Chase is looking to increase cardmember loyalty with new features to its two flagship credit cards. Both the Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire referred are receiving a makeover – both cosmetically and practically – without increasing the annual fee. Here is what you need to know about the new Chase Sapphire rewards categories and features – and when they launch.
Chase Introduces New Benefits to the Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the premiers travel credit cards on the market today, and it is easy to see why. The card is a traveling juggernaut, with Priority Pass Select, 3X points on global dining, and statement credits – all for a $550 annual fee.
Chase is now bolstering the travel pedigree of the Reserve even further, thanks to new features set to launch on August 16, 2021. These new benefits include:
- 10x points on Chase Dining purchases through Ultimate Rewards
- 10x points on hotel stays and car rentals purchased through Ultimate Rewards
- 5x total points on air travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards
Chase is also introducing something called “Reserved by Sapphire,” featuring exclusive opportunities to book reservations at some of the most sought-after restaurants across the country, including Canlis in Seattle, Redbird in Los Angeles, SingleThread Farms in Healdsburg, Calif., Reverence in New York, NY and One Off Hospitality in Chicago.
The good news for current Sapphire Reserve cardholders is that these new benefits will not see an added cost on the annual fee. Chase is maintaining the Sapphire Reserve’s $550 annual fee – always welcome news after Amex raised the membership fee of the Platinum Card by nearly $150 last month.
Chase Refreshes to the Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is the entry-level Sapphire card, but don’t let the term “entry-level” fool you – this is a full-blooded rewards card. The card, which will keep its $95 annual fee, will feature a new selection of rewards categories starting August 16, 2021:
- 5x points on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out (previously 2x)
- 3x points on select streaming services
- 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)
Previously, the Sapphire Preferred earned 2X points on travel and dining, including airfare, hotels, cafés, and more. The new points options make the card even more impressive – especially given the modest $95 annual fee. Cardholders will still earn the 2X on travel outside of Ultimate Rewards.
Chase is also offering two new perks for Preferred cardholders. The first new benefit is a $50 annual credit on hotel stays purchased through Ultimate Rewards. The second perk is a 10% Ultimate Rewards point bonus on each account anniversary.
Chase Provides More Details on Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club
Chase is also announcing the first locations for its long-awaited Chase Sapphire Lounges. The new airport lounges, operated by The Club, will offer Sapphire Reserve and Priority Pass members the pinnacle of luxury while they wait to board their flights.
The first locations for the new Chase Sapphire Lounges by the Club are:
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- New York LaGuardia International Airport (LGA)
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Related Article: The Best Credit Cards for Summer Travel
