If you’re looking to elevate your travel experiences while maximizing everyday rewards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card continues to reign as one of the best premium credit cards available. Now, with a generous 100,000-point welcome bonus, a revamped suite of high-end benefits, and a newly increased $795 annual fee, this card is making headlines in 2025 as the most expensive mainstream premium credit card on the market.
🌟 Time-Sensitive 100,000-Point Welcome Offer
New cardmembers can earn 100,000 Ultimate Rewards® points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. While Chase hasn’t specified an end date, offers like this don’t always last—so it’s smart to act quickly if you’re considering it.
These points are worth at least $1,500 in travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®—and potentially more when transferred to Chase’s airline and hotel partners.
As someone who books several flights and hotel stays each year, this bonus alone justified the annual fee in my first year.
✈ Travel Benefits That Redefine Convenience
The 2025 refresh brings even more value to frequent travelers with a broader lineup of perks:
- $300 Annual Travel Credit
- $500 Annual Luxury Hotel Credit through Chase Travel’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection
- $300 Annual Dining Credit at select restaurants and delivery services
- $300 Annual Ticket Credit for events purchased through Viagogo or StubHub
- $250 Annual Apple Credit ($20/month toward Apple services)
- $120 Annual Lyft Credit
- $120 Annual Peloton Credit
- Priority Pass™ Select Membership
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Credit
- Exclusive partner benefits including DashPass and Lyft Pink
These combined benefits now total over $2,700 in annual value—making the new $795 fee easier to rationalize for frequent travelers.
💰 Strong Everyday Earning Potential
The card retains its rewarding structure:
- 10X Points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel®
- 10X Points on Chase Dining purchases through Ultimate Rewards®
- 5X Points on flights booked through Chase Travel®
- 3X Points on all other travel (after $300 credit is applied)
- 3X Points on dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services
- 1X Point on all other purchases
🧳 Built-In Travel and Purchase Protections
Still unmatched in its protection suite:
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
- Trip Delay Reimbursement
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver (primary coverage)
- Lost and Delayed Luggage Insurance
- Emergency Evacuation & Travel Assistance
- Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty
💼 Premium, Yes—But With Real Value
The annual fee has now increased to $795 (from $550 previously)—a bold move by Chase that places this card above even the Amex Platinum ($695). However, for frequent travelers and those who maximize its credits, the card offers an impressive net positive value.
Even if you just use the hotel and dining credits, that’s $800 back—covering the fee. Add travel credits, lounge access, and high-earning potential, and this card can easily be worth well over the cost.
🔄 How It Fits Into My Card Portfolio
I pair the Sapphire Reserve with:
- Chase Freedom Unlimited® for 1.5% back on everything else
- A business card to keep work expenses separate
And because all points earned pool into Ultimate Rewards®, redemptions become much more powerful—especially when transferred to Hyatt or United.
💡 Tips for Maximizing the Sapphire Reserve®
- Use Chase Travel® portal to earn 5–10X points
- Transfer to top partners like World of Hyatt or United for high-value redemptions
- Use full annual credits (hotel, dining, entertainment, Apple, Lyft, Peloton)
- Link your Lyft and DoorDash accounts
🔍 Transparent Pricing Details
Review the complete pricing and terms here.
The $795 annual fee takes effect for new cardholders in June 2025 and will apply to renewals starting in October 2025. Authorized user fee has also increased to $195.
🎯 Final Thoughts
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® now costs more than ever—but it also delivers more than ever. If you’re the type of traveler who values flexibility, luxury, and reward optimization, it remains a top contender.
With its 100,000-point bonus, layered credits, and expanded lifestyle perks, it’s not just a card—it’s an upgrade to how you travel.
