New Updates To Chase Sapphire Preferred: Game-Changer Or Letdown?
After years of being a reliable go-to for travelers, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is entering a new chapter.
While its $95 annual fee hasn't changed, updates to the broader Sapphire card ecosystem—particularly the recent overhaul to the Preferred's point redemption structure—are shaping how valuable the card will be for travelers in 2025.
Chase recently introduced a new feature called Points Boost , designed to increase the redemption value of Ultimate Rewards® points—but with a catch. Under this system, Sapphire Preferred cardmembers can redeem points for up to 1.75 cents per point on select flights booked through the Chase Travel℠ portal .
However, Chase also removed the flat 1.25-cent redemption value for new Sapphire Preferred users. If you applied before June 23, 2025, you're in the clear: Your points still redeem at the standard 1.25 cents per point on most bookings through Chase Travel until October 26, 2027.
If you opened the card after that date, your points will now be worth just 1 cent each unless you use the Points Boost feature—and even then, it only applies to certain travel purchases.
This shift creates a two-tiered experience. Existing cardholders retain dependable value, while new cardholders face more restrictions and variable redemption rates.
Despite the shake-up in redemption values, the Sapphire Preferred still offers competitive earning rates on everyday spending. Chase hasn't made any changes to how you accumulate Ultimate Rewards points : Earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases and 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
These bonus categories make it relatively easy to rack up points quickly, especially if you dine out or travel often. For those who carry other Chase cards, the Sapphire Preferred plays well in a multicard strategy like the Chase Trifecta .
Even with the redemption changes, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card remains among the best-value travel credit cards for casual to moderate travelers. Its $95 annual fee is low compared to premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express , while still offering strong travel protections and access to Chase's point transfer partners .
For those with the 1.25X redemption rate, the card continues to offer reliable value for points, without needing to strategize around Points Boost. If you're not interested in juggling annual credits or managing multiple travel brands, the simplicity of the Preferred is a feature within itself.
If you're considering applying now, or did so after June 23, 2025, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card becomes a harder sell, especially if its historical 1.25X travel redemption rate drew you in. Under the new structure, you'll need to actively seek out Points Boost-eligible flights and hotels to get more than 1 cent per point.
If you prefer to redeem for cash back, gift cards or non-boosted travel bookings, the reduced value is difficult to ignore.
Those who travel often and are willing to pay more upfront may find better long-term value with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , even with its $795 annual fee. This card offers a wider range of perks, including but not limited to a $300 annual travel credit, a statement credit toward a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS application fee and an up to 2X redemption rate when using Points Boost for select travel bookings through Chase Travel.
Keep the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card if you're already locked into the higher redemption rate through 2027. You're still getting great value, particularly if you use Chase Travel or transfer points to hotel and airline partners.
If you're new to the card and don't plan to book travel through Chase regularly, know that it might take more effort to get the most out of your points. For more casual users, the rewards may not feel as valuable as they used to.
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