For those who strategically utilize travel rewards, a significant shift has occurred with Chase’s Sapphire card bonus rules. A recent update offers a renewed opportunity to maximize benefits, making it easier to earn substantial welcome bonuses.
Previously, Chase limited bonus eligibility to once per lifetime, per card, and also restricted earning a bonus on a second Sapphire card if you already held one. This created a roadblock for many seeking to diversify their rewards.
Now, Chase has eased those restrictions. Cardholders can now earn a bonus on each Sapphire card – the Preferred and the Reserve – provided they’ve never received that specific bonus before. This opens doors for those who previously felt locked out of maximizing their rewards potential.
The change is particularly impactful for existing Sapphire Preferred cardholders. They can now apply for the Sapphire Reserve and claim its bonus, something that wasn’t possible under the previous rules, as long as they haven’t previously earned the Reserve’s bonus.
It’s important to note that this isn’t a return to the older, more generous system. Before June 2025, earning a bonus every 48 months was possible, a benefit that is no longer available. However, this update represents a clear step in a positive direction.
This adjustment arrives after a refresh of the Sapphire Reserve last summer, which included new statement credits and a higher annual fee. The initial changes sparked some frustration among cardholders.
Chase appears to be actively working to address those concerns and bolster loyalty. Beyond the bonus eligibility update, they’ve simplified the redemption process for travel credits and added new benefits, like a hotel credit through Chase Travel.
These changes, taken together, signal a commitment to enhancing the value proposition of the Sapphire cards. The revised bonus rules offer a tangible benefit for current cardholders looking to expand their rewards portfolio.
If you were affected by the previous restrictions, this update provides a valuable second chance. While the flexibility of earning bonuses every 48 months is gone, the ability to claim both Sapphire bonuses – if you haven’t already – is a significant win for savvy travelers.
Ultimately, this is a welcome development for those who carefully plan their credit card strategy and seek to unlock the full potential of their travel rewards.
