Latest news with #ChaseSapphirePreferred
CNET
3 hours ago
- Business
- CNET
If You're Traveling to Another Country, You Need an eSim. Here's How You Can Snag a Free One for Your Next Trip
After nearly two years of traveling around the world, I've learned a few travel hacks. One of my favorite ways to save money when overseas? Using an eSIM. If you're unfamiliar with the concept of an eSIM, it's a digital SIM installed on your phone that lets you access a mobile network without a physical SIM card. Using an eSIM for all my mobile data abroad means I don't have to worry about expensive roaming charges from my US mobile provider or buying a physical SIM for a local network every time I enter a new country. When I learned that eSIM provider GigSky was offering eligible Visa cardholders a complimentary 15-day worldwide data plan, I was curious. I hadn't seen this offer widely discussed in the credit card rewards sphere, nor had I heard of GigSky before. Maybe this would be a useful, free benefit that I'd be adding to my list of favorite credit card perks. Maybe it'd be a two-week disaster of no data and tech troubles. There was only one way to find out. Once my previous eSIM plan expired, I grabbed my trusty Chase Sapphire Preferred Card -- the Visa Signature card that I'd be using to access this offer -- and headed to GigSky's website. What to know about the GigSky Visa offer From now until Nov. 15, 2027, eligible Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cardholders can receive a complimentary global mobile data plan through GigSky that grants access to mobile data in more than 175 countries. A Visa Signature card gives you a complimentary 1GB plan valid for 15 days, while a Visa Infinite card gives you a 3GB/15-day plan. After your complimentary plan expires, you'll also get an ongoing discount on all paid plans: 20% off for Visa Signature cardholders and 30% off for Visa Infinite cardholders. You can redeem a complimentary plan once per calendar year. To get the complimentary data plan and the discount, you must add your card as your default payment method in the GigSky app. Eligible cards This offer applies to all US Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cards, as well as select Visa cards issued in Canada and Latin America. Popular Visa Signature cards include: Popular Visa Infinite cards include: My experience claiming and using my free GigSky eSIM Claiming the offer I started off by heading to the official offer page to read through the details. I also noticed that GigSky was offering a free 100MB trial eSIM for everyone, no Visa card required. If you don't qualify for the Visa offer, it's worth checking this one out. I read through the terms and conditions for the Visa offer. The terms were clear, and I didn't see any red flags or hidden "gotchas." Satisfied, I downloaded the GigSky app to claim the offer. Screenshot by Raina He/CNET On the app's home page, I immediately saw a link to check my eligibility for the Visa offer. After clicking the link, I was prompted to enter my card number to check my eligibility. I entered my Chase Sapphire Preferred card number and was told I was eligible for a 1GB/15-day complimentary data plan and a 20% discount on all paid plans. I appreciated how they laid out the details up front so there was no confusion about what I was getting. Following the app's prompts, I created an account and added my Chase Sapphire Preferred as my default payment method. The app sent me back to the home page, where I now saw a link to redeem the offer tied to my specific card. I clicked it, selected the complimentary plan, made sure that the order total was $0, and checked out. Setting up the eSIM Screenshot by Raina He I've used a lot of different eSIMs, but GigSky was by far the easiest to set up. I found my new eSIM under the "My Plans" tab on the GigSky app. It wasn't activated yet. According to the terms, you have up to one year after redeeming your complimentary data plan before it'll automatically activate. I clicked on the "Install eSIM" link, then clicked "yes" on the confirmation pop-up. It took about a minute for the eSIM to download. My phone then prompted me to choose a new primary SIM card (because it's a dual-SIM phone) and restart. I was pretty surprised, because my previous eSIMs from other companies had required some extra setup steps, but it seemed GigSky could be installed with a single download. After restarting my phone, the new eSIM didn't immediately have a signal, which was normal. In my experience, it usually takes a few minutes for a newly installed eSIM to connect to the network. My phone restarted again, then finally