⭐ The #1 Best Starter Card: Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Introduction
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® has long been considered one of the best all-around travel credit cards on the market — and for good reason. It strikes the perfect balance between affordability, flexibility, and powerful travel rewards, making it an ideal entry point into the world of points and miles. Whether you’re booking your first award flight or building a long-term rewards strategy, this card continues to deliver exceptional value year after year.
Key Benefits at a Glance
- Flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards® points
- Strong earning on dining and travel
- Valuable airline and hotel transfer partners
- Excellent travel protections
- Low annual fee compared to premium cards
For most travelers, this card serves as the foundation of a successful points strategy.
Earning Points with Chase Sapphire Preferred
Cardholders earn points through everyday spending, making it easy to build a healthy balance quickly.
Earning structure:
- 3x points on dining
- 2x points on travel
- 1x point on all other purchases
These categories align well with how most people naturally spend, especially those who travel or dine out regularly.
Why Chase Ultimate Rewards® Are So Valuable
Chase Ultimate Rewards points are among the most versatile currencies in the travel world.
You can:
- Transfer points to airline and hotel partners
- Redeem through the Chase Travel portal
- Combine points across multiple Chase cards
Popular transfer partners include:
- United Airlines
- Air Canada Aeroplan
- British Airways
- World of Hyatt
This flexibility allows you to book everything from domestic flights to luxury international business-class seats.
Travel Protections You’ll Actually Use
One area where the Chase Sapphire Preferred truly shines is travel insurance — benefits that can easily justify the annual fee on their own.
Key protections include:
- Primary rental car insurance
- Trip delay and cancellation coverage
- Baggage delay and loss protection
- Purchase protection
Many travelers overlook these perks until something goes wrong — and that’s when they become invaluable.
Annual Fee & Overall Value
With an annual fee of around $95, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers exceptional value compared to premium cards that charge $400–$700+.
You don’t need luxury-level spending to make this card worthwhile, which is why it’s often recommended as:
- A first travel credit card
- A long-term keeper card
- A companion to other Chase cards
Who Should Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred?
This card is ideal if you:
- Are new to points and miles
- Want flexible rewards without complexity
- Travel a few times per year
- Dine out regularly
- Want strong protections without a high fee
It’s also a smart move to get this card early, as Chase applies its well-known 5/24 rule, which can limit approvals later.
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Other Cards
Compared to premium cards like the Amex Platinum or Capital One Venture X, the Sapphire Preferred focuses on value and usability rather than flashy perks. It’s less about luxury for luxury’s sake and more about maximizing everyday rewards and redemptions.
For many travelers, it remains the most logical starting point before layering additional cards.
Final Thoughts
The Chase Sapphire Preferred continues to earn its reputation as one of the best travel credit cards available. With flexible points, strong travel protections, and a manageable annual fee, it offers a powerful yet approachable way to unlock better travel. If you’re looking for a card that grows with you — from beginner to experienced points traveler — this one is hard to beat.