Here's why I'm loving the Chase Sapphire Reserve 100,000-point, $500 travel credit welcome offer

CNBC

02-07-2025

The updated Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) has received a lot of attention — its new $795 annual fee makes it one of the most expensive premium credit cards on the market.
But what's also drawing eyes is the card's generous welcome bonus: For a limited time, new cardholders can earn 100,000 points and a $500 Chase Travel℠ credit after spending $5,000 in the first three months.
Here's why we're loving the bonus.
On Chase's site
On Chase's site
Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
Excellent740–850
20.24% - 28.74% variable
$795
Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase TravelSM promo credit
See rates and fees. Terms apply. Member FDIC.
Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve® review.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a standout premium credit card with plenty of luxury perks and statement credits to justify its annual fee.Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater
For starters, this is the best bonus the Chase Sapphire Reserve has ever seen. The last time this card offered a 100,000-point welcome offer was when it first launched in August 2016. The relaunched version of the Sapphire Reserve takes the 100K-point offer and adds up to $500 more in value with the travel credit.
If you're an avid traveler, the bonus is well worth it. With Chase Ultimate Rewards® points valued by industry experts at about 2 cents per point, the 100,000 points you can earn are worth roughly $2,000 in value. Add in the $500 travel credit and you're at a bonus worth around $2,500. Keep in mind, too, that the typical Sapphire Reserve bonus is usually only around 60,000 points.
Plus, Chase's new Points Boost feature allows Sapphire Reserve cardholders to earn up to 1.5X more value on their points when booking select airline tickets and hotel accommodations through Chase Travel.
If you can reach the spending threshold to earn the new bonus (and pay off your credit card on time and in full every month), it's a no-brainer. Here are two ways one could cash in the bonus:
The Sapphire Reserve's welcome offer is already a big draw, but don't forget about the travel credits and perks that complement the 100,000 bonus points.
With the Sapphire Reserve, you'll receive a $120 TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry or NEXUS credit every four years to cover the application fee. The card also comes with a $300 annual travel credit, which will automatically be applied towards purchases made in the travel category. Both of these statement credits provide direct benefits to you while you travel, and they make better use of your 100K-point welcome offer.
The Sapphire Reserve's 100K-point bonus, along with the $500 Chase Travel credit, opens up opportunities for exploration, and the Reserve complements this nicely with a lot of built-in travel protections. The card offers baggage delay insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, including lost luggage reimbursement for up to $3,000 per covered traveler.
Traveling Sapphire Reserve cardholders also get access to Chase Sapphire lounges and over 1,300 Priority Pass lounges for them and up to two guests at no additional cost.
If you're looking for a travel rewards credit card, but don't want to pay an annual fee of triple digits, several options with lower fees can still provide a lot of value.
One option is the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, at a $95 annual fee. The card's earning structure is simple, with 5X miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2X miles per dollar on every other purchase. The Venture Rewards comes with up to a $120 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and a $50 hotel credit for every Lifestyle Collection booking with room upgrades when available.
Good to Excellent670–850
19.99% - 29.24% variable
$95
Earn 75,000 miles
Terms apply. Read our Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a reasonable annual fee and earns flexible travel rewards, which makes it a great travel card for beginners or heavy travelers.$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
None
If your credit score isn't great but you want a credit card with some travel perks, check out the Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® card. Also carrying a $95 annual fee, the card earns an impressive up to 10X points on eligible hotel and car rental purchases booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner: 5X when you reserve and 5X when you complete the booking. You'll also get purchase and retail protections, plus car rental loss and damage insurance for extra protection during your travels.
10X points on eligible hotel and car rentals booked using the Credit One Bank travel partner; 5X points on eligible dining, gas, and travel purchases; 1X points on all other purchases
No current offer
$95
N/A
29.49%* Variable
N/A
None
Fair to Good credit
See rates and fees. Terms apply.
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