It’s no surprise that the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates & fees) is one of the most popular travel credit cards on the market. Packed with high-value benefits, including travel credits, complimentary memberships and up to 8x rewards on all purchases through Chase TravelSM, this card is ideal for frequent travelers who will make use of the numerous credits which help recoup the card’s hefty annual fee.
When compared to other travel rewards cards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® also offers some of the most generous travel and purchase protections available. In fact, cardholders get trip delay reimbursement, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption coverage and much more. These are some of the reasons the card is our pick for the best credit card for travel insurance in 2025.
Although the Chase Sapphire Reserve® charges a $795 annual fee, you can easily make up for it by taking advantage of the full range of benefits.
The recently relaunched Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers more than $5,000 in value in the first year by our estimates*. New to the card as of June 2025 are:
Exclusive perks unlocked for cardholders who spend over $75,000 per year:
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides a variety of valuable perks — ranging from complimentary airport lounge access to a flexible travel credit — that can help offset the cost of travel. Travel credits and memberships include:
Each account anniversary year, you’ll automatically receive statement credits up to the annual maximum as reimbursement for eligible travel purchases charged to your card.
How much is this benefit worth? Up to $300 each year to cover purchases made with airlines, hotels, motels, timeshares, car rental agencies, cruise lines, travel agencies, discount travel sites, campgrounds and operators of passenger trains, buses, taxis, limousines, ferries, toll bridges and highways, and parking lots and garages.
Note, the following types of travel purchases are not eligible for this credit: Purchases from some merchants that provide transportation and travel-related services, such as real estate agents, educational merchants arranging travel, in-flight goods and services, onboard cruise line goods and services, sightseeing activities, excursions, tourist attractions, RV and boat rentals, merchants within hotels and airports, public campgrounds and merchants that rent hauling vehicles. Additionally, purchases from gift card merchants or merchants that sell points or miles do not qualify.
Every four years, get one statement credit of up to $120 as reimbursement for a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS application fee charged to your card.
How much is this benefit worth? Up to $120 every four years, depending on the type of program you apply for. At the time of this article’s publication, a Global Entry application costs $120, a TSA PreCheck application costs $85 and a NEXUS application costs $120.
If you value airport lounge access, this could very well be the most valuable benefit offered by the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. The included Priority Pass™ Select membership comes with free access to more than 1,300 airport lounges around the world for you and up to two accompanying guests ($27 for each additional guest per visit). Amenities include free refreshments, Wi-Fi and more. Note that a one-time activation is required.
Airport lounge benefits for this card also include entry into Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations in select cities. While more lounge locations may be available in the future, locations are currently available in Boston (BOS), New York City (LGA), New York City (JFK), Philadelphia (PHL), Phoenix (PHX), San Diego (SAN) and Hong Kong (HKG) airports. Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX) and Dallas (DFW) locations are coming soon.
Cardholders and authorized users also get access to select locations in Air Canada’s network of Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes across the U.S., Canada and Europe when departing on a Star Alliance member airline flight. Guest fees are an additional cost.
How much is this benefit worth? That depends on if you travel with guests, but at least $469 annually. Priority Pass membership with unlimited free lounge visits normally costs $469 a year on its own, and members must pay a $35 fee for each guest per visit. So let’s say, for example, you visit eligible airport lounges with two family members four times per year — this benefit can easily be worth nearly $750 annually.
Maple Leaf Lounge offers complimentary access to Star Alliance Gold members who have a valid same-day ticket or boarding pass. One guest can join them at no extra charge, but additional guests pay $59 (local currency plus taxes) each. If you and a guest visit a Maple Leaf Lounge twice a year, this benefit offers additional value of $236.
You won’t be charged foreign transaction fees when you use your Chase Sapphire Reserve® to make purchases outside of the U.S.
