Why the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is Worth the Annual Fee

The coveted Chase Sapphire Reserve^® Card comes with a ton of perks, from airport lounge access to a $300 annual travel credit. And with a 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit welcome offer when you spend $5,000 within the first 3 months, this card could easily cover the cost of your next trip. But is it worth the $795 annual fee?

8 times the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card is worth it

The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card isn't the right choice for everyone, but if you travel and dine out frequently, you can rack up some serious rewards that more than offset the cost of the annual fee.

To decide if the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card is the best travel credit card for you, consider the value you'll get from the benefits this card provides. If you can check off most of the items below, you should definitely consider applying for this premium rewards card.

1. You can comfortably earn the welcome offer

The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card comes with a generous welcome bonus, allowing you to earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to up to $2,500 towards travel when booked through Chase Travel℠.

If the minimum spend is more than you'd typically charge to a credit card, this card may not be the best choice for you, since the welcome offer is one of the factors that offsets the annual fee.

2. You spend at least $300 per year on travel

The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card offers up to $300 in annual travel statement credits toward purchases in the travel category. If you use the annual travel credit every year, that essentially drops the net cost of the annual fee to only $495.

You could easily spend $300 on just one plane ticket, so you don't have to be a jetsetter to make this card worth the fee. Even expenses like Uber rides and parking fees can count toward your annual travel credit, so most people could likely max out this perk.

3. You'll benefit from TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

Going through airport security can be a total nightmare, but it's a lot easier to bear if you have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. TSA PreCheck gets you expedited security at domestic airports, which means you can skip the long lines and avoid removing your shoes or belt. Global Entry qualifies you for TSA PreCheck and also allows you to get through U.S. Customs faster if you've been traveling internationally.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card offers you a credit for either option (or NEXUS), up to a $120 value every four years. If you'll get good use from this benefit, you can knock off another $30 from the net cost of the annual fee each year.

4. You regularly spend in the card's bonus categories

When you put travel and dining purchases on your Chase Sapphire Reserve Card, you'll get points back. And since Chase now offers a Points Boost, you can redeem your points for up to 2X more value on select hotels and airfare when booking through the Chase Travel℠ portal.

In addition, you'll earn 4X on flights and hotels booked direct and 8X on purchases through Chase Travel℠, which pads your points total even more.

5. You would make use of airport lounges

Of the many perks offered with the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card, the complimentary Priority Pass Select membership is one that will definitely make you feel like an elite cardholder. You and up to two guests can set up shop in an airport lounge and enjoy free beverages and snacks while you wait for your plane to arrive. You could even get free food at Priority Pass-affiliated restaurants in the airport.

If that sounds like something you'd take advantage of, this card could be a great choice for you.

6. You can use the DoorDash benefits

Newly added in 2020, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders who frequently get food delivered can make good use of a few DoorDash perks. 

First, you can activate a free DashPash membership, which is the app's subscription service. With it, you'll have zero delivery fees on eligible orders over $12. Depending on when you activate this perk, you could qualify for 12 to 24 months of free membership (activation required by Dec. 31, 2027). Since DashPash is normally valued at $9.99 a month, that translates to roughly $120 each year you can make good use of this benefit. 

In addition, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders will get $5 per month in DoorDash credits to use on orders.  Plus, receive two $10 promos per month applicable to eligible non-restaurant orders.

7. You frequently get Lyft rides 

If you use rideshare apps regularly, you could get serious value from the card's Lyft perks. With the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you can earn more Chase Ultimate Rewards when you use your Sapphire Reserve card to pay for Lyft purchases. You'll earn 5X points on Lyft rides (through September 2027). If rideshares are a significant part of your monthly budget, that could translate into serious rewards.

8. You can make use of the Points Boost redemption options

If you're going to redeem your points for cash back, this card may not be the right choice for you. What really makes this card worth it is the Points Boost option. Your points are worth up to a 2X boost when you redeem them through Chase Travel. Anything that doesn't qualify for the 2X boost will bank you a 1X redemption value.

If you opened your card before June 23, 2025, and earned points prior to October 26, 2025, you'll still have access to the highest redemption option available (either 1.5X value or up to 2X through the Points Boost). This offer stands until October 26, 2027.

One of the best parts of the Chase portal is that there are a variety of airlines to choose from and no blackout dates. You can also transfer your rewards to airline and hotel loyalty programs to potentially get even more value.

When the Chase Sapphire Reserve annual fee isn't worth it

If you're carrying a credit card balance or looking to cut down on your spending, the Chase Sapphire Reserve probably isn't the right card for you. Focus on paying off debt before you start thinking about travel rewards. Alternatively, you can look at some other Chase credit cards. 

Similarly, if you don't travel that often and don't care about premium travel perks, this card probably won't be worth it to you. The real value of this card comes from money spent on travel and dining, so if you don't spend frequently in those categories, you could be better off with another card.

But if you love to travel and dine out, don't be put off by the $795 annual fee on the Chase Sapphire Reserve. Between the annual travel credit, the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, Lyft and DoorDash perks, the elevated points on some categories, and the airport lounge access, you could more than offset the cost of the annual fee.

Still have questions about the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card and all it has to offer? Check out our full review and FAQ for more information.

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Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

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Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

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Rates and fees

Current Offer

Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$795

Rewards Rate

8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠ (including The Edit℠), 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct, 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Up to $300 in annual travel credits
• Great rewards on travel purchases and dining
• Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership
• Comprehensive travel protections, including trip delay and cancellation insurance
• Points are worth up to 2x on select hotels and flights when booking through Chase Travel

Drawbacks

• $795 annual fee
• High spending requirement for the welcome offer
• $195 annual fee for each authorized user

Card Details

• Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
• Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
• Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
• Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music - all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 - a value of $250 annually
• Member FDIC