Head to head

Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Sam's Club Mastercard

On the criteria below, Chase Sapphire Reserve wins 4 of 5. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase

Synchrony

At a glance

Chase Sapphire Reserve wins 4 of 5 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.

Chase Sapphire Reserve wins on first-year math, earning ceiling, lounge access, and travel insurance; Sam's Club Mastercard wins on annual fee.

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

4 vs 1

First-year math Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase Sapphire Reserve wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
Annual fee Sam's Club Mastercard

Sam's Club Mastercard is $795 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.
Travel insurance Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase Sapphire Reserve carries built-in travel insurance.

Annual fee: $795; Free
Welcome offer (typical value): $1,700; $30
First-year net: +$905; +$30
Peak earning rate: 8×; 5×
Top categories: Chase Travel, Flights Direct, Hotels Direct; Gas Ev Charging, Dining, Sams Club Purchases
Lounge access: chase-sapphire-lounge, priority-pass; No
Travel insurance: Yes; No
Elite status: Yes; 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.