Credit Card News
Chase Introduces New Welcome Bonus for Sapphire Reserve
With the special bonus offer that Chase launched with its refreshed Sapphire Reserve card now expired, the bank has announced a new welcome bonus that’s still sure to turn heads.
About the New Offer:
Chase has debuted another stellar offer for its flagship Chase Sapphire Reserve card. Now, new cardholders can earn 125,000 bonus Chase Ultimate Rewards points after spending at least $6,000 on the card within three months from account opening.
This offer replaces one that accompanied the Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s big revamp. That offer included 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points after $5,000 in spending during the first three months. Additionally, new cardholders could earn a $500 Chase Travel credit upon approval.
About the Revamped Chase Sapphire Reserve:
The updated Chase Sapphire Reserve increases the annual fee from $550 to $795. However, the card now features a number of new credits and benefits. In total, Chase says that the card offers more than $2,700 in value annually.
Among the new credits is a $500 per year ($250 semi-annually) credit for Chase’s high-end hotel program, The Edit. These bookings must be prepaid and be for at least two nights. Sapphire Reserve cardholders now also earn up to $300 per year ($150 semi-annually) at restaurants that are part of the Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables program. Other new benefits and credits include complimentary Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions, a complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership, up to $300 a year ($150 semi-annually) in StubHub credits, up to $120 per year in Lyft credits, and more.
One popular credit that remains available on the Sapphire Reserve is the $300 Annual Travel Credit. Billed by Chase as “the most flexible travel credit available,” this credit is triggered by most travel purchases. Notably, this particular credit resets each cardholder anniversary year rather than a calendar year.
Other perks included with the Sapphire Reserve include IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite Status, airport lounge access via Priority Pass Select, and more. Plus, those who spend at least $75,000 per year on their card can unlock additional perks. These include a $500 credit for Southwest Airlines bookings made via Chase Travel, Southwest A-List Status, IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite, and a $250 credit for purchases made through The Shops at Chase.
As for rewards, the updated card earns 8x on Chase Travel purchases as well as 4x on flights and hotels booked directly with airlines or hotel brands. The card continues to earn 3x on dining as well, although the former 3x on travel category has been discontinued. All other purchases earn 1 Ultimate Rewards point per dollar spent.
My Thoughts:
It is interesting that Chase is immediately following up on its launch offer with one that, to some, will appear to be better. However, while the number of points included with this offer is indeed higher, the $500 Chase Travel credit is missing. Thus, if it were me, I still would have preferred the former. Yet, those who are more steeped in the points & miles game and who can confidently get more than 2¢ per point in value from their Ultimate Rewards might want to jump on this deal (if they didn’t already bite on the 100k deal).