How much is this benefit worth? That depends on the amount you charge while traveling abroad. For example, some cards charge foreign exchange fees of 3% of the amount of each transaction. If you charge $3,000 on one of those cards while vacationing outside of the U.S. — that could amount to saving an additional $90 in fees.
Get exclusive benefits at a variety of hand-selected hotels and resorts worldwide through The Edit by Chase Travel℠.
Cardholders get up to a $250 statement credit twice a year (January through June and July through December) after making a qualifying purchase with The Edit by Chase TravelSM. You’ll also receive a $100 property credit for each stay and perks like complimentary breakfast for two each day of your stay. There is a two-night minimum and purchases that qualify for this credit do not earn points.
The Edit was formerly known as the Chase Luxury Hotel and Resorts Collection.
How much is this benefit worth? At least $900, depending on the properties you stay at, if you use both semi-annual credits. The value of this benefit varies depending on which perks you take advantage of but you can receive a $100 property credit, daily breakfast for two (approximately $25), room upgrades if available, early check-in and late check-out if available, complimentary Wi-Fi and more.
Cardholders are eligible for an Exclusive Tables dining credit twice a year at award-winning restaurants booked through OpenTable. You’ll get a statement credit of up to $150 on eligible purchases from January through June and then again from July through December, for a total value of $300.
How much is this benefit worth? Up to $300 if you’re able to take full advantage of this benefit.
Cardholders get a complimentary subscription to DashPass, which allows $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible DoorDash orders. Once you activate membership, you’ll get a $5 monthly credit that you can select to use at checkout when ordering food delivery.
For orders from retail and convenience stores, you can also earn up to $10 off two orders per month on DoorDash non-restaurant orders. These are available at the beginning of each month and must be used in separate orders. You forfeit any unused amount on orders that don’t exceed $10 (before taxes, tips and applicable fees).
How much is this benefit worth? DoorDash DashPass membership typically costs $9.99 per month, so the membership is worth up to $119.88 per year. The credits add up to $25 per month, which makes an annual value of $300. All together, this perk is valued at $419.88.
Cardholders can earn up to two $150 statement credits for StufHub and viagogo each year. Credits can be used once from January through June and once from July through December. This benefit is currently valid through Dec. 31, 2027 so there’s plenty of time to make use of this and lower the cost of seeing your favorite entertainers.
How much is this benefit worth? Up to $300 if you use the full value of both credits.
Enjoy complimentary subscriptions to Apple TV+ and Apple Music with your card. If you’re a current subscriber, your existing subscription will be paused. This offer is valid through June 22, 2027 and activation is required for both subscriptions.
How much is this benefit worth? Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month and Apple Music is $10.99 per month. A year’s worth of both services adds up to $251.76.
Receive up to a $10 credit each calendar month to use one qualifying Lyft purchase with your Chase Sapphire Reserve® card. Additional rides that don’t use the credit earn 5X points. These offers run through Sept. 30, 2027.
How much is this benefit worth? Regular Lyft users will get the most value with this benefit that totals up to $120 annually, plus elevated points on purchases that aren’t covered by the credit.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders get up to $120 in annual credit ($10 per month) on an eligible Peloton Membership, which includes Peloton All-Access Membership, Rental, App+, Guide, App One, or Strength+ memberships.
You can also earn 10X points on purchases over $150 through Peloton, up to $5,000 in total purchases when you use your card. This benefit is good through Dec. 31, 2027 and requires activation.
How much is this benefit worth? For Peloton users, this is worth over $120 if you take advantage of both the monthly statement credit and make a purchase that earns extra points.
With IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite Status, you’ll enjoy 60% bonus points on stays, exclusive member rates and member promotions that aren’t available to the general public. Included as part of this is Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® Five Star status, which on its own can only be achieved with $2,000 in spending at Hertz. IHG reward points never expire and offer flexibility to use at more than 6,000 global locations.
How much is this benefit worth? Among perks you can expect when using your status include free internet, complimentary upgrades (subject to availability), welcome points or drinks/snacks upon checking and early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability). Including the value of the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star status, the value of this benefit as a whole far exceeds $2,000.