managed to connect to GigSky's network. I checked that my primary eSIM for mobile data access was set to GigSky instead of my US service provider, turned on my data, and that was it -- I was online. Using the eSIM I used the eSIM for the full 15 days of the complimentary plan, and I had a mostly positive experience despite a few hiccups. I was in Hanoi, Vietnam, when I downloaded the eSIM, and it worked perfectly the first day. Speeds were mostly 4G/LTE or 5G, and I could access mobile data whenever I needed without issue. Web pages, Google Maps and even the occasional video loaded quickly. I could check how much time and data remained on the plan through the GigSky app. There, I also saw the option to purchase additional plans, with the 20% Visa Signature discount reflected in the prices. But a few days later, my data suddenly stopped working. My phone showed that I was connected to some "H" network -- which I later learned is a type of 3G network, about one step lower on the internet speed ladder than 4G/LTE. But even though I was technically connected to data, the web page I was trying to access just wouldn't load. After returning to my hotel, I checked the GigSky app and confirmed that my plan was still active and I had plenty of data left. Screenshot by Raina He My data connection was spotty for the next two days, sometimes working and sometimes not. I tried turning the eSIM on and off, restarting my phone, and turning airplane mode on and off, but I couldn't find a reliable fix. This on-and-off situation went on for about two days before I was again able to consistently access data every time I tried. I never figured out what the exact problem was, but I've had other eSIMs randomly stop working too, so I don't think it's an issue exclusive to GigSky. Sometimes you just have to accept that technology isn't perfect. During the second half of my 15-day plan, I traveled from Hanoi to Cat Ba, an island on the coast of Vietnam. Since Cat Ba is a bit more remote, I was worried about my mobile signal there. I was pleasantly surprised that everything worked perfectly. I consistently had 4G/LTE or 5G data and never had trouble connecting to the internet when I needed to. Offer's end I paid special attention when my complimentary plan expired, just in case this was one of those "free trial turning into auto-renewing subscription unless you cancel" situations. (The terms and conditions suggested nothing of this sort, but in a world of subscription creep, I've developed a healthy vigilance.) I'm happy to report this was not the case. When my plan ended, that was it. I could no longer access data despite the eSIM remaining on my phone, and whenever I tried, I received a notification letting me know my plan had expired. I wasn't automatically enrolled in a new, paid plan, and my credit card was never charged. I could see my original plan details in the app, as well as purchase a new plan if I so desired. My 1GB of data lasted me till the very end of the 15-day plan. I used data sparingly, keeping my mobile data off by default and only turning it on when I needed it for navigation, web searches, or checking messages or email on the go. I used Wi-Fi whenever I could and rarely watched videos or scrolled social media using mobile data. If your habits are similar to mine, the complimentary 1GB data plan should be enough for short vacations. Would I recommend the GigSky eSim? eSIMs are invaluable when you're traveling abroad, and I'm glad Visa has partnered with GigSky to bring this benefit to cardholders. Although it's probably not the most monetarily valuable perk from my Chase Sapphire Preferred -- a 1GB worldwide data plan similar to the complimentary plan normally retails for $20 through GigSky -- it's definitely one of the more practical ones. If you travel internationally, the complimentary plan can help you cut down on one extra cost while letting you conveniently access the internet wherever you go. GigSky's service is as good as any other eSIM I've used, and I like how many options GigSky offers, including data plans in more than 175 countries and cruise packages. But one downside of GigSky is the cost. GigSky's prices are on the higher end of the eSIM market, and quite a bit more expensive than the eSIM provider I'd been using previously (EscapeSIM). Because of that, I ended up not renewing my GigSky plan. I would definitely recommend the complimentary plan to any eligible Visa cardholders heading abroad for a short vacation, but if your data needs or travel timeline call for buying a paid plan beyond the trial, I'd recommend comparing costs among multiple providers before committing to any one.
