Major Changes Coming to the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase is underlining its commitment to its customers by enhancing the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, making it a more dynamic option for travel enthusiasts. Here’s what you need to know about the exciting changes that will affect how you earn and redeem points.
A New Redemption Structure: Points Boost
One of the most significant updates is the introduction of the Points Boost program, which alters how your Ultimate Rewards® points can be utilized for travel bookings. Under this new system, you can redeem points at a more advantageous rate on select airline tickets and hotel stays through Chase’s travel portal. Here’s how the value is changing:
- Before Points Boost: Points were worth 1.25 cents each for travel redemptions.
- With Points Boost:
- Redeem points for airline and hotel bookings at 1.5 cents each.
- For premium cabin tickets, the value may reach up to 1.75 cents per point.
- For other travel bookings not covered by Points Boost, points will drop to just 1 cent each.
Maintain Your Transfer Options
Importantly, the redemption values for cash, gift cards, and other options remain unchanged. Plus, you can continue to transfer your points to partnered travel programs at a favorable 1:1 ratio. Notable partners include:
- Air France-KLM
- British Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
- InterContinental Hotels Group
Key Dates to Remember
If you’re considering applying for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, here are crucial milestones:
- For New Cardholders: If you signed up on or after June 23, 2025, you’ll benefit from the new Points Boost system right away.
- Existing Cardholders: Points earned before October 26, 2025, will retain a value of at least 1.25 cents until October 26, 2027. After that date, you’ll be subject to the new redemption rules.
- Full Implementation: By October 27, 2027, the Points Boost system will be fully operational for all users.
Enhanced Welcome Offer
New cardholders can also look forward to an upgraded welcome bonus. You can earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first three months—up from a previous offer of 60,000 points. This bonus can significantly boost your travel rewards.
Earning Rewards: Continued Benefits
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card continues to excel in earning rewards:
- 5 points per $1 spent on travel booked through Chase.
- 3 points per $1 on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases.
- 2 points per $1 on non-Chase travel purchases.
- 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
- From now until September 2027, earn 5 points per $1 spent on Lyft rides.
Additional Perks
Don’t overlook the annual benefits! Cardholders receive a $50 annual credit for hotel stays booked through Chase and an annual bonus of 10% of total purchases from the previous year.
Final Thoughts
The revamped Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card promises to deliver greater value for travelers eager to maximize their rewards. With a well-structured points system and alluring bonuses, it’s an opportune time to consider this card for your travel-related expenses. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a business trip, these enhancements can potentially make your experience more rewarding.
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