Maximizing Rewards with the Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® stands out as one of the top travel credit cards, consistently ranking among the best in the premium category for points and miles enthusiasts.

Key benefits include a $300 annual travel credit, the opportunity to earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points, outstanding travel insurance coverage, and a generous sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after meeting the $4,000 minimum spend within the first three months — valued at $1,230 according to TPG.

Despite the $550 annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers considerable value. But is it worth the cost after the sign-up bonus is gone? Let’s explore how you can fully leverage the card’s features to maximize your points and minimize expenses.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview

Here are the standout benefits of the Sapphire Reserve, including its impressive earning rates:

• Earn 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals via Chase Travel℠
• Earn 5 points per dollar on airfare booked through Chase Travel
• Earn 3 points per dollar on travel and dining purchases
• Earn 1 point per dollar on all other expenses
• $300 annual travel credit
• Access to over 1,400 airport lounges globally with Priority Pass Select membership
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit (up to $100)
• One free year of DoorDash DashPass with registration by December 31, 2027
• Primary rental car insurance coverage
• Trip delay coverage
• Baggage delay protection
• Extended warranty on eligible purchases
• No foreign transaction fees

The value of this card goes well beyond the initial sign-up bonus. If you travel even occasionally, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is a solid investment.

Maximizing Your Rewards with the Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Sapphire Reserve offers a 60,000-point sign-up bonus after spending $4,000 in the first three months. TPG values this at $1,230 in travel, though you could potentially get even more value if you know how to leverage Chase Ultimate Rewards sweet spots.

Once you've earned the bonus, how else can you rack up Chase Ultimate Rewards points with this card?

Book hotels through Chase Travel with your Sapphire Reserve card

Earning 10 points per dollar on hotel bookings is an exceptional rate.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 10 points per dollar on hotel bookings made through Chase Travel. While there are some pros and cons to booking through Chase (which we’ll explore later), you can view this earning rate as a 20% rebate, based on TPG's valuation of Chase points at 2 cents each.

If you're used to booking hotels through sites like Orbitz or Priceline, you'll appreciate this benefit. Chase uses Expedia to handle its hotel reservations, so you’ll be working within a familiar platform.

Book rental cars with your Chase Sapphire Reserve

Once again, you’ll earn 10 Chase points per dollar when booking rental cars via Chase Travel.

This earning rate pairs perfectly with the card's generous primary rental car insurance. As one of the best cards for renting cars, the Sapphire Reserve is already a top choice, and this 10 points per dollar reward makes it even more attractive.

When you use this card to rent a car and decline the rental agency's own insurance, you’ll be covered with primary protection against theft and damage. Skipping the insurance at the counter could save you at least $15 per day!

Pay for airfare with your Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 5 points per dollar on airfare booked through the Chase travel portal, and 3 points per dollar when booked through an online agency or directly with the airline. Either way, these are excellent earning rates for flights.

Here are two more reasons why the Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the top choices for booking airfare:

• Trip delay insurance: You're covered for up to $500 per ticket if your flight is delayed for six hours or more, or if it’s delayed overnight.
• Baggage delay insurance: You and your immediate family can receive up to $100 per day for up to five days to cover necessary expenses like clothing and toiletries, if your bags are delayed for six hours or more.

Use your Chase Sapphire Reserve for dining

The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 10 points per dollar on Chase Dining purchases through Ultimate Rewards and 3 points per dollar on dining worldwide. That’s a generous 6-20% back at restaurants, based on TPG’s valuation. If you’re like us, dining out costs add up quickly, and it’s easy to rack up 10,000 points a year just from dining — especially with 3 points per dollar on delivery services like DoorDash.

This earning rate pairs well with the card's DoorDash perks:

• Free DashPass membership (at least one year) when you sign up by December 31, 2027, which includes free delivery on orders over $12.

Use your Chase Sapphire Reserve to cover $300 in travel expenses every year

You won't earn points on the first $300 you spend on travel each year. It might sound like a drawback, but it’s actually not.

Chase reimburses up to $300 in travel expenses after your account anniversary. Plus, because Chase has a broad definition of 'travel,' your credit will automatically apply to a wide range of expenses such as:

• Airfare
• Hotel stays
• Timeshare rentals
• Car rentals
• Cruises
• Travel agencies
• Campgrounds
• Trains, buses, taxis, and limos
• Ferries
• Toll bridges
• Parking lots and garages

You'll get access to this credit as soon as you open your account. When you combine it with the $1,500 in bonus points (according to TPG’s valuations), the total first-year value from opening the Chase Sapphire Reserve comes to $1,800. Plus, if you spend $300 in travel each year, this credit effectively reduces the card’s $550 annual fee to just $250.

When the Chase Sapphire Reserve might not be the best choice

There are certain scenarios where the Chase Sapphire Reserve may not work in your favor.

Avoid using your Chase Sapphire Reserve for non-bonus purchases

The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns only 1 point per dollar on purchases outside of bonus categories. For these types of expenses, other cards might offer better rewards. To keep earning Chase Ultimate Rewards, pair the Sapphire Reserve with the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, which earns a flat 1.5% (1.5 points per dollar) on all purchases.

Avoid using your Chase Sapphire Reserve for hotel bookings if you're aiming for elite status

While earning 10 points per dollar on hotel bookings through the Chase travel portal is certainly attractive, it's not always the best choice. Since Expedia operates the Chase portal, your hotel reservation is technically made through a third-party provider. This means:

• You won’t earn elite night credits
• You won’t collect hotel loyalty points
• Your elite status (if you have it) probably won’t be recognized

If you’re working towards elite status, or want to make the most of the status you’ve earned, avoid booking through Chase Travel. Instead, consider signing up for a hotel credit card with your preferred hotel chain and book directly with them.

The Verdict

The Chase Sapphire Reserve justifies its $550 annual fee for those who know how to take full advantage of its benefits. With premium travel insurance, the ability to earn 10 Chase points per dollar on certain purchases, and a $300 annual travel credit, it’s a favorite among TPG staff and readers alike. Plus, the card’s 60,000-point bonus is hard to overlook.