CNET
7 days ago
- Business
- CNET
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Isn't the Card I Fell in Love With Anymore. Here's Why I'm Moving On
Chase will offer 1.25% boosted redemption on travel through October 2027. Viva Tung/CNET For a while, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card* was CNET's best travel card. And it's been a favorite in my wallet -- until now. Sadly, Chase recently removed my beloved 25% boosted redemption rate when booking travel through Chase Travel℠, which is why I applied for the card in the first place. Chase's Ultimate Rewards portal lets you redeem your points for travel, gift cards, experiences and even shopping. But I mainly redeem my points in the portal for flights and hotels. Chase replaced it with a Points Boost program, which offers a higher per-point value than the 25% bonus, but only for specific flights and hotels that can periodically change. If you redeem for any other, nonboosted, flight or hotel, you'll receive only 1 cent per point. While the other card benefits are sticking around, like the $50 hotel credit and the 10% anniversary bonus points, the new rewards program makes the card less valuable than it was with the previous 25% redemption bonus. I'm not thrilled about Points Boost. It might even push me to swap cards. Let's walk through the program and figure out if the Chase Sapphire Preferred is still worth it. What is Chase's Point Boost program? The new Points Boost program went into effect last month. However, any points earned before Oct. 26, 2025, can be redeemed under the previous rewards program for the next two years. But any points earned after Oct. 26 will be valued at up to 1.5 cents per point on select flights and hotels, and up to 1.75 cents per point on premium flights. However, the boosted offers will change. That can mean good savings if you're booking a first-class flight or find a good deal on a hotel, but the promise of a flat 1.25-cent redemption value regardless of the day or form of travel was an easy way for me to secure value. I'm glad I'll have two years to use my points as I have been. Points redeemed during this time will qualify for the Points Boost program, too. That gives some time to compare the value and savings. Why I'm not excited about Chase's Points Boost Chase's Point Boost feels like gambling for a travel deal. You may spend more points for the same deal you could get for less. Here's how the math shakes out. If I book an economy round-trip flight from Charlotte to New York's LaGuardia airport, I'll spend $179 or 14,316 points booking through the Chase portal. But if those points were redeemed at only 1 cent, I'd need 17,900 points. If I'm lucky enough to score a Points Boost offer that lets me redeem points at 1.5 cents per point for the flight, I'll need fewer points: 11,933. But the big question is, Will the offer apply when I'm ready to book, since offers are limited and can change? Where once there was certainty in landing a good deal, it now feels like it's up to Chase's whims to decide when I can earn more value and when I'll miss out. The Chase Sapphire Reserve's new annual fee doesn't make it worthwhile, either The Chase Sapphire Reserve®* is Chase's premium travel card, and though it may seem like the next best choice if you're not happy with the CSP's changes, think again. The Sapphire Reserve could be worthwhile if you use the myriad of perks and annual credits attached to its steep $795 annual fee, but the Points Boost changes will apply to the CSR, too. Seeing that I'll run into the same problem with my points, the card's benefits and annual fee don't make sense for my wallet. I'm not breaking up with Chase yet, but it's complicated Although I don't like the new Points Boost program, it's not all bad. For example, I like that Marriott is a Chase travel partner, and I'm a fan of the card's travel insurance perks. But I'm on the fence. So is my colleague Evan Zimmer, a CNET money editor who's covered credit cards for eight years. He typically uses the Chase portal to book flights and has been able to score some savings. But he's not certain of his future with the CSP. "I'll keep the card for the foreseeable future, but the redemption changes certainly are making me reconsider it," he said. "I'll probably wait to see if I notice a big difference in savings." I'll likely do the same, but in the meantime, I'm shopping for new cards that are a better fit for my wallet and have a better redemption value than what Chase will give me, like the Capital One Venture X and the American Express Gold Card.
