A recent change to the Chase Sapphire Preferred card has made it an attractive option for individuals who frequently spend money on gas. The card now earns 3 points per dollar spent at gas stations and EV charging stations, making it an ideal choice for those who drive often. For someone who spends many weekends driving to mountain towns and national parks, this change is significant.
This individual's love for road trips and exploration of off-the-beaten-path destinations results in a substantial amount spent on fuel. Previously, they used a catch-all rewards card for these purchases, but the updated Sapphire Preferred card offers a more rewarding option. The new gas-earning rate provides exactly what they had been looking for without having to apply for a new card.
The Sapphire Preferred card's updated feature is particularly beneficial for those who, like the writer, live in areas with high gas prices. With gas costing around $5.50 per gallon in their area, a weekend trip to Lake Tahoe could result in $120 to $140 spent on gas. At 3 points per dollar, that would earn approximately 360 to 420 Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
While these points may not seem substantial on their own, they can add up over time. With road trips being a favorite way to travel, and rental cars often used for exploring destinations best experienced by driving, every fill-up now earns more Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Over the course of a year, those extra points from weekend getaways, everyday errands, and rental car fill-ups can really start to add up.
If the individual spends around $250 per month on gas, that's approximately 9,000 Ultimate Rewards points each year. These points can be transferred to partners like United Airlines, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, and World of Hyatt. For example, 9,000 points can be enough for a one-way Virgin Atlantic economy award flight to London or get them most of the way toward a one-way United award flight to Hawaii.
The Sapphire Preferred card's new gas-earning rate feels like a natural fit for those who spend a lot of time exploring by car. Instead of reaching for a catch-all card every time they stop at the pump, they are now earning 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on purchases they were already making. This change allows them to accumulate points steadily, which will eventually help pay for their next adventure.
