The annual fees for two premium credit cards can be steep, especially when it comes to the combined $890 price tag for the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Chase Sapphire Preferred. However, for some cardholders, the benefits and rewards may outweigh the costs.
One such cardholder is Summer Hull, who finds that carrying both Sapphire cards works well for her. She pairs the Sapphire Reserve with the Sapphire Preferred to supercharge her points earning, using the Reserve for big travel purchases and the Preferred for everyday spending.
Hull uses the Sapphire Reserve for booking flights and hotels directly, as well as for using Chase Travel℠, which earns 8 points per dollar spent. She also uses the Reserve for statement credits, including the $300 flexible travel credit and the $150 biannual statement credit for Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
On the other hand, Hull uses the Sapphire Preferred for everyday spending, such as ride-hailing, car rentals, and online groceries. She also uses the Preferred for booking eligible vacation rentals through brands like Airbnb and Vrbo.
When it comes to redeeming points, Hull relies on the Sapphire Reserve for airport lounge access and redeeming Chase points through Chase Travel. She also uses the Reserve for transferring points to World of Hyatt.
For Hull, the combination of the Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Preferred is worth the $890 annual fee. She estimates that she gets over $2,000 in value each year from the cards, including statement credits and benefits. The Sapphire Preferred's $100 annual hotel credit on prepaid Chase Travel bookings also offsets the card's $95 annual fee.
However, not everyone may benefit from carrying both Sapphire cards. If you're not interested in tracking statement credits or managing bonus categories across two cards, this combination may not be for you. Additionally, if you don't travel often or value transferable points, a simpler cash-back card may serve you better.
Ultimately, whether or not carrying both Sapphire cards is worth it depends on your individual spending habits and preferences. By running the math on your own spending, you can determine if this strategy is right for you.
For those who are unsure, it's worth considering the benefits and rewards offered by both cards. The Sapphire Reserve offers premium travel benefits, while the Sapphire Preferred provides bonus points on a wide range of everyday purchases. With the right kind of spender, these cards can easily earn their spots in the wallet.
In conclusion, carrying both Sapphire cards can be a valuable strategy for some cardholders. However, it's essential to weigh the costs and benefits before making a decision.
For those who are interested in learning more, it's worth reading full reviews of the Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Preferred. With careful consideration and planning, these cards can provide significant rewards and benefits that outweigh the annual fees.
