Chase Sapphire Reserve is changing... Alternative cards with high points for MVC maintenance fee payments?

[jwalk03]

I have 430,000 points and a fully booked travel schedule for 12 months. So sad.

Our next annual fee is payable Feb 1. Gotta get to figuring out how to use those Ultimate Rewards!

You could just downgrade to the Sapphire Preferred ($95) and keep all the points. Or get a Freedom card (Free) and transfer them there.

 

[claraj]

If your goal is to transfer to a travel partner like Hyatt, you have to have one of the sapphire cards in order to do that. So downgrading to a Sapphire Preferred will work... Or just transfer all your points out of UR before you cancel.

 

[travelhacker]

Personally, I would open up a Chase Freedom Unlimited and transfer all the UR points there. I would cancel the Chase Sapphire Reserve and wait for a good bonus on the Chase Sapphire Preferred, then transfer the points from your Freedom Unlimited so that you can transfer them to travel partners.

Alternatively, you could transfer to your favorite travel partner and then close the card.

I did this about 46 months ago (which means that I'm eligible for another Sapphire bonus in 2 months). If the changes to the CSR mean for a large bonus again, I may bite the bullet for a year (and then downgrade to a Sapphire Preferred after a year).

 

[jwalk03]

Personally, I would open up a Chase Freedom Unlimited and transfer all the UR points there. I would cancel the Chase Sapphire Reserve and wait for a good bonus on the Chase Sapphire Preferred, then transfer the points from your Freedom Unlimited so that you can transfer them to travel partners.

Alternatively, you could transfer to your favorite travel partner and then close the card.

I did this about 46 months ago (which means that I'm eligible for another Sapphire bonus in 2 months). If the changes to the CSR mean for a large bonus again, I may bite the bullet for a year (and then downgrade to a Sapphire Preferred after a year).

The CSR seems to have lower SUBs than the CSP. I don’t think I have ever seen it offer more than 60k points. While the CSP has offered 100k before.

Though if the new changes are not popular maybe they will offer a larger SUB to entice more people to try it out.

 

[RookWDW]

Personally, I would open up a Chase Freedom Unlimited and transfer all the UR points there. I would cancel the Chase Sapphire Reserve and wait for a good bonus on the Chase Sapphire Preferred, then transfer the points from your Freedom Unlimited so that you can transfer them to travel partners.

Alternatively, you could transfer to your favorite travel partner and then close the card.

I did this about 46 months ago (which means that I'm eligible for another Sapphire bonus in 2 months). If the changes to the CSR mean for a large bonus again, I may bite the bullet for a year (and then downgrade to a Sapphire Preferred after a year).

Isn't the rule for a Sapphire bonus that is has to be 48 months since your last Sapphire bonus? Not 48 months since you closed your card?

I'm in the same boat trying to figure out a plan. If they drop the $300 travel credit the Reserve just isn't worth the fee anymore.

 

[rickandcindy23]

I have too many points to use them at 1.25X. Right now I get 1.5X with CSR. Rick is pretty negative on keeping his card. I think we have to move points from his to mine, and I will have to keep it for a few years.

I don't go to concerts. Not sure I want Apple TV. Don't use Lyft. Don't use DoorDash. Don't know what DashPass is. Booking hotels on Chase's portal is not great because we have titanium status with Marriott, which doesn't apply to other booking sites.

A-list status could be helpful, but only after spending $75K. IHG status is a throwaway benefit. I don't know what The Shops is.

I have to add: This is not the card I signed up for years ago. It doesn't even remotely resemble the card I had and loved for all of my travel needs. I used it for everything timeshare, airfare, for the provided travel insurance, and of course the lounge benefit (which has been depleted in value from the beginning years of the card). This is a major blow to my travel plans. I guess we will use the Citi Costco in the future. I can always check into United's card. We fly United way more than other airlines. Southwest might get some love back soon as well.

 

[Fasttr]

Can transfer Chase to Bonvoy at 65% bonus right now.

 

[DanCali]

From what I have heard, Chase will roll out the product changes on June 17th, so next week. If you apply now and get approved prior to that date, you would probably still pay the lower fee for the current year.