CNET
21-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
I Just Discovered a Travel Hack That Can Save You Time and Money on International Trips -- And It's Completely Free
I've been traveling around the world for a year and a half, and one of my favorite money-saving travel hacks is using an eSIM. If you're unfamiliar with the concept of an eSIM, it's a digital SIM installed onto your phone that lets you access a mobile network without a physical SIM card. Using an eSIM for all my mobile data abroad means I don't have to worry about expensive roaming charges from my US mobile provider or buying a physical SIM for a local network every time I enter a new country. When I learned that eSIM provider GigSky was offering eligible Visa cardholders a complimentary 15-day worldwide data plan, I was curious. I hadn't seen this offer widely discussed in the credit card rewards sphere, nor had I heard of GigSky before. Maybe this would be a useful, free benefit that I'd be adding to my list of favorite credit card perks. Maybe it'd be a two-week disaster of no data and tech troubles. There was only one way to find out. Once my previous eSIM plan expired, I grabbed my trusty Chase Sapphire Preferred Card -- the Visa Signature card that I'd be using to access this offer -- and headed to GigSky's website. What to know about the GigSky Visa offer From now until Nov. 15, 2027, eligible Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cardholders can receive a complimentary global mobile data plan through GigSky that grants access to mobile data in more than 175 countries. A Visa Signature card gives you a complimentary 1GB plan valid for 15 days, while a Visa Infinite card gives you a 3GB/15-day plan. After your complimentary plan expires, you'll also get an ongoing discount on all paid plans: 20% off for Visa Signature cardholders and 30% off for Visa Infinite cardholders. You can redeem a complimentary plan once per calendar year. To get the complimentary data plan and the discount, you must add your card as your default payment method in the GigSky app. Eligible cards All US Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cards are eligible for this offer, along with select Visa cards issued in Canada and Latin America. Popular Visa Signature cards include: Popular Visa Infinite cards include: My experience claiming and using my free GigSky eSIM Claiming the offer I started off by heading to the official offer page to read through the details. I also noticed that GigSky was offering a free 100MB trial eSIM for everyone, no Visa card required. If you don't qualify for the Visa offer, it's worth checking this one out. I read through the terms and conditions for the Visa offer. The terms were clear, and I didn't see any red flags or hidden "gotchas." Satisfied, I downloaded the GigSky app to claim the offer. Screenshot by Raina He On the app's home page, I immediately saw a link to check my eligibility for the Visa offer. After clicking the link, I was prompted to enter my card number to check my eligibility. I entered my Chase Sapphire Preferred card number and was told I was eligible for a 1GB/15-day complimentary data plan and a 20% discount on all paid plans. I appreciated how they laid out the details up front so there was no confusion about what I was getting. Following the app's prompts, I created an account and added my Chase Sapphire Preferred as my default payment method. The app sent me back to the home page, where I now saw a link to redeem the offer tied to my specific card. I clicked it, selected the complimentary plan, made sure that the order total was $0, and checked out. Setting up the eSIM Screenshot by Raina He I've used a lot of different eSIMs, but GigSky was by far the easiest to set up. I found my new eSIM under the "My Plans" tab on the GigSky app. It wasn't activated yet. According to the terms, you have up to one year after redeeming your complimentary data plan before it'll automatically activate. I clicked on the "Install eSIM" link, then clicked "yes" on the confirmation pop-up. It took about a minute for the eSIM to download. My phone then prompted me to choose a new primary SIM card (because it's a dual-SIM phone) and restart. I was pretty surprised, because my previous eSIMs from other companies had required some extra setup steps, but it seemed GigSky could be installed with a single download. After restarting my phone, the new eSIM didn't immediately have a signal, which was normal. In my experience, it usually takes a few minutes for a newly installed eSIM to connect to the network. My phone restarted again, then finally managed to connect to GigSky's network. I checked that my primary eSIM for mobile data access was set to GigSky instead of my US service provider, turned on my data, and that was it -- I was online. Using the eSIM I used the eSIM for the full 15 days of the complimentary plan, and I had a mostly positive experience despite a few hiccups. I was in Hanoi, Vietnam, when I downloaded the eSIM, and it worked perfectly the first day. Speeds were mostly 4G/LTE or 5G, and I could access mobile data whenever I needed without issue. Web pages, Google Maps and even the occasional video loaded quickly. I could check how much time and data remained on the plan through the GigSky app. There, I also saw the option to purchase additional plans, with the 20% Visa Signature discount reflected in the prices. But a few days later, my data suddenly stopped working. My phone showed that I was connected to some "H" network -- which I later learned is a type of 3G network, about one step lower on the internet speed ladder than 4G/LTE. But even though I was technically connected to data, the web page I was trying to access just wouldn't load. After returning to my hotel, I checked the GigSky