We often say that the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) is the best first credit card for those learning about the points and miles hobby.
That’s not because the card is a “beginner” card — quite the opposite. Many of us at TPG still have the Sapphire Preferred because it’s integral to our travel rewards strategy.
Chase Ultimate Rewards points are versatile and easy to use. Anyone getting started with credit card rewards will have no trouble saving a lot of money. The card offers solid ongoing benefits and typically comes with a generous welcome bonus.
Let’s look at how you can maximize the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s benefits to ensure you’re saving the most money — and earning the most points — as organically possible. It’ll help you gauge whether the card is worth keeping year after year.
Strategies for maximizing the Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred‘s current offer gives new cardholders the chance to earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
According to TPG’s August 2026 valuations, the bonus is worth $1,538 — though you can get significantly more than that if you learn the Chase Ultimate Rewards sweet spots.
You don’t have to be a points and miles enthusiast to appreciate the card. Its perks make the Chase Sapphire Preferred a very practical card for anyone who vacations even just once or twice per year.
But once you’ve used the bonus, what’s the best way to maximize this card? Here’s what you should know.
Use your Chase Sapphire Preferred to pay for hotels via the Chase Travel portal
Each account year, the Chase Sapphire Preferred comes with a $100 statement credit for a hotel stay booked through the Chase Travel℠ portal. You’ll also receive 5 points per dollar spent for booking travel through Chase Travel (though the $100 credit won’t earn points).
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts
The $100 annual Chase Travel hotel credit offsets the card’s $95 annual fee in a single benefit. And because the card quickly racks up rewards, you’ll have a small stockpile of Chase points by the time you’re confident enough to use them.
Just note that this may not be the best option if you’re booking with a major chain that’s part of a hotel loyalty program, such as Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors. Chase is considered a third-party platform for these reservations, which means you likely won’t earn points on the stay (and you may not be able to enjoy any elite status perks either).
You could always call the individual property after booking (or try to add your loyalty number at check-in), but it may not work. Your best bet is to use this perk for non-chain hotels or boutique properties.
Use your Chase Sapphire Preferred to pay for vacation home rentals at select brands
You’ll earn 3 points per dollar spent on vacation homes at these top brands: Airbnb, Vrbo, Plum Guide, HomeAway, Homestay.com and Vacasa.
If you’re an Airbnb enthusiast or love booking a Vrbo with loved ones, you’ll want to use the Chase Sapphire Preferred for these purchases.
Use your Chase Sapphire Preferred to pay for airfare
The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 5 points per dollar spent on airfare booked through Chase Travel and 2 points per dollar spent when booked through an online travel agency or directly with the airline. However, amassing points is not the primary motivator for using the card.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred will automatically give you two significant benefits (among others) when booking air travel:
- Trip delay insurance: You are covered for up to $500 per ticket when your flight is delayed at least 12 hours (or if your delay or cancellation results in an unexpected overnight stay).
- Baggage delay insurance: You and your immediate family are entitled to up to $100 per day in reimbursement (for up to five days) to cover the purchase of necessary expenses like clothes and toiletries. This benefit kicks in when your bags are delayed six hours or more.
These perks alone are enough for many to keep the card year after year.
Use your Chase Sapphire Preferred to pay for rental cars, gas and electric vehicle charging
Here’s another stand-alone benefit that may justify the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s $95 annual fee for many travelers: When you pay for a rental car with the card, you can waive the in-house rental agency’s pricey collision damage waiver insurance, and you’ll still receive primary rental car insurance, courtesy of Chase.
Note that this covers damage and theft to the car without going through your personal insurance company. You’ll also earn 5 points per dollar spent if you book your rental through the Chase Travel portal. However, this doesn’t include liability insurance (damage to the car you crashed into, for example).
You’ll also earn 3 points per dollar spent on gas and EV charging, making the Chase Sapphire Preferred an excellent card for these purchases.
Use your Chase Sapphire Preferred to pay at restaurants
The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 3 points per dollar spent at restaurants, whether you’re ordering takeout or dining in.
That’s a great benefit to stack with the card’s one complimentary year (at least) of DashPass membership with DoorDash (when you activate by Dec. 31, 2027). You’ll get free delivery on orders totaling more than $12 and earn 3 points per dollar spent.
Cardholders also receive one promo of up to $10 off each calendar month at checkout for one grocery, convenience store or other non-restaurant orders on DoorDash.
Related: Just got the Chase Sapphire Preferred? Do these 7 things next
When not to use the Chase Sapphire Preferred
Sometimes, your Chase Sapphire Preferred is best left in your wallet.
Don’t use your Chase Sapphire Preferred to pay for nonbonus purchases
The card earns 1 point per dollar spent on all expenses that don’t fall into a bonus category. There are plenty of cards (some with $0 annual fees) that will better serve you for these purchases.
If you want to stay focused on collecting Chase Ultimate Rewards points, swipe your Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) to earn a minimum of 1.5% cash back (1.5 points per dollar spent) on all purchases.
Don’t forfeit other card benefits by using your Chase Sapphire Preferred
If you have other credit cards that provide valuable benefits for specific purchases, don’t use the Chase Sapphire Preferred out of loyalty.
For example, you can receive a free checked bag with United Airlines when you use your qualifying United Airlines credit card to pay for your flight. That could save you at least $90 round-trip, justifying using your United card over your Sapphire Preferred.
Or, if you book the same hotel brand often and elite status is important to you, use the hotel’s cobranded credit card to pay for your stays instead of the Sapphire Preferred. You’ll earn more points that way.
Related: Value simplicity? Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred is now the only card you need
Bottom line
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is well worth the $95 annual fee each year if you know how to maximize the card.
The card packs a punch between its annual $100 hotel credit, its myriad travel insurances and its generous earning rates. And, considering the solid welcome bonus, applying is a no-brainer.
To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