Cardholders have access to travel designers who are experts on your desired destination, whether it’s a big-city adventure or a wildlife encounter far from modern life. You work with them to create an ideal itinerary that’s personalized to your travel style. They handle all of the details for planning before, during and after the trip.
How much is this benefit worth? This personalized service benefit is valued at up to $300 per trip.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders who spend more than $75,000 in a year can unlock four additional perks:
How much is this benefit worth? These perks are worth an extra $750 per year in addition to the less tangible benefits of having hotel and airline status.
From complimentary trip interruption insurance to reimbursement for trip delays, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides one of the most extensive lists of travel protections available from any credit card. The Chase Sapphire Reserve®‘s travel insurance benefits include:
Receive primary coverage against damages caused by theft or collision damage when you decline the rental company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Rental periods of up to 31 consecutive days can qualify for this protection.
We should note: The following types of cars are not covered: Antique cars, cargo vans, vehicles with open cargo beds, trucks (other than pick-up trucks), motorcycles, mopeds, motorbikes, limousines and passenger vans that seat more than nine people. Additionally, rental periods that exceed 31 days are not eligible.
“This benefit alone makes both the Chase Sapphire cards worth their annual fees. As a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card cardholder, I’ve used this benefit on several trips — and it’s saved me hundreds of dollars. Rental car coverage fees are shockingly high, and not having to worry about that expense while I’m traveling makes the experience a whole lot better.”
– Kristen Grau, LendingTree staff writer
You can receive reimbursement for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses that have to be canceled or cut short because of unforeseen circumstances like illness, severe weather and other qualifying situations.
Note that cancellations caused by the following scenarios will not be covered: Changes in plans, financial circumstances or business obligations, pre-existing conditions, travel scheduled after the 26th week of pregnancy, failure to obtain required travel documents and more.
If you experience a travel delay from a common carrier, like an airline, train or bus, that lasts more than six hours or requires an overnight stay, you can be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred during the delay.
Note that this benefit does not apply to a delay caused by a covered hazard that was made public or made known to you prior to your departure. It also doesn’t cover prepaid expenses related to your covered trip, such as activity fees associated with your trip.
Chase offers accidental death or dismemberment coverage for you or your beneficiaries when you purchase your air, bus, train or cruise transportation using your card.
Note that accidents, injuries or losses resulting from the following are not covered: Emotional trauma, mental or physical illness, disease, pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, bodily malfunctions, surgical treatments and more.
If your bag is delayed for more than six hours, Chase will reimburse you for essential items like toiletries and clothing.
Note that the following items are not covered: Hearing aids, artificial teeth, money, checks, tickets, business samples, jewelry and watches, cameras, recreational equipment and more.
This benefit provides roadside assistance — including towing, tire changing, jump starts, lockout service, fuel delivery and standard winching — 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the U.S. and Canada.
Note that commercial vehicles are not covered. Also, emergency road service isn’t available in areas not regularly traveled or accessible by regular towing vehicles.
If you or an immediate family member become sick or injured while traveling, you may receive reimbursement for your medical treatment.
Note that the following are not covered: Travel for the purpose of obtaining medical treatment, non-emergency services, care not provided by a hospital, physician or dentist, experimental care, care provided as a result of self-inflicted harm and more.
This coverage can pay for emergency transportation and evacuation in the event you become sick or injured and require this type of care. This benefit also includes coverage for repatriation of remains if you or a covered traveler passes away during a trip.
Note that coverage only applies for trips of at least five days and less than 60 days. Covered trips must also be at least 100 miles from home to be eligible. Other instances that may not be covered include non-emergency transportation, transportation covered by another party at no cost to you, transportation for experimental procedures and more.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® also provides the following coverage when you use your card to make purchases:
This benefit protects new retail purchases against theft, damage or loss that occurs within 120 days of purchase.
