Choosing the right credit card can be a difficult decision, especially when faced with two attractive options like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve. Both cards offer an array of rewards, travel benefits, and impressive sign-up bonuses, but which should you choose? This article will help you make an informed decision by comparing the features and benefits of these two popular Chase cards

Sign-Up Bonus:

Both cards offer exceptional sign-up bonuses. The Chase Sapphire Preferred provides a bonus of 100,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points if you spend $4,000 within the first three months. On the other hand, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.

Annual Fee:

The first noticeable difference between these two cards is their annual fees. The Preferred has a $95 annual fee, while the Reserve comes with a steeper $550 annual fee. Despite its higher price tag, though, many cardholders find that the extra benefits of the Reserve card are worth the investment.

Earning Points:

On travel and dining purchases, both cards earn impressive rewards rates. With the Preferred card, you’ll earn 3 points per dollar spent on dining and 5 points per dollar with travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Meanwhile, Reserve cardholders receive 3 points per dollar on dining and an impressive 10 points per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

The Sapphire Preferred also earns 3 points per dollar spent on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs) and select streaming services. All other purchases made with either card receive 1 point per dollar spent.

Travel Benefits:

When it comes to redeeming your rewards for travel purchases or bookings through Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, Preferred cardholders receive a 25% bonus in value while Reserve holders enjoy a substantial 50% boost. Additionally, Reserve cardholders enjoy other perks like complimentary access to more than 1,000 airport lounges through Priority Pass Select membership and up to a $100 credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees.

Hotel and Rental Car Partners:

Reserve cardholders also have the advantage when it comes to hotel and rental car partners through the Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection and the National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive Level membership. The Preferred card does not offer these specific partner perks.

Insurance and Purchase Protection:

Both cards include solid insurance and purchase protection benefits. They both offer primary auto rental collision damage waivers, baggage delay insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and purchase protection. Still, the Reserve takes it a step further by providing emergency medical and dental benefits when traveling.

Which Card Is Better?

Each card has its unique set of advantages. On one hand, the Preferred offers an excellent balance of rewards and relatively low annual fees, making it suitable for those who want an accessible rewards program without making a massive investment in fees. On the other hand, the Reserve is tailored towards frequent travelers who don’t mind spending a little extra on annual fees in return for luxury travel benefits and a generous rewards rate.

Which of these two cards is better for you depends on your personal preferences, spending habits, and travel needs. If you’re seeking a lower annual fee with great rewards on dining and travel expenses, choose the Sapphire Preferred. But if an abundance of luxury travel benefits and higher rewards potential are what you seek – and you can stomach the higher annual fee – go with the Sapphire Reserve.