially if you travel a few times a year or even just order DoorDash regularly.
Plus, the value of the points you will earn should be much greater than $95 per year. I recently got a $1,200 night at the Andaz in Maui for just 45,000 points.
Points Earning Potential
The Sapphire Preferred earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which are some of the most valuable travel points out there.
- 3x points on dining, including takeout and delivery
- 2x points on travel (flights, hotels, taxis, etc.)
- 1x points on everything else
Every time you use your card for everyday purchases, you’re building toward your next trip. I used everyday spend points to stretch my redemptions and book more luxury stays.
The real reason I say Ultimate Rewards points are some of the most valuable is because they transfer to great partners, like Hyatt hotels.
Travel Redemptions with Transfer Partners
One of the biggest reasons I love this card? Chase’s 14 travel transfer partners. You can move your points 1:1 to airline and hotel programs like:
- World of Hyatt
- United Airlines
- Air France/KLM Flying Blue
- British Airways
Here’s a real example: I used Chase points to book 3 nights at the Park Hyatt Maldives and roundtrip business class flights on Qatar Airways Qsuites. That trip would’ve cost over $20,000—and I booked it almost entirely with points.
You don’t have to go that big, though. You can also use points for economy flights, domestic travel, and stays at family-friendly resorts. The flexibility is what makes this card so powerful.
If searching for transfer options feels overwhelming, you can also book travel directly through the Chase Travel Portal at a flat rate of 1.25 cents per point with the Sapphire Preferred. This is a super simple option that still offers great value.
That said, if you’re comfortable with transfers, you can get even more value by using high-value partners like Hyatt. It takes a bit more effort, but the savings and elevated experiences can be huge.
Common Questions I Get About the Chase Sapphire Preferred
Will applying hurt my credit? It results in a small, temporary credit inquiry (a “hard pull”), but as long as you pay off your balance every month, having the card can actually help your credit long-term.
Is the annual fee worth it? Yes. Between the $50 hotel credit, DashPass, and travel protections—plus the value of the points you earn—you’ll easily get more than $95 of value.
Can I get the sign-up bonus if I’ve had this card before? Yes, if it’s been 48 months since you last received a Sapphire bonus. If you currently have a Sapphire card, downgrade it to a Freedom card first, then reapply a week or two later.
Is this card right for me? Yes, it is truly a great card for everyone that will pay off their balance each month. Remember, the interest you incur from carrying an balance will far outweigh any of the benefits you would get from the points, so be responsible.
CSP Pro Strategy: The Chase Trifecta
Already have the Chase Sapphire Preferred or want to level up your points strategy? Here are a few expert tips for squeezing even more value from the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem:
- Pair with the Chase Sapphire Reserve – The Reserve earns more in bonus categories (like 3x on travel) and comes with luxury travel perks like lounge access.
- Add the Chase Freedom Unlimited – This no-annual-fee card earns 1.5% back on everything, which converts to Ultimate Rewards points when paired with a Sapphire card. It’s perfect for non-bonus spending to maximize earnings.
- Use the Chase Trifecta – Combining the Sapphire Preferred, Reserve, and Freedom Unlimited (or Freedom Flex) lets you earn maximum points across all categories and consolidate them into one pool. It’s one of the best strategies for racking up points fast.
How to Apply (And What to Know First)
If you’re ready to apply, here’s what to keep in mind:
- You’ll need to qualify based on your credit score and history
- Be sure you haven’t received a Sapphire bonus in the last 48 months
- Use the card for everyday purchases to earn points quickly
👉 Click here to learn more and apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred
Referral disclosure: I may earn a bonus if you use my link. I only recommend cards I personally use and love, and this one has been a game-changer in how I travel.
Final Thoughts
The Chase Sapphire Preferred isn’t just a great card for beginners—it’s a card that grows with you. From luxury stays to budget getaways, it gives you the freedom to travel the way you want, using points to offset the cost.
It’s been my go-to travel card for years, and I can confidently say: if you’re ready to start using points to see more of the world, this is the best place to start.
