Chase Sapphire Reserve
Summary: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a titan in the premium travel card market. It commands a $795 annual fee, positioning it as a direct competitor to the Amex Platinum. Where the Platinum card functions primarily as a luxury lifestyle and lounge card, the Sapphire Reserve focuses heavily on flexible travel statement credits, high-velocity points multiplier engines, and top-tier travel insurance. Compare between this to the Amex Platinum (travel competitor) and Chase Sapphire Preferred (cheaper alternatives) to see if this is the card for you.
Credits: Travel, Hotel, OpenTable, StubHub, DoorDash, Apple, Lyft, Peloton, TSA
Personal Experience: I got denied this card back in late 2023 and finally got this card in mid 2025 after getting the Amex Gold and Plat. I found the credits to be way easier to use but less superior features like the Edit, limited Chase Sapphire Lounges, and non bonus points on groceries make the other Amex cards I have still needed. Looking back, I should have transferred my points to Hyatt (before their recent reward changes) and got the card a month earlier as the many of the credits restarted in July.
- Easy use of credits
- Sapphire Lounge w/ free guests
- Good points earnings
- Primary car rental insurance
- High annual fee
- Sapphire Preferred for most
- Limited Sapphire Lounge locations
