Without a doubt, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is one of my most beloved credit cards.
Before Chase Sapphire Sanctuary launch, I’ve used the Sapphire Preferred for years to cover most of my purchases — thanks to 2 points per dollar earned on all travel and 3 points per dining dollar, two broad categories that include more than just regular restaurants and hotels.
These points are fully transferable extremely valuable, with all kinds of redemption options. Add current sign up bonus – 75
,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening — and this is easily one of the best travel credit cards available, especially for beginners to points and miles.
If you just got the Chase Sapphire Preferred, make sure you take these steps to maximize your card and its points from day one.
Consider adding authorized users
Having an authorized user on your Sapphire Preferred account allows you to earn points faster and makes it easier for you to reach the card’s spending threshold to earn the current sign-up bonus. It may also let you transfer points to one of Chase’s 11 airlines or three hotel partner programs under of a family member who is also an authorized user on your card.
It takes less than a minute to add authorized users online.
Related: Add your child as an authorized user to your credit card
Add your card to takeout and delivery apps
Adding the Chase Sapphire Preferred to delivery services like Seamless and Grubhub maximizes your points earning potential because you get 3 points per dollar on all food purchases.
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Of course, if you have other cards that help you earn extra points when dining at restaurants, e.g American Express® Gold Card (4 points per dollar spent when dining at restaurants), you may want to use those cards instead. Either way, add your tag dining rewards program to earn reward points when eating at restaurants.
And you definitely don’t want to forget DoorDash. When you add Sapphire Preferred to your DoorDash account, you’re activated DashPass membership is free. This will entitle you to $0 shipping and reduced service fees on qualifying orders. Also, you’ll have at least one year of this benefit if you activate before December 31, 2024.
Related: Best credit card for dining out, takeout, and ordering in
Make the pass your default for future travel
When you pay for travel with the Sapphire Preferred, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar spent, even on expenses like monthly tolls and parking. Based TPG’s valuation, this equates to a 4% return on spend. If you book travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal, you’ll earn 5 points per dollar spent, which equates to 10% cash back.
When you take Lyft rides that are charged to your Sapphire Preferred, you’ll earn 5 points per dollar until March 2025.
Chase The definition of tourism is very broad:
“Businesses in the travel category include airlines, hotels, motels, timeshares, car rental agencies, cruise lines, travel agencies, travel websites concession schedules, campground and passenger train operators, buses, taxis, limousines, ferries, toll bridges and highways, and parking lots and garages.”
This means you’ll earn 2 points per dollar spent using the Sapphire Preferred on any of these items.
Not only that, the card also comes with a number Integrated travel protection that makes it a really smart choice when booking your next flight, car rental, or other upfront travel expenses.
Update your car rental profile
Adding Chase Sapphire Preferred information to your various car rental profiles will allow you to take advantage of the card Primary rental car insurance, giving you valuable peace of mind when traveling. Additionally, car rentals count as trips and therefore earn 2 points per dollar, so you get double points and enhanced protections.
As summer trips approach and millions of travelers hit the road, this is an increasingly important step to take.
Related: Best credit cards for car rental insurance
Completes the Chase quartet
When the time is right for you to receive your next card, add one Ink Business Preferred Credit Card, Chasing freedom Flex and/or Pursue unlimited freedom to your wallet will allow you to accumulate your Ultimate Rewards balance even faster.
For example, with the Ink Business Preferred, you can Earn 3 points per dollar on the anniversary of the first $150,000 spent per account on travel, transportation purchases, internet, cable, phone services, and advertising purchases made on social media sites.
Meanwhile, Freedom Unlimited offers 1.5% cashback on purchases, but that cashback is in the form of Final bonus point can be combined with those from your Sapphire Preferred card and transferred to valuable airline and hotel partners.
Final Rotate categories quarterly on Chase Freedom Flex lets you earn 5 points per dollar with specific merchant types, on up to $1,500 in spending per quarter.
Miss Chase’s 5/24 Rule, under which Chase will not approve your application for additional credit cards if you have opened five or more credit cards (from any bank) in the past two years. As a result, make sure you Register for these cards before adding others to your portfolio.
Related: Maximize your wallet with the perfect quartet of Chase cards
Bottom line
Even after 14 years, we still love the Chase Sapphire Preferred as a great card with an annual fee under $100, and we think you will too. With a welcome bonus of 75,000 points, it’s a great time to try the card.
Follow the steps above to ensure you earn as many points and statement credits as possible. When you get the card, your hard work could certainly pay off with some epic awards trips available nearby.
Official App Link: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card with a reward of 75,000 points.
Additional reporting by Ryan Wilcox.