Note, the following purchases are not covered: Animals and living plants, antiques or collectible items, motorized vehicles, computer software, items purchased for resale or commercial use, medical equipment, perishable or consumable items, travelers’ checks, pre-owned items and more.
If you’re not satisfied with an item within 90 days of purchasing it and the retailer won’t allow you to return the item for a refund, exchange or credit, Chase may reimburse you for the purchase price.
Note, the following purchases are not covered: Animals and living plants, motorized vehicles, tickets, computer software, damaged or non-working items, formal attire, items purchased for resale or commercial use, items purchased outside the U.S., altered items, jewelry, antiques, collectibles, medical equipment, perishables and consumables, seasonal items and more.
Chase will extend the time period of any eligible U.S. manufacturer’s warranty of three years or less by one additional year.
Note that the following purchases aren’t covered: motorized vehicles, items purchased for resale or commercial use, rented or leased items, computer software, medical equipment, pre-owned items and more.
Along with extremely valuable travel and retail credits and protections, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a very lucrative rewards program:
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. This is an excellent sign-up bonus, especially if you transfer it to one Chase’s several hotel or airline partners. When you redeem points through the Chase TravelSM, your points are worth up to 2X for select travel redemptions, including top hotels and some airline flights. You may be able to get a better value through the transfer portal, so be sure to compare redemption rates on each platform before you book.
You’ll 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.
To maximize your Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, it may be worth adding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ (see rates & fees) and/or Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates & fees) to your wallet as well. This will allow you to transfer your cash back rewards to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® for even more value.
Earn 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 up to $5,000. This offer ends Dec. 31, 2027.
Cardholders earn 5x points on eligible Lyft rides through Sept. 30, 2027.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a variety of ways to redeem your rewards. However, you can squeeze the most value out of your rewards by redeeming them for travel through Chase’s travel portal or by transferring them to an airline or hotel loyalty partner.
You can redeem your points for up to 2X value on select hotels and flights when you book through Chase TravelSM.
Chase Ultimate Rewards® points can be transferred to a number of airline and hotel loyalty partners at a rate of 1 to 1.
Chase TravelSM partners include Air Canada Aeroplan, Aer Lingus AerClub, British Airways Executive Club, Emirates Skywards, Flying Blue Air France KLM, Iberia Plus, JetBlue TrueBlue, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards, United MileagePlus, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, IHG Rewards Club, Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt.
You can typically find the best value for Chase points by transferring them to Hyatt. You can normally get a value of at least 1.7-2 cents per point, or even more depending on the date and property.
Tip Keep an eye out for bonus points sometimes offered by Chase for transferring your points to a specific travel partner. For example, Chase has offered a 20% bonus for transferring to Air Canada Aeroplan or Air France/Flying Blue in the past.
You can also redeem your points for cash back, statement credits, gift cards or products and services. These options will often be less valuable than transferring your points to travel partners.
Despite its hefty annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers generous rewards and benefits to both frequent and occasional travelers that can far outweigh the cost. From travel protections that could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in unplanned expenses to generous travel credits, cardholders stand to get a lot of value from the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
That said, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great alternative if you’re looking for a travel credit card with similar benefits and a much lower annual fee of $95.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® comes with up to a $120 fee credit every four years that can be applied to Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a broad range of travel insurances, including an auto rental collision damage waiver, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, travel accident insurance, travel and emergency assistance, lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, emergency evacuation and transportation, roadside assistance and emergency medical and dental coverage.
If you’re currently a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card cardholder, you may be able to request an upgrade to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® by calling the number on the back of your card or logging in to your online account. Of course, higher annual fee charges apply.
Chase points do not expire as long as your credit card account remains open and in good standing.
You and two guests have complimentary access to every Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club, plus access to over 1,300 Priority Pass lounges with the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Plus, you’ll get access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf in the U.S., Canada and Europe with an eligible boarding pass.
The information related to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
