UMVA has learned that a major overhaul of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has gone live, bringing with it a slew of exciting new benefits and perks for both new and existing cardholders.
The updates, which took effect on June 15, include a limited-time 100,000-point welcome offer after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening - a bonus that matches the highest-ever offer in the card's history.
One of the most significant changes is the expansion of the Sapphire Preferred's hotel statement credit from $50 to $100 every card anniversary year. This benefit can be used toward prepaid hotel bookings made through Chase Travel and provides an easy way to offset the card's $95 annual fee.
Existing cardholders who have already used their $50 credit for this account anniversary year will receive an additional $50 credit, while those who haven't used any of the credit this account anniversary year are eligible for the full $100 credit.
The Sapphire Preferred now also offers a complimentary one-year Apple TV subscription worth up to $156. Cardholders must enroll through Chase Benefits & Rewards and link an Apple ID by December 31, 2026.
New 3-point-per-dollar bonus categories have been added, including gas, EV charging, and vacation home rentals booked through popular platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. These categories join the card's existing 3-points-per-dollar categories, such as dining worldwide and streaming services.
To maximize these bonus categories, cardholders should use their Sapphire Preferred for eligible purchases. The card also earns 2 points per dollar on travel purchases, making it a compelling choice for those who want to rack up rewards quickly.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the Sapphire Preferred now awards a $120 application fee credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Nexus, valid once every four years. This is a strong value for a card with a relatively low annual fee.
Cardholders can use this credit to apply for expedited screening services, making airport security a breeze. For travelers who primarily fly within the United States, TSA PreCheck may be sufficient, while those who travel internationally may want to consider applying for Global Entry.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred has also added emergency evacuation and transportation to its list of travel protections, providing cardholders with even more peace of mind when traveling.
The key to using these protections is to pay for eligible travel purchases with the card. By doing so, cardholders can unlock a comprehensive suite of travel benefits that make traveling easier and more enjoyable.
For those considering applying for the Sapphire Preferred, now is an excellent time. The limited-time welcome bonus of 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening is an incredible value, worth over $2,000 when maximized with Chase's hotel and airline transfer partners.
Both new and existing cardholders gained access to the Sapphire Preferred's new benefits on June 15, including the expanded hotel credit, new earning categories, and added travel protections.
Existing cardholders who opened their accounts before June 15 will temporarily retain two legacy benefits, including a 10% anniversary points bonus on purchases made through October 1, 2026, and a 1:1 transfer ratio to World of Hyatt through September 30.
