june 17, 2025 – Chase unveiled a major overhaul of its Chase Sapphire Reserve® credit card today, with changes effective June 23, 2025. The updates include a steep annual fee increase, a restructured rewards program, new benefits, and the launch of a business version of the card. While the enhancements aim to solidify the card’s position in the premium travel market, the higher costs may prompt cardholders to reassess its value.
What’s Changing with the Chase Sapphire Reserve?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve, a favorite among frequent travelers, is undergoing significant updates. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Annual Fee Hike: The annual fee will increase from $550 to $795, a $245 jump. Authorized user fees will also rise from $75 to $195, making it costlier to add family members.
- Rewards Structure Overhaul: The card’s earning rates for travel are changing:
- 8 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel, down from 10 points for hotels and rental cars and 5 points for flights.
- 4 points per dollar on flights and hotel stays booked directly, up from 3 points on all travel.
- 1 point per dollar on other travel purchases, a reduction from 3 points.
- Dining rewards remain steady: 10 points per dollar on Chase Dining purchases and 3 points per dollar on other dining, with 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
- Points Redemption Value: Points redemption is now tiered:
- 2 cents per point for select flights and hotel stays booked through Chase.
- 1 cent per point for non-eligible bookings, compared to the previous flat rate of 1.5 cents per point for all travel redemptions.
- New and Enhanced Benefits: To offset the fee increase, Chase has introduced several credits and perks:
- Up to $500 for The Edit ($250 twice per year), Chase’s curated hotel and resort collection.
- Up to $300 for Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables restaurants ($150 twice per year).
- Up to $300 for StubHub ($150 twice per year) for event tickets.
- Up to $250 for Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions.
- Up to $120 for Peloton ($10 per month, plus 10 points per dollar on eligible purchases).
- Complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite Status through December 31, 2027.
- For cardholders spending $75,000 annually, additional benefits include a $500 Southwest credit, Southwest A-List status, IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite Status, and a $250 credit for The Shops.
- Existing benefits, like the $300 annual travel credit and up to $120 every four years for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry/NEXUS, remain unchanged.
| Change Category | Previous | New (Effective June 23, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $550 | $795 |
| Authorized User Fee | $75 | $195 |
| Travel Rewards (Chase Travel) | 10x hotels/rental cars, 5x flights | 8x all travel bookings |
| Direct Travel Rewards | 3x all travel | 4x flights/hotels, 1x other travel |
| Points Value | 1.5 cents/point (all travel) | 2 cents/point (select), 1 cent/point (other) |
| New Credits | None | $500 The Edit, $300 dining, $300 StubHub, etc. |
Impact on Current Chase Sapphire Reserve Cardholders
For existing cardholders, Chase offers a transition period to ease the shift. Points earned before October 26, 2025, can be redeemed at the current rate of 1.5 cents per point until October 26, 2027. After that, the new Points Boost system—offering 2 cents per point for select travel or 1 cent for other redemptions—will apply fully.
Cardholders face a decision: retain the card, downgrade, or cancel. Those who frequently book travel through Chase Travel or utilize the new credits (e.g., dining, StubHub, or Peloton) may find the $795 fee justifiable. For example, maximizing the $300 travel credit, $500 The Edit credit, and $300 dining credit could offset $1,100 of the fee. However, casual travelers or those who don’t use premium perks might consider other options.
Comparing Chase Sapphire Reserve to Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred®, with its $95 annual fee, remains a popular alternative. Its rewards structure includes:
- 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs).
- 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases.
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Reserve | Chase Sapphire Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $795 | $95 |
| Travel Rewards | 8x Chase, 4x flights/hotels | 5x Chase, 2x other travel |
| Dining Rewards | 10x Chase Dining, 3x other | 3x dining |
| Travel Credit | $300 annually | None |
| Points Value (Chase) | 2 cents (select), 1 cent (other) | 1.25 cents |
The Sapphire Reserve offers higher rewards and more credits, but the Sapphire Preferred’s lower fee may appeal to those who don’t maximize premium benefits. For instance, a cardholder spending $10,000 annually on travel and dining might earn more net value with the Preferred after accounting for fees.
Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business: A New Option
On June 23, 2025, Chase will launch the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business, also with a $795 annual fee. This card mirrors the personal card’s rewards and benefits, including the 8x/4x travel rewards and new credits, while adding business-specific perks like statement credits for services such as Google Workspace and ZipRecruiter. This launch targets entrepreneurs who travel frequently and seek premium rewards tailored to business expenses.
Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve Still Worth It?
The revamped Chase Sapphire Reserve remains a strong contender for frequent travelers who can leverage its benefits. For example:
- A cardholder spending $20,000 annually on travel through Chase Travel could earn 160,000 points, worth $3,200 at 2 cents per point for select redemptions.
- Maximizing credits ($300 travel, $500 The Edit, $300 dining, etc.) could offset the $795 fee entirely.
However, the fee increase may deter those with moderate travel or dining expenses. Cardholders should calculate their potential rewards and credit usage to determine if the card aligns with their financial goals. For comparison, competitors like the American Express Platinum Card also carry high fees but offer different perks, such as broader lounge access.
What Should You Do Next?
- Current Cardholders: Review your spending patterns over the past year. If you spend heavily on travel and dining and can use the new credits, the card may remain valuable. If not, consider downgrading to the Chase Sapphire Preferred or exploring cards from other issuers. Contact Chase before your renewal date to discuss options.
- Potential Applicants: Evaluate your travel and spending habits. If you can maximize the card’s credits and rewards, the Sapphire Reserve could be a worthwhile investment. Apply after June 23, 2025, to access the new benefits, but be mindful of Chase’s 5/24 rule, which limits approvals based on recent card applications.
Conclusion
The Chase Sapphire Reserve’s 2025 refresh enhances its appeal for high-spending travelers with new credits and a flexible rewards structure, but the $795 annual fee demands careful consideration. By offering a transition period for existing cardholders and introducing a business version, Chase aims to maintain its edge in the premium credit card market. Whether you’re a current cardholder or considering applying, now is the time to assess how these changes align with your financial priorities.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT : ftech
FAQs
1. What’s new with the Chase Sapphire Reserve in 2025?
The annual fee rises to $795, rewards shift to 8x on Chase Travel, 4x on direct flights/hotels, and 1x on other travel. New credits include $500 for The Edit, $300 for dining, and $250 for Apple TV+/Music. A business card launches June 23, 2025.
2. How does Chase Sapphire Reserve compare to Chase Sapphire Preferred?
The Reserve ($795 fee) offers 8x Chase Travel, 4x flights/hotels, and more credits ($300 travel, $500 The Edit) vs. the Preferred ($95 fee, 5x Chase Travel, 3x dining). Reserve suits frequent travelers; Preferred is better for lower spenders.
3. Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth the $795 fee?
Yes, for heavy travelers using credits ($300 travel, $500 The Edit) and earning rewards (e.g., 160,000 points from $20,000 Chase Travel, worth $3,200). Others may prefer the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
4. What’s the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business?
Launches June 23, 2025, with a $795 fee, same rewards as the personal card (8x Chase Travel, 4x flights/hotels), plus business credits like Google Workspace, ideal for entrepreneurs.
5. Can I keep my old Chase Sapphire Reserve points value?
Points earned before October 26, 2025, retain 1.5 cents per point value until October 26, 2027. After, new redemptions are 2 cents for select travel or 1 cent otherwise.