Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve
Even split across the criteria below. Pick the one whose strengths match how you'll actually use it.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase
Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve split the criteria evenly. Neither is the obvious all-rounder; the right pick depends on which dimensions matter to you.
Chase Sapphire Preferred wins on first-year math and annual fee; Chase Sapphire Reserve wins on earning ceiling and lounge access.
Pick the Chase Sapphire Preferred if year-one math is your priority; take the Chase Sapphire Preferred if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
2 vs 2- First-year math Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Sapphire Preferred wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Sapphire Preferred is $700 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase Sapphire Reserve earns more on its best category (8× vs 5×).
- Lounge access Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase Sapphire Reserve includes lounge access; the other doesn't.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $95
- $795
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $1,700
- $1,700
- First-year net
- +$1,605
- +$905
- Peak earning rate
- 5×
- 8×
- Top categories
- Chase Travel Portal, Dining, Travel
- Chase Travel, Flights Direct, Hotels Direct
- Lounge access
- No
- chase-sapphire-lounge, priority-pass
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- No
- Yes
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Chase Ultimate Rewards
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.