5 Chase Sapphire Travel Hacks
Introduction to Chase Sapphire Travel Hacks
The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve are two of the most popular travel credit cards on the market, offering a range of benefits and rewards that can enhance your travel experiences. From earning double points on travel and dining purchases to accessing airport lounges and enjoying travel insurance, these cards have become staples for many travelers. In this post, we’ll delve into five Chase Sapphire travel hacks that can help you maximize your rewards and make the most of your travels.
Understanding Chase Sapphire Cards
Before we dive into the travel hacks, it’s essential to understand the basics of the Chase Sapphire cards. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is the more affordable option, with a $95 annual fee, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with a $450 annual fee. Both cards offer 60,000 bonus points after spending 4,000 in the first three months, but the Reserve offers more premium benefits, such as a 300 travel credit and airport lounge access.
Hack #1: Maximize Your Rewards Earning Potential
One of the most significant advantages of the Chase Sapphire cards is their rewards earning potential. The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers 2X points on travel and dining purchases, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 3X points on travel and dining purchases. To maximize your rewards, focus on using your card for these types of purchases, and consider using it for everyday expenses, such as groceries or gas, to earn more points. You can also earn points by referring friends to the card, with 10,000 bonus points for each successful referral.
Hack #2: Use Travel Credits Strategically
The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with a $300 travel credit, which can be used to offset travel expenses, such as flights, hotels, or rental cars. To use this credit strategically, plan your travel expenses in advance and make sure to book them through the Chase travel portal or directly with the airline, hotel, or rental car company. You can also use the credit to pay for travel-related expenses, such as baggage fees or travel insurance.
Hack #3: Take Advantage of Airport Lounge Access
The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers airport lounge access through the Priority Pass program, which provides access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide. To take advantage of this benefit, make sure to enroll in the Priority Pass program and download the app to find participating lounges. You can also use the lounge access to enjoy free food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating while you wait for your flight.
Hack #4: Use Travel Insurance Benefits
Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve offer travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation, trip interruption, and travel delay insurance. To use these benefits, make sure to book your travel expenses through the Chase travel portal or directly with the airline, hotel, or rental car company. You can also use the benefits to pay for medical expenses or emergency evacuations while traveling abroad.
Hack #5: Combine Points with Other Chase Cards
If you have other Chase credit cards, such as the Chase Freedom or Chase Ink, you can combine your points with your Chase Sapphire card to redeem for travel or other rewards. To do this, log in to your Chase account and transfer your points to your Chase Sapphire card, then redeem them for travel, gift cards, or cash back.
🚨 Note: When combining points, make sure to transfer them to your Chase Sapphire card to maximize your rewards earning potential.
In summary, the Chase Sapphire cards offer a range of benefits and rewards that can enhance your travel experiences. By maximizing your rewards earning potential, using travel credits strategically, taking advantage of airport lounge access, using travel insurance benefits, and combining points with other Chase cards, you can make the most of your travels and enjoy more comfort, convenience, and rewards.
What is the annual fee for the Chase Sapphire Preferred?
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The annual fee for the Chase Sapphire Preferred is $95.
How many points do I earn on travel and dining purchases with the Chase Sapphire Reserve?
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You earn 3X points on travel and dining purchases with the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Can I combine points with other Chase credit cards?
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Yes, you can combine points with other Chase credit cards, such as the Chase Freedom or Chase Ink, to redeem for travel or other rewards.