Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Review 2026: Travelers who will use the trip cancellation and rental car cover and can get more than $95 a year from the points and hotel credit.
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Our verdict
The Chase Sapphire Preferred ranks first because its published benefits do the most when travel plans change. Chase's card page lists trip cancellation coverage up to $10,000 per covered traveler, auto rental coverage up to $60,000, and baggage delay cover of up to $100 a day for 5 days, with no foreign transaction fees (as of 2026-10-02). It also lists 5x points on Chase Travel and 3x on dining. The trade-offs are real: a $95 annual fee, no intro APR, a 19.49% to 29.99% variable APR, and a $5,000 spend needed for the current welcome offer. Each protection comes with conditions, and offers change, so read Chase's current terms and benefit details before applying. For the full card analysis, see Firsthand Money. This rating reads Chase's published terms; we did not hold or test the card.
Score breakdown
- Value (30%)6.0/10
- Experience (25%)9.0/10
- Flexibility (20%)8.0/10
- Transparency (15%)7.0/10
- Service (10%)7.0/10
Scored per our review methodology.
Who it's for
Best for: Travelers who will use the trip cancellation and rental car cover and can get more than $95 a year from the points and hotel credit..
Pricing
$95 annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, 19.49% to 29.99% variable purchase APR (as of 2026-10-02).
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 (as of 2026-10-02) | No foreign transaction fees. |
| Purchase APR | 19.49% to 29.99% variable (as of 2026-10-02) | No introductory APR offer shown on the card page. |
| Welcome offer | 75,000 points after $5,000 spend in 3 months (as of 2026-10-02) | Offers change often; check the card page. |
What the evidence says
- $95 annual fee; no foreign transaction fees; 19.49% to 29.99% variable APR; 75,000 bonus points after $5,000 spend in 3 months; 5x Chase Travel, 3x dining, 3x gas, EV charging and vacation homes, 2x other travel, 1x other purchases (as of 2026-10-02). (Chase, Sapphire Preferred card page (official))
- Trip cancellation coverage up to $10,000 per covered traveler; auto rental coverage reimbursement up to $60,000 for theft and collision; baggage delay up to $100 a day for up to 5 days; up to $100 in annual statement credits for hotel stays through Chase Travel. (Chase, Sapphire Preferred card page (official))
Pros & cons
Pros
- The broadest documented travel protections in this comparison: trip cancellation coverage up to $10,000 per covered traveler, auto rental coverage up to $60,000 for theft and collision, and baggage delay cover of up to $100 a day for 5 days
- 5x points on Chase Travel, 3x on dining, 3x on gas stations, EV charging and vacation homes, 2x on other travel, 1x on everything else (as of 2026-10-02)
- Up to $100 a year in statement credits for hotel stays booked through Chase Travel, plus points that transfer to airline and hotel programmes such as United, Southwest, British Airways, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG and World of Hyatt
- No foreign transaction fees on purchases outside the U.S.
Cons & red flags
- The only card here with an annual fee: $95 (as of 2026-10-02)
- No introductory APR, and the 19.49% to 29.99% variable APR is the highest starting range of the four cards
- The best earn rate and the hotel credit both require booking through Chase Travel rather than directly with the airline or hotel
- Welcome offers change often; the current offer of 75,000 points needs $5,000 of spending in 3 months, the highest spend requirement here
How it compares
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card scores 7.4/10 in our travel cards evaluation. See where it lands in the full ranking: Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Travel Cards of 2026.
- Wells Fargo Autograph Card review — 7.0/10, travelers who want bonus points on travel, dining and transit abroad without paying an annual fee.
- Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card review — 6.9/10, travelers who want a simple no-fee card with no foreign transaction fees and a long 0% intro period.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred charge foreign transaction fees?
No. Chase's card page says there are no foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside the United States (as of 2026-10-02).
What travel insurance comes with the Sapphire Preferred?
Chase lists trip cancellation coverage up to $10,000 per covered traveler, auto rental coverage with reimbursement up to $60,000 for theft and collision, and baggage delay reimbursement of up to $100 a day for up to 5 days. Each benefit has conditions set out in Chase's benefit terms.
Is the $95 annual fee worth it?
It depends on your use. The card page lists up to $100 a year in Chase Travel hotel credits and 3x to 5x earning in travel and dining categories. If you will not book through Chase Travel or use the protections, a no-fee card in this guide may cost you less.
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