Chase Sapphire Preferred Review 2026 - Is It Still Worth It?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred has long been considered one of the best travel credit cards on the market. With the 2026 welcome bonus of 80,000 Ultimate Rewards points after meeting minimum spending requirements, it's one of the most generous offers available.
Welcome Bonus & Sign-Up Offer
Currently, new cardmembers can earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's worth approximately $1,000 in travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Key Benefits
- 3X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel
- 3X points on dining at restaurants
- 2X points on online grocery purchases
- 1X point on all other purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- $95 annual fee (waived first year)
- 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase
✅ Pros
- Excellent welcome bonus
- Flexible point redemption
- No foreign transaction fees
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Primary car rental insurance
❌ Cons
- $95 annual fee
- No lounge access
- Limited high-end benefits
Who Should Get This Card?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is best for:
- Frequent travelers who want flexible rewards
- Foodies who dine out often
- Those who want to avoid foreign transaction fees
- People who prefer booking travel through Chase
How It Compares
Compared to the Capital One Venture X (which has a $395 annual fee), the Sapphire Preferred offers a lower barrier to entry with its $95 fee and still provides excellent travel protections and redemption flexibility.
80,000 Bonus Points | $95 Annual Fee
Our Verdict
The Chase Sapphire Preferred remains one of the best travel credit cards available in 2026. The 80,000-point welcome bonus alone makes it worth applying for, and the ongoing rewards structure rewards consistent spending in key categories.
While the $95 annual fee applies after year one, the card's benefits—including trip insurance and point flexibility—easily outweigh the cost for most travelers.