I was hoping these rumors were false - will be watching this page tomorrow.

As of today annual fee is $550, $300 travel credit intact etc.

Already had a plan to burn through 500K points but still hoping it doesn't come to that.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card | Chase.com

Travel worldwide with a $300 annual travel credit, earn points on travel and dining, access premium lounges, and more with Chase Sapphire Reserve. Apply today!

creditcards.chase.com

 

[Superchief]

Is anyone aware of proposed changes to the Chase Sapphire Preferred card?

 

[1Kflyerguy]

Is anyone aware of proposed changes to the Chase Sapphire Preferred card?

I have not seen any reports of changes to that card, though won't be surprised if they do make some changes based on the changes to the reserve

 

[GetawaysRus]

A good analysis of the changes from a travel blogger:

Introducing the new couponified Chase Sapphire Reserve

Details about the Sapphire Reserve card’s impending changes are now available… The annual $300 travel credit remains intact. That’s the good news. The bad news is that the annual fee is increasing, we lose 3x for all travel, and we can no longer rely on 1.5 cents per point redemptions through...

frequentmiler.com

 

[bnoble]

The only reason I would keep this card is the 1.5% redemption floor. The sometimes in "sometimes it will be even better" will almost certainly translate to "almost never." The fact that they are going to great pains to point out that you have two years of the guaranteed floor is pretty much giving the game away.

 

[Wahoo]

It's official: https://account.chase.com/sapphire/reserve/benefits

The good: The $300 travel credit remains intact. So does primary rental car insurance and other nice travel insurance benefits.

The bad: The new annual fee is $795.

The uncertain: Will MVC maintenance fees code as "direct hotel bookings" and earn 4x? If so that's spectacular. If not, and they code at 1x, I'll probably be looking for a new card.

 

[rickandcindy23]

It's official: https://account.chase.com/sapphire/reserve/benefits

The good: The $300 travel credit remains intact. So does primary rental car insurance and other nice travel insurance benefits.

The bad: The new annual fee is $795.

The uncertain: Will MVC maintenance fees code as "direct hotel bookings" and earn 4x? If so that's spectacular. If not, and they code at 1x, I'll probably be looking for a new card.

Exactly where I am with these changes. If Marriott/ Sheraton/ Westin do not count as 4X, I have to reconsider this card.

 

[heathpack]

It's official: https://account.chase.com/sapphire/reserve/benefits

The good: The $300 travel credit remains intact. So does primary rental car insurance and other nice travel insurance benefits.

The bad: The new annual fee is $795.

The uncertain: Will MVC maintenance fees code as "direct hotel bookings" and earn 4x? If so that's spectacular. If not, and they code at 1x, I'll probably be looking for a new card.

So sad!

 

[rickandcindy23]

Phoenix and San Diego have Chase Sapphire lounges. Denver is always expanding. I ask our son about lounges at the airport and any future ones going in, and he says, "There are already quite a few lounges." Okay, well not Priority Pass or Chase.

 

[jwalk03]

Phoenix and San Diego have Chase Sapphire lounges. Denver is always expanding. I ask our son about lounges at the airport and any future ones going in, and he says, "There are already quite a few lounges." Okay, well not Priority Pass or Chase.

The Phoenix Sapphire Lounge is pretty fantastic. Much nicer than any PP Lounge I have ever visited. Would love to see them add a Denver one for sure.

 

[RookWDW]

Good that they are keeping the $300 travel credit. Makes it somewhat less of a blow cost wise. My card renews Oct 1, so I think I will get one more year at $550 and thus will likely keep it for a year to see how it works out. I really like the purchase and travel protections from the CSR. Several times I had a bad purchase where the seller or vendor refused to refund and Chase came through. I have not compared these protections to other cards though so maybe there are quite a few that offer it.

 

[Dean]

Good that they are keeping the $300 travel credit. Makes it somewhat less of a blow cost wise. My card renews Oct 1, so I think I will get one more year at $550 and thus will likely keep it for a year to see how it works out. I really like the purchase and travel protections from the CSR. Several times I had a bad purchase where the seller or vendor refused to refund and Chase came through. I have not compared these protections to other cards though so maybe there are quite a few that offer it.