app and confirmed that my plan was still active and I had plenty of data left. Screenshot by Raina He My data connection was spotty for the next two days, sometimes working and sometimes not. I tried turning the eSIM on and off, restarting my phone, and turning airplane mode on and off, but I couldn't find a reliable fix. This on-and-off situation went on for about two days before I was again able to consistently access data every time I tried. I never figured out what the exact problem was, but I've had other eSIMs randomly stop working too, so I don't think it's an issue exclusive to GigSky. Sometimes you just have to accept that technology isn't perfect. I traveled from Hanoi to Cat Ba, an island on the coast of Vietnam, during the second half of my 15-day plan. Since Cat Ba is a bit more remote, I was worried about my mobile signal there. I was pleasantly surprised that everything worked perfectly. I consistently had 4G/LTE or 5G data and never had trouble connecting to the internet when I needed to. Offer's end I paid special attention when my complimentary plan expired, just in case this was one of those "free trial turning into auto-renewing subscription unless you cancel" situations. (The terms and conditions suggested nothing of this sort, but in a world of subscription creep, I've developed a healthy vigilance.) I'm happy to report this was not the case. When my plan ended, that was it. I could no longer access data despite the eSIM remaining on my phone, and whenever I tried, I received a notification letting me know my plan had expired. I wasn't automatically enrolled in a new, paid plan, and my credit card was never charged. I could see my original plan details in the app, as well as purchase a new plan if I so desired. My 1GB of data lasted me till the very end of the 15-day plan. I used data sparingly, keeping my mobile data off by default and only turning it on when I needed it for navigation, web searches, or checking messages or email on the go. I used Wi-Fi whenever I could and rarely watched videos or scrolled social media using mobile data. If your habits are similar to mine, the complimentary 1GB data plan should be enough for short vacations. Would I recommend the GigSky eSim? eSIMs are invaluable when you're traveling abroad, and I'm glad Visa has partnered with GigSky to bring this benefit to cardholders. Although it's probably not the most monetarily valuable perk from my Chase Sapphire Preferred -- a 1GB worldwide data plan similar to the complimentary plan normally retails for $20 through GigSky -- it's definitely one of the more practical ones. If you travel internationally, the complimentary plan can help you cut down on one extra cost while letting you conveniently access the internet wherever you go. GigSky's service is as good as any other eSIM I've used, and I like how many options GigSky offers, including data plans in more than 175 countries and cruise packages. But one downside of GigSky is the cost. GigSky's prices are on the higher end of the eSIM market, and quite a bit more expensive than the eSIM provider I'd been using previously (EscapeSIM). Because of that, I ended up not renewing my GigSky plan. I would definitely recommend the complimentary plan to any eligible Visa cardholders heading abroad for a short vacation, but if your data needs or travel timeline call for buying a paid plan beyond the trial, I'd recommend comparing costs among multiple providers before committing to any one.
Forbes
19-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
New Updates To Chase Sapphire Preferred: Game-Changer Or Letdown?
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. 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.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Missed the last offer? Jump on the new Sapphire Preferred 75K bonus
Along with the launch of the updated Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the new Sapphire Reserve for Business, Chase has upped the bonus on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card from 60,000 to 75,000 points: Chase Sapphire Preferred: Earn 75,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. It's not as high as the recent 100,000-point bonus, but it's better than the standard offer and well worth considering if you're in the market for one of the best travel credit cards available. Read more about the new Chase Sapphire card eligibility requirements to see if you qualify for a Chase Sapphire welcome bonus. We calculate Chase Ultimate Rewards points to be worth about 2.05 cents per point, which means 75,000 points would be worth about $1,537.50. Note that your actual redemption value may be lower or higher than this, depending on how you redeem your points. In general, we find some of the best-value options for Chase points are redeeming them toward travel, including premium flights and hotel stays with transfer partners. See an overview of credit card transfer Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the best travel credit cards available for good reason. It has a low annual fee, an elevated rewards rate, and the opportunity to earn a valuable and flexible travel rewards currency. It's such a good card, we've rated it as the overall best credit card for rewards. That being said, there are better cards if you prefer earning cash-back rewards or if you want premium travel benefits, such as airport lounge access. The Sapphire Preferred makes sense for all types of travelers, but it's not going to have the same access to exclusive perks as the luxury travel cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve. Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to the Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank's website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
