Head to head

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Sam's Club Mastercard

On the criteria below, Chase Sapphire Preferred wins 2 of 4. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Chase

Sam's Club Mastercard

Synchrony

At a glance

Chase Sapphire Preferred wins 2 of 4 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.

Chase Sapphire Preferred wins on first-year math and travel insurance; Sam's Club Mastercard wins on annual fee.

Pick the Chase Sapphire Preferred if year-one math is your priority; take the Sam's Club Mastercard if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.

Who wins what

2 vs 1 (1 tie)
  • First-year math Chase Sapphire Preferred

    Chase Sapphire Preferred wins on bonus value minus annual fee.

  • Annual fee Sam's Club Mastercard

    Sam's Club Mastercard is $95 cheaper to keep.

  • Earning ceiling Tie

    Same peak earning rate.

  • Travel insurance Chase Sapphire Preferred

    Chase Sapphire Preferred carries built-in travel insurance.

By the numbers

Annual fee
$95
Free
Welcome offer (typical value)
$1,700
$30
First-year net
+$1,605
+$30
Peak earning rate
Top categories
Chase Travel Portal, Dining, Travel
Gas Ev Charging, Dining, Sams Club Purchases
Lounge access
No
No
Travel insurance
Yes
No
Elite status
No
No
Foreign transaction fee
None
None
Reward currency
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Sam's Cash

Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.