Same here, late September. I will drop the add on card though once the price escalates. I think I will come out pretty much the same even with the price increase given the other added components though I will have to pay more attention. I will reevaluate about this time next year before the price increase goes into effect.

 

[dioxide45]

Several times I had a bad purchase where the seller or vendor refused to refund and Chase came through. I have not compared these protections to other cards though so maybe there are quite a few that offer it.

That is standard, and required by law, for any credit card purchases in the US.

 

[GetawaysRus]

Chase is going wild. Many new wrinkles. This will take some thought. (Info from Doctor of Credit is usually accurate.)

Chase Will Do Away With 48-Month Signup Eligibility In Favor Of Proprietary Eligibility Determination ('Chase Pop Up Jail') - Doctor Of Credit

Chase has said to various media outlets that the are doing away with the 48 month signup bonus eligibility restriction in favor of a proprietary

www.doctorofcredit.com

Chase Will Allow Customers To Get Both Sapphire Preferred & Sapphire Reserve Cards - Doctor Of Credit

Starting June 23, 2025, Chase is changing the rules and will allow customers to get approved for the Sapphire Reserve card even while being a cardholder

www.doctorofcredit.com

[Rumor] Massive Signup Bonus Coming For Chase Sapphire Reserve Card On June 23rd - Doctor Of Credit

Everyone wants to know what the signup bonus will be when the Chase Sapphire Reserve relaunches on June 23, 2025. Sources say there have been hints from

www.doctorofcredit.com

 

[cubigbird]

AMEX announced “exciting changes” coming to the Platinum card. As the travel industry often follows a “monkey see monkey do” model, I’d expect that Platinum annual fee to increase and more coupon benefits to come also. AMEX was the pioneer of the premium card so maybe we will see a one up over Chase. “Exciting times” indeed.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Chase is offering a deal on Apple TV and Apple Music, which is not really important to me, but what is great on Apple TV? I glanced at it, but if it's free, maybe I should sign up.

The coupon crap is just that--crap, and it's not something I am interested in. Higher tier of hotels? Another throwaway benefit. Already the Priority Pass lounges are a throwaway benefit.

 

[1Kflyerguy]

Chase is offering a deal on Apple TV and Apple Music, which is not really important to me, but what is great on Apple TV? I glanced at it, but if it's free, maybe I should sign up.

The coupon crap is just that--crap, and it's not something I am interested in. Higher tier of hotels? Another throwaway benefit. Already the Priority Pass lounges are a throwaway benefit.

I have enjoyed some movies that are only on AppleTV, such as Greyhound with Tom Hanks, and I think the Issac Asimov Foundation series was on Apple TV. I know many people went crazy over Severance, but I have not watched that. I actually just canceled my Apple TV and Music subscriptions, as I was not really using them. Guess I will probably sign back up once this benefit goes live.

 

[DanCali]

Chase is offering a deal on Apple TV and Apple Music, which is not really important to me, but what is great on Apple TV? I glanced at it, but if it's free, maybe I should sign up.

The coupon crap is just that--crap, and it's not something I am interested in. Higher tier of hotels? Another throwaway benefit. Already the Priority Pass lounges are a throwaway benefit.

Apple TV has some good shows, Severance and Slow Horses come to mind (I watch them both).

86 Best Apple TV+ Original Series Ranked by Tomatometer (July 2025)

The best Apple TV+ series, including Ted Lasso, Slow Horses, and Shrinking!

editorial.rottentomatoes.com

The annoying this about the Apple benefit is that it's for specific things like Apple TV+ or Apple Music. So if someone like me is paying for "One" bundle that includes all that and more you can't use that credit. That's what they are counting on... If they had intentions of people actually being able to use these credits, it'd just be an Apple credit.

For example, most Apple users would not get Music ($11) and TV+ ($10) for a total of $21, when they can also get Arcade and more storage at $20 via the Apple One bundle...But Chase doesn't cover the